Vehicle Description
Trucks like this are from a simpler time. Both life and the
machines were simpler. Barn find trucks that recall that feeling
are very cool and the look has become popular. However, the process
that created that look would continue and go beyond the desired
effects unless it was tended to. So, Patina paint jobs like the one
on this truck and a couple of mechanical updates enable you to have
a nice driver with a low maintenance paint job. Check it out.
In 1958 these GMCs were called the Blue-Chip Series. This one is
appropriately restored in a nice shade of Blue with just the right
amount of fading and wear frozen in time. It even has a Moon Pie
logo on the doors as might have been found back in the day. The
hood for this year was restyled with a pair of ridges that create a
valley in the middle of it. Under the leading edge of the hood is a
full width grill in white with a GMC logo in the center and marker
lights at each end with a white bumper underlining that. The front
fenders slant forward with dual headlights and then bulge out over
the front wheels. A step side bed has those great looking separate
fenders and a tailgate with GMC outlined in white on the dark
patina of the gate. The wood in the bed looks perfectly aged and
there is even a vintage oil can and water jug for the guys at the
job site.
When you open the door, you will find a nicely redone blue interior
with a silver dashboard. The door panel has a blue cloth upper
where the window crank and door handle are mounted with the
scalloped bottom being painted. A blue cloth bench seat trimmed in
vinyl is sharp looking and comfortable. The view out the
wrap-around windshield is great and there is a big 'ol 3 spoke
steering wheel with a GMC center to wrap your hands around. The
silver dash board is topped by blue vinyl and has a black insert in
front of the driver with the gauges symmetrically arranged on each
side. Speedo, voltage and fuel on the left, and Tach, water and oil
on the right. The shifter for the automatic transmission comes up
from the floor and has a unique, custom shift knob made out of the
end of a camshaft.
Under the hood you will find a nicely updated drivetrain nestled
down in a neat and clean engine bay with a couple dress up items
that keep the simple look expected in a truck like this, but does
it with a bit of style. It is a 350 cubic inch V8 mated to a
3-speed TH350 automatic transmission. The engine has a black air
filter housing with a polished top for a little flash. It is
feeding air to an Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold and
ribbed valve covers are also Edelbrock items proudly announcing
that in script. As this restoration only has 96 miles on it all the
belts and hoses as well as the battery and radiator are of course
new. Keeping with the period correct simple theme, there is no A/C
or power steering or power brakes cluttering up the engine bay. The
rubber meets the road through 235/75R15 tires mounted on red steel
wheels with hub caps.
A barn find look with a couple of modern updates for nice
drivability. Come on down, check it out, and maybe drive it on home
to your own barn.
