New Guy, "New" GMC

[ekindsfater]

This truck has been parked on the family farm in South Dakota for 40-ish years. I've always liked the look of it and recently stated as such to my Dad. From what I can gather it's a '61 with BBV6 (305A). I plan to restore it.

Come to find out, this truck belonged to a mechanic of a neighboring tractor/farm equipment dealership but he moved out of the area long ago. I performed a title search with the VIN via the SD online title search platform and had no luck.

Anyone else have a method by which I can search for a title? To what lengths do I go to track down the original owner (assuming he can be found)?

Words of wisdom appreciated.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

File for a lost title. That should get you the information you need. Just put yourself down as the owner. For old vehicles like this you'll sometimes get the title mailed to you because it's just not in the books anymore. No one knows where or who owns it. First one to squeak gets the grease!

Oh, and

[Funky61]

Welcome ekindsfater!

The truck looks pretty clean. Any more photos of the interior?

Hope you are able to get the title.

[Jim A]

Wonderful find!
I think it is either a 3000 or 4000, Maybe the running board makes one difference.
Definitely the Serial # will tell you a lot.
Is there a chance it is a 351 instead of a 305?
I am looking forward to your progress on this beauty.

[ekindsfater]

Originally Posted by Funky61

Welcome ekindsfater!

The truck looks pretty clean. Any more photos of the interior?

Hope you are able to get the title.

Here is what Dad was able to send - comments welcome, of course - I'm learning so much and haven't really "started" anything yet!

I appreciate this site and all the wisdom!

[BillT]

Originally Posted by Jim A

Wonderful find!
I think it is either a 3000 or 4000, Maybe the running board makes one difference.
Definitely the Serial # will tell you a lot.
Is there a chance it is a 351 instead of a 305?
I am looking forward to your progress on this beauty.

I would have guess a 4000, but it looks like you're right. It looks like it is a 3500. A 305 by the way, by the glove box tag.

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by BillT

I would have guess a 4000, but it looks like you're right. It looks like it is a 3500. A 305 by the way, by the glove box tag.

Sometimes engines get swapped out. You can confirm by looking at the number stamped into the flat spot on top of the block right in front of the passenger side cylinder head.

[Jethro]

Check into a "bonded title".
In Illinois we can get a bonded title where the truck gets titled in your name but there is a bond worth the appraised value of the truck. For 3 years whoever can show a legal title has a chance to claim the bond. In that case you keep the truck and pay off the bond. After 3 years you're free and clear.