Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,021 Posts1,055,346 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | | OLTrucks Unregistered | | OLTrucks Unregistered | Looks like a 3/4ton bed not sure what frame its on, The running boards look spliced cab might be nice. From just the pictuers you have there looks like a good parts truck at best to me.
Mike | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | A comparison price for a 3600 with title would be about $1200 - $2500. With today's fiscal conditions, probably $1800. Without tile, $1000 if sold locally. Ebay is another beast, it could go for more or not sell at all.
Price it at $1000 and it probably will sell. That's a FAIR price.
Plusses:
5 window cab
Minimal rust
Complete
Negatives:
Not running
Unknown engine condition.
Not sure if it has been butchered
Unknown information
Dirty
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | This truck appears to be factory built and not made up from assorted parts. The gentleman owned the truck for a long time and the family was told it was ordered by the Navy this way and that there were less than 100 built. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | Well then since the family already has an expert telling them about it, our help is not needed. We can only go by the information and pictures that you have offered and our opinions are based on that information. We can go on forever and pick this truck apart, it's only going to be worth so much and that's the price variances that I posted. There is nothing special about it being an old US Navy truck. But the final decision will be how much they want for it. There are appraisal services available in your area, I suggest that they use them.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | There is definitely a splice in the running boards and Chevrolet didn't build any ½-ton long beds in 1953. That's for sure less than 100. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | I guess Chevrolet never built any COPO Camaros or Chevelles or any other special order vehicles for a specific use by a customer. To say this truck was never built is unrealistic. We have all seen one-off or limited production vehicles built that weren't "in the book." I don't profess to be an expert but this truck looks legit to me. I don't know who the family got their info from, that was before they asked for my help. I was just looking for a little help from the "experts", sorry I wasted your time. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | I guess Chevrolet never built any COPO Camaros or Chevelles or any other special order vehicles for a specific use by a customer. To say this truck was never built is unrealistic. We have all seen one-off or limited production vehicles built that weren't "in the book." I don't profess to be an expert but this truck looks legit to me. I don't know who the family got their info from, that was before they asked for my help. I was just looking for a little help from the "experts", sorry I wasted your time. That's just it, we are not "experts". we volunteer to help. I spent about a half hour last night reviewing ebay and craigslist listings to come up with the information I gave you. You choose to doubt the info you get, so why ask in the first place. You come to the game unprepared and asked for help, we give it and then you doubt us. The truck you show is nothing special! Period! What more information can we give you that would make you change your mind? Probably nothing. You could have done the same work I did, but you chose to to do the simple way and ask us. There are several other questions we could ask about the truck, but apparently you think this is in the same class as COPO Camaros or Chevelles and who knows what else so what would we be the point? Since you did not take the information that was given to you because you think it is something special, what was your thought on how much it was worth? Oh by the way I have been collecting 1947/55 chevrolet/GMC's for over thirty years and have 6 Suburbans/canopy expresses now. I attend several swap meets a year, post hundreds of craigslist listings for everyone to view, read countless books on the subject and I still think I am learning. I would never say I was an expert, because I am not! And your contribution to this site is ..... | | | | | | OLTrucks Unregistered | | OLTrucks Unregistered | This truck appears to be factory built and not made up from assorted parts. The gentleman owned the truck for a long time and the family was told it was ordered by the Navy this way and that there were less than 100 built. That must be one of those rare 1953 truck small block V8s too tucked in in the engine bay less then one made I hear (not sure if it was made for the Navy). | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 443 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 443 | Since you asked for an opinion, I will give you mine. It is just my opinion.I looked at the pictures & before I read any of the comments here, I figured it for about $1,200.00 in the condition it is in.
You can always put it on EBay & have a minimum reserve for what you think you should get for it. If the market supports your thought on the price it will sell. If the reserve is to high you won't sell it for that price & you don't have to accept the low bids. That way you can either lower the reserve and try again or keep it.
1957 Chevrolet 1/2-ton Stepside LB in the Gallery My Photobucket shots The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873) | | | | | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,602 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,602 |
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 | It was originally owned by the Navy. So therefore it was built for the Navy with the V8 in 53. But,,,the original engine goes with it. Werent the first V8's from Chevrolet built in 1955? Are those frame rails sticking out past the tailgate?
Somethin aint right. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 443 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 443 | Werent the first V8's from Chevrolet built in 1955?
Somethin aint right. I am almost 100% sure that is correct, 1955 was when Chevrolet started using V8's to compete with the Fords.
1957 Chevrolet 1/2-ton Stepside LB in the Gallery My Photobucket shots The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873) | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | GMONIZ, Where in any of my posts did I doubt any of the info you gave or say that I thought the truck was special and worth more than your estimate? I used the comparison with the COPO cars to show that things out of the ordinary do happen. CLETIS said the truck was never built. I'm just going by what the family said. Then there are the smart (alecks) who insinuated that I claimed the V8 was part of the Navy special order. I never said that. I did say the original engine went with it and assumed you would know it was a 6. Once again I'm sorry I wasted everyone's time.
Last edited by cletis; 04/24/2009 2:26 AM. Reason: language
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I don't ask for information unless I'm willing to take ALL that is said..then sort it out and come to my own conclusion.
That said, this truck could have had many many modifications made to it for any number of reasons.
There is always some sort of exceptions, or so someone will say, but if someone says "so and so" we do not need to believe it unless there is documentation, documentation, documentation.....and then believe half what you see/hear/read.
Once its bought its yours and nothing is more depressing than to find out what you have is not what you think. If the family is so sure about it then what documentation did THEY have????? Someones word on it?
Personally, I have never seen two stake pockets on the front of a bed but then I have not see a lot of things. They're probably for two side mount spares required by the Navy??
Move onnnnnnnnn........... | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 | ...I'm sorry I wasted everyone's time. No waste of time, just a lot of questions about what is apparently a 3600 bed on a 3800 frame with 3100 axles. It does look as if it is sitting at a salvage facility, and different flags pop up in our heads when such an item is posted by such a new member of our forum. It appears from the pictures to be a truck made from several trucks. I knew you meant the original engine comes with it, not in it. I'm sorry if you were offended, but we're being cautious before giving the story our stamp of approval. I don't see where they say the running boards are spliced - it looks like there is something laying on the running board, though. | | | | | | OLTrucks Unregistered | | OLTrucks Unregistered | Well put 54TOW, I may be just a bit overboard when I see a conglomeration of parts bolted or welded together. I tend to walk on the stock side of the lot. I must admit I can be a smart (aleck)at times. Sorry to come off the wrong way {I really did have a :)}.
Mike
Last edited by cletis; 04/24/2009 5:45 AM. Reason: language
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 493 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 493 | You haven't wasted any ones time that wasn't curious enough to find out what you wanted to know. I enjoyed looking at the photos. It would not be out of the question for the Navy to modify a truck after they purchased it. They would have used it for several years and if they need to modify it isn't above them to do it. The going price in Mississippi would be in the price range that was given but I think their could be some regional differences. Watch some trucks on e-bay and see what they are selling for out there. I watch Antique Road Show enough to know that family legend isn't always spot on. Heck my wife still can't get the story right on my truck. I am curious about the radio in the dash it doesn't look to be an AD radio but looks like it fits the hole. Could you tell me what brand it is? Don't go away. There is probably someone out there that has more info on what it is. It does look like running boards were spliced and my guess is that bed wasn't shipped on the truck. But that is a WAG on my part. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 422 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 422 | Another observation of this truck, why would the Navy or anyone order a 1/2 ton with a long bed when a 3/4 ton could be bought with a long bed? Also, if the factory would have put a long bed on a 1/2 ton I am sure they would have used the 3/4 running boards rather than splicing the 1/2 ton running boards. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | ...I'm sorry I wasted everyone's time. No waste of time, just a lot of questions about what is apparently a 3600 bed on a 3800 frame with 3100 axles. It does look as if it is sitting at a salvage facility, and different flags pop up in our heads when such an item is posted by such a new member of our forum. It appears from the pictures to be a truck made from several trucks. I knew you meant the original engine comes with it, not in it. I'm sorry if you were offended, but we're being cautious before giving the story our stamp of approval. I don't see where they say the running boards are spliced - it looks like there is something laying on the running board, though. The gentleman who died owned a repair shop. That is where the truck is. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | David is right on the clues concerning the trucks non-originality - the double stake pockets make it a 9' bed I believe, meaning a one ton chassis, but it has 6 bolt wheels [late model wide rims too], meaning a 1/2T axle, which as Cletis points out couldn't have been a longbox, besides which no GM truck will have 6-12" of frame horns sticking out past the tail gate, so the chassis is even too long for the longest box looks very much like a 1ton flat deck that's been extensively modified sometime by someone, regardless of who the original purchaser was - I'd say if the conversion was well done and it runs and drives it'd be worth 500-1500 to the right person, otherwise it's a parts truck  Bill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | I just got off the phone with the nephew of the man who owned this truck. His uncle had told the family over the years that this was a special built vehicle for the Navy. Since he was a military vehicle buff and owned other military vehicles they had no reason to question what he said. Now that he is gone, that is the only information they have to go on. I have only known these people for a week since I was asked by friends to help them get rid of the vehicles. I don't disagree with the assessment that has been made of this truck on this forum. It does look like a combination of vehicles. I do disagree that it never could have been built by Chevrolet as I believe anything was possible back then. Whether this is one of those trucks or not I don't know. Without any supporting documentation the truck is worth what someone will pay. The family realizes this.
Last edited by cletis; 04/24/2009 7:01 AM. Reason: removed for sale offer
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | One question that could solve the problem, What's the build tag (vin number) on the left hand door post? Then put the number in HERE. This is in the TECH TIPS section. Here's some simple research information on VIN NUMBERS Your "original six cylinder" engine has casting numbers that will reveal info too. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 33 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 33 | As a car dealer, I have spent alot of time, energy and resources on vehicles like this hoping for a happy ending for someone. If you analyze what it would take to restore this vehicle to operational, to nicely driveable, and to show condition you will llikely realize that the parts offer is authentic. This has too many areas to spend money on. You may consider taking offers complete or for parts and compare. One thing is for sure. The first offer may be the only buyer and I would advise that you listen to their offer as they may be the market for this truck. If the seller can afford to sit on it, a bit or organization along with a for sale sign could be productive.
Last edited by cletis; 04/24/2009 7:02 AM. Reason: language
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 | The vehicle ID plate in the door jam will identify when and where the cab originated, along with the body style. Counting the number of springs will usually tell you the load limit, too. On the original engine, there should be a number stamped into the raised area next to the distributor. This is what most states used back then used for the VIN number. It will also tell you the year of manufacture and cubic inch displacement of the engine. What looks like a seam in the running board may well be a rust streak from where the stake pocket drains down. What looks like frame sticking out may be a custom hitch or step bumper. Better pictures will show if it is indeed frame, or merely bolted to the frame. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | Thanks for the tips. I'm waiting for a call back from a family member with the VIN. If they can't find some paper work tonight I will go to the shop tomorrow and get it off the truck myself. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 131 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 131 | David is right on the clues concerning the trucks non-originality - the double stake pockets make it a 9' bed I believe, meaning a one ton chassis, but it has 6 bolt wheels [late model wide rims too], meaning a 1/2T axle, which as Cletis points out couldn't have been a longbox, besides which no GM truck will have 6-12" of frame horns sticking out past the tail gate, so the chassis is even too long for the longest box looks very much like a 1ton flat deck that's been extensively modified sometime by someone, regardless of who the original purchaser was - I'd say if the conversion was well done and it runs and drives it'd be worth 500-1500 to the right person, otherwise it's a parts truck Bill My only comment is: that is not a 9 foot bed. It may have started out that way. but 9' beds extend beyond the rear fenders. - I have seen this happen too many times where people cut a 9 foot bed short  . Can't wait to see the VIN 
1952 Chevy 3804My 1952 in the Gallery The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats | | Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 | I see it as another frankentruk conglomeration of parts. I would guess it has a value between $500 and $800 as a parts truck or beater (if it could be easily made to run)
Everyone wants to hear that their truck/car/barn find is worth a mint. Reality is cruel that way, and unless it was a 53 corvette stored on blocks under a padded car cover in an air-conditioned basement since new, it isnt worth a mint.
For contrast I got my first 5-window fully unassembled for free, and that was 2 years ago when the economy was good. Old Navy was selling their floor trucks (more frankentruk AD's) for highest bidder, in some cases that was $300, in others it was $1500 (depending on completeness and quality of the chrome)
The reality of the truck is that it is not a diamond in the rough, and the vin check will show that. I would say advertise it for $1000 OBO and take the first offer above $700 or be prepared to store it for a while
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 679 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2006 Posts: 679 | The value is exactly what a willing buyer would give to a willing seller. If you don't agree with the offer, find a more willing buyer to get the value up. If it is a one-of-a-kind, or nearly so, your best bet is an appraiser. Bring your documentation to prove your case.
This applies to ANY item, whether a violin or a bolt.
As far as "wasting time", each gave time on their own terms. You wasted no one's.
Time to get back to my violin, er, 'bolt...
Bill | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | ...mmm, still waiting on that vehicle identification number.
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 321 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 321 | unless this thing come with documentation supporting the unique nature (i.e., military special order) and validated by a vin, this could be a real buy or just another bitsabolt.
also there is no conceivable way that this truck is a 3800 unless they took a 9' bed and chopped it to fit a half ton which still wouldn't be long enough to support a 3600 bed, which is what this one looks like. if a chop occurred on a 3800 bed to fit a 3600 size, this one done way too well in comparison with the rest of the truck.
i would be willing to believe that this is a long bed half ton long before anything else. the six bolt lugs support that but without knowing if the axle was swapped, there is no way of knowing for sure.
looks to be a good project truck but no diamond in the rough unless it can be verified.
$500.00-800.00.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | Sorry, I didn't get the VIN yesterday. My cousin passed away suddenly and I didn't have time. I will try to get it today. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | Just talked with the owners nephew and had him give me the information on the title. It is an older California "pink slip."
The VIN is LCC66446. Body type is 32P. Unladen weight is 3400 lbs.
I put the VIN in the decoder on this website and it says it's a suburban of unknown year. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | that VIN number is what was used back then, the engine number not the GM "vin" .... 32P is a CA designation, prolly just meaning "pickup truck" .... what you really need is the info off the ID tag on the truck itself
Bill | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 | Also get some more pictures if you can: The ID tag in the door jamb, The running boards, a picture of the spring pack(or just count the # of leaves), pics of how the step/hitch is attached to the frame, and pics of the driver's side running board(see if the rust streak is a weld, or just from water runoff) | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 | Regardless of the story, and as others have said, the truck is easily worth $1000.00+ in parts alone. There will always be a disparity between the price one asks when selling a truck, and the price someone is willing to pay. I agree totally with the valuation in the first post by GMONIZ. Without sufficient documentation, or pictures of a similar truck in use by the Air Force, it is hard to go past the $1,800 mark. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 30 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 829 | I would have the family test the water with $1750 asking price. With no ID tag, it's bad news being able to pin both the year and body style(gross vehicle weight) down accurately. A buyer should be wary(with good reason) to believe that the 'original' x engine goes with x truck when it's not in the truck. Then there's the frame and bed, which for all intents and purposes are 3/4 ton. It looks like there are 10(?) springs in front, and 7(?) in the rear. There's just too many flags to tell what's what. A good cab and doors will sell for about $500+, a good front clip(fenders, hood, grille, and bumper)will get at least $500 if not more, and a good 3/4 ton bed will also sell for at least $500. Sadly - parting it out might be the way to get the most money for it, but that's how it is. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Unless you have money you "don't need" I think I would pass unless the price is dropped down to...say $750. There is a LOT of work to do on this truck and the $500 you "save" will certainly help to get it off to a good start.
Like everyone else I'm very interested in what the final outcome will be. Just be sure to use your head and not your heart when negotiating. Last but not least don't get into a "war" with the owners to the point you think you have to prove to them you can buy it. Let it be the other way around....am I making sense??? | | |
|
|
