The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New Bolter

Hello Everyone,
I am trying to decide on a vehicle to restore and was interested in some input from the seasoned pros on this site. I am looking to start a rebuild on a a vehicle this spring, whenever the snow leaves, and am unsure what to take on. I have had my eye on three vehicle not more than a few miles from my home and wonder what might be the simplest to rebuild. I intend to use the truck for work on my family's property and around town for doing various odd jobs. I should say that I have never atacked a project of this age or size before, however I have a great deal of experience working on my car, 1996 GMC Jimmy, and light engines and power equiptment used by the landscaping company I work for in the summer. Anyways the vehicles are a 1947 Chevy 2 ton flatbed. This has been in a barn near me for some time and the engine apperas to be in decent shape, i can't tell if it is a 216, but I asume it is a 235 as the truck was used well into the 1970's. It will turn over by hand and the mice have not chewed through too much of the wiring. That said, there is no clutch, bellhousing or transmission and there is significant rust damage on the passenger side of the truck. The other two vehicles are both of a similar vintage. One is a 56 Chevy 1.5 ton flatbead with 261 motor and 4 speed transmission. It seems to the be the in good shape with moderate rust dameage to the cab and front fenders. That said, knowing the owner, it warants a ver close inspection as it was most likely jerry-rigged to keep it on the road for as long as posible. The last is a GMC 2 ton from 1956. I have yet to give this a thurough inspection, but the rust damage on this seems to be the least of the three. I have not checked on the engine, but I assume it is a 270. The transmission is a 4 speed with a 2 speed rear end. There is also a box on the back of the truck that I would scap in favor of a flatbed should I aquire this truck. Anyways, here they are, any advice you might give me on which one to take on would be helpful.
Thanks again,
Jay

Welcome Jay! I vote for the GMC 2spd, the 1956 Chevy next. Guys here are GOOD we will help all we can. Ben

popcorn The Truth is Out There (Good luck they all sound good and a worthy project.)

welcome, a lot of the guys have been stuff so maybe they will chime in later,,,Fred

My advice is too take on the one that requires the least amount of parts, time and money as a first time project. That way you'll be gaining valuable experience and knowledge and if you get hooked (bet you will )then you will have a far better handle on what you want as your next prime time ride and what to watch out for.
Good Luck!

My advice would be to pick the one you can safely drive for the least amount of work and money. It really is nice to be able to drive it while working on it. Having your first project be months (or years) away from actually driving causes a lot of people to lose interest.

So is the engine of the 47 sitting on the ground? With no bellhousing you would have no rear motor mounts. If you only had one choice, then take the 261 engine, its the easiest to get parts for. Sounds like if you could take them all, you could make something out of the group.

The GMC would be my first choice if the engine is good. The '56 Chevy a close second.

GMC's tend to be a little harder to find parts for, especially the body parts,
Scott

That 56 chevy sounds like a decent truck but I agree that you might want to start with a truck that would take the least time and money to get on the road.
Hobert