Alain
Few of us Canadians on this list, so welcome from a fellow Canadian.
For what you are talking about a 3/4 ton is not a bad thing. The bodies on
1/2 and 3/4 tons were the same, but the undercarriage is different. 3/4 ton
brake and suspension parts will probably be harder to find if you decide to
restore it.
One bit of advice I have looking back at the 13 years I have now owned my 59
GMC. Start with the best original body you can find and spend the money up
front. Starting with a rusty truck will only cost you more money in the long
run. When you get it home check the rear cab corners, floors, bottom of the
doors, and where the door hinges bolt into the cab. If they are all badly
rusted, you are probably better off making this a parts truck and finding
something better. I had trouble this summer even finding a bodyshop that
would touch my truck. It seems they just want to do insurance work and bolt
new parts onto new vehicles that have been in accidents.
You mention a big block, yes they will fit, as a few oletruck members have
proven.
What part of Manitoba do you live?
Blaine Dumkee
59 GMC 9314
Fort Smith NT
Canada
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Alain Leclerc
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 10:05 AM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] new to everything
Hello All,
My name's Alain, from Manitoba Canada, I just purchased a 1955 3/4 ton
stepside, I'm picking it up tomorow... very excited!! It's been in a field
for the past 6 or 7 yrs, got it for 300$ canadian, that's about 5$ us right
now. (well, closer to 200$) I'm in no way macanically inclined but I intend
to learn lots in the process. Problem is I have NO IDEA where to start.
The body is in pretty good shape with the exception of a rust hole in the
driver side fender about the size of a fist and above the headlights... it's
been painted 3 times from what I can tell, so I don't know if it's gotten
lots of body work done already. The engine is more than likely seized, not
original, and the interior is pretty much in shambles. My main concern right
now is to get the truck running, I will then get the body work done at that
point, professionnaly. What I am wondering is what vehicle parts can be
used to replace the current ones; like steering column, transmition, engine
(I heard something about small block only), & frame (if needed). I am
considering buying a used 4x4 and just putting the body on it, I heard that
the 3/4 tons are good for turning into 4x4... but something tells me it
won't be that easy. I've been looking on the net but can't seem to find
anything on the 3/4 ton, it seems the 1/2 ton is the truck of choice for
most. Is there a big difference? Any help/direction you can give me would
be more than appreciated. As you can tell I'm kinda lost here. I do want
the truck on the road asap. weither I raise it 4x4 or lower it rear wheel
drive does not really matter... I like both ideas. whatever is easyer I
guess.
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