'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.

[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.

[Jebb1978]

Awesome thread! Mine started life as a fleet option. My Dad grafted a Camaro clip on it in the early 90's and took a lot of the parts off as we also misunderstood what it was. I think this was the disappointing fate of many fleet options. I didn't see any reason to try to find all the rare parts if my frame was already altered so I changed the cab and all on mine. Still think they are super cool though! Looks like everything is there, cool truck!

[entourageguy]

Originally Posted by Jebb1978

Awesome thread! Mine started life as a fleet option. My Dad grafted a Camaro clip on it in the early 90's and took a lot of the parts off as we also misunderstood what it was. I think this was the disappointing fate of many fleet options. I didn't see any reason to try to find all the rare parts if my frame was already altered so I changed the cab and all on mine. Still think they are super cool though! Looks like everything is there, cool truck!

Hey Jebb
Wow nice to see you drop by and post ...

I just had a look and see you've been posting on other forums ............

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by entourageguy

Hey Jebb
Wow nice to see you drop by and post ...

I just had a look and see you've been posting on other forums ............

Hi!
Still lurk here too, just had to kick the 59 out of the garage for a while and haven't done much on it. Be back in full swing soon I hope.....

[lonelywanderer]

this is pretty cool, never seen a fleet one before down here.