OK, all of you who keep proclaiming, “Put an LS in it!” here you go, a 1936 GMC pickup truck that has been modified as a flatbed – among other things. It has all of the “patina” cues going on but appears to be solid overall. This is a surprisingly clean and simple execution and I’d say, overall, well done. Millheim, Pennsylvania is where this custom calls home and it’s available, here on eBay for an opening bid of $20,000.
Digging around, I found additional information on this creation, it’s known as a T16 but it’s actually perched on a Chevrolet short bed frame. The patina, also known as surface rust, appears to be real and not forced, and in some places, it shows as if it’s moving towards invasiveness. Still, solidity matters and the close-up images of the body and underside, reveal a sound specimen. The cargo bed is an aluminum and wood combined affair and appears to be well constructed though maybe not in keeping with the general vibe of an 88-year-old truck. Now, those wooden (cedar) saddlebags – very nice carpentry but it makes this rig look like it’s auditioning for a spot on The Beverly Hillbillies. Those wanting more details about this truck should check out this video.
LS engines, with their valve cover mounted ignition packs, are not the most attractive engines going, but kudos to the builder here as he’s made this one appear more like a traditional Bowtie small block with the finned aluminum valve cover covers and the ’60s vintage single snorkel air cleaner. The powerplant in question is a 2003 vintage, all aluminum 300 HP, rebuilt 5.3 liter V8 attached to a 4L60 O/D automatic transmission. The seller adds, “It has a new aluminum radiator with electric fan, custom-built headers, Delmo LS kit to hide drive by wire throttle body, relocated coil packs, catch can for PCV system, newer alternator, new water pump, f-body oil pan, speed density mode(needs tuning for your elevation/climate).” Of note is the Nissan pickup truck rear axle. Back to that “needs tuning” suggestion, the seller reiterates, “Running driving truck but some additional speed density tuning will be needed to get the best performance for your driving style and climate.”
I’d like to show you an image of the interior but there aren’t any included and there’s just a brief note referencing a black leather seat. The linked video, however, will give you an interior glimpse. This is, I’d say, an excellently facilitated conversion and I imagine adapting this still-considered modern V8 in place of the original 213 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine required some heavy lifting – you know, easy to suggest, much harder to produce. Let’s talk price, at $20,000, what do you think, priced right or not quite?
What? I’m not that out of it, I think it’s really cool, and what will more than likely happen to all these old trucks. Looks really well done, not a fan of homemade stake beds, a regular correct pickup box would look a lot nicer, and why the Nissan rear axle? Anyone? I think dual wheels on the back would be nice, imagine 4 tire marks on a burnout. Don’t think I’ve never seen that. Cool truck.
Yes to the dualies on a stake bed! 4 smokers to go please :^}
I used an Isuzu trooper rear axle on a 30 Chevrolet canopy Express for several reasons; correct width, 6 hole wheels, modern hydraulic brakes, open drive line, liveable axle ratio, and especially – cheap.
It’s not the strongest rear but I’m not doing burnouts and plenty strong for the 250 6 and S10 5 speed. Very easy installation, minor move of the spring perches.
I don’t know what Nissan rear axle was used and suspect it may not be robust enough for hard driving behind an LS, but probably was an economical choice and easy to find.
Wish there were interior photos, but I guess we are asking too much? I like the idea of duallys in the rear with the flat bed. But honestly the original GMC rims really give the truck a lot of character, and doesnt give away the surprise under the hood.
You get to see the interior in the video the seller posted.
Love this. Nice and stealthy keeping it original looking even resisting the temptation to change out the wheels. It does really need a regular bed and minus the storage boxes.
So sad–another one bites the dust.
I’m good with.
But can it do a burnout? (Maybe that’s why no interior pics LOL). Kidding aside (and it shows interior on ebay vid), I likey! The saddlebags, the glove compartment guages, keeping it all original ‘looking”- 3 thumbs up!
Well, they put that GM engine exactly where they belong.
OK, if you’re going to modify it you might as well keep it in the family. But for this kind of work, the patina has got to go. Put a decent paint job on it, why don’t you?
There’s a Hallmark xmas ornament of this exact truck in your photo, in this exact color scheme. Basically a 1/43 diecast truck, fairly well done for an ornament.
Got it. It’s in the drive-in part of our Christmas village…
Wow. I came to the comments just to see all the people crying about it being LS powered. Not many complaints once you see how it can be done nicely. Oh and FYI my 49 gmc is still powered by a antique engine. A 25yr old LS is still a antique hahaha ;-)
I like it looks like something fun to play with I would be a little concerned with the rear end breaking loose because not enough weight. It’s definitely a one off from what else is out there
The seller has a YouTube channel featuring the complete build.
Pretty rare pickups. I bought and sold maybe three in the last 25 years. Can’t remember for sure but I’d say the 1936 should still have a small amount of wood in the cab. One of mine I remember went to California to be restored. I kept all the 1936 Fords I came across thinking they would be an easier restoration, plus I had one when I was 13 or 14 so was a little more sentimental to me.
No mention of brakes! With the original solid axle front end are there original drums? They aint gonna stop an LS! The drums on the Japanese rear end wont help much either.
My 49 gmc with a stock 5.3 LS has 100% stock brakes on all 4 corners. It has a dual reservoir master just because it was a bolt in easy kit. It will lock the brakes up solid pretty easily from 70mph. Do you really need MORE brakes than that? No. All you people that think a “LS” means it fast need to go drive a bone stock 2000’s chevy silverado. They aint fast. Most people that put these engines in more because they are cheap easy and reliable. Not to turn it into a dragster. A stock 4.8/5.3/6.0 is a perfect swap into almost any older vehicle with all stock running gear. Stock steering, brakes, wheels, gauges, even stock transmissions can usually be used. My 49 still has 3 on the tree with a BW electric overdrive and works flawlessly behind a stock 5.3