The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New to site need advice on 60-61 GMC 4000 purchase

Hello all,
I am new to the site. There is a wealth of knowledge here and was hoping to get some advice on a possible purchase. Contemplating purchase of neighbor farm's 60/61 GMC 4000 grain truck. Has been on farm since new and stored inside the barn. They have all original paperwork from purchase and title.
Been sitting in barn since 84 when farm upgraded to larger trucks. Well cared for till being parked. Seat is ripped but otherwise interior is in great shape. Body has a couple dents on fender flares. I have restored trucks in the past but never a GMC of this era. Some particulars model is V4008 Ser# is N200*E. 305 V6 /SM420 trans.PTO grain hoist. Under cab brake booster is an area of concern for me ref parts. I found the REMAN brake website which looks promising. The other area is the wheels. It has RH5s.
Engine and clutch are free. A quick check of oil and coolant shows they are full and not cross contaminated.
After completion I would just be using it for light hauling on my own farm.
Learned along time ago to ask those with knowledge of the make and model for advice before buying. Any suggestions on price? We are located in South Central PA.
Thanks

hard to give advice on prices without pictures. Also, it depends on the area you live in. I am in Seattle, and bought 2nd series 1955 6400 from Idaho (dry climate) for 500$. Almost no rust. When I got it home, I spent about an hour cleaning out the carb, fired it up and drove it off my trailer. My 58 6400, I spent 900$ on, it has some surface rust but not rusted out. It has a steel bed and a hydraulic lift on it. I put some fresh gas down the carb and a battery and drove it on my trailer. I have also looked at some more expensive ones but, passed on them. These big trucks are more expensive to build and run and in my opinion, there is not as bid of a demand for them as pickups.

The value is a hard question to answer but my GUESS would be somewhere from 500 to 1500 depending on shape. As 69 cuda mentioned these big can get expensive due to availability of parts but 60-61 may be more available that the older 40-50's. Remember, condition..condition...condition. Don't let your brain talk you into something it shouldn't. Just think, new tires, brakes, body work can add up faster than you think...however, it also may depend on your own skills. Just Think About It....then buy it!

Welcome to the Stovebolt

I agree with everything said so far...old farm trucks are hard to sell, so remember that when your buying it.

A truck that old should have the entire brake system replaced/rebuilt including the steel and rubber lines. Expect to spend 750-800$ in parts

Replacement rims could be another 200-300$

New tires will set you back 1,000-1,500 or more depending on size and bias or radial.

After you do those three items you probably haven't raised the selling value of the truck more than a few hundred dollars over what you paid.

Not trying to scare you off, just make sure you really like the truck cause you'll be upside down in a flash!

Mike B

as far as wheels, if they are the 6 hole Budd style, new ones are available for about 250 each (plus shipping from Florida) so, look for used ones! I was fortunate to find a set of 6 with almost new tires (9r-22.5) for 900$.

Above all else, be patient and do a lot of research!

I may end up buying a 3rd one, then swapping my 5/10 hole stuff onto it and taking the 6-hole stuff off and selling it just for spare 6-bolt brake drums!

Being that "late" of model, and being stored inside the barn the wheels may be in good shape. As I mentioned before, condition is everything. Just take mental notes as you go over it..or write some notes down.
Let us know when you buy it...LOL

Sounds like an interesting truck.

How many miles are on it?

Look at the front suspention & steering carefully. The early 60,s had tortion bar suspenttion. Parts are probably hard to come by. They are also dangerous on those larger trucks. Also the V-6 engine is more expensive to maintain.

Thanks for the quick feedback guys. It is appreciated. I do have some pics and will try to post them. The grain body is wood. Odometer shows 5K. I assume its 105K but mill is only a short drive away. Original owner has passed. Farm land is rented. Buildings sit idle. You guys will probably like this part. The family has another truck. I believe its a 46 sitting in another barn. They were the original owners of that to. The 60 4000 was bought because as production increased the 46 needed help. I tried but 46 isnt for sale.
Good to hear that some one is making wheels to fit it as a worst case scenario. Whats the best source for brake parts?
Thank you all again for the advice. I will keep you posted.

actually, my v6 has been cheaper to keep up than my 261 inline. Now for a rebuild, then definitly it's a pain to get parts. the engine would be the selling piont for me, but I like these v6 behemoths

Source for brake parts? I'd give your local parts store a shot at it first. Especially NAPA. I'm sure others with more knowledge will chime in but check locally before going to other vendors and the added shipping cost...which is high these days!

Napa had the wheel cylinderas and cylinder rebuild kits for mine, brake return springs, I had to order off Ebay (work but not quite as original) As far as the shoes, there should be a local shop that does brake and clutch relining, here it is Seattle Brake & Clutch, they will reline the shoes for you and also may have wheel and master cylinders and/or rebuild kits. They were the ones that looked up the obsolete Raybestos # for me for the return spring kit.

I drove a 1960 Viking 60 dump truck,back in the late '70's,early '80's,after it sat for almost 10 years. It took new spark plugs,rebuilt carb.,and a few wires/bulbs replaced to get it up and running.That was 40 years ago. Today,I'd rebuild/replace the entire brake system,even if the truck has only 5K miles,just to be safe. I had a G.M.C. pick-up,with a 305E,as well. In the 5 years I owned it,(Daily Driver),I replaced the water pump,and starter. Very Reliable. Check out this '65 4000,on "youtube"...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbY2y_u2UbE

Thats a great video. Thanks for posting the link. My neighbors is the same color.

LOVE THAT TRUCK,AND THE MUSIC,TOO!!