Old panel trucks seem to be uncommon and perhaps even under appreciated like this ’55 Chevrolet. Parked in a field most likely after getting involved with a fender bender, this panel truck is a good start to a project. Appearing quite solid but with its issues, this truck may end up selling for a deal. With 15 bids placed, the auction price has risen to $550.00. Check it out here on eBay out of Burnet, Texas.
There is no telling when this truck last ran, but the engine appears be all there minus a few items, and an oil cap and radiator cap. Despite the missing oil cap I am willing to bet that the darn near bullet proof 235 may still have some life to give. The seller states that the mileage reflects 22,804 miles, but I would assume that to be 122,804. If you look closely you will see that there is some surface rust to be found in the engine compartment, but there is no rot to be seen.
Inside there is a fair amount of surface rust on the floors, where the metal appears to be pitted, and perhaps even a bit thin. The dash, steering wheel, and shift lever are about the only things you will find inside. I will say the steering wheel is rather nice looking to have minimal cracking. The seats are long gone, but the wooden cargo floor is still in place and looks rather solid.
The exterior is in fair shape, but there is a flip side to this panel truck. The front end has been bumped and both front frame rails are bent. Looking at the images it would appear the frame bends occur right where the bumper would attach, and in a sense the frame work looks superficial as it seems the suspension and drive-train kept the rails even further back. The seller is including a hood, fender and door in the auction so that is helpful with reviving this project. Examining further, the only other significant damage I see is a dent to the passenger rear quarter, and the interesting camper style windows. This Chevy would make a great shop truck, camper, or swap meet hauler. It is an ambition project, but this Panel truck seems like a worthy project to revive. What would you do with this Chevrolet Panel truck?
Would make an awesome shop truck. I’d drop in an LS swap, upgrade the suspension. Might sell cheap enough to be a worthwhile investment… those little side windows though, they gotta go.
Nice. I like it; would indeed make a great local go-getter. Yeah, those rear side windows have to go, and replaced with sheetmetal
In Pacific N. West small contractors used these as crew haulers,bench on each side , and logging gear haulers
.Called a Crummy” for their dirt, smell of old foods, ‘m.mink oiled boots, sweaty wool underwear and crew, mixed with diesel smell, haul 55 gal fuel to donkey cats and shovels, power saw gas and oil, grease and beer farts.
Check motors as some had 261 cube from G M C.
Rigs from 50’s made it clear into late 60’s over rough as he’ll logging roads, but even early on you could see clear through beds in places.
This if orig paint surplus gov rig most likely. can haul a load, see em haul 6 ‘ high mainline and 3-4 foot haulback steel blocks plus 8 guy 11/4 and 6 1″ buckle guys and other stuff all at same time. We just watched tire squat.
Makes sense. In railroad slang a Crummy is a caboose, so I can see the word being used for a similar road vehicle.
Cool Truck but putting those side windows in ruined the panel truck theme.
I’d pull the body off the frame, and set it on a mid 70s F250 4×4 running gear, Just because…LOL
It’s too bad that someone cut the sides open and installed windows. I’d look into fabricating steel panels and getting rid of the windows. I’d be a little nervous about the frame on this thing; Heavy collisions often kinked the frame at the crossmember at the rear motor mount. If this truck came my way, I’d be scouting around for a frame. Otherwise, a fun restoration project. Full body-off, then use it as it was intended….
Worth restoring as a surf wagon.
Loose those panel windows.
The outhouse windows are perfectly appropriate.
I would leave it where it is, a 3800 series I think is a 1 ton and way longer than the cooler and shorter 1/2 ton series.
Finally, a project with a plausible price. The side windows are a bit much, maybe something nicer, and matched. There’s a snowball’s chance in Hades this will remain stock, but these were not pleasure vehicles, and most, if not all, were worked hard, driven to death, and then became a shed outback. Great find.
From my point of view, if you remove the side windows you had better add a rear air unit, or somebody is going to cook in there.
3800 is the 1 ton long wheel base model. I had a ’54, which was the older body style. The 235 6cyl is bulletproof, an awesome reliable motor. Parts easily available now. The 1 ton rides rough, very heavy duty, and mine had overload springs as well. These came stock with 17″ split rims for tube tires. This one looks like rims changed to one piece. This would make a great stealth camper or cool shop truck, and certainly worth total restoration! Add a ramp and carry your Harley safely inside with room to spare! Here is a pic of my old ’54 back in 1980.
Every one is responding positive about this and it seems the only negative is the side windows. What about ” Working on getting the title ?
Not having a title is an easy thing to get around. A few states do not require a title, after a certain age of the vehicle. I’ve titled many cars this way. Register it in a state that only wants to see a bill of sale, and then re-register it in a state that requires titles…
It’s up to over a grand with a little less than hour and a half to go. Interesting the seller took no pics of the collision damage of that front end. Hmmm, if I was a buyer that would be the thing I’d be most interested to see in an online auction.
A good buddy of mine had this same truck in the late 70’s except it was black , it had the wood floor , long wheelbase ,was a one ton with a 235 and granny four speed . The 235 that was in it ate a bearing soon after he bought it . He didn’t have much money and just wanted it to go again , as cheaply as possible . We looked in all the local junk yards and drew a blank . I found another 235 in a 53, 2 ton farm truck that still turned over with a socket on the crank in the field behind the barn on an old farm .We gave the old guy $50 and flat towed it about 10 miles using the driveshaft E-brake to slow it down . The 71 Dodge W200 I had pulled it well . I did the better part of the swap while everyone sat and drank beer and watched me work . The 53 motor did start and run , but the rope seal at the back of the crank leaked and leaked and that was when I learned that “Mechanic in a Can” ain’t all its cracked up to be . I also found out those are HEAVY motors. In a truck with low gearing they are able to pull it but are snail like when taking off from a stop . This post sparked a memory that make’s my whole body hurt just thinking back on it . They are cool but they need a V8 of somekind installed . My two cents .
I think the outhouse windows speak of an abandoned rear shag camper conversion or maybe as has been said, just to keep things a little cooler in this big metal can. Not sure the glass or weatherstripping has kept rainwater at bay….those floors look to be porous Swiss cheese.
Had a ’58 “Crummy” crew panel. It had windows in the side, but factory or dealer installed, bigger than those with rounded corners & non opening. Had many of those old 235s back in the day. They wear out pretty fast. Then after they are worn out, they last forever. :-) Terry J
I think I saw it on a episode of MASH. Thing would look good chopped and dropped.
Cow-a-bunga, Surfs up dude
5/10. Sold. That was quick. Hope new owner enjoys it. Would like to see pics during and after work. Yeah, man!