1963 GMC Flatbed 2500 truck

	"Poorman's Truck" Owned by Joe Martinez Woodburn, Oregon

From Joe :

           I am new to the site. I own a1963 GMC Flatbed truck.

           I use to own a 1960 Chevy when I was around 29 years old. Now I'm 52 years young. Three years ago, I had a VW 1600 Sandrail I wasn’t using anymore. So, I traded it straight across for this truck. I did most of my looking on Craigslist since there are lots of trucks and people that barter and trade for items of equal valve.

           Of course, when I made the deal, some people wondered why I traded for an old rusty truck. [ See the "before" picture ] I saw the potential and could imagine that with some work, I could get the truck to look ok. But not only that, I would have a truck that could pull my trailer.That's how it all started.

           This GMC has the rare plaid valve covers. These covers were from factory. It has, of course, the 305E V6 engine. Many people are amazed that it is actually an original V6.

           The location where I found it is approximately one and a half hours from where I live. Transport was not a  problem and since the owner had to come get the Sandrail, he offered to haul the truck to my place. Good thing he did that because I found out the brake shoes were all worn out.

           Like many old trucks, this had some rusted floor boards and weather stripping was either gone or so old, it needed replacing.

           It took me three years of doing a lot of restoration after work to get it to where it is today. Here's a picture of the interior.

           I call it a Poorman's truck since I rolled the red paint (approximately $50 worth of rustoleum paint and materials) and rattle caned the white on this truck. I searched the internet and found a guy who had rolled a VW and Charger. I said, "If he can do it, so can I."

           The hardest part that I’ve had trouble finding is a working 1963 GMC radio. I’ve got one but it needs work. So maybe that will be my next project.

           This truck still needs more improvements in the future like new tires (8R-19.5 dually), new seat covers, carpet etc. But it's only a hobby of mine so I'm enjoying the time when I do get to work on it.

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