47-59 Truck Purchase Guidance Sought

[Father&son56project]

I’m looking for a little guidance and advice here (and yes, I’ve done my searches!). Here’s the story:

My son owns a heritage masonry company (think old stone structures), and he would like to get an old pickup truck for advertising purposes, as well as being able to occasionally drop stuff off at his job sites. He has a late model truck for heavy work, he just wants an old truck for himself that can do the occasional drop off, a little advertising, and can also be used for cruise nights and fun. A dump box would be super useful for him, and the added benefit of this is that demand here in Ontario is very low for those things, and the price certainly reflects this. Most of the ones we have seen appear to be 1 tons, with a 9 foot bed and there are some real bargains to be had, particularly GMC’s in the AD series.

I’ve done original restorations as well as restomods, so bodywork and mechanical work is within my abilities, but my concern is more focussed on parts (mechanical, not body parts). I checked some supplier catalogues, and while ½ and ¾ ton parts seem fairly plentiful, there is often no mention of 1 ton trucks.

So the guidance I’m after from my fellow members on this site is focussed on parts availability (GMC vs Chevrolet), as well as unique features that 1 ton trucks have that may be a problem if they are not working properly. I’ve had a previous build where many of the parts were not available, and it was frustrating to endlessly search for stuff that just can’t be found. Also, we are in Canada where prices are at a minimum double those of the States.

Any general observations or words of wisdom for us?

[leegreen]

An AD 1 ton is going to have super low gears and ride like a hay wagon. So if your son's mission is met at 50 Kmh with no power steering, brakes from the '40s and a noisy hard to shift transmission then a stocker in road worthy shape may work out. Parts are out there but difficult to source, I'd look for a running driving example.

Upgrades from there tend to escalate quickly, swapping to a newer rear axle and transmission +/- an engine upgrade is pretty easy, but that leaves you with the weak front brakes and probably miss matched wheel bolt patterns. You can convert front to disk, but with limited bolt pattern choices. And you still have no power steering. Cost and effort goes up and if your keeping it capable of hauling some load, you can't really spend your way to faster completion as most kits are more light duty oriented.

If the mission for the truck is described as dually dump box more or less keeping up with traffic I'd look for something newer. A medium duty truck from late 50s or 60s would be pretty attention getting. LCF version even more so.

[nvrdone]

I'm not sure how close you are to Yakima WA, but facebook market place shows 5 1.5 ton AD series trucks, all with tilt beds and in various conditions.
If Yakima is too far, check Facebook market place in farming areas closer to you. Body and interior parts should be interchangeable from lighter duty AD's. For the drivetrain how about A diesel with a 5 speed trans & a 2 speed rear axle?. Good luck.

[Father&son56project]

Thanks guys! You've confirmed what I suspected to be the case. He wants something that's obviously very old looking (TF, AD, 48-56 Ford/Merc) for the advertising aspect, and my inclination was to stick to 1/2 or 3/4 tons primarily for ease of parts. I think we will keep looking for the smaller stuff in our area (3,848 km east of Yakima!).

[dsraven]

what about using a big truck body, since they are already wider in the fenders and longer in the hood ( I think longer?) and then do a frame swap with a late model 1 ton that has the driveline you would like. if you want a flat deck with a hydraulic tilt then look for that in a donor truck. if it's a dump box you're after then look for that in a donor. personally i would use a task force truck because it likely has a little more room inside for feet etc, but I have not verified that. if it is the older, rounder body style he likes then look for an AD truck. I would find the donor that has what you want and then use the floor and firewall from that (with the body mounts, seat mounts, etc) as a base to place the old cab on top of. the old cab will likely need work in that area anyway.
just my 2 cents
what is 3,848 km converted to miles? haha

[leegreen]

big AD truck fenders are the same width, they have a larger wheel opening and sit taller on the hood - the hoods are also different and I believe grills are also taller. Mr48chev has some pictures on here somewhere showing the fenders next to each other.
So late model 1 ton running gear is going to be wider than the fenders. But if you went with tall rubber to fill the fender and widened the fender to match the track width you might get a pretty decent big truck look.

That later model frame steering column is going to have to move inwards for the narrower AD cab and the late model V8 will be in the way.
AD frame swaps also run tight for room in the vicinity of the lower radiator as it is also the spot late model steering gear takes up residence
Depending on the trans/bellhousing you might need a big hump in floor firewall - leaving not much room for a gas pedal - or you might have to lift the cab above frame more which may impact the look - depending what you are after.

Frame swaps for AD cabs are no walk in the park. use an S10 if you want an easy swap, but it won't be a functional dump truck and there are some tire width / spacer issues to wrap your head around before you start.
TF or newer are easier to swap as they are wider

[Father&son56project]

My son plans to get regular insurance (not the classic car stuff we all use) and they are not interested in dealing with non-stock trucks, so frame swaps are out of the question. That's a pity, because my last project was an S10 swap (Project Fargolet) and it was fun to do and the vehicle drives like a dream!

I'm really just seeking input on how hard it is to get parts once you upsize from the half tons that are so popular, as well as any differences in parts availability for GMC vs Chevy.

[geezer#99]

How much weight does he plan on hauling once in awhile?
If there’s more parts available for 1/2 tons then look for one and add some Firestone air bags. There are universal kits. They’re usually well hidden and won’t detract from the normal look of the truck.

https://www.amazon.ca/Firestone-W217.../dp/B001FEOSVC

[dsraven]

task force trucks have a straighter frame to work with and are wider to start with, as mentioned by Leegreen.
if you want to stay stock frame, and are considering a task force truck, try going to google, punch in 55-59 chevrolet truck factory assembly manual and pick the trifive site. it's a free download. there are dimensions for all the truck sizes there so that could possibly help you decide
in general, chevrolet parts are more readily available than gmc parts, for the task force anyway, there are some big differences in the dash and grille but if you find a complete truck with those parts in good useable shape you wouldn't be looking for replacements anyway. for sheet metal 55-56 would be interchangeable. 57 is it's own year for front fenders due to grille opening differences. 58-59 have different front fenders, hood, hood hinges, inner fenders etc because they are longer. those frames are actually longer ahead of the front axle front spring forward hangers. cabs are pretty much interchangeable but may have differences around the hood hinge mounting on the firewall.
the larger TF trucks have a wider stance and wider front fenders so they would lend themselves to a wider front suspension swap, if that interests you. if you want to keep the stock interior with the original steering column and wheel then you could look into the power steering gearbox from the aftermarket suppliers. these bolt up like a stock gearbox. if you want a coil spring front suspension, on one of those larger, wider trucks, you could look into the front suspension cross member and components from a 72 and up chevy, it would bolt onto the TF frame, with some work.
you could look for a wider "big truck" used on a farm, seasonally, like a grain truck. they would likely only be used in the dry months so less rust to contend with.
apache-light duty
spartan-medium duty-wider front fenders
viking-heavy duty-bigger front
here is a viking for a quick look at what could be done with a medium duty truck
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...et-c60-viking/
here is a thread discussing the front sheet metal differences
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=817997

[Father&son56project]

Thanks guys! I am going to try to convince him to stick with a 1/2 ton.

[vintovka]

Also start looking at all the parts catalogs for prices and fitment.

[Father&son56project]

I have been checking the catalogues, and I just had a conversation with the parts guy at Bill's Truck Shop (Canadian supplier of new and used antique Chev/GMC stuff). I called him up as my son has a line on a '52 3/4 ton with a dump bed (he really wants that feature), and the parts guy said that he can get pretty much anything EXCEPT brake drums, which are apparently made of unobtanium.

[vintovka]

One of the FAQ's i get at shows is cost of restoration. I keep a bound book of receipts since late 60's on mine and a running total. Many who see it are taken aback. The last 8 years have been the worst with some costs now over 100% more. Its been fun (see link below) but given all the half completed projects i see being offered today i probably would opt for a restored AD over another scratch build. I will say it looks like some parts prices are starting to come down but not labor. They used to say plan on spending double first estimate - its more like 4x+ now.

[mr48chev]

Get the truck that is in the best shape when you go look at them. Plus get one with a clear title.

I've got a 51 1-1/2 ton out back that my daughter wants to build that I am putting a 77 1 ton front suspension steering and brakes on and a close to the same Dana 70 dualie rear axle with springs. It's going to sit up like it is ready to go to work and she wants a flatbed with a hoist. It may not get the hoist though. That and a small block and automatic that will probably be an overdrive automatic. Nothing fancy and mostly using parts I already have on hand.