55 t0 59

[aventur1]

Ok just asking what year between 55 and 59 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive is the best to invest in? Let's say a daily driver that you would not be afraid to drive cross country or just to another state. a good start to upgrade from there, like running gear and not much body work but needs interior work.
Thanks for any ideas....

[apacheben]

they are basically all the same.
but my favorites are the 58 and 59 apaches.
love the 2 headlights.

[aventur1]

apacheben
ok good point, never thought of that...

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by apacheben

they are basically all the same.
but my favorites are the 58 and 59 apaches.
love the 2 headlights.

great minds think alike

[sqrlnts]

you could combine the best of both worlds and go with a single headlight fleet? Just saying, they have to be rare.

Oh wait the factory never made any.

[OrrieG]

Basically you have three bed types; step and fleet in long and short (or 9' if you can find one) and cameo. You have 11 distinct front clips between Chevy, GMC and the Fleet Option. 55-57 interchange, 58-59 interchange. 58-59 has 3" longer frame for the longer fenders and different hood hinge mounting. GMC and Chevy dashes are different. You also have big and small window cabs. Mechanicals are all about the same across the lines. You could get 2wd or Napco 4wd. If my math is right that equals 220 different combinations, closer to 1000 if you factor in 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton with different 6 and v8 engine combinations.

You use the term "invest". You do NOT invest in these trucks with any expectation of getting your money out of them. Get one you like, done mostly like the way you want and drive it if it is a simple dollar investment. That will be the best way to maybe break even. Or if you want one for the experience of doing the work yourself, take time to read the build threads, paying careful attention to the time line and cashflow, to see what you are getting into.

[aventur1]

Thanks everyone who replied...
I did use the word "invest" although maybe not as much money but time and the love of doing it. I have my 67 4x4 that I love to drive and work on and am just looking at some options of the 55-59s 2 wheel drives. Here in this area there are a lot sitting around and I like the looks of them.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The 55-57 have the most value. Its true we don't work with these trucks as investments but I like to have ones with good value.

[OrrieG]

I don't know wrench, a lot of guys are warming up to the 4 hole fleetsides...

[meter swinger]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I don't know wrench, a lot of guys are warming up to the 4 hole fleetsides...

I know that mine had me at hello.
Posted via Mobile Device

[wsurf4me]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

I know that mine had me at hello.
Posted via Mobile Device

Me too, like the fleetside look.

[sqrlnts]

I had to have a fleetside after seeing these two. Was lucky enough to find one locally in good shape.

[G&R's57GMC]

Two eyes or four eyes Cameo's are sweet too

[mr57]

I'm kind of partial to this year, but if I had to do another it would be a 55-6 GMC with a fleetside box.

[ruby57]

Tri-fives are my pick but four-eyes are special, too! -Doug

[aventur1]

wow hard to choose, although I'm leaning towards the 57.....Going to finish up my 67 towards the end of summer or fall as a nice daily driver and sell it, but in the mean time going to start looking in my area for a 57. There is a local guy who does nothing but the 55-59 years so going to start with him. I'm sure he knows where to get a good starter project.....

[yossarian19]

Why DD a solid axle truck if you are almost done with the IFS rig?
To each their own, though.
Pick a body style you like and find one in decent shape. It isn't an investment.

[broey]

Value wise, based on auction return: big window, factory v8, single headlight, original paint, and short bed are things to look for that will increase value during resale. And, you can Absolutely make money on resale if you buy at the right price and get the right truck.

things people dont want to see when they are buying a truck (not everyone but for the most part) late model bucket seats, custom or non factory paint, poor body work, and cut dashes.


I want to be clear that I am not bashing anyones rides. Im just speaking based on the financial aspect of it. A lot of really cool ideas and concepts are put into these trucks that look awesome, but will never get a return in money spent.

[aventur1]

yossarian19
Just moving to another project, there are some great deals in the area. All ways liked the looks of the tri year pickups. Looking for a two wheel driver this time.

[EODtech55]

im a bit of an attention whore (so it all works out for the best) i get ppl taking pictures of my 55 big window when ever i take it anywhere, and its not even close to being a finished truck


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[dubie]

I've always been partial to the 55 and 56 short step side models. That's why I chose to hunt the right one down and build it into what I want. But we also have a 58 GMC short fleetside 9310 model truck that will be a traffic stopper when it's done. Those quad head lights with all that chrome jewelery hanging off the front makes for a real looker.

Here's the state mine is in right now. Oh and EODtech, I'd be a whore too if my truck was a born badass like yours

[mknittle]

you can't go wrong they are all cool!

[aventur1]

EODtech55
Interesting looking wheels......

[aventur1]

EODtech55
Looks like your trailer fender is pretty close to your tire.....

[EODtech55]

yea the guy i got the truck from did the covers, behind them its the ugliest wheel ive ever seen, and yea it was a close fit with that trailer and tricky getting out of the truck on the trailer lol