The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Value of a Restored '49 GMC 1-Ton

Folks,

I'm considering purchasing a restored (probably 95% done) 1949 GMC 1-ton with the 5 window delux cab, 9 foot bed, rear bumper, etc. Great looking truck.

I fully get it that these trucks are not as popular as the 1/2 ton Chevys, etc. How much would you guess this thing is worth? I would really appreciate some input. Seller claims to have nearly $40k in it. Full restoration 5 years ago. Is it worth half that? What would you pay?

Thanks for your help. I know this is a very subjective question. Could use some advice though.

Marc

Is it a stepside bed? You know it's hard to tell without actually looking at it. If you posted any available pics, others might be able to give some more thorough feedback.

Also check out the tech tip What's my truck worth? That will give a good head start on figuring a value.

Hi Dave - thanks for the input. Check out a few pictures here: http://marcandvelma.smugmug.com/Trucks/All-Photos/13942121_7DixP

I appreciate any/all comments.
Thanks,
Marc

My nickle's worth and I'm no expert. No advice but just my thoughts. If he has 40 grand in it 5 years ago he paid top hourly rate and top prices and had every bit of the work done by someone else. If he drove it in and said "fix it" I do not doubt the 40K. However, I personally would not pay even half that(20K) unless I wanted it REAL bad and had DEEP pockets.
There are some nice trucks out there, upgraded for safety, for a lot less money.
I have a friend who purchased a fully restored 40's model for 16K and its a beauty.

Unless you want THAT truck I'd see what I could buy for the same money...or less money.

I'm sure others have differing opinions but that is mine.
Another question is these current pictures or some he took from 5 years ago? Pictures can hide a thousand sins.

Hope I haven't offended anyone.

I hear you and appreciate the thoughts. I think the truck can be purchased for right about $20k. I tried real hard to come up with $40k worth of costs in a restoration but had a hard time reaching that number...

Regardless of what's in it in terms of cost, my budget is under $20k so I couldn't even go that high. My big fear is I buy a $20k 1-ton and then every last human being on earth only wants a 1/2 ton for more than $10k and I'm out a bunch of money. Probably a bad way of looking at a hobby. Hobbies cost money and that's that I guess.

These are the only pics I have from the seller and they are about a year and a half old. I am trying to get a few more. Lots of homework to do still. Hoping the chassis and interior look as clean as the exterior.

Thanks,
Marc

I agree with Alvin on the 40 grand total:: he took it to a overpriced restoration shop and gave them a blank check.

Hang on to your 10 - 15,000 and spend some time shopping around till you find something that really catches your eye,,at a down to earth price. Theyre out there. Be patient.
Good Luck,

Does the seller has an asking price? Or just trying to show how much money he/she spent on it so you'll start with a high bid? NADA Classic Truck Price Guide gives it a HIGH retail price of $28,400.

Like everyone else has said, you know your budget. You can shop around. You can find just as good a Bolt for $10-15k.

Dave, asking is $26,900 but I think for right at $20k the seller would let it go. Hard to say what it is really worth right now because all I have are the three pics I posted. The owner is on vacation and I'm hoping to get more pics and info later. Apparently has a little bit of damage on right front fender. The interior is carpeted (I prefer rubber) and it has custome door panels (I prefer everything stock).

I feel that for anything near $20k for a 1-ton, the truck needs to be nearly perfect. I really prefer a 3/4 ton or 1 ton over the 1/2 tons. The 1/2 tons are great but I prefer the less common bigger trucks.

Do you guys think that even at 18k to 20k it is still overpriced?

Thanks,
Marc

for anything being 20k needs to be perfect regardless of size and this one isnt. if it were me id pass and look for something else. how's the motor? looks good on the outside but whats inside? i think if you are unable to see this truck, touch this truck, hear and drive this truck you should not spend a nickel.
i think your looking for a enabling answer to buy this thing. if you really want buy it but then theyre are plenty other good trucks out there like was stated earlier for a much lower price. dont get wrapped up on all the lipstick, underneath its still a pig

I'm going to ask for more pictures and clarification on various items. Ultimately, if I do buy it, the price will have to come down substantially and I'll need another 50 pics to look at... Then a trip out to drive the truck if the pics and answers are ok. This is hard. Tough to find the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks out there in really good restored to stock condition. I don't really have the time or knowledge to take on a restoration project so sort of at the mercy of finding one that is at least 90% of the way done and at a reasonable price.
Thanks,
Marc

look in the "trucks for sale" section of the site here. its probably the best place you can look to find somthing your looking for, condition and price. also post in the trucks wanted setion listing what your looking for and what your looking to spend. instead of you looking it might find you

Old car price guide shows $19,000 for a #1 & $13,300 in # 2 condition. You say it has body damage & not original type interior it would be #2 or less. With the economy the way it is these things are not selling like they used to. I think the price is way off. He is burried in it & wants someone to bail him out. Where are guys like you when I try to sell one of mine?
This is just my 2 cents worth.

Marc,

If it were my money, and I was already questioning the integrity of his answers (I could dump 40K on a restoration of my 1ton if I bought every wrench, socket, impact, jack, special tool, welder, etc. from the snap on man and paid someone else to use them) I'd keep looking. I think he's fishing for a sucker to bite. Good condition stock trucks are out there, but you have to look, and be ready to move when you find one. I found my 1 ton, DRW stakebed on a farm in Kansas for $650. fresh gas, points, condenser, and plugs and it ran like a top! It had some dents, but it was a farm truck. But no major problems. I drove it for a year before I began the restoration and it was always dependable, fired right off, and except for a few misc items that were broke or not functioning due to is 60+ years as a farm truck, solid as a rock! probably should have just fixed those and hit the road, but I needed a hobby. Tell my wife it keeps me out of the bars! Watch craigslist in the midwest area, they are still out there.

George (wrenchbender ret.) is right on the mark.

Guys - thanks for all the responses. Agreed that the price is way too high. I'm waiting for the seller to return home from vacation and take a few dozen pics of the truck to send me. With those on hand I'll compile a thorough list of questions and concerns. If we can agree on a fair price, I'll come back to the forum with pictures and some questions. In the meantime, I will keep looking...

I appreciate the help.
Thanks,
Marc

Looks like $22k to me, if it is 100% steel, not putty over rust, and only if the engine is perfecly rebuilt. Any "modern upgrades" decrease the value in my opinion. CD player, cloth seat, etc. The color of the inner fenders in incorrect, the chrome loom on the tail lamps is cheesy, and the small tires set off alarm bells for me. This is all subjective, of course. I will have over $50k in my truck when it's done, mostly in NOS parts. I will never get it back, but that's not the point

NOS - thanks for the input. Still waiting on the seller to return home from vacation and take/email me pics...

I would really like to own a one ton one of these days but have to finish my GMC project first. I don't think a price in the 20,000 dollar range (+ or -)for a restored truck like that one is bad at all. This truck just sold, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290589290006&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
and it was unrestored. Now add the nessesary body work (cab corners and floor pans), paint, have the engine gone through, tires, interior, chrome and a stack of receipts from Carters and American Classic and you are going to be right there in no time. Especially if someone else does all the work.
Its a beautiful truck thats for sure. It may not be 100% original but that wouldn't bother me too much. You have to remember in the end, and this advice is given quite a bit around here, its what it is worth to you and what you are willing to pay for it.
Keep us posted on how this plays out.
Best of luck.