Here’s a neat old pickup that needs some love. The question is – which route would you take? Do you restore it, modify it, or just attempt to get it running? The patina isn’t the best we’ve seen but it does have a cool look to it and it’s not every day you run across an early New Design GMC pickup. The Chevy version may have a more attractive grill but I like the uniqueness of the square shape.
There was a time when not every work truck had a big V8. GM’s stout stovebolt six was the powerplant of choice for a few decades. This particular one displaces 228 cubic inches and isn’t currently running. As long as it isn’t seized up, I bet it would run with some new oil and fuel. This engine would work fine for cruising around but I’m sure a few of us would be tempted to swap in a small block V8.
This generation of pickup featured five windows. The corner glass was added to help with the blind spots that plagued the earlier trucks. It gave the cab a little more character too. The wooden bed is toast but that can be easily remedied. A bigger issue may be the missing title. That might not be a problem in some States but it’s something to consider. A shortbed might be more attractive and easier to park but you do get the side mount spare and plenty of hauling room here.
The first thing I’d do is attempt to get that engine running. Then I would go through the brakes and attempt to drive it around the block. If I still liked it after that, I’d treat any serious rust, replace the wood in the bed, and recover the seat. This one can be found here on eBay where the action has about a day left. A special thank you goes to Larry D for the tip! What would be your plan of attack here?
Couple things, I know, always a gamble correcting the boss, but GMC’s were called “New Design”, and they always featured a fancy stainless grill( that some bozos painted, I kid you not). Pretty sure it’s a “Chief” motor, geomechs can confirm, and a good find, typical of this type of project. Got a snowballs chance in Hades of staying original, and here comes the LS/clown wheel/digital dash replacement, but that’s okay. Pretty useless today in this configuration.
You’re right Howard! I meant to put that so thanks for correcting me.
Hey, since I got you, I may be heading through Boise this June, I was told to swing through, and see for myself this mega operation,,,but more importantly, just to say hi,,,time permitting.
You’re welcome to stop by the shop Howard. Just let us know ahead of time.
Maybe I will, hey, is the BF’s helicopter available for Fathers Day weekend? WHAT? No helicopter,,but I’m a member and thought,,,oh well, I know I pixx and moan, but I do think you guys are cool.
Howard, while you are in town fix the log in problem. Thanks in advance!
Hey Mike, I agree, it’s incredibly frustrating, I’ll take a 5lb. sledge in with me,,,
While I’m normally that LS guy, I actually think these trucks are better served by one of the ecotec 4 cylinders like come in the late model Camaros. That turbocharged 2.0, makes 275hp & almost 300lb ft of torque. Would definitely be the way I would go.
My 49, still got it, has and always had a painted grill. My first truck. Dad had bought it for 35 bucks. 3 on the tree. 5 window with a radio. Learned to drive a clutch in it. Used it to trap gophers on the farm before I could get on a road. Got a farm permit to hit the road at 14. Picked up a shiny one years ago but never put it in. Still got that too.
I’ve got a GMC, too, a ’46. Like yours, it sports a painted grille. I read somewhere that the prewar issues were fitted with chrome (stainless-steel?) grilles, but ’46s weren’t because of a chromium shortage that immediately followed the war.
I would love, love, love to convert this to a Chevy Bolt drivetrain. 200 hp, 266 lb ft, 200+ miles of range, and an A/C system is integrated into the drivetrain as well. Yes, they have a critical fault with the LG batteries, but that is being sorted out, or another battery system could be used. It’s relatively straightforward to add power brakes and power steering, and I would be tempted to put in a Mustang II front clip to make it more drivable. Cosmetically, I would fix the bed, the seat, and the critical rust.
Bet you don’t get near 200 miles of range. Aerodynamics of an old truck are way different then a Chevy bolt. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to EV my old Ford econoline but I don’t think viability is quite there yet. At least at a reasonable cost.
I really encourage people to research this further. I think people would be surprised at how viable a project like this really is. If you need more range, you just add more battery. A very large Tesla battery could be put in as a false floor in the truck bed. Also, how many miles a day would someone drive a truck like this? I use my truck 7 days a week and rarely go over 100 miles. Sure, an SBC swap is easier and a bit cheaper, but I’d love to have a low maintenance electric beaut like this.
Regarding the photo of the engine, does anyone know the function of the canister that suspends from the neck of the oil filler? It resembles a small oil filter, but I doubt that it is.
Hi Arfeeto ( 2nd attempt) I saw that too, and I have to bring out the big guns on this( geomechs) but I believe it’s an aftermarket dust collector. Before oil filters, dusty air, which most roads were, could contaminate the oil. I don’t see it on any other 6 cylinder pics, probably did a crummy job.
You’re likely correct, Howard. I happen to have an owner’s manual for GMC trucks of this era, and the item in question is neither pictured nor mentioned.
Many thanks for responding!
Why soitently,,Nyuk, nyuk, I’ve seen stuff like that on older dozers and such, where dust is an issue.
Several things about this truck. It is not a 47 ,it is a 48. I had a 48 G.M.C. 1/2 ton ,that was one of the first trucks I built. Since they state many times they don’t have the title, someone may have told them it was a 47. Another thing that happened back then, was they would title the truck the year it was purchased, which could have been late 47. My truck was titled as a 49 because of the delivery date. 48’s had no wing windows and red pointer on the speedometer and a few other things, I can’t remember. The cab of this truck is a 48 short box ,no wind wings and gas tank placement. The long box has a different gas tank location. there are several things on this truck, that just don’t match and there could be a lot of reasons, none of which really matter. Heck, it was basically the same truck from 48 to mid year 55 and the first one was 75 years ago, so who knows and who really cares. I had the invoice on my 48 and it had a chrome grill, which was a 10 dollar add on, well worth it ,I thought. I put a Jimmy 292 in mine with a 350 trans, opened the drive line and added A/C and some other things, loved that truck. Traded it for a 40 Ford, loved that 40 and so the story goes, rob Peter and pay Paul. Good thing I didn’t try the same things with wife’s, I am sure it wouldn’t have not ended well.
I have a 47 and it is correct for a 47. All 47 and early 48 had that grille. The bumper and the valance and the park lamps are all 47. If it is a true 47 it will also have only one cab mount in the center of the rear of the cab and not one on each corner. It will also not have a rain gutter on the cowl to prevent water from leaking down the cowl and into the the holes on the firewall. As to the gas tank. That is proper placement for a 47. My spare is under the bed so not sure about the side mount. I have researched this extensively since mine is going back stock.
Tom, thanks for the information. I believe that the fuel tank behind the seat was added later. It appears that the rear cab support brackets were cut away to make room for the tank. The cab mount is in the center rear of the cab, and I think is supposed to be covered by the center rear cab support bracket. The side of the bed has a hole for the fuel filler neck if the tank were there. Right now I’m trying to figure out where to get the correct 47 cab support brackets to replace the ones that were cut.
looks ’50s to me. Ahead of the designs, no?
Well, I guess it is “50s” as a ’47’s late…
Sorry, but I would rather see one for sale without the under powered motor, non synchro trans, weak rear end with small drum brakes, and leaf spring front suspension with drum brakes and no power steering. I love the style but I would not enjoy the drive as original. All scrap metal to me for something
that the seller wants to charge for.
The 228 gmc engine has a lot of torque. Plenty of power. Mine is a half ton 5 window. Wish there was an overdrive option at the time though.
If I was having an aneurysm I would give them $1,800.00. Only because most of the truck is there. Good thing there is the internet, now you can sell it coast to coast. Because the coastline is where the cost of living is crazy high.
10 years ago I bought a Wyoming truck driven back from college by a friends son for 800. He needed a one way ticket home after graduation and bought it for 300, put on new tires, oil change, lead additive, gasoline, and drove it back to MO. A driver, the truck body was better than this one.
Dear Mr. Dillon, With all due respect- GMCs did not use (Chevy) “Stovebolt” engines. GMC trucks were not “badge engineered” until much later. Surprised that no one has mentioned the option of upgrading to a larger displacement engine of the same design. The 228 is the smallest. A 302 GMC 6 would boot right in, and there was a lot of period speed equipment made for these. “Pickups of this era” came with a single back glass, or “three window” cab. The corner windows, or “five window”, was optional.
They made headers and manifolds for these. Twin carbs also I believe. Never had the money as a kid to find them and put them on though.
This red GMC is now in my yard in Connecticut. I haven’t started trying to free the engine yet. I’m not even sure if it’s 6 or 12 volts. I posted a walk-around video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6BnXVvccwI
Any suggestions and or information is welcomed.
Should be a 6 volt. Mark, are you near Granby?
I was in Granby over the weekend. I live about 70 miles to the south.
My grill is definitely chrome, you can see it peeling in the walk-around video that I posted on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6BnXVvccwI
I’m going to start messing with the engine in an attempt to determine if it even will turn.
I was able to shoot a video of the look under the hood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV0Mn9jNmn0
I thought I was going to patch a few holes and get this truck on the road without much effort. Turns out a frame-off restoration is in order. I’m making progress…. for an update, check out my videos on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/J7rYcH4jVYU
Is anyone interested in an update to this project truck? I’m making some progress, check it out………. https://youtu.be/re5oT9zKeuo
Here’s an update on the progress I’m making. Check out how good the motor looks:
https://youtu.be/iNr-gsD8eOg
Impressive, Mark. That engine is absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for the update.
I’m struggling to find a brake cable for the parking brake. If anyone knows where I can locate a Lisle C74 or the OEM #3676263 –
Here’s the latest video update: https://youtu.be/Hkk-cHXWNQg
It’s been a whole year since I started the restoration. Here’s an update:
https://youtu.be/oWpC12K7Qt8
This truck is moving again – Check out the TEST DRIVE !!!
https://youtu.be/B1K5bWXmb1g
Here’s a before and after video of Project Patina:
https://youtu.be/m0vpFoMmLcE
Now if I can only figure out how to register it.
CT is no title over 25 years.