I posted a 49 Chevrolet 6400 for advice and I am also looking at this GMC. If you could only buy one, which would you get? The GMC looks like it has some rust issues, but not awful. I love the 5 window cab. What do you think? Chevy or GMC?
A big thing on these old trucks is the brakes. especially the bigger 1.5/2tons. brake jobs can be a significant portion of the mechanical restoration. If one of these trucks has had known service or functioning brakes that is the truck i would lean towards. Rear differential lube condition ? can you pull the plug and drain a bit ? can you pull brake drums and have a look ? I would be picky about these things if you can be. How does the air and oil filter look ? Is there a drive shaft ? the more complete and functional the truck the better. Does the truck already have a 12volt system ? all things to consider
It might even worth it to see if new wheel and master cylinders are available before purchasing. It is best to get new, the labor alone is not worth fooling around with old parts.
Of additional interest is whether modern tubeless wheels are available. Many shops will not touch split rims, no matter the kind.
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.
Personally, I'd lean toward the GMC. I like the GMC engine better, and the one ton is a nice size. Wheels and tires are easier to source from newer trucks, with size choices from 16" to 19.5". An old friend told me one time the biggest difference between Chevy and GMC was that GMC used lock washers. LOL!
To me the Chevrolet looked less molested...just looking under the hood on the GMC and the wiring harness is a mess and the interior door panel is off on the passenger door...why???
As for brakes you'll need to budget about $750-1000 for just parts to replace everything with new/rebuilt, excluding the drums (which will be very had to find for 1-ton and up trucks).
And my comment above was not meant to be critical--just pointed it out to maybe help you decide--do you want a larger truck or a smaller one? No wrong answer there--just a matter of personal preference.
Great observation. It seems like so many of these trucks look in disrepair and/or totally neglected. The brake info has given me important things to consider. Thanks again.
No matter what truck you buy if the brakes are original to the truck you will need to replace ALL of the lines and hoses at a minimum for your own safety. The steel and rubber lines fail from the inside out and you only have a single pot MC, so any failure is a complete lose of brakes.
Replacing the brakes and tires can equal or exceed the purchase price of the truck. Good looking 30 year old tires need to be replaced before hitting the road!
Thanks for all the great advice. This has definitely been a worthwhile discussion. I knew this was the right place to ask. I think I might have found a more suitable candidate for what I am looking for. I will post about that truck, too. Thanks again!
