The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk What's it worth? 1st series 47 gmc dualie 1 ton

I have 1st series 47 gmc dualie 1 ton that my dad has owned since about 1950 it originally had the 228 motor which I still have minus 1 piston and conn. rod due to a dishonest mechanic. now has a 270 motor in it which ran when parked the truck is in pieces the body is totally straight and rust free was primed and never sealed 15 years ago so would have to be sanded down before paint all original parts are there plus extra doors and hood I was wondering if someone could give me an idea what this is worth
in said condition and what it might be worth if I put it together and got it running. thanks

Hi FJ and welcome to Stovebolt.com!

The guys will be along to give you some estimates that will be pretty close. In the meantime, you should read Barry Weeks' excellent Tech Tip on "What's My Truck Worth?"

Why not finish it -- paint it, put it back together and keep it? It seems to be a nice bit of family history...

Regards,
John

Welcome to the Stovebolt!

What's it worth questions are always hard, because the only real answer is what is the most a capable buyer will offer for it.

It sounds like something I'd like to have, and since I'm also in Washington it might be close enough I'd be will to travel to get it. But in today's economy I would hesitate to make any offer for fear you'd accept and I'd have to let go of some cash.

If it were me I'd assess the cost of putting it back together and think about how fast I'd need to turn it into cash. Its going to be hard to sell it high today, and while you may not get much return on investment putting it back on the road, you will have the fun and satisfaction plus things might be much better in a few years and then you'll find better cash offers.

Just my two cents.

Check out my 1951 3800, and read my story in the Gallery. It doesn't have the family heritage that yours does, but they're similar trucks. I paid $525 and was offered $1000 the same day. I have close to $2000 in it just to make it run and drive. What I've found since I bought it is that obviously everyone wants the 3/4 and smaller, or a single wheel 1 ton. Our Duallys are sort of odd and less desirable, so I think the values are held down as a result. It's a tricky situation cause you can buy them cheap, but the brake and chassis parts are all different and more expensive than the smaller trucks, so you may invest alot of money to find that you're in it for more than the buyer will pay. I've estimated the total cost to finish my truck, and I'll end up way over a reasonable sale price, but I'm so proud of it because it's so unusual, I don't care what it takes to finish it.

F.J.
Welcome to the Bolt. Send pics!!!
I believe it is very hard to restore these old trucks and sell for a profit. You probably can do better parting it out but that is such a hassle I would think twice before trying it. No, it comes down to three choices, sell it as is, part it out, or consider it a hobby and restore it yourself. Good Luck