Newbie here in N.J.

[52CrashTruck]

Hi all. I just joined your site. I have a project '52 GMC I've been chasing for 18 years and finally got the original owner (Hackettstown Rescue Squad) to sell it to me. Unfortunately it is in way worse condition than it was 18 years ago.
I am slightly computer illiterate, so posting pics here may take some time.

This is a link to a picture that was taken back in 1952 at Gold Crest Safety Co., the company that manufactured and molded the rear body to the cab and chassis.


http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...electedIndex=0

( SORRY for the long link address, not so good with computer)
It is currently in very rough condition, and is not running. There is only 12k miles on the clock, although they changed the engine (straight 6) back in '62 at 8600 miles.(now seized) I just acquired a '62 305 V6, so I might put that in.
It has a 20k (?) pound p.t.o driven winch on the front that is still potentially operable.
Anyway, just thought I'd introduce myself as a newbie with old interests.
Hope to get it on the road on day.
Have great day, Jim 52CrashTruck

[Advanced Design]

Welcome Jim. That is a very interesting looking truck. I like it!

You can post a picture by scrolling below the message box, click on manage attachments the browse your computer to select the picture you want.

Everyone here appreciates pictures so post some up. Good luck with the build!

[_Ogre]

nice truck, what does it look like now?


(right click on image, copy image url, paste in between [img] [/img] tags

[52CrashTruck]

She is rough, but worth the effort. It is the only one of it's kind, custom built by Gold Crest Safety Equipment in Dunellen N.J. I was told two German brothers hand made the rear body( all steel, mostly 1/16th plate, some parts heavier),
molded onto the cab and smoothed out with lead. REAL CRAFTSMANSHIP, not something found too often today.
There is an 8 inch tube on either side that runs the length of the body, used to store air and water. The part directly behind the cab is enclosed, has a bunk on each side, and had cabinets for supplies. (floor was wood, now gone).
At the rear of that cabin are two barn doors for access. At the back is open with a bench on each side, with a storage compartment under the floor.
The fender skirts hang (hung) from piano hinges, and each skirt weighs 40#. There are side cabinets for plenty of storage. Not an was wasted as far as I can tell.
It has 20 inch rubber front and rear. The whole truck now weighs about 11000 lbs, give or take a 1000. In it's day, loaded with supplies and men, I'm guessing 13000 # was about it.
The front P.T.O driven winch is still intact, and was used to upright overturned vehicles, using an A-frame that attached to the front bumper.
Well, I'll try to get some current pics posted, but beware, it is in rough shape at this point in time.
Thanx for reading.
Jim 52CrashTruck

[alaska gasser]

Welcome from the north. Jump in and enjoy the fun.

[_Ogre]

Well, I'll try to get some current pics posted, but beware, it is in rough shape at this point in time.

looking forward to any pic.
don't be bashful, we've seen rough and with that body i can see going beyond rough to save it.

[52CrashTruck]

Here are two pics from a flip phone, I hope they tell the story.
We will get better ones and post them when we can.

[52CrashTruck]

Above are pics of a few of our toys back in 2006. Times were much better then.

The only one left is the black one.

[Advanced Design]

Looks like all the parts are still there. Be a cool project!

[52CrashTruck]

Yeh, it is all there as far as parts go. Typically it needs glass in the cab. The rear glass is reusable. The side windows slide open like a bus from those days, as does the rear window in the cab.
The Squad Chief said he has some other lights and the original center roof siren he still has to give me.
Hackettstown Rescue Squad was founded in 1951, and this was their first rescue vehicle, purchased in 1952 as a cab and chassis, then sent to Gold Crest for the body to be crafted. I hope to get all the sales history paper as well, but that seems to be burried in someone's file cabinet. I do have a good, one owner title.
The rear portion has very few perferations, but the cab floor and left lower firewall is are very weak. It will be hard to clean up some areas of the frame, because I have no way to lift a body of that size and weight.
Sorry to ramble on, I'm very happy to find a forum that appreciates the interest in what was once just a work truck.
Jim 52CrashTruck

[_Ogre]

very cool
hopefully you can restore or rod it as needed

fyi... your ssr has nothing on truk
chevy stole the idea from ogre, though i do need to work on a hard top retractable roof

[Russell Ashley]

" I'm very happy to find a forum that appreciates the interest in what was once just a work truck." That's how most of our trucks started out so you are in the right place.

That's an interesting project that you just picked up. With it's rarity it's surprising that someone let it sit and deteriorate like that, but at least it's future looks brighter now that it has someone to give it some love.