There are few vehicles that are more iconic than the Chevy (and GMC) “Advance Design” trucks that were produced from 1947-55. More powerful, larger and sleeker than the AK-series pickups that preceded them, these have been a favorite for customs, rods and restorations for decades. This particular truck, a ¾ ton 3600 model, is located in Creedence-friendly Lodi, CA and can be found here on eBay with a BIN of $5,500 and offers accepted.
Abundance, simplicity, and broad aftermarket support make these trucks a great platform for projects of all types. And this truck is definitely a project. The seller calls out the famous adage “It used to run and was driven to where it has sat for more than 12 years”.
Although we can’t see them under the hubcaps, being a ¾ ton this should have 8-lug axles. What we can see is plenty of surface rust and what appears to be unmounted bedsides. Unfortunately, it does not have the desirable 5-window cab, although conversion kits are available for the ambitious. Vent windows were a new addition for 1951.
The bed wood is long gone, and here we see more detail of the bed and rear frame. The moss growing on the differential indicates the amount of moisture in the ground this truck has been sitting on. It’s not uncommon, but some sheet metal and cross sills likely need replacement. Good news is that virtually all metal is being reproduced nowadays.
No surprises under the hood with this crusty inline six. The modern wiring (and an alternator seen in another photo) indicates the truck has been converted to 12 volt.
Similarly, the cab looks about as expected also. Interior trim appears complete, and repops of almost everything are readily available. This truck came with the optional 4-speed gearbox. Lodi is an agricultural area, and being that this is a ¾ ton, this truck likely spent decades hauling crops, supplies and/or equipment before going into the current dozen-year sleep. It looks quite complete, although attention is needed almost everywhere. So as a blank, if somewhat rusty, canvas, what picture would you paint with this truck?
Seller states it once ran, as if we need to be reminded. Those floorboards sure are scary. I love these old Chevy pickups but this one seems a little too past it’s prime.
I love that when the ads state ” ran when parked” In this case, 12 years ago! That’s almost like saying “ran in 1951”
Enough of poking fun. Truck looks pretty good…most likely would need at least an LS-3!
This an ambitious restoration. AD’s like this are getting hard to find, especially if you want to build it your way. Probably the most popular truck to resto-mod. I can’t remember the last time I saw an original. Obviously, the heater core is blocked off, but where do those long heater hoses go?
People should know by now that “once ran” is a load of crap. The only car that has never ran from the factory is a BIW or a yugo.
For $1200 or so, it is worth checking out. Since so many body panels and frame components need to be replaced, the cost involved to bring this up to a usable condition would easily exceed the value of the truck.
Nope, not happening. Not at that price. But it only takes one person to pull the trigger and buy it.
A Chevy 3/4 ton is a nice unit to have. You can haul considerably more than with a 1/2 ton; you can still drive as fast as a 1/2 ton but you aren’t as gangly as the full tonner. This is a nice restoration project. Driver quality, and use it. Someone’s already changed the engine to a 235 which is fine although I doggedly hang onto the 216 if possible.
That truck is bad ace !
Keep the 6.
Sold one in similar shape but with a good bed for $2,600 18 months ago. It would have cost $50K to give it a good restomod, and most buyers prefer the 1/2 ton 3100. This on is overpriced based on the condition.
It really is stuck in Lodi……………
Neat ol’ truck – Hood ornament looks to be ’54 vintage…upside down
It is upside down, but not necessarily a ’54 emblem. My uncle had a ’48 Chevy Loadmaster two-ton with that emblem.
I cringe when I think of what will happen to this truck. Someone will stuff a SBC into it, chop the top, and slam it to the ground. It makes me sick. Pretty soon there won’t be any unmolested examples left.
I don’t mind putting a SBC and TH400 with Overdrive in there with a beefed up rear differential. If only because having fuel injection for reliable starts and good cooling for a dependable daily driver is worth it.
But the outside? I’m not a patina fan. I’d clean it up, fix the damage, paint it back to original colors or something appealing and then DRIVE IT. It’s a truck and should be treated like one.
…and then they wont finish it –
It may wind up on the “List” as a “stalled project – need garage space”,”Baby forces Sale”………. I’ve seen to many nice machines turned into back yard scrap.
Overpriced for sure. Most people want the 1/2 ton and will likely want to update the drivetrain. If that’s your idea, all you get here for $5500 is a cab, hood, and fenders. You can do a lot better for that kind of money. It’s too expensive for a parts truck, or for the fix-and-drive crowd.
It’s a myth that these are rare trucks. Certainly there are regional differences in supply, but the local classifieds are filled with them.
Other than the bed (and the price) this looks to be pretty straight. Hopefully it eventually finds a good home.
Given the reproduction parts that are available for these trucks and the really poor condition of this one, I think the only thing you can be sure you are getting here is the VIN plate and a title. Sometimes that is all people want, but $5500 is a rediculous price to pay for this. If it were closer to me, I would offer $1500.
I have owned several of these old Advance Design trucks and have restored a couple of them. They are not rare and can be found practically everywhere. They were built from 1947 to the mid 1955 model year. Five window trucks are worth more but not a lot more. I just looked at a running 1952 Chevy 3100 in far better shape than this one priced at $3500 here in western NC. I didn’t buy it because it was too high. This truck is worth around $1600 – $1800 whether it’s in Lodi or New York City.
Personally I’d rather have an ‘AK’ , dont really care for the ‘AD’ trucks, this one is past restoration anyways for sure, but it would benefit from a S10 frame swap!!
Thought you might like to see what I did with my 51 3/4 ton.Three years of labor.
I would like to know how much you’re asking for it if you only want 5500 I’ll take it off your hands tomorrow
Randy, that looks great, and I’m sure you spent many hours bringing it to this level. Kudos! But my question is, did you start with a $5500 pile of scrap metal? Don’t get me wrong, I like these and think this one is worth saving, whatever type of restoration one wants to do, but in this condition, value is -$4500.