The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts I’m indecisive help᠁

I’m indecisive help…

I am looking for truck that I can use around the property but one I can enjoy and fix up. I started out looking for a 1 ton flatbed but I have yet to find one in good condition. What I have found are a 1949 / 4400 and a 1954 / 6400. Here are the pros and cons:

1949
161” wheel base
The body is in great shape. Cab corners look good, bottom of the doors look good.
It has 7000 miles on it.
The Current owner has spent 1500+_on the brakes
Tires are dry rot.
All glass is intact but I be window seals are britial.
No Bed. It is a former fire truck and was bought for the bed.
I will have to have it shipped to the house.
Stock 4 speed and single speed rear

1954
161” wheel base
Running and driving. It is currently in use as a farm /grain truck
It has 50,000+ miles on it. (From the interior wear I wonder if it is 150k)
It has minor rust, bumps and dents on the body.
The driver’s side floor board is (rusted through)
The interior is worn out and (seat worn to the springs, every interior panel will need to be replaced)
Brand new tires and one piece rims.
12’ dump bed that works but the floor is rotted and patched with plywood.
Stock 4 speed with 3speed aux. transmission. (.87 overdrive, I believe)
I could drive it home.

What would ya'll do they are the same price. Is the frame on the 6400 just thicker than the 4400? It looks like they have the same tires, and springs.

One thing I have not researched is would they have the same engine?

I'm stuck, overdrive and new tires is nice, but no rust is good also.

Hy ykp53, welcome, well that is a dilemma for sure! I am not 100% sure but I think the 6400 might have a 261 in it and the 4400 would have a 216 or 235. In any event the 54 will have a precision bearinged engine. If you have the space and facilities I would be inclined to buy both of the trucks and build one out of the two and sell what you have left. As you have seen by the bill the cost of the brake system overhaul is expensive and you will probably have to do the same to the 54 if you buy it alone. I realize you only wanted a truck and not a project, but that is my best advice, hope it helps.

I tried the lets by both line... that didn't go over well.
Half the fun is "the project" I just need to be sure its not something that is out of commisiion for a long time. I need to be able to repair and use.

is the 261 that much better than the 235?
what is the precission bearing vs standard. I am used to 50s straight 6 mopars. How does this engine compare in reliability?

they put the 235 in the 6400 as well. I have a 55.2 6400 with 235. If the 54 is running and driving, I would assume the brakes at least work. 1500 to have the brakes gone through is probably having someone else do the work. If you can do the work yourself, it should be cheaper than that. I would go with the 54, tires can get expensive as well as a dump bed!

I'd get the '54. Likely better motor, the tires and 1-piece rims are a HUGE plus. You can do your own brake job to save money, but you can't build your own tires/rims. You did say the rust is minor, and you can drive it home! I don't think anything could be more satisfying than driving it home the first time. I wish I could have done that with mine.

You may find a dump bed to be super useful as well. You could turn it into a flatbed with removable lower-profile stake sides (that's what I'm doing).

Does the 6400 have a 2-speed rear, or just the 3-speed aux trans? Either way, I'd be very jealous of your overdrive. I may do a motor swap for more power someday, but that won't make it go any faster if I keep the RPM's in check...

Shoot, you beat me to it!

As 69Cuda correctly posted above, the 261 was an optional engine in 6xxx series 1954 trucks.

The engine serial number pressed into the block behind the distributor will ID the engine and size of truck (if it is a 1954 engine).

A 2-speed rear end was an option on all 6000 series trucks.

There were no GM RPO (Regular Production Option) auxiliary transmission in 1954.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/54115.htm

The cab corners are showing some signs of rust but they are still intact. however the floor plans are gone. How hard are these to replace on a chevy? it only has the aux 3. no high low. imagine under driven first with a high low rear and I could pull anything. but I don't know if I would ever use a 12' dump bed. I need something to haul a few bales of hay and brush/logs

"is the 261 that much better than the 235? . .
. . .what is the precission bearing vs standard"

The 261 is noticeably more powerful than a 235 - to most people, that makes the 261 better.

Prior to the implementation of precision insert rod bearings in all engines, all 216 engines and most 1953 and earlier 235 engines had babbitted rods (no insert/removable bearing).

Are you sure the '54 has one piece rims? Confirm the tire size...

If they are 22.5" they are in fact 1-piece tubeless rims/tires and are hard to find in the 5/10 lug pattern...those rims could be worth $100 or more each.

Mike B

If you're buying the truck to use, than the one with the bed would probably make more sense. You'll use that hoist more than you might think!
But I can appreciate the dilemma you're in- I'd probably still try and get both! Sometimes it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

You could sleep in one if you get both of them.

I got a 48 6400 from my brother, ex-grain truck. I use the heck out of the dump bed. Actually, that and the 74 GMC I have are my favorite trucks to use around here. Something about the older trucks....