Offered for sale in our Dallas-Fort Worth showroom is this 1949 GMC
� Ton Pickup. This special Advance Design pickup has come a long
way from its early life on a Mid-Missouri farm. Owned and restored
by Dale Jacobs of Dallas, Texas, this 1949 GMC � ton has been down
to the frame and came out just a little nicer than new. It's the
old story. It looked very nice and ran just as well but a little
extra touch would make it a nicer pickup. Well, the more he got
into areas, the more he saw things that just were not quite right.
After all it was a farm work truck for so many years. Before long
you are tired of seeing so many imperfections, you check your bank
account, and say "Let's just make it a new truck". It will only
take time and money! It was taken down to the bare frame (the
easiest part) and the building of the oversize model kit begins.
This four-year "frame off" TOTAL restoration project of this
"numbers matching" GMC � ton pickup involved doing much research,
making local new restoration contacts, and learning so much about
early GMC's. The "Ron Kelly Designs" complete rebuild of this
original drivetrain and chassis included the GMC 228 engine long
block (.08 over rebore), head, flywheel, clutch, 4-speed on the
floor transmission with "granny" gear, drive shaft and rear end,
all dynamically balanced. Modifications to improve performance
include full-flow oil filtering, dual 2-barrel Stromberg
carburetors adaptation to original intake manifold with new
linkage, and Fenton dual exhaust headers with custom muffler
routing. Dale's � ton has the optional 17" split rim wheels instead
of the stock 15". (These were original on the 1 ton pickup of these
years). The extra 2" gives the truck a higher top end speed and
lowers the engine RPM. Good during daily in-town driving. Another
very unique fixture is the intake manifold. The original single
barrel carburetor intake center hole was blocked off. Then front
and rear carburetor receiver openings were installed to hold a pair
of two-barrel Stromberg's. It operates excellent and is probably
the only one of its kind in the world! What an eye catcher! He says
it easily cruises at almost 70 mph! The chassis rebuild involved
frame powder coating, front and rear spring leafs with helpers,
Delco lever arm shocks, duel master cylinder brake system, front
end and steering linkage with drive box. The electrical system
conversion to 12 volts included the original Delco starter and
generator, regulator, new Mallory dual point distributor and coil,
new wiring harness, 4 corner lighting with halogen headlights and
turn signaling. A new water pump, radiator with expansion cylinder
and hoses improve the cooling system. All body panels were
COMPLETELY disassembled and, along with the cab, subjected to a
strip and de-rust total immersion process. Reassembly with new
fasteners was preceded by extensive applications of epoxy and
urethane primers and initial custom lacquer paint then followed by
final lacquer paint and clear coatings. Cab restoration involved
new door handles, hinges and panels, headliner with insulation, sun
visors, gauge cluster and speedometer, vintage GMC reproduction
stereo AM/FM radio and 7 new glass windows allowing a surround
view. The air flow heater with control valve and defroster ducts,
vacuum wiper motor with linkage, fuel tank with new sender, and all
pedal controls were also restored to original specifications.
Traversing seat with era appropriate new upholstery allows comfort
with a vintage signature. Firewall, roof, floor and doors all
received sound deadening applications. Finishing touches include
the re-chromed original grill, badging, radiator fan and added dual
trumpet horns. Color coordinated powder coated engine side and
valve covers enhance the engine bay. Also evident are new bumpers
with valences, vintage Unity spot and fog lights, chromed fuel tank
linkage, and powder coated original split rim wheels with new
750-17 tires. An eye-catching top grade oak bed and side rails with
stainless linings and fasteners complete this classic restoration.
To view this special 1949 GMC � Ton Pickup in greater detail,
including 100+ HD photos and HD video, please visit
www.gatewayclassiccars.com. For more information please call the
Dallas-Fort Worth Showroom at 817-310-9400 or email at
[email protected].