The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Need opinions on 1952 GMC 353-24 I just bought at a farm auction

I am rebuilding a 52 GMC 102-22. Bought a 52 GMC 2 ton truck at a farm auction last week for parts. Turns out this 2 ton is in much better shape than the 1/2 ton I am rebuilding - no rust through that I have found, one owner, title, key in the ignition, even has a new looking spare tire. The only thing missing is the engine coil. So, my original plan was to swap cabs and other parts that I need and sell off the rest of the parts. My questions are: Is there much demand for 353-24 parts? Would I be better off selling the 2 ton as a complete truck? What would some of you out there do in my shoes? Thank you for your input.

Hi Greg Stong

In upstate NY the 1/2 ton stuff is way more marketable than the bigger stuff is. I am not saying that the bigger stuff is bad it is not...the market for the bigger stuff is a lot smaller...if you want to swap the cabs and then selling the bigger truck would not be a bad thought to think about at all...

my 2 cents...

MikeC

The bigger truck likely has more value as a whole. If you keep the cab then the leftovers like axles, frame, and so on you'll be lucky to get more than scrap for.

Decide what you want out of the two trucks. If that means parting out the big truck to feed your small one just don't expect to make much money on the other leftover parts.
If you want to keep the big truck complete and part out the small one that's certainly a fun option too! Or keep both and keep looking for a cab for your small truck.

Thanks for the comments. I will rebuild the 1/2 ton. My Dad's aunt bought it new, so it has been in 1 family. So, i'll use the parts I need and scrap the rest. My Dad suggested making a grain trailer out of the frame and bed. It has a good hydraulic system and wheels and tires on it. Anyone want a good 248 ci engine?

Here in the west the parts on the big un's are worth more than the truck usually. The difficulty is in garage space for a big truck for most people. Local zoning has led to storage difficulties in incorporated areas where I live. Vehicles have to be stored enclosed or registered. A 3100/3600 here is always more valuable for these reasons.

I may be interested in the front axle...

I agree, the big truck is worth more as a whole, just a smaller market because of limited storage opportunities.

Gat any px?

If you're in Oklahoma, farm trucks aren't worth much. If it has wheels other than the RH-5°, the wheels are worth quite a bit, If you can build a nicer 1/2 ton by using the cab, I would consider doing it. If the 248 in the 350 runs, it will make your 150 run a lot better than the 228 and the larger radiator in the 350 is an asset also.

Thanks again for the feedback. I will consider keeping the engine and radiator for old "Mabel". I did some reading on the wheels and I need to determine the type on the truck since I will be towing it into town soon. May need to air up the tires.

Check out the "Wheels and Tires" topic,here on the "Big Bolt" forum! If you have "Widow Makers",PLEASE DO NOT air up your tires!! PLEASE BE SAFE!! I just bought a '48 IHC KB5,(2-ton),just for the cab and front clip. It's going on a '72 IHC 1110,(Heavy 1/2 ton 4X4 pick-up frame. I'm giving the 2-ton frame and 13' twin-cylinder hoist to the property owner in exchange for "lot rent" 4 of the rims are "Safe". 2 are the RH5's,and they're Flat. Even though the frame needs to "roll",those RH5's are NOT getting aired-up! Putting one SAFE rim on each corner.The RH5's are getting SCRAPPED!! THANKS!!

It is the outer rear ones you will have to worry about. The way they are constructed, the wheel would blow to the inside of the steering tires and the same goes for the inside ones on the rear. If you just have to tow her a little ways, air up the steering tires and the inside rears and leave the outer rears flat.

The wheels are not the RH5. We were able to air up all but one of the tires which was flat. Fortunately, it had a good spare that we put on with some effort. Those suckers are heavy. We moved the truck into town on Monday evening on a car hauler trailer. It was an adventure, but successful. Thanks for all the help. A picture of the truck on the trailer is on my Facebook page: Greg Stong