Well times seem to have changed some. My dad is currently thinking about selling this old 470-d. I am curious what he should even ask for it? He started this project wanting to build a diesel out of an old truck. He has another Chevy big bolt and just found a line on a 98 International School bus with an 8.3 Cummins motor and an automatic transmission. He is thinking of putting the Chevy on that frame now (My idea, he initially thought of using this truck but I talked him out of it, thankfully).

In any case he does not know what to do with the truck and I thought I would ask to see what you thought the old monster would be worth.

Overall it is in good shape. Here is the good.
1.) No rust.
2.) Motor (3-71 Diesel) runs. 70K original miles.
3.) Brakes work
4.) Drives (not in a daily driver fashion, more it can get itself from one place to another if you are careful.)
5.) Dump bed works.
6.) Transmission shifts.
7.) Fuel tanks are good.
8.) Dayton wheels (could probably get a Tubeless wheel for them.)
9.) 12 Volt from the factory.
11.) Generator works
12.) Air pump works (Air brakes smile ).
13.) Overall fairly easy truck to fix up.
14.) Has original GMC 470 Diesel Emblems.
15.) All original truck.
16.) Heater fan works (Not great but it does spin)

The bad. Nothing unexpected.
1.) Back and door windows are broken out (amazingly no rust holes in the cab, not sure how that worked out).
2.) Needs an entire interior (Headliner, glove box, floor covering, door covers etc.)
3.) Needs all new glass.
4.) Instruments need to be rebuilt (the Tach works).
5.) Transmission needs an overhaul.
6.) Needs a clutch.
7.) Motor could be used as is with some new injectors. Should really be overhauled.
8.) Two speed rear end works but should be checked out.
9.) Tires are of course at least 20 years old, figure older (all hold air, did not have to air them up at all to drive it home)
10.) Dent along side of passenger fender (1/4 inch deep, 2 feet long, looks like something rubbed by it or it rubbed something pointed.

Amazingly the truck is in really good shape, though it has all the issues you expect to find in a non restored version. For as good a truck as this is it is hard to believe it was used to haul gravel and rock pretty much it's entire life.

Let me know what you guys think. My dad was serious about this till he found the 98 school bus (complete with Power steering smile ).

I have driven this truck about 20 miles, my dad has driven it about 25 or 30 more. He put some better injectors a friend had in the motor and it has pretty good power (it is only a 3-71).

When we picked it up it had one completely plugged injector, however, after sitting for 20 years all we had to do was put in new fuel and fuel filters then pulled it about 100 feet till it started (the started had been removed and used elsewhere). He has put a starter on the truck now and it starts fine with the starter.

Sorry for the really long post on this, tried to make sure it was a complete description.


Too many projects not enough time.
1950 3800 Chevy Panel Truck