Pics if this 56?? GMC

[dubie]

I stopped to take a look at this truck this morning and decided i better take a few pics

[dubie]

IFS from a nova

[dubie]

dash

[dubie]

the box is in nice shape

[dubie]

inline power plant

[dubie]

front clip weld on

[dubie]

another interior shot

[dubie]

front pic.The fenders are laying in the box, but they look like they could stand to be replaced

[dubie]

and finally a close up of how the previous owner grafted the nova clip onto the old frame. You can see the original frame on the top and how it's plate welded to the lower Nova frame rails. The guy who did all the work on this a few years ago, used to be a body man and painter, so he did a pretty decent job on this truck. Of course the truck being so old, does need some serious TLC, but it looks like it might be a worth while project

[ShamrockCustoms]

in and out, it looks pretty good....should be fun project!

[Norselander]

The truck is a '58/59 (quad headlamps, hood emblem, bed). The bed was only in production here for two years. Bumper bullets are becoming harder to find. Make sure that you have a good look at the IFS to make certain that it was done properly.

-D

[mac57truck]

This could be a pretty cool truck when completed.You do not see a whole lot of GMC's and especially the 58-59 models.

[58panel]

Hey Dubie!
that truck has a lot of potential!
but what the heck is all that wite stuff all over the place?
volcano erupt? nuke fallout? LOL

[Slams_58]

Well looks like this truck is a no-go. The way the frames are welded together will never pass our safety inspection! Tim talked to a certified welder who says that frame is irrepairable so it's back to the drawing board I guess. Oh well, something will come along!

[pugs]

it sure does look like a good project even if the frame is messed up you can always get another frame to start w/ but if the body is in decent shape I would offer him less money

Pugs

[Slams_58]

That's the prob tho..he won't take less money because he can still get the $1000 from someone in Saskatchewan and they won't have to safety it! That's the sh!tty part about being on the border of 2 provinces... 2 different sets of rules!

[pugs]

well looking at the pics the body looks in great shape to find something like that around here in Pa is worth the grand to pay. i have seen cabs going for more than that much and the still needed cab corners and steps

Pugs

[northerngmc]

My first post so please bear with me.

It is definitely a 58 or 59. Check the serial number, if it starts with an 8 it is 58 and a 9 it is a 59. That is if it is a CDN truck. Again for a CDN truck it should have a 235 I6. On the firewall plate the model number will start with 93 if it is a CDN.

One thing to check for is front signal lights. They are NOT reproduced and a used set can be very valuable ($200-$300) and to find a NOS set is becoming very difficult and very expensive (upwards of $1000 US).

If it is anywhere near as good as the photos show then it is worth the $1000 the owner is asking.

As for a frame, well I think you should be able o find a completely rusted truck with a good frame for not more than the job of hauling it away. I have a shortbox parts truck in Alberta with a good frame.

If you are interesting is seeing a restored 59 GMC then click on my link in my signature and then click on finished or Sept 2003.

[northerngmc]

Oh yeah, don't worry about front fenders as they are reproduced now in steel. I bought a pair from Scott's Super Trucks in Penhold Alberta for $550 CDN each.

[Slams_58]

That's an amazing truck. I haven't full decided on what I"m doing yet! it's -40 here and I'm not going out to look it over really well in this!

[ShamrockCustoms]

too bad you're not closer, i am going to be selling off my original frame from my 56 soon. Great shape too. doh!

Think you should still get the truck, rare stuff is good stuff!

[northerngmc]

This is based on an assumption that this truck is in Flin Flon and that to get to Flin Flon you drive out through Saskatchewan (I remember seeing a turn north of Prince Albert for Flin Flon on my way to La Ronge).

There is a wrecking yard in Blaine Lake Saskatchewan full of trucks. This might be a reasonable source for used parts and another frame.

Looking again at your pictures, that does not look like the original engine, but probably the one from the Nova?

Warmed up here over night from -30 to -15, hopefully the trend will move south and east for you!

[Norselander]

I have known solid, original cabs to go for $1000 CDN. Again, the bed and those bumper bullets have value because they are becoming hard to find, sought-after items. Check carefully for rust holes and filler (especially spots that have rusted through and plugged with filler).

Some costs that you may wish to consider when purchasing a truck such as this:

• Finding/purchasing replacement parts (obviously)
• Retrieval of parts (where most of the cost has been for me when purchasing 3100 frames)
• Disposal of parts (local scrap yard takes my heavy pieces at no charge -- wrecker was taking cut-up body pieces for free until the first of the year)
• Actually moving the junk to the disposal location
• Tools needed to tear-down/build-up
• TIME!!!

These trucks are relatively easy to assemble/disassemble (most of my experience is with disassembly ). The engine compartments are spacious and electrics are simple. Most of my efforts involve battling rusty fasteners (employ ample amounts of Kroil).

When looking for a frame, the '58/'59 frames are slightly longer in front (forward the axle centerline) but share the wheelbase with the '55TF-57s.

Dare I say that in the long-run it will be cheaper to buy a complete, running truck than to build a truck. The upshot to building is that you will know the truck when you have completed it.

Best of luck!

[Slams_58]

Well.... I am officially $1000 lighter and the owner of this GMC! We've checked into the insurance on altered frames and as long as what we do it ok'ed by a certified body man... it's insurable. I'm thinking 4x4 mud b!tch! TIm thinks otherwise tho!

[dubie]

I don't think other wise at all. I'm ready to build up a cool 56 mud pig anytime you're ready with the cash lady