'59 GMC Fleet Option,What to do,what to do???

[olsofti]

I just aquired my latest project,now I'm having a terrible time trying to decide what to do with it.
From what I can find it seems to be pretty rare and other than the wheels (I have them also) it is completely stock.
Normally I would install a later model drivetrain and suspension and make it a hotrod,but I'm having a hard time with this one.

What do you people think?

[dwcsr]

I've only seen a handful of these trucks. As much as we like to hotrod this series I would do a bone stock restoration if it were mine.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

I've only seen a handful of these trucks. As much as we like to hotrod this series I would do a bone stock restoration if it were mine.

I got to agree with dwcsr, they are rather rare.

[olsofti]

Your truck is coming right along,close to the stock color as mine.
I haven't got to work on it lately,weather and home repairs because of it, has got me way behind.

[digitalarts]

I was lucky in the fact that a large portion of the work done to mine was traded out. I did the guy a logo, website, sign, some printed vinyl to decorate his truck, etc. It looks as if he wants more stuff so maybe my old 52 Chevy panel will get some love next! My skill level with body and paint is okay, but since these fleeters are so rare I wanted to do it to a higher level than I have time for.

As far as your truck, I think your are starting with a better one than mine was!
I'm still hunting for a 270 six to go in mine. Right now it has a 235 chebby.

[DADZ59]

Olsofti,

You should really keep it original and restore it. Digitalarts is the only one I know being restored to original. My 59 was at one time, then my Dad started changing things. I am trying to make it as close as I can with some upgrades: power steering, power front disc brakes, under the bed fuel tank, 350 engine and tranny and differental. I have some access to parts during the "Hot August Nights" swap meet. I have some photos of what mine use to look like. Now she is just frame. Stay in touch (775) 560-7145. Email at headhunters55@aol.com

"Gunny"

[70gmcjimmy]

I think you should give it to me and take the stress off of yourself making this difficult decision! :-)

Just my opinion since it is so close to original, I would go that route, but it is your truck so do what ever is your preference!

I can't help on what is best to do financially, because my GMC's are a part of my family so it doesn't matter if what I do to them will help or hurt their value.

Later---DAC

[OrrieG]

Do what you want with it but if you don't want a stock one, consider selling or trading it for one in similar condition but not as rare to someone who would restore it. If you don't think you can find one with as good of body, interior, etc. then keep all the fleet option stuff together for someone that can use it. I don't think the fleet option was serial or data plate specific so it could be put on any 1/2 or 3/4 ton 58 or 59 TF.

[olsofti]

Thanks for the input guys.

That's what I was thinking too.

I may repair the mechanical problems and get it more roadworthy and try to trade it for a 55-6-7 which I prefer anyway.
I'll have to see how things develop.

[speesh]

this is unusual, why does it only have 2 headlights? what is a "fleet" model, anyway?

[JML55]

I think those fleet series GMC trucks have some unique features that needs to be shown and preserved. Single headlight, Chevy dash with GMC script in it and the mesh grill.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by speesh

this is unusual, why does it only have 2 headlights? what is a "fleet" model, anyway?

They were designed for the fleet market, companies that bought lots of trucks (think utility companies, light freight companies, larger contractors, etc.) where price was absolute bottom line, not looks. In addition to the mesh grille, single headlight, cheaper bumper, only one interior color was offered, exterior colors were limited, no exterior trim tags. If you were buying say 50 trucks and saved $200 each that was a big deal in 58-59. The first one I ever saw around here I thought it had been damaged in the front and the guy made his own grille and went cheap on the headlight and bumpers. Kind of like the white Chevy W/T trucks today with the white body, black trim, painted wheels, base engine and drivetrain.

[dwcsr]

Here is some good info
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/page0287.html

[Bigblue29]

Very cool. I have never seen them before. Thanks for the link Dwcsr!

[Cyrus]

I, too, would probably do the "bone stock resto" on this, if it were mine. That being said, there's probably very little that you can, or will do to this truck that COULDN'T be UN-DONE! Have fun with it, make it yours, but make sure you keep whatever you remove for a future restoration, or someone else looking to do the same.

[55dude]

forest service ordered tons of their trucks that way. the first one i bought i thought it had been modified until the guy produced the original order form. then pictures of it being delivered to him as a young ranger. it had a snow plow bolted to the front that was delivered sitting in the bed from the local dealership. that truck netted a tidy profit when it found a new home.

[vwjohnny]

Wow does this post ever sound like a familiar one. I had these issues after rescuing my old '59 out of the desert. I made mine road ready with a new seat, lowered it a bit, and put new wood in the bed and use it for Home Depot runs and to haul my dirtbike to the desert. If it's not what you want... build something else. Either way it's a very cool truck that will get lots of attention. Good luck.

[olsofti]

Good Lookin' truck Johnny!
I've been doing some mechanical repairs brakes,fuel delivery,and some odds and ends. I think if I go slowly and don't spend a lot of cash that maybe I'll keep it stock.

[digitalarts]

Olsofti, I have one of these too! I am looking for some parts so let me know if you rod it and get rid of the stock components. Personally, I'd keep it stock if I were you! It's a pretty rare truck.

[digitalarts]

Here is a very recent pic of my Fleet truck. The seafoam green is the original color but I two toned it like a custom cab truck. You have a rare truck there! Have you worked on it any or decided a route to take with the restoration?

[dwcsr]

Very nice keep us posted on progress

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

Neat old truck there is one in a boneyard about 25 miles form here. Jay

[olsofti]

That's a nice truck,I like the colors you chose.
I haven't gotten to work on it much lately.So far I'm keeping it stock.

[mike16]

if you deside to hot rod it let me know. I desparatly need the 3 speed steering column and linkage please!

[olsofti]

No problem,Mike. Keepin' it stock for now.