The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs "53 CANOPY EXPRESS a what's it worth question???

Hello all,
I found a '53 canopy express locally, $1000. It's complete with locked up engine, no floors, usual rust, original radio, behind the head clock, tail gate, seats, etc. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being unrestorable, 10 being straight and clean this is a 5. So my hard to answer without pictures question is? Should I jump on it? I know I can do the work, maybe even afford it. I just don't have a sense how scarce these canopies are. As usual, thanks.

Scoop the sucker pal! It is very rare.

I bet you have items on it that exceed the value you will pay.

Now show us some pictures please!

Greg

Ted,

If you have an opportunity, I'd take it. They are pretty rare.

I'd second the opinion of Niagara, the parts alone are worth more than the asking price!

GRAB IT!!!!!

These are very rare, much more so than a Suburban. The radio alone unrestored can go for $350 on Ebay.

there is a guy trying to sell one in southern california for $6,000 or more. condition on them seems about the same

Better jump on it. Snooze, & you my lose. What's a behind the head clock ?

It would be hard to pass up if its that good.

I have 3 and that's a little less than I paid for each of them. As you will find out most of the sheet metal parts are the similar to the panel and Suburban. The tailgate, side rails and the the division panel behind the front seat are the hardest pieces to find. Another thing to keep in mind, although these are rare they do not normally bring in the same prices as a Suburban in the same condition A tailgate can be modified from a clamshell tailgate from a Suburban, but it will take some professional help. You did not mention the size, 1/2 ton or 1 ton? Does it have the original seats? That's another part that can be difficult to find. If you can afford it and store it, buy it!

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the encouragement. I looked at it again today and it is doable but all the lower sheet metal will need to be worked. It needs a new grille, all the fenders need work or replacement, the tailgate is too far gone, as is the bottom rear where the tailgate would hinge. It needs an engine rebuild or replacement, radiator, and complete floor pan. The doors are good as is the roof and all upper metal. The dash is rust free, has original radio, original seats, Unity spot light, interseting three point mount winged hood ornament, and a clock mounted high on the division wall behind the seats. The division wall and the side rails are very good. I was am glad to know that the suburban clam shell could be modified for a tailgate, are there any of them out there? I will probably go for it and store it until I finish my '54 panel. I will try to learn this photo bucket stuff so I can post pictures. Thanks so much

There's a '49 Chevy Canopy Express, about 10 miles from me, that the 'ol fellow was using to feed his Hogs, out of. The truck sat in the mud, for years. Tried to get some pictures of it, but there was too much junk, & brush around it, for a decent picture.