What to look for. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cb1965 · 02-15-2011, 09:53 PM

Hey guys I've been looking to get a truck from this era and wanted to know what to look for. Rust issues any accessories and any info in general. Also how hard is it to drive 3 on tree. Never done it before but do know how to drive stick. Thanks
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OrrieG · 02-16-2011, 01:09 AM

3 on the tree = patience. I learned to drive with one in a 50 Willys Wagon (also had an overdrive transmission which added to the excitement). Rule of thumb is to clutch, wait a second or two then slowly shift to the next gear. Really old trucks with non-syncro transmissions also require double clutching. Once you get good at it you can actually learn to shift without the clutch by matching the engine rpm to the transmission gear rotation, I used to do that on big trucks to save the clutch.

Look at the build threads here and the rust areas become very obvious, headlight buckets, front fender rear brace, bottom of cowl, door bottoms, lower hinge pockets, cab corners. Up north the cabs seem to have problems with the cowls, A pillars and in some cases the area above the windshield. Always check the floor boards. In areas where they use lots of salt, or on trucks that have been sitting on the ground the frames can be rotted too. Generally the farther south and west you get in your search the better. Unless you really like doing extensive body work, budget the extra money for a good body. All the common patch panels are available. In this economy there seems to be plenty of half finished projects, with any luck you can find one that the PO did the body work so you can concentrate on the fun mechanical and finish stuff.

Dan Bowles · 02-16-2011, 11:14 AM

Which era? There are two here in this forum. The AD 47-55 and the TF 55-59. Look for frame rot, suspension binds, and junk floors that won't support a cab. You can get most of the patch panels you'll ever need.

As to the column shift, follow Orrie's advice or grind me a pound!

cb1965 · 02-16-2011, 12:34 PM

I like both. And I'm defenetly looking around for one in decent shape wether it's a 47-55 or 55-59. Thanks for the advice
Posted via Mobile Device

02-15-2011, 09:53 PM	#1
cb1965 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: san jose, california Posts: 508	What to look for. Hey guys I've been looking to get a truck from this era and wanted to know what to look for. Rust issues any accessories and any info in general. Also how hard is it to drive 3 on tree. Never done it before but do know how to drive stick. Thanks Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '66 chevy lwb c10 '65 chevy lwb c20

02-16-2011, 01:09 AM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: What to look for. 3 on the tree = patience. I learned to drive with one in a 50 Willys Wagon (also had an overdrive transmission which added to the excitement). Rule of thumb is to clutch, wait a second or two then slowly shift to the next gear. Really old trucks with non-syncro transmissions also require double clutching. Once you get good at it you can actually learn to shift without the clutch by matching the engine rpm to the transmission gear rotation, I used to do that on big trucks to save the clutch. Look at the build threads here and the rust areas become very obvious, headlight buckets, front fender rear brace, bottom of cowl, door bottoms, lower hinge pockets, cab corners. Up north the cabs seem to have problems with the cowls, A pillars and in some cases the area above the windshield. Always check the floor boards. In areas where they use lots of salt, or on trucks that have been sitting on the ground the frames can be rotted too. Generally the farther south and west you get in your search the better. Unless you really like doing extensive body work, budget the extra money for a good body. All the common patch panels are available. In this economy there seems to be plenty of half finished projects, with any luck you can find one that the PO did the body work so you can concentrate on the fun mechanical and finish stuff. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 02-16-2011 at 01:12 AM.

02-16-2011, 11:14 AM	#3
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: What to look for. Which era? There are two here in this forum. The AD 47-55 and the TF 55-59. Look for frame rot, suspension binds, and junk floors that won't support a cab. You can get most of the patch panels you'll ever need. As to the column shift, follow Orrie's advice or grind me a pound!

02-16-2011, 12:34 PM	#4
cb1965 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: san jose, california Posts: 508	Re: What to look for. I like both. And I'm defenetly looking around for one in decent shape wether it's a 47-55 or 55-59. Thanks for the advice Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '66 chevy lwb c10 '65 chevy lwb c20 Last edited by cb1965; 02-16-2011 at 12:35 PM.



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