May be picking up a 51 GMC

[tantrumpipeline]

Just replied to a classified ad for a 51 GMC pickup, always wanted a 5 window swb, this ad didn't say, but it does say nearly rust free, turns over doesnt run, and $1500, so IMO, this is pretty well a guaranteed good buy even if I have to convert it to my desired truck. My questions are, what are the major areas of concern with these trucks, rust, frame issues, etc, and is it madatory to do an s10 swap to may them driveable? thanks for any help

[Dan Bowles]

Cab corners are always junk. Floors and kick areas, too. Watch the frame behind the cab and over the axle for rot and cracks. Mine has a fist sized hole in the driver's side behind the E-brake.

S10 swap is not mandatory, just easy. You can get dropped axles, MII, Camaro stubs, Scott Danforth kit, Dakota frame swap...all the usual or you can leave it stock.

[tantrumpipeline]

Originally Posted by Dan Bowles

Cab corners are always junk. Floors and kick areas, too. Watch the frame behind the cab and over the axle for rot and cracks. Mine has a fist sized hole in the driver's side behind the E-brake.

S10 swap is not mandatory, just easy. You can get dropped axles, MII, Camaro stubs, Scott Danforth kit, Dakota frame swap...all the usual or you can leave it stock.

thanks for the info, this one looks like a good solid truck, even the rockers appear rust free, mild surface, hit with a phillips screwdriver in several spots and didnt go through or dent, see pics for the major damage.

[tantrumpipeline]

Here's the damage, it's a chevy not a gmc, nicer grille IMO the front fenders are junk but comes with replacement originals with mild dents no rust other than surface patina, 2 replacement grilles, no tailgate, only major is he roof as I see it, not sure if that can be rapaired, motor cranks over so not seized, no firewall or floor rust, frame looked good, i'm such a sucker I may get it anyway as I've wanted one forever and I have seen people do the 5 window conversion, any thoughts or input on this one in regards to that roof. I'm thinking a this time maybe shoot an offer of $1000 and take it if he goes for it but that roof looks outta my league

[Dan Bowles]

I wouldn't say no to that...but then, it has to be past scrap for me to say no to an AD...

And the GMCs aren't ugly, just not quite as beautiful!

[tantrumpipeline]

hahaha good point, I still like the gmc's any ad is sweet, my accountant told me no more money out of the company for my fun until next payday so if it's still there I will grab it, but 396 views on his online ad in 2 hrs, I'll lose out im sure, love these trucks, one day, I have my hands ful with my 68 anyway i guess hahaha

[Kid]

Originally Posted by tantrumpipeline

hahaha good point, I still like the gmc's any ad is sweet, my accountant told me no more money out of the company for my fun until next payday so if it's still there I will grab it, but 396 views on his online ad in 2 hrs, I'll lose out im sure, love these trucks, one day, I have my hands ful with my 68 anyway i guess hahaha

"but 396 views on his online ad in 2 hrs, I'll lose out im sure" must be cause it's a "GMC"!

[Dan Bowles]

Maybe they're just gawkers.

[MrTucker]

Maybe it's just me, but with that cab damage I'd walk away.

[Dan Bowles]

Originally Posted by MrTucker

Maybe it's just me, but with that cab damage I'd walk away.

If you were going to chop it, not so bad. Also, a 5W conversion would require quite a bit of top cutting.

In MI most of the bottom parts rot off of the trucks, like from about 1/2 way between the door hinges on down so roofs are not hard to come by. I saved a '54 5w roof for 2 years before someone needed it and I've had a '52 3w for about that long. I'd think you could find someone as paranoid about scrapping stuff as I am in your neck of the woods!

[tantrumpipeline]

hahaha for sure, we'll see what happens, not payin $1500 for it and it's a few weeks until I can even think about it