The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Identify this truck?

I am considering purchasing this truck. It was described as a 1954 and according to the owner the model emblem on the side of the hood says 1500. But I can't find any references to a model 1500 truck. Been searching and searching then stumbled across this site and thought one of you fine folks might be able to provide some insight as to what this truck is

Thanks much!

[img]http://www.stinkypigs.com/images/truck.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.stinkypigs.com/images/truck2.jpg[/img]

It's obviously been painted so the previous owner probably put on some bogus emblems. It's a '54 or early '55 4400 in my opinion. Does it have a 2 speed rear diff? That would make it a 6400. It looks just like my '54 4400 though. What's he asking for it and what's under the hood?
Scott

Its a Canadian model.

The grill says '54 or '55 1st. 1500 sounds like a Canadian model number and the Ontario plate fits that.

It looks like its the same as a 4400 or maybe a 6400.

Looks nice.

The engine is an inline-6, picture below. The truck was originally listed on eBay and the bidding went up to $4300 and did not sell. I have been talking to the owner since and he would like to get $5000 for it. It has a little over 70,000 miles on it, and everything is supposedly in good working order, recently serviced, good tires, brakes, etc. It was repainted in 1990.

Frankly, I am totally open if anyone knows of a similar truck (size, stake body) in similar condition (immediately drivable) then I am all ears!

[img]http://www.stinkypigs.com/images/truckengine.jpg[/img]

According to the Chevrolet GMC trucks 1954 maintenance manual from GMC of Canada, a 1500 is a 2-ton equal to a US 6000 series. It would have either a 137", 161" or 179" wheel base.

The US equvilent would be a 6100, 6400 or 6500, respectively.

Great! Thank you very much for the information. Now to determine if this truck is worth the price and more importantly the pain and grief I will get from my better half!

That would be a Canadian Chev, I would think 2 Ton. The 1540 has a wheelbase of 161" and a GVW of 13000 to 14000 lbs. The 1530 would have a wheel base of 137" and a GVW of 13000 - 14,500. This is not as heavy as the Maple leaf and so it should have a 235 engine.

According to the "Chevrolet GMC trucks 1954 maintenance manual from GMC of Canada", the truck should have the new 235, same as the USA model. The engine shown above has the older valve cover.

It could be that someone put the older valve cover on a newer engine (easy to check - loosen the valve cover and see if there are 4 holes for the screws on the side of the '54+ valve cover). Or, it could have an older engine.

Also, it looks like the engine has a spin-on oil filter - interesting.

Tim

I was able to get the serial number for the vehicle:

4154300558

I've been trying to translate this but the Canadian info isn't as easy to come by online as the US references! I've asked the owner for a photo of the actual cowl tag so hopefully that will reveal a little more info. I've also asked for a few more photos showing bed condition, better interior condition, etc.

Does $5000 seem reasonable for a vehicle in this condition?

To me it sounds a little high for a 2-ton truck. There is not near the demand for them as there is for 1/2 tons. That would be a very reasonable price for a 1/2 ton in that condition.

Just my opinion. I'm no pricing expert.

4154300558

4 = 1954
1 = Chevrolet
5 = 1500 series; GVW 16,000; 235 engine
4 = 161" wheelbase
3 = Cab equipment on chassis
00558 = 558th Chevrolet truck manufactured in 1954 in Canada

Thanks! You guys are a wealth of information!

Brian

It seems expensive and suprising Ebay went even that high. I have seen really nice large trucks not sell for any reasonable price.

Looks like a pretty nice truck. However, in my neighborhood, (Colorado/Nebraska) the price is on the high side. Over the last couple of years at farm auctions, I've seen a number of these bigger trucks sell for considerably less than the $5K he's asking. Depending on condition, some have even been in the $100's. That said, I've been known to pay in excess of the "stated value" for something I just couldn't live without. E-Bay has a way of inflating prices/values. I'd determine what it would be worth to you, and start there.

If that truck is as good as it looks, it's worth every penny of $5000. I bought one of those "Hundred dollar trucks," 7 of them in fact. I spent $400 to strip the cab, $250 to patch the cab, $300 for California Doors, $400 to paint the cab, $1500 for new tires, $2000 to machine a 235, $1000 for four rear wheel bearings, $265 for 4 rear brake cylinders, $400 to rebuild the bed, $150 for a wiring harness, $400 for a windshied. $200 for a drive shaft ajustment. $600 in misc stuff. $500 for a HydroVac. Plus a lot, lot more and I still have a truck that is not on the road and it's only been 6 years. Think about this, If you buy the hundred dollar truck to save some money, you won't. I know, I did.

I don't doubt that. But I buy $100 trucks because I like having lots of trucks, and working on rusty iron is just plain fun!

Make sure you know what you want, a finished truck or a big project.

Sorry about my previous ignorant post, I wasn't even thinking about it being Canadian. But the price seems to be about twice what it should be unless it is an extremely nice clean truck. I would like to see pictures and receipts before spending that much. You never know what's under that new paint.
Just thinking out loud,
Scott

Your engine is a 235. If you get the casting # off the block, found near the fuel pump, call an outfit called Patrick's in Arizonia, I'll bet it was cast in 1953 at the beginning of the model year. If you take the valve cover off, there will NOT be four holes around the edge for the more common valve cover seen on 235's. It is a sort of rare cross over valve cover, probably left over from the older 216 / 235 babbit bearing engines. I know this because I have one, it was made in Nov. of 1953. The earliest of the full lube 235's.

Just joined, this is my first post.

I was at the Deals on Wheels website just a little while ago tonight. There's a truck on there of comparable size for $1800. Whether it's still for sale, I don't know. From the single picture, it looks dark green. It's a 1954 Chevrolet 6500. The ad says: "with box and hoist, 2 speed rear axle. Runs great".
I see you're located in Maryland. The bad news is that it's located in Nebraska. Phone # is (402)430-9330.
I've included the link below. If that doesn't pop up an image of the truck for you, go to the website, look over on the left hand side and scroll down till you see "Heavy Trucks & equipment". Click on that, then click on 1950-59 under "Display All Years". That should pop it up for you. Some nice looking trucks over there. Nice site to surf. Good luck http://dealsonwheels.com/category/index.cfm/cat/5/repairable/0/era/1950/sort/entrydate