The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre New 53 GMC 1 Ton in Los Angeles

I just purchased a 1953 GMC 1 Ton, or so the guy claimed, a couple of weeks ago. The original door tag was replaced by the DMV, so I don't know the serial number and I have not pulled any numbers off the block or anywhere else yet. I am young and not very experienced with these trucks. I have owned a few old cars and done some of the work on them but I am by no means an expert mechanic but I am pretty handy. I am hoping this site will help me when I get stuck.
I bought my truck off a guy here in southern california. I got a real good deal on the truck. It is in pretty good shape but needs some work done to it. The pictures below make the truck look better than it is. It was running when I bought it, in fact I drove it home, on the freeway! I was in the slow lane and it took a long time but I just sat back and enjoyed it. There was a little bump and steer going on so I will have to look at the suspension. It won't start with out a jump, so I have some work to do. There are other various odds and ends to deal with. My goal is to get it running reliably and drive her almost every day. I have a short commute to work, 6 miles, and I would love to use this truck. Eventually I will do a more exensive restoration but for now I just want to have a fun truck to drive.

I already have a bunch of questions and have found the answers to some of them on these forums. Hopefully I will be able to find answers to my other questions.

here is a link to the pictures. That's my Dad in one of them.

1953 GMC 1 Ton

Welcome SoloLobo, this is the BEST site you could have picked. Remember, we are not all "experts" around here either. We learn from each other and our "tribal elders" who are willing to teach us young, and old guys, a thing or two. There are several young men around here doing exactly what you are.

Good luck on the GMC. You will find lots of help and knowledge here. Best advice it to try always post your questions in the most appropiate forum for the best results. Thanks for the picture.....and it runs! Your way ahead for that reason only.
Good luck.

Welcome. Around here, the DMV would be in trouble if it removed an original door tag and replaced it. I wonder why they did that to your truck. Anyway, I hope you can get her to run and drive smoothly, just go through everything carefully. If you run stuck, be sure to ask.

Leo

Thanks Guys. Looking forward to getting my hands dirty.

That's a nice looking truck! Welcome to the Bolt.

If your truck still has the 6 volt electrical system, see if your battery cables are heavy enough and all the connections are clean. The lightweight cables you get at the hardware store won't cut it with 6 volts. You need good heavy ones--0 or 00 gauge. That may be the root of your starting problem.

Thanks for the tip, I have ordered some new cables, just waiting for them to come in. I also plan on pulling the starter and taking a look at it.

Welcome to the site. Thats a pretty good looking truck you have there ! Enjoy

That is a good looking truck, congratulations! In case you were wondering, 1951 1 Tons are the best!