Should i keep my panel a gmc or change to chevy?

[50MOTORHEAD]

I have a 55 package delivery (panel) that is complete and original. The only thing that is missing is all the front trim (grille ,mustache,turn lights,trim and bumper)

I like the looks of a Chevy better but I thought it would be a shame to change since the rest of the truck is so original.
My problem is that I can not locate a complete front end for this truck. Everybody has bits and pieces but nobody has it complete.I have a new respect for GMC RESTORERS.If you are building a GMC,,it's WAY harder to find parts than Chevy I can't seem to find any leads on parts .Everybody tells me to try some of the many forums but you know how frustrating that gets.
I will be a while before I can start the old truck,so I am not in a hurry but I sure hope that I can find these parts before I give up and change it to a Chevy.
What do you think,,,should I just change it over ????????-Keith

[56chevy1300]

If you're not in a hurry then keep in GMC.

[Lextech]

Whether or not you change it over to Chevy sheetmetal is a personal preference. My suggestion is--If it is fairly close to being a driver--Then get the Chevy frontend because you should be able to pic one up faster. If it is going to be down for a LONG time then look for the GMC frontend--If you're really wanting to keep it all GMC. It would be a shame not to drive it just because you couldn't find GMC parts.

Jeff

[sn33kyp3t3]

I can only offer up my personal experiences, and hope that it might help you with your decision.

I've jumped the gun on several parts on my truck, then later found what I was looking for, either in better condition or for cheaper. My truck is no where near being driven so I have the luxury of waiting for just what I want, especially if its not holding up any other part of the rebuild.

I usually find exactly what I'm looking for, usually when I'm not looking

Good luck with the parts you need. I'll keep my eyes open for ya.

[57ToyBox]

That's good advice from sn33kyp3t3
You say your partial to the Chev front end.. That might be the way to go.
You wouldn't want to Loose That Lovin Feeling for your truck in a couple of years.

Or

Go all new Chrome if you go GMC That always look awesome on a GMC

[GRIMSS]

What are your plans for the truck? If going an original restoration keep the GMC. If doing a custom do what you like.

Since you say you've got some time wait for the GMC to come up. Around here a GMC truck pops up on craigs list every so often. You may have to buy a parts truck for just the front clip.

[robin58]

There's quite a few GMC's of that era listed as being parted out on the oldgmctrucks forum.

[50MOTORHEAD]

Sn33
Thanks for the insite. I am not in a hurry to build it since it is #7 on my list.
Yea-he-he- I have a barn full of old projects so I guess that I should quit cryin and set back and wait.I have just not seen ANYTHING as far as frontends and was startin to get nervous. You're right,,,I'll find em >
GRIMSS
I am going to stay 'bone stock' if I can. It's got that stock big six cly. in it ,so I thought that I'd build that (multiple carbs,split manifold,etc.),,It needs to be dropped a little.
The reason that I want to use the GMC front is because it is unusual and so
'in your face',,if ya know what I mean. It's one of those front ends that has to grow on ya,,he-he,,,
Robin 58
Yea,,,I've not been able to find one on there yet but I will keep lookin-Thanks
Thanks guys-Keith

[sn33kyp3t3]

I know what you mean about the "in your face look". Mine is a '49 LWB. I love that its just a little different from the Chevs, I love the Chevs too, but I think the GMC stands out.

I bought a grill surround from a guy (in tucson) that had quite a few GMC front end parts just lying around. Chances are there is a complete front end sitting in somebody's yard or in storage somewhere just waiting for you.

I expect some pics when you get to your #7 project!

[GMC406]

Im a GMC man all out, I definitly vote to stick to that, ya its hard to find but worth it. Im tryin to fin a whole 51 GMC

[Fred T]

I wouldn't change.

[yodi]

have to stay with the GMC, not very popular nd when someone thinks its a chevy, u throw them a curveball nd say, hell no....GMC 4eva son!!!!

[BBEEP]

If we were all honest with ourselves, we build a truck to stand out. Since there are fewer GMC's out there, they stand out more! That's one of the main comments I get: wow, you sure don't see GMC's very often, cool!

[mbgmike]

I would keep original if its that good of shape. The parts will show up. A buddy of mine restored a 1937 gmc and he ended up finding the parts

[50MOTORHEAD]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

If we were all honest with ourselves, we build a truck to stand out. Since there are fewer GMC's out there, they stand out more! That's one of the main comments I get: wow, you sure don't see GMC's very often, cool!

BBEEP
Yea,,,I agree.I have been going to car and truck shows for many years and to tell ya the truth,,,,it's the same-ole same-ole anymore,,,BOORING.
I want something different. Everything I (and every other guy)has ,,,has a 350 in it. GREAT motors,,,but the're EVERYWHERE.
I gotta be honest,,I never liked GMC's styling ,I always liked the looks of Chevy,better ,but after years of looking at the same stuff,the Jimmies are starting to look interesting. Hell,,,just because they are different is good enough for me. Time for a change.-Thanks-Keith
P.S. FRED T Is your avitar Tom Terrific ?

[57ToyBox]

COOL !!! Glad to hear it. Your staying true to what the ownership says

[Smokejohnson]

Do what you want. Not what anybody else wants or thinks. If you don't your wasting your time and money. You will never be happy with it.