The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1952 GMC COE?

Has anybody checked out this COE. I saw it on Kansas Craigslist and made an offer, then told him I'd take it based on the ad and his description, but something is just making me uncomfortable about it. The last phone call I had with him included more rust in drivers door and cab corners. He said guys that have .looked at it say floors are solid. It's sounds like he hasn't really looked at it good. I've even filled out a check for deposit to send tomorrow, but think I'm going to call and back out in morning. If anyone has looked at it I'd appriciate comments. Thanks. Jim
http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/4841803463.html

Jim
You probably know people working at Wolf Creek or know people that know people. Maybe you could get someone to peer check your decision.

There are also a good number of bolters in Kansas and if they are not too far away, they would jump at the chance to eyeball it for you.

Don

I've never understood, why some people will try to sell a vehicle, that's tucked back in a shed, or building, or has a bunch of other stuff jammed all around it. If I couldn't get someone close by to inspect it first, i'd be a little gun shy of it myself. If he really was motivated to sell it, why not pull it out, & wash it first. At least if your're going to ask big money for it. Might not even be his truck. If I were you, I'd wait on a more "Rare" 450, or 470 series COE (since you already have a 450 conventional)to pop up. Nothing really special about this 350 series COE.

I am very familiar with that area. We run down K15 a lot to miss the scales at Belville, KS, and there are a lot of old farm trucks still sitting in barns in that area. Conventional cab 2 tons usually go for $1000 or so. Cabovers bring a little more from people who want to put the cab on a later model frame, but not that much more. It probably has the RH5° wheels, a 248, , a vacuum 2 speed. A 400 series is a lot more interesting like Spanky says: Bigger truck, 270, electric 2 speed, safer wheels and possibly even air brakes.

I'll add this (if you don't already know), should you decide you want a 450 3 ton, or 470 3 1/2 ton GMC COE, '52-'55.1 trucks had the 302 6 cyl. engine, in them, along with 5 spd. transmissions.

Thanks for responding. I called him first thing in morning and explained to him my concerns, and that if I could get more pics of it cleaned up and in the light I would decide if I'd drive up with trailer and cash then. His response was whatever. So maybe he will, maybe he won't do that. Again, thanks for responding. Jim

Give me a call. I know where there is a much more desirable truck available. It's a '54 GMC 450 series COE, & it's also in Kansas.
(336)987-9992

Here is a 56 in Michigan http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/4847630309.html

That is an LCF, not a COE, however, a nice truck.

Thanks guys. Was looking for a lighter weight rig than my 50 450 conventional, that wasn't gonna be a crapload of body work. The mechanical I can fix, I suck at bodywork. And can't afford what the professionals want in my town. This rig started out with "one" small patch on the passenger door and kept rusting overnight, apparently. Otherwise was exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks again. Jim

So are you going to buy this one ? If so, give me a call, before you do.

No, going to hold off looking anymore till I at least can drive my 50 again. Still down waiting to get the TBI tuned right. Just started back working 72 hr weeks also. Was hoping to pick that 52 up over the weekend, but didn't want to drive that far without better pics.. Thanks. Jim.

Before I retired and worked 72+ hours a week during a refuel or shutdown, I made it thru better thinking about the outage toy I would buy, when the hours were cut back to about 48 to 56 a week.

There are plenty of toys out there, just focus on what you want and then shop and pay cash.

Don