GMC 1953 Pickup. What do I need to know? Any problems to look for?

[willizm]

So my buddy wants to look at this truck later today. He's not mechanically inclined and as scary as it sounds, I'm his best option for someone to look it over before he buys it. He wants a cruiser that he can learn how to work on it. He doesn't care about period correct things and it wouldn't be a show car. Just something He can drive his old lady and army of pug dogs around in. It runs and drives according to the dealership and from what little research i've done it appears that stock these should have a straight 6 but looks like a small block. I'm guessing if it has a different motor then the trans is probably a th350 or th400.

1953 GMC No Model Naperville IL 9836989

I'm guessing it's a small block chevy. Not too familiar with older motors

What should I look for, what is something like this worth, and what the hell is that on the shifter column?

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[Mook]

Damn, that thing is sweet.

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

Look for rust, see if the trans pan is shaped sorta like Illinois (400) or if it's a square with a corner clipped off (350) or more of a rectangle if its a 700r4 4 speed auto. it does look like it is a small block Chevy and that thing on the steering column is a retrofit for turn signals you can find them in the back of JC Whitney catalog or Hemmings Motor News

 

[IceCreamAssassin]

With that "hot rod" turn signal I'd shove my head under the dash and check the wiring. They are as simple as things get so it should be a pretty straight forward look around and check over.

 

[EmersonHart13]

Would buy.

 

[willizm]

Thanks guys, wasn't sure if that was some sort of manual trans lever for a MVB auto or something. It would make more sense that it's the turn signal stalk.

I'll give it a look over for rust and such. I'd imagine there will be some as it looks ruff around the edges. That's not so bad because that's how I'd describe my buddy thats looking to buy it. He doesn't mind character traits. I just don't want him to buy it if the frame is rusted through some parts and ready to snap at any moment. I'll probably be spending some time wrenching on this thing so I'm kinda glad it has a small block instead of the original straight 6 since there are tons of parts and information out there. I'll see if I can get the dealership to put it on a lift so I can look at it closer.

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

Stovebolt 6

 

[cap42]

Look closely as the frame rails near the rear wheel wells, and by the doors it's a common area for rot.

I would take a close look at the electrical, a buddy has restored several of these old pickups and they are always a wiring nightmare.

These era trucks are about as easy as it gets to restore or customize. There are still quite a few laying around but most are rotting away in a field. The most valuable parts are the trim and grill.

 

[P40E]

That's an ebay "classic" looking universal turn signal switch .

 

[FrenchLicker]

Saw this the other day when driving by, didn't think it was for sale. I thought it was a truck to help advertising the dealership.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

Dolphin gauges, would buy.



I see an sbc, dual master cylinder and vise grips for a window crank. Brake pedal looks small like it may of been a manual truck originally, unless the pedals were that small for 53.

 

[RICH17]

Looks rough to me. The waviness of the inner bed sides looks like it isn't camera related. and the GMC badge looks like they just painted over the rust around it.

 

[Yaj Yak]

buy it. drive it. love it.

it will always be worth at least 6k.