What to look for when buying a new 60-66 GMC?

[jchrisman]

New member here and I actually joined because I found that truck on Craigslist and am really interested in looking at it. Any advice on what to look for as far as it being original? I looked at Jolly's page about reading the vin. Any info you could provide would be great. Also, any thoughts on the price. I got some additional photo of the truck from the seller and it has some serious rust in the usual places that he listed. Rockers are pretty much gone and so is the drivers floor. Thanks!

[Jeannie]

I have moved your question to a new topic so as not to derail GMCNut's thread. Some potential problem areas in which to look are as follows:

• Cab Corner Rust
• Broken Light Bezels
• Body Filler (Knock on panels to locate)
• Heavy Oil Leaks
• Knocking Engine
• Chopped or rerouted wiring
• Chopped Radio Holes in Dash
• Wobbles in Steering

Others will follow with more, however in the end the answer to your question lies in what kind of work you would be willing to put into a 50 year old classic. Above all, remember that this is not a Chevy, available on every street corner. It is becoming more of a rarity every day.

Best of luck!

-Jeannie

6066 GMC Club

[jchrisman]

Jeannie,

Thank you for the response. I didn't mean to derail the other thread. I'm really interested in the truck mostly because it is a factory 4x4 GMC. I haven't seen too many of those running around. I really love the look of the early 60's 4x4 trucks. When I go look at the truck I will be sure to keep your list in mind. One question is about the broken light bezels. Is this just because replacements are hard to come by? Thanks.

[Jeannie]

The only replacement until recently, which I have not personally verified, is to use a Chevrolet replacement that sits considerably deeper inside the blinker channels. A broken or busted bezel may also indicate offroading. This puts additional stress on the frame. You may want to check the frame for stress cracks or cutting as well.


-Jeannie

6066 GMC Club

[TJ's GMC]

It sounds like its gonna need some work. If you could post some pictures that would help. I'd say if the thing runs keep it under 1000. Rot lowers a price considerably.

[Onuma]

Welcome to the club! I hope the old truck works out for you, and that you don't have too much crap to go through to get it working well.

On a side note:
I wish I'd read Jeannie's list before I purchased a couple of years ago!

Cab Corner Rust -- cab corners MISSING, someone cut them up with snips or something which made jagged lines, not a cutoff wheel
Broken Light Bezels -- faded, beat up, but not damaged significantly
Body Filler (Knock on panels to locate) -- definitely...both front fenders, just behind the wheel well
Heavy Oil Leaks -- fortunately not present
Knocking Engine -- also not present!
Chopped or rerouted wiring -- check...
Chopped Radio Holes in Dash -- check...
Wobbles in Steering -- actually, only slightly...pretty good for a 50 year old truck

3/8 ... not too bad? Eh, I can bend, weld, fit, sand; that's all fixable for me This metal is old, but it is durable and strong. With the right care, it can last another 50.

[jchrisman]

Thanks for all the suggestions and information. I really appreciate it. I went and looked at the truck last night and it will certainly need some work. Fender bottoms, lower door skins, rear hood corners, rockers and cab corners were all pretty bad. The truck seemed to be pretty much all original and unmolested besides the rust of course.It still had the 4x4 shifting directions on the visor. It currently runs and drives but none of the lights are working (headlights, taillights, brake lights, blinkers...)

[jchrisman]

forgot the picture of the rusted rocker

[jchrisman]

Well I went ahead and pulled the trigger on this one. I'm the proud new owner of a 1960 GMC K1000! Planning on just getting ready to use as a work truck for now and hopefully soon start to tear it down for a refresh.

[WDShaffer]

The rarest (almost impossible) parts are the front insert in the hood, grill, instrument housing, and emblems. The wiring, frame and drivetrain are GMC only as far as I know. The great news is the rest of the rusted metal can be replaced/repaired with Chevy donors. So, be careful with the front end bits.