I have a '51 GMC 1/2 ton that I picked up a couple years ago that is basically bone stock. The previous owner had the brakes gone through and said he drove it around town a few times before parking it, then it sat for a few years and decided to sell. My project list has changed dramatically since getting this truck and I've decided to do a few things to it and sell it. It's currently a 6v system, all there and supposedly just needs a battery. I'm expecting that it needs more but my question is, if I'm going to sell it does it make sense to do a 12v conversion first? I'm thinking no, not knowing what the next owner will do with it and converting might just be a waste of time and money. I will get it running and driving and I may do something with the paint, but I'm on the fence about the conversion.
I would say no. It’s not going to add enough to the value to recoup the cost of the conversion. Other opinions to follow. Since this is only your 3rd post in 2 years I would like to remind you that buying, selling and bartering in these forums is prohibited. When you are ready to sell post in the Swap Meet Forum. We are here to help with any mechanical issues you may have.
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[quote=Justhorsenround]I would say no. It’s not going to add enough to the value to recoup the cost of the conversion. Other opinions to follow. Since this is only your 3rd post in 2 years I would like to remind you that buying, selling and bartering in these forums is prohibited. When you are ready to sell post in the Swap Meet Forum. We are here to help with any mechanical issues you may have.[/quote]
No problem with the posting. I run an old school BMW forum and understand how it works. In this case, I'm trying to value my time with getting this truck ready to sell, knowing that the number one priority is for a potential buyer to be able to drive it and hear/see it run. Came here for the expert advice. I have a feeling I'll be back asking how to fix a few things. 8-)
I'd agree with leaving it 6 volt for now. Make sure you have heavy enough battery cables and give it a shot. Heavy cables and clean connections are important for a 6 volt system to work properly.
You pretty much answered your question in your 1st sentence. "Basically bone stock" would be the main selling point I'd push and the truck still being 6v only adds value to that......
I purchased a 6v battery from NAPA for around $100. You could possibly find a cheaper rebuilt 6v battery at a rebuilders shop. A 12v battery will run the same or more and you'd have to add/update other parts inorder to allow the truck to run on 12v.
re. 6v charging. Unless the reason the truck was parked was because it wouldn't charge, a cleanup of the generators brushes and regulators relay contacts should get it charging again. It'll definitely need polarized which is a very simple and easy step.
A running basically stock AD has higher value than a non-runner but it all depends upon what you want to put in it and how much you want rid of it...
Wow, great info on the generator, I've never dealt with them and this is all a little eye opening. I would've just hooked up the battery and hoped for the best! As far as a battery goes, I plan on getting the truck running and roadworthy so I'll buy a new one.
If you try to start it, make sure to remove ALL antique fuel from the carb, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank. Might be more than you want to do, so, make sure to spell out that progress?
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
If you try to start it, make sure to remove ALL antique fuel from the carb, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank. Might be more than you want to do, so, make sure to spell out that progress?
Ed
Thanks Ed. I'm familiar with old cars and restoration, just not this old. I've owned more than 40 old BMW's (60's & 70's) and have restored several so the basics are the same. This truck is nearly rust free and I'm not used to the sheet metal being so thick, but I'm getting more excited about getting it on the road.
For me when you change an old truck from original you have lowered it's value. For I would have to undo all that work and buy another new 6 volt battery.
Best increase in value based on money spent is to get the truck or car operating. So it will move, steer, stop, under it's own power. Then detail it inside and out the best it can be done based on it's original condition. Jeffrey
For me when you change an old truck from original you have lowered it's value. For I would have to undo all that work and buy another new 6 volt battery.
Best increase in value based on money spent is to get the truck or car operating. So it will move, steer, stop, under it's own power. Then detail it inside and out the best it can be done based on it's original condition. Jeffrey
Thanks for the input, I agree 100%. I can appreciate all the work done to modify a classic, I'm envious of the talent I see, but it does feel like once the original look "and feel" is gone it will never be the same. Unfortunately, these old trucks drive like old trucks so I understand why they get modified. If I go off of what the previous owner told me, it has new brakes front and rear and it was tuned up to run well and they drove it around town for a while. I see new plugs in the engine and a few other new parts to suggest I have a good head start.
Here's what it looked like when I bought it, and still now. All the interior parts came with it along with a couple boxes of new parts.
My 2 cents...don't do anything to it if you're going to sell it. Any money you put into it will be hard to get back AND you won't get anything for your labor. If your done with this project, sell it and move on. In my mind your truck is stuck in the middle of the road...to nice to tear apart and not nice enough to drive without a lot of work.
My 2 cents...don't do anything to it if you're going to sell it. Any money you put into it will be hard to get back AND you won't get anything for your labor. If your done with this project, sell it and move on. In my mind your truck is stuck in the middle of the road...to nice to tear apart and not nice enough to drive without a lot of work.
Mike B
I think it's too close to being roadworthy to not put some time into. I buy cars for a living (salvage and private party) and when I buy something that's not running you have to assume worst case and it lowers the value substantially. Making this truck drive-able is best for everyone, it raises it's value for me and takes away some of the risk for the buyer.
