Grain Trucks

[SS Tim]

Are grain trucks a good source for a medium duty truck project? I've always been advised to avoid dump trucks and wreckers due to bent and twisted frames. Also they tend to be employee trashed in general. Are grain trucks likely better, because they sit a lot and tend to be owner/family driven. My '74 Dodge D500 is a real pita. Parts are hard to find and being an old telephone bucket truck it has a mixture of years of replacement/workable components

[special-K]

Yes,but I'd still watch the frame. Crop fields are generally flatter ground,but it is an off road use of a heavily loaded truck. I'd say grain trucks are second best to fire trucks. Maybe even a toss up by the time you weight all the factors. These trucks usually only get use a couple times a year and are often parked under roof. Custom farmer's trucks get used a lot more. There are some trucks that never get maintained or washed and some that look like someone's pride & joy

[hugger6933]

for the most part grain trucks or "bobtrucks" are a really good find because they are for the most part kept in a barn and dry and are used only in dry conditions. My dad had a 67 gmc with a 351 v-6 and power steering and brakes that my mom drove to the grainery. Only she was to drive it and it only got rained on one time when a shower came up while coming home after dumping. He sold that truck in 87 for only 500 less than he paid for it , it was that nice. I have been looking lately at some for a project I have on my mind and there are a few still around some are in really good shape. I have ran across two guys in the last three weeks that had one but gave them away really cheap just to get them out of the way as there is not a lot of use for them here any longer ,as everyone has gone to a larger truck

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

...My dad had a 67 gmc with a 351 v-6 and power steering and brakes that my mom drove to the grainery. Only she was to drive it....

This is where you insert pictures of said truck, Mom and Dad! LOL

[hugger6933]

back then it was'nt picture worthy, it was just a bobtruck. I rode to the feild to harvest the second week of aug 1967. I was born july 28 1967. I wish that truck was still here

[nutsforchevys]

I used to look forward to peanut season as all the farmers would bring out their old trucks to haul to the mill. Used to see a lot of 50's and 60's models.

[SS Tim]

I'd found this '68 C/40 here in CA and a C/50 back in the midwest. Typically, here, trucks like this have been used up for years doing construction clean-up. Of course then they drive out into the desert where I live and dump them, thus increasing their profit and my BP. Was wondering if a grain truck is just a better deal all the way around. Seems like it is from the responses so far.

[68C15]

from what I understand they are good donors for floor pans. right LockDoc?

[Old Yeller 1970]

Around West Texas grain trucks are usually in pretty good shape. In fact I'm looking to buy one if someone in this part of the world has one for sale.

[oldno7]

here in the midwest seems lik everybody has one i have a c50 and i no where thiers prob 6-7 more they are getting aged so its tough to get one in good shape anymore

[Shyguy]

I bought a '77 Tilt Cab GMC dump truck a few years back that I am going to freshen up after we get the '67 swb stepper done next year.

[PHAT TONY]

I spose the only real catch to this might be that with pto's etc. the hours of run time on the motor etc could be really high compared to mileage shown.

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by Shyguy

I bought a '77 Tilt Cab GMC dump truck a few years back that I am going to freshen up after we get the '67 swb stepper done next year.

Shyguy, are you sure that is a 1977 tilt cab. It looks more like a 1960-1966 model instead.

Keith

[hugger6933]

I have a pair of perfect fenders and an extra hood also my neighbor has one that he said I could take what I need off of it . It has a 366 and tac/air pressure gauge a dacent seat nice inner door panels. I have another frind who has a couple that he junked that has a perfect dash pad a extra pair of steps and bucket seats. My plan is to take a long bed that I have already in prime ready to paint, maybe take the fender "humps" off the spare pair of fenders I have, swap side and weld them into the bedside and then mount the running booards so that they go the length between the front and rear fenders.. I also have a motor home that has brand new 19.5 inch tirs and chrome simulators, I have been thinking of a way to mount them or use the axle out of the p30. Then take out about every other spring so it would ride better the hauling would be done for this one. 454T 400 drive train out of the motor home and it is just about done in my head, most of the parts are gathered just got to find trhe right truck I have one spotted good price but the shop is so full i have three project truck and 4 late model rebuilders. I had a good sale this week buying three and did'nt even plan to go, but my daughter needs a new ride and so does my mom

[ChevLoRay]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Shyguy, are you sure that is a 1977 tilt cab. It looks more like a 1960-1966 model instead.

Keith

Cab overs used the earlier-style grille, since the cab is also a carryover. I know it gets confusing, but that's the way GM did it. If you check out some older stuff, check out a Chevy Dubl-Duti. They are stepvans, but the grille from a '58 is just like the earlier trucks had in the mid-fifties. Bodies didn't change, so the grille didn't either.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

I'd found this '68 C/40 here in CA and a C/50 back in the midwest. Typically, here, trucks like this have been used up for years doing construction clean-up. Of course then they drive out into the desert where I live and dump them, thus increasing their profit and my BP. Was wondering if a grain truck is just a better deal all the way around. Seems like it is from the responses so far.

Did you call Pascual about this truck yet?

[SS Tim]

No....you buy it. It probably has more back fees due than the value of the truck. Looks like it has been sitting quite a while.

[leddzepp]

I already called and it does not have a tach or speedwarning dash, so I am out If it does have back fees due, you can usually negotiate a great deal.

[Shyguy]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Shyguy, are you sure that is a 1977 tilt cab. It looks more like a 1960-1966 model instead.

Keith

The title and the plate on the driver's side door opening both say it is a 1977 so I figure it is a '77. It seems a lot of the tilt cab years look a like.

The first picture is of a '76 and the second is of a '78.

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by Shyguy

The title and the plate on the driver's side door opening both say it is a 1977 so I figure it is a '77. It seems a lot of the tilt cab years look a like.

The first picture is of a '76 and the second is of a '78.

You would know more about it than I would.

I've just seen a few images of truck like yours in the 1966 Chevrolet custom features accessories.

So maybe the design has been the same for many years. I don't know really.

Interesting project anyways!

Keith

[Shyguy]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

You would know more about it than I would.

I've just seen a few images of truck like yours in the 1966 Chevrolet custom features accessories.

So maybe the design has been the same for many years. I don't know really.

Interesting project anyways!

Keith

Cool pictures, thank you for sharing.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

You would know more about it than I would.

I've just seen a few images of truck like yours in the 1966 Chevrolet custom features accessories.

So maybe the design has been the same for many years. I don't know really.

Interesting project anyways!

Keith

Keith,did you notice anything odd on that brochure cover you showed? Just like the T-series body running way past '66,check when this heavy duty body began: