The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Hope this is the right place to post this

Hello folks,


I find myself in the possesion of what appears to be a 1951 2 ton truck with what is left of a flatbed dump.

I am wondering is this truck worth trying to fix or should I try and part or junk it?

It was running about 5 years ago but hasn't been started since then.

It ran just like a clock back then and drove alright.

I do know the clutch will need to be replaced and the brakes do not work.

I am including a link to my photobucket page with pics on the old girl.

If it isn't worth saving I was thinking about using the 4 speed in my 1980 Chevy pickup.

Please advise.

Thank you

Steven Spartz

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h95/spartman/51%20chevy/

Hi Spartman, oyur truck looks like more than just worthwhile to fix. As far as the pictures show it, the basics seem to be in quite good condition!
For sure the "soft parts" in your cabin are no longer worthy of functioning as molding for making these new....!javascript:void(0)
Big Grin. Restoring this truck looks like very interesting to me.......fortunately i'm too far away from it! (Europe!)
Have fun and do not let it rust away!

spartman,

Welcome to the Stovebolt. The rig you found is in typical condition for a field find of that vintage. The truck is salvageable, the question is, is this the rig you want to spend your time and money on.

The big bolts are more difficult to bring back to life because some of the 'big' components are sometimes tough to find. Big tires are more expensive and there are more of them.

When the truck is finished, it probably won't be as saleable as a pickup would be if you choose to sell it. Do you have a horrible burning desire to restore a big truck with a dump bed and cab lights...maybe you have a farm and could use it. These questions might not seem pertinent now, but when you are stuck in the middle of your restoration, you might sit down in the shop one night with a beer in your hand and say "why did I do this?".

Make sure this big truck is what you want!

Stuart

Welcome to the "Bolt" Steve.

Dang...Your truck looks like mine when I got it. Stuart is right as far as your decision. Before I got mine...I was looking for a pickup. After I got my 6400, the more I tinkered around with it, the more I love it. I don't live on a farm so using it as a farm truck is out of the question. I just like the idea of having a truck not many people have, even though it's a truck not many people want!

Good luck,
~Ron

I currently do not have a farm.

If land prices ever go down in this area that might be a possiblity but I doubt that will happen.

Would it be feasible to fix this up and use it as a daily driver?

Right now I have 2 other projects in front of it and not sure if the wife could handle another project vehicle at this time.

One thought on scrapping it would be to take the tranny out and put it into my 1980 1/2 ton chevy truck, but I don't know.

I guess that is why I am posting here looking for help.

Thanks

spartman,

Although the SM420 is a good transmission, I think it would be a step backward for your '80 pickup. The old 2 ton would be good project for someone that wanted a truck this large. The cab proper is the same for all the AD rigs so this might be of interest to someone...although it doesn't appear to be rust free.

Most of the value in this truck would be in the eye of the restorer/owner. If you have two projects ahead of this one, I would think your plate would be full. It's OK not to save every stray puppy you come across. If you actually have title to this truck now, put it in the For Sale forum and see what develops, or Craigslist in your area. There might be someone out there that is foaming at the mouth for a nice big Chevrolet 2 ton with hydraulic dump.

Stuart

Unfortunately there is no title for it.

Would anybody here be interested in it?

I would even consider bartering.

Hey Spartman, I found it. You could use it to get that cab from Arizona.
Steve

LOL