A half-ton, short-bed 1953 GMC pickup truck? Definitely popular! And this example is wearing the de rigueur faded look and it’s not faked, it’s actually real. This truck is a sort of driver/sort of project so let’s look it over and see what’s what. Currently residing in Cullman, Alabama, this stepside pickup is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $4,050 with 30 bids tendered so far.
The seller tells us, “truck is extremely straight and will need very little work. Hardly any rust floors good floors original good cab corners passenger door glass missing latch…“. Curious statement about the lights as the parking and taillights are missing, so that may explain their inoperability. As for the headlights, it could be a switch or wiring problem – but at least they’re still there. The body appears to be solid, the rear cab cornersof this vintage Chevy/GMC truck are notorious rust accumulation areas and that’s not the case here. I’m not exactly certain what’s going on with that rear bumper but it has quite the “jut” going on. The wheels are a notable choice too, they appear to be D-slots similar to what NASCAR used to employ. Finally, the wood slated cargo bed is in fair shape but it could use some attention too.
The in-line, six-cylinder engine is not identified but it’s likely a 228 CI GMC engine that is attached to a three-speed manual transmission. The seller states, “runs drives stops does not smoke, no oil leaks or water leaks. Heater core does not leak either” – interesting comment about the heater core, that’s usually not mentioned in listings that I have observed. Regardless, it’s good to know; I don’t know what it’s like to replace one on a ’53 GMC truck, but I did one on an air-conditioned ’66 Impala years ago and I wouldn’t be inclined to try it again.
The interior is a bit scruffy and is equipped with what seems like the obligatory Mexican blanket seat cover that so many of these old trucks prefer as seating upholstery. The upper door panel on the passenger-side door is missing as is the radio but the remainder is about what one would expect. I’d like to get a better look at the floors but the torn rubber mat is obscuring most of it. Generally, I don’t encourage driving around with a fuel can positioned on the front floor but in this case I imagine that it’s feeding the engine.
The seller admonishes interested parties, “don’t miss out on this one time Killer deal“. I’m not certain how much of a killer deal it is, it’s a no reserve auction so someone is going to go home with it. For more information check out this video. Finally, it is suggested, “excellent restoration project“. I’d say it looks like it possesses good bones for just such an undertaking, how about you?
Looks like a fairly straightforward resto project, congrats to the seller for showing the floor pan in the video.
It’s bid to 4 grand – plus, I wonder how high it’ll go?
Nice Jimmy, depending on whats under the primer. Looks like there are a few people either scammers or other pumping the bids. Always liked the GMC of these years a little more than the Chevy. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
A late 40s early 50s Buick Radio fits in beautifully. Used one in my ’51 Panel Truck for years.
$7,600 now. Not crashed or rusted through. Worth it.
Where’s the original tailgate and wheels?
I don’t recall the rear bumper on my GMC sticking out that far, but it’s been 46 years since I owned it.
The asking price is ridiculous. I have 3 on my farm, all more solid and complete. I paid 700 for one , and less than 300 for each of the other two. Paying the inflated asking price today is one reason inflation is so rampant. Get real people , the work and investment in old vehicles is draining enough. Adding insult to injury is not smart thinking.
Screw you. You don’t post my comment, I want nothing to do with your website !
Chill! Your comment went into the spam filter and I had to manually fish it out. Throwing a tantrum over it isn’t going to help with your cause either.
JO
My apologies. I still know that people are getting a bad deal when I see it. People need to get real about the outrageous price they pay for vehicles. If I wanted to sell any of the 3 I own ( which I don’t – I love and use all three on a regular basis) I would never ask such an unrealistic price.
That is a front bumper that’s why it looks like that
Well it has been relisted for $12,000 good luck