1960s GMC pickups are cropping up here on Barn Finds and that isn’t a bad thing at all. Sadly, this 1963 GMC Deluxe 1000 Fenderside pickup appears to be wearing a 1964/65/66 Chevrolet grille for some odd reason. That chops the value for a lot of us as the grille is the most unique part. They have this example posted here on craigslist in Alhambra, California and they’re asking $8,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Rocco B. for the tip!
The grille replacement is a head-scratcher as the other parts and pieces seem to be from a GMC. I can’t find one online so the next owner may be searching junkyards for one. Otherwise, this one is a Fenderside, GMC’s name for “step side”, and it’s an eight-foot bed compared to a 6.5-foot or nine-foot bed that would have been available in the Fenderside style.
This truck is a Deluxe 1000, so a base model half-ton. The Deluxe had plain black rubber window trim, so no brightwork around the windows, and also a painted grille (argh!) and front bumper. This one is obviously missing a rear bumper entirely, so there’s another junkyard run. There was a higher trim level Custom that had a chrome grille and front bumper, and brightwork around the windows.
It’s always depressing to see a “club” on a steering wheel, just knowing that there are so many ne’er-do-wells out there who are out to steal anything and everything they can rather than working for a living. This truck interior blows the former theory that all GMC pickup interiors were painted “Fawn” no matter the exterior paint color discussion that we just had a couple of days ago on the red ’64 GMC pickup. The interior looks really nice in this truck, with a replacement vinyl seat that probably needs work again unless the blanket on the bottom is just to keep somewhat cool in the hot California weather.
This truck also has a 305E OHV V6 with 165 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This truck has an optional (in the 1000 and 1500) four-speed manual, which is fantastic. The seller says it’s “currently running and driving”, so that’s good, right? They do have the air cleaner, by the way, and it has a new master cylinder, a new battery, and a new alternator. Any thoughts on this Chevy grille-swapped GMC Deluxe 1000 Fenderside?
Wow 2 V6 GMC trucks in the same week? You don’t see too many equipped like this, and now there’s a choice of 2. Itd interesting how GMC went with a different dash /gauge cluster layout than the Chevys of the same era. If it were mine I’d be looking for an original GMC grill. This looks like a solid old truck with a lot of life left in it.
Nice old truck I don’t think they need the club steering lock it already has the anti theft transmission I would say just make it safe to drive and enjoy having it
Ha, good point, Troy! I wonder what the percentage is for those who know how to use a manual transmission in 2025.
I expect that percentage to be shockingly low, Scotty.
I bought three new cars–all manuals–between 2012 and 2018. In each case the salesperson admitted he couldn’t drive the vehicle because it was a manual. These are car people! Go figure.
Another drive and have fun deal, although I don’t care for the brake/clutch shared master cylinder reservoir, loose one loose them both.
A neighbor who lives behind me has a “restored” GMC short bed, powered by a small block Chevy and a 5-speed. Not a bad looking cruiser. So why not?
While I’m a Dodge Sweptline man at heart, I have a soft spot in my heart for the V-6 Truck engined Jimmy’s. The resonance from a low restriction on one of these is memorable. If I find the right truck at the right price, I might build one.
I’m thinking a Buick even fire HEI and a Rochester-GM TBI from a 350 on a 351, backed by a T-5 transmission, with Dual Exhaust could make a great cruiser.
Swapped grille and i/p? Just enough to keep the knowledgeable confused. Overall still a nice truck.
Somebody didn’t like quad headlights.
rear bumpers were options back then
You used to be able to go to your local auto parts store and buy a universal step bumper for pick up trucks.
I remember J.C. Whitney selling rear bumpers too. I miss those catalogs.
I’d love to find a rear bumper for my ’46 GMC.
Someplaces it was called a Stepside.
I actually ordered one from JC Whitney for a 76 Dodge and it came parcel post
$8500??? Maybe someone out there thinks that this is a reasonable price, but it sure as heck ain’t me.
Agreed. Plenty of these old hosses are coming out of the barns…
That V6 is worth a bit, but not that much.