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Classified Find: 1952 Chevrolet 6400 Heavy-Duty Stake

This 1962 Chevrolet 6400 Heavy-Duty Stake is a complete vehicle that has been sitting for an extended period. It will need some restoration work, although the next owner could choose to return it to a roadworthy state and drive it as an original survivor. The simple design of these vehicles makes them an excellent prospect for restoration, especially for the person who is looking for something more unusual in a project vehicle. If that ticks the right boxes for you, then you will find the 6400 located in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds.

The Green paint that the Chevy wears shows its age, but it has loads of character. What the vehicle does appear to be short of is significant rust. Looking through the supplied photos, all that I have been able to spot is surface corrosion. We can’t see the lower cab corners, but the floors look to be structurally sound. The panels wear some minor dings and dents, but fixing these should be a straightforward job. The exterior trim is all present, and like the glass, it appears to be in good condition. The timber on the bed is in better condition than might be expected. It looks slightly weathered, but I think that it could be returned to its best with a bit of sanding and patience.

If anything, the story with the truck’s interior is even better than the exterior. It appears to be original and unmolested, with no aftermarket additions. The painted surfaces would be easy to restore, while a new cover on the seat and a rubber mat on the floor would make a world of difference. However, none of this is essential. The buyer could choose to throw a blanket over the seat and hit the road with the interior untouched. The surprise packet here is the wheel. Not only is its center still present, but the wheel itself seems to be free from cracks. That is something of a rarity in vehicles of this vintage. Under the hood of the 6400 is the 235.5ci Loadmaster 6-cylinder engine, which is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. With 105hp on tap, this is not the most powerful engine on the planet. What it lacks in power, it makes up for by having 193 ft/lbs of torque available. The delivery curve for this is consistent, which means that owners never needed to rev the engine’s head off to make respectable progress. The owner isn’t sure whether the engine runs because he doesn’t have any keys. It has been sitting for a while, but these engines are as tough as old nails. I wouldn’t be surprised if it roared back into life with little effort.

The sheer size of this classic might put many people off, but they shouldn’t be. These are an elegantly simple vehicle, and these old trucks can be surprisingly easy and straightforward to restore. There is a hardy group of individuals who love nothing more than to grab these vehicles and return them to their best. This one would benefit from one of those people’s attention, and the result could be something pretty special. It looks like it could be an affordable proposition because bidding is remarkably low at this point. That makes it a classic that is worth a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Howard A Member

    Stuff like this bums me out. Yet another example of dad passing away, and nobody wants his trucks. It also shows, the seller doesn’t know much about it, and that’s perfectly understandable, since there’s no interest now, they probably didn’t care about them when dad was alive. I doubt a “syncro” trans, more like a compound low, and no 2 speed rear, 50 mph you’ll be pounding the rods out of the block. It was designed to go 7 miles to the feed mill at 30 mph and home. No keys shouldn’t be a deterrent, old trucks are probably the easiest to hot wire. Mileage? Who knows, but it’s a great find, appears to have a hoist, a big plus and could be made useful again. Just don’t expect to barrel down the interstate at breakneck speeds.

    Like 9
  2. Avatar lbpa18

    Sure hauled a lot of hay with one of these. Great trucks. Agree with Howard. This one though looks surprisingly good as far as age. Except for the dent in the front fender, it doesnt look like it got abused. It even has the splash apron and original front bumper. That isnt a common combination this late in its life. As far as the key, these had a three position ignition switch. When in vertical orientation, the ignition is hot and after using the foot starter, it theoretically would run. To shut it off, either rotate the ignition switch counter-clockwise, which would not only shut off the engine but then require the key to be reinserted to be able to move said ignition switch again. Turning it Clockwise would shut the engine off, but then when you want to start it again, a key is not required. Just reposition the ignition switch to the vertical/run position. I keep the key in my truck in the ashtray but havent used it in years. If my wife accidentally turns the switch the wrong way when she drives it, we use the key again and off we go.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar SourPwr

    I used to have a 1949 international that was a 2 1/2 ton grain truck. I had to buy a commerical plate and insurance which killed me. I used it for hauling building supplies so not for farm use. I’m in Michigan but is there a way to plate/insure this to use only four/five times a year. (Hauling gravel, towing tractor, firewood, towing crawler)

    Like 2
    • Avatar Mike Brown

      From what I understand, registrations in Michigan are through the Sectratary of State office. I’d say your best bet would be to contact your local office with your questions.

      Like 0
      • Avatar sourpwr

        Thx. Been there and the answer is no. They have farm use, timber use, and antique use. The rules are real strict and if you are busted using it improperly they would teach you a lesson.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar PaulR

    I’ve owned several of these old Chevy grain trucks. Super easy to get running and maintain. So simple to work on it’s almost mind boggling. This one is in pretty good shape and will probably go dirt cheap at auction.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Butchb

    I bought one of these for $400 in the early 90’s from a collector of them who was also blind..
    Rusty as could be it ran great but no brakes. No problem turn the engine off while in gear it would roll to a stop. The dump bed made it great for hauling firewood around the farm.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Mike Brown

    This would be a perfect candidate for a mechanical restoration for someone wanting a truck to haul produce to their local farmers market. It’s a good old honest, work truck that would wear its “battle scars” proudly amongst all of the fancy wanna be trucks.

    Or, if the new owner chose to, a “before” pic could place it on the back cover of Vintage Truck Magazine and later, after a full restoration, on the cover with a full story inside.

    Either way, it could still be a working truck.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Mike Brown

    Not that it’s a big deal, since flat glass is easy to have made (and I’m not criticizing the review), BUT, I guess Adam didn’t notice the huge bullseye, and associated cracks, in the passenger side windshield when he was commenting on the condition of the glass and trim.

    Like 0

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