New to forum and interested in a truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

eric_banks32 · 02-27-2011, 03:42 PM

Hello all,

New to the forums and looking at buying a truck. Right now all I have is a couple of pictures to go by. Wanted to get your opinions before I drive a couple hours to look at it. Here is what the add says.

1952 3/4 TON CHEVY WITH A FACTORY FLATBED IT HAS BEEN SITTING A WHILE ALL THE TIRES ARE STILL UP - 216 ENGINE -3 SPEED TRANS. TRUCK IS STILL A VERY SOLID FOR ITS AGE - BED HAS GOOD WOOD WITH A LITTLE WORK THIS TRUCK COULD BE ON THE ROAD.

Seller has a title and says on window is broke. I'm unsure about the factory flatbed. Is the way the frame is under the bed correct? Also the rear end is not original to the truck though thats not a big deal for me. Any input would be appreciated as I have very limited knowledge with these old trucks.

BIG CHEVY 3600 · 02-27-2011, 07:48 PM

At first glance I noticed the hood emblems are missing. That might indicate someone has been "customizing". Sometimes they take a can opener to the sheet metal so be circumspect as you inspect. You can expect some rust, the more the more trouble. The best advice I can give is to make several comparisons to find the one with the least rust and "customizing". A good rule of thumb is that each rust area can cost you $200.00+. Sometimes it's best to pay more for a less rusted truck.
Good luck!

eric_banks32 · 02-27-2011, 11:43 PM

ok.....post got edited and the pics are gone?.........

Lets try again.

Dan Bowles · 02-28-2011, 09:44 PM

That looks like a 3/4 ton flatbed from here. Wood mounts with long U bolts are the way they done. If you want a p/u you can swap the longbed sides on or you'll have to cut the frame to shorten it for shortbed sides. You're looking at something that will have like 5.17 gears and shake your fillings at 49 mph maximum. Looks like short running boards as well (to be expected).

Glass is flat glass and not more than about $50 a pane to fix. Cab corners look good enough for now. Get floor shots and also where the cowls meet the fenders. They tend to rot there.

And with a little work, any truck can be on the road. Just up to what the definition of "little" is!

OrrieG · 02-28-2011, 10:51 PM

pop the front hub cap to make sure its 3/4 ton (8 lug) if that is what you are after.

Dan Bowles · 03-01-2011, 09:13 AM

Also, you might want to run the VIN through one of the search functions like the ones on Stovebolt.com

I'm assuming there are links around here as well but I know the ones at SB

It'll tell you year, make, and model pretty well.

02-27-2011, 03:42 PM	#1
eric_banks32 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: granite city, il Posts: 3	New to forum and interested in a truck Hello all, New to the forums and looking at buying a truck. Right now all I have is a couple of pictures to go by. Wanted to get your opinions before I drive a couple hours to look at it. Here is what the add says. 1952 3/4 TON CHEVY WITH A FACTORY FLATBED IT HAS BEEN SITTING A WHILE ALL THE TIRES ARE STILL UP - 216 ENGINE -3 SPEED TRANS. TRUCK IS STILL A VERY SOLID FOR ITS AGE - BED HAS GOOD WOOD WITH A LITTLE WORK THIS TRUCK COULD BE ON THE ROAD. Seller has a title and says on window is broke. I'm unsure about the factory flatbed. Is the way the frame is under the bed correct? Also the rear end is not original to the truck though thats not a big deal for me. Any input would be appreciated as I have very limited knowledge with these old trucks. Last edited by AceX; 02-27-2011 at 08:58 PM. Reason: Screwed up and got confused on a ruling. post restored.

02-27-2011, 07:48 PM	#2
BIG CHEVY 3600 BIG CHEVY 3600 LONGBOX Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 382	Re: New to forum and interested in a truck At first glance I noticed the hood emblems are missing. That might indicate someone has been "customizing". Sometimes they take a can opener to the sheet metal so be circumspect as you inspect. You can expect some rust, the more the more trouble. The best advice I can give is to make several comparisons to find the one with the least rust and "customizing". A good rule of thumb is that each rust area can cost you $200.00+. Sometimes it's best to pay more for a less rusted truck. Good luck! __________________ If I were given 8 hours to chop down a large tree, I would spend the first 6 hours sharpening my ax. Abraham Lincoln http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/w...cpZZ3QQtppZZ20

02-27-2011, 11:43 PM	#3
eric_banks32 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: granite city, il Posts: 3	Re: New to forum and interested in a truck ok.....post got edited and the pics are gone?......... Lets try again. Attached Images

02-28-2011, 09:44 PM	#4
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New to forum and interested in a truck That looks like a 3/4 ton flatbed from here. Wood mounts with long U bolts are the way they done. If you want a p/u you can swap the longbed sides on or you'll have to cut the frame to shorten it for shortbed sides. You're looking at something that will have like 5.17 gears and shake your fillings at 49 mph maximum. Looks like short running boards as well (to be expected). Glass is flat glass and not more than about $50 a pane to fix. Cab corners look good enough for now. Get floor shots and also where the cowls meet the fenders. They tend to rot there. And with a little work, any truck can be on the road. Just up to what the definition of "little" is!

02-28-2011, 10:51 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: New to forum and interested in a truck pop the front hub cap to make sure its 3/4 ton (8 lug) if that is what you are after. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

03-01-2011, 09:13 AM	#6
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: New to forum and interested in a truck Also, you might want to run the VIN through one of the search functions like the ones on Stovebolt.com I'm assuming there are links around here as well but I know the ones at SB It'll tell you year, make, and model pretty well.



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