First off I’m new to the forum so hopefully this is the right place to ask these question(s) I am looking at purchasing a 53(?) gmc 100 truck that supposedly is original and came with a factory flat bed/stake rack. Did these smaller trucks come with flatbeds? Also was hopping someone could help me ID the engine in the photos. Lastly is there any red flags I need to watch for on these trucks?
Welcome to Stovebolt. Click on Tech Tips at the top of the page. There is a tip on buying a Stovebolt along with many other tips for someone looking to buy. The flatbed is not factory. If you have access to the engine serial numbers you will find on GMC that the first 3 digits of the number is the engine size. ðŸ›
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Those look like eight bolt wheels so you're probably looking at a 3/4 ton rather than a 1/2 ton (100). Flatbeds are more commonly found on 3/4 tons trucks. The biggest red flag with any of these old trucks is some of the crazy stuff previous owners may have done over the years to keep them running or working on the farm. The cab floors are always rusty on these trucks, but I would look for rust holes in the frame rails at or near the front mount of the rear springs. Good luck
Last edited by Justhorsenround; 04/16/20191:39 PM. Reason: Remove thinly veiled profanity
What is the engine serial number that is pressed into the block to the rear of where the distributor goes into the block? Is there an ID plate on the driver's side door jamb (what code is on it)?
That looks like a relatively short bed (and, relatively short wheel base). My guess would be 1/2 ton short bed.
However, I cannot clearly see the wheels, but, if they are 8 bolt, twotone is most likely correct. How many wheel bolts on each wheel?
I'm third to vote for 3/4-ton (150). I can't see enough of the engine to tell what it is. A side view from the spark plug side would help. As Tim posted, numbers. We need numbers to really help you. An important consideration when buying any vehicle is the title. Does it have a clear title with the correct VIN/serial number that matches the truck? Every old/antique/collector/hotrod/ratrod discussion forum has posters who bought an old ______ without a title, and now ask "what do I do?". Be smart and don't do that.
Edit: I don't intend to be harsh or critical. I like that truck. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
