1959 GMC ShortBed

[rancidbones]

I'm new to the boards and have to say this site is fantastic.

I just picked up a 59 GMC ShortBed Small Back Window for $800. It is Missing the bed and has the normal rusted out places. This will be my first ever frame off restoration...and first restoration period. I've painted a lot of cars and motorcycles so I have that part behind me and thats it.

This weekend and next week I will start taking it down to the frame. I have one question. What changes / improvements to the truck can I do to get the best return on my investment? I will do all the patching / body work / paint / airbrushing my self. I plan on replacing the engine / trans / rear / no matter what.

I ask because I just wanted to know that if I added say a IRS - Corvette rear and IFS - Corvette front end would I just be wasting the money or would it add value to the truck? Stuff like that you know what I mean? I need to find this kinda stuff out because...my Finance Department (Wife) is asking me these questions lol.

I can do what I want to an extent but I just need to justify it. I promise pics will follow and I will inlcude the wish list of things I will be doing here shortly.

Thanks in advance for the responses and I'm proud to a part of the 1950's truck club now!

[Igotachevyor2]

[58 gmc]

Welcome from OKC, just build the truck like you want it and people will love it, gotta love those four holers! oh and where are the pics, keep us updated on the progress.

[Coronas56]

Just tell the wife what she what to hear. P.S. SEND ME UP SOME Round Rock dounuts........

[dwcsr]

one bit of advice, don't buy anything until your ready to put it on the truck. I buy and sell a lot of truck parts and the main place I get them is from guys that for example bought an IFS for 1500 -2000 and never put it on because they lost interest. I just bought a a rbs obsolete 55-59 truck front clip for $500 its a 1500 item for that very reason.

Second it keep in mind that at a certain point you will never get your money back when you want to sell it.

A Vette suspension sure would add to the value but also starts you in the direction of a high sale price to get your money back. There are cheaper ways to get a nice ride.

[rancidbones]

Thanks for the advice yall. I have been looking for beds a stuff like that and just don't seem to find anything. Ebay has some stuff but I'm allways a little leary.

I will be takeing pics Saturday so I will try and see if I can figure out how to post em.

If anybody has a bed they would like to sell let me know. In a perfect world I'd like to find a Fleetside bed.

[orgalmeister]

I just bought a a rbs obsolete 55-59 truck front clip for $500 its a 1500 item for that very reason.

Are you going to sell that RB's clip?

[rancidbones]

Just wanted to drop in a progress pic. I'll have more pics in today.
I did find a fleetside shortbed so I'm going to try and pick it up. The guy wants $700 for it and says it only has surface rust and no tailgate. Do you all think that is a fair price? Let me know since I'm new to this.

[chevyrestoguy]

Great truck for a project! And yes, $700 is an extremely good deal for a fleetside bed, as long as it's not too dented up. If memory serves me correctly, I think repop fleetside tailgates are available through most any truck parts supplier (Brothers, LMC, etc).

What do you have in mind for drivetrain, color, and wheels?

[rancidbones]

Was going to post some pics but I need to re-charge the camera.

I want to do black with true fire. Not sure what wheels but I'm sure it will be the traditional 5 spoke look. Found an 87' Corvette rolling chassis that is local that I will pick up this Tuesday I think. Will use the front and rear out of that.
Anybody ever see or hear of someone moding a Corvette frame to fit a 55-59 truck? Don't know if it is possible but just wanted to ask.
I'm at the point of pulling the straight six and then I will remove the cab. I need to figure out how to make the cab dollies I've seen people using on this site. Once I get it all a part I will start all the body work.

One quick question to you all. Would it be wrong to fit a 55 grill into a 59 front clip? I have a good idea on how to do it and just wantedd to get some opinions on it.

[Coronas56]

Say a guy in Georgetown has some on craigslist. talked to him last month, another guy in New Braunfels has parts....

[CAL 58 GMC]

Welcome!! By the way, has only told you we all like pictures?

[DavesRide]

From my measly stand point of never built a full custom front end nor rear end other. I have however watched many a fellow do it. You gotta love watever you spend and do to your ride. It's kinda like singing in a band. Sing other peoples songs and love it or hate it it for what it is. Write your own song and hope everyone loves it or lose your ass wasting time and money trying to make it happen. Just make sure you are smiling which ever way you decide to do it.

[Dusty4]

I found a trailer made from the bed I needed. Since then, I've spotted several others, parked in driveways or farmers yards. Keep your eyes open when cruising around, and maybe spread the word at local hotrod clubs. Dusty

[rancidbones]

I'm going to try and check out what the guys in Georgetown and NB have available. Thanks again for the info.
I will have pics Sunday. I would have had them today but my jack is busted and I had to get one. I need to move the truck around a little to get better pics.

CAL 58 GMC, what type of rear suspension is that called you have early in your build post? You had leaf springs and it is bagged. It would help me search out more info on the net if I knew what it is called.

Thanks again to all that have posted here so far. The build is about to start and I can't wait!

[northerngmc]

Welcome, always nice to see another 59 GMC on the board.

Money return wise a good investment would be to swap in a big back window.

If you want front factory signal lights start looking now as they aren't reproduced and NOS on eBay sell for upwards of $1000.

Build it and enjoy it.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Nice work on the paint! Whats the paint thinner can for?

[entourageguy]

Looks like an aux fuel tank to me.

Brian ....

[rancidbones]

Took the seat out and cleaned the floor some to look for rust thru -

[DavesRide]

I would be tickled to death to have a truck that solid to work with.

[rancidbones]

Ya I was kinda worried about the floors so I took out the seat and was surprised.

I've cleaned up the garage some just need to organize it now. I will start tearing it down tomorrow. I will not be doing a restoration to original so I will probably have parts to sell or trade.
My main search right now is for a swb fleetside bed. Not sure how hard it's going to be to find one but I have a while before I need the bed.

[Kim57]

Rancid
My opinion is that its your truck and you should do what you want to it.
That sounds like it would look cool if done properly.
Kim

[1-ton of fun]

it would only be wrong if you can't get it to fit right. otherwise, chop away!

i can send you some pics of my cab dolly, built out of wood in about an hour...

[rancidbones]

1-Ton can you send me a pic of that sounds like a good idea.

Just wanted to drop a progress pic in. I got the truck turned into the garage and it frees up some room. I just gotta get the engine out and cab off and then I'm off to the races!

[rancidbones]

Just picked up an 87' Corvette rolling chassis with a Dana 44. I'll take pics after I come back from a short vacation.