Vehicle Description
1953 GMC Pickup
When comparing same size Chevy and GMC frames of the same year,
most people are unaware that the GMC frame is longer than the Chevy
frames. This is to accommodate the longer motor. Remember that GMC
engines were truck engines and not car engines adapted to trucks.
Full pressure oiling and inset bearings from 1939 make a GMC a
truck. The front cross member of a GMC is totally different from a
Chevy truck due to the above. GMC motors will not fit into a Chevy
truck without a short water pump added. GMC engines were either
Avocado, Dark Green or GMC Red depending upon year.
For consignment a GMC amalgamation if you will on this restoration,
taking liberties with various replaced parts of more modern
vehicles, a souped up newer engine, and suspension. Add in a custom
interior, and a stake bodied bed replacing the original metal bed,
and ladies and gentlemen, we have a really cool GMC truck
custom.
Exterior
Starting out as the standard GMC pickup from 1953, all parts were
taken off the frame, meticulously restored then put back on.
Fenders and grille have been painted silver, and bumper from the
front has been left out. The large red iconic GMC badge which was
stamped into the top of the grille is making us very aware of the
original manufacturer, and it is all truck. The hood, and upper cab
are now showing blazing yellow with nice black window surrounds and
a chrome strip separating the 2-panel windshield. This continues to
run down the hood to the grille and adds some nice bling to the
bulbous hood. More red GMC badges for the side of the cab just
before the door panels, and we see wonderfully curved B pillar
windows inserted between the door glass and then rear glass. On
back, curved steel fenders wrap around the rear tires and are
silver painted. Mounted on the frame is now a beautifully crafted
oak bed, with metal separators, and cascading stake bodied side
panels all in stained oak. The rear bumper has gone by the wayside,
and is now a solid piece of oak, and houses the taillights. Yellow
steel wheels with mirror like moon caps and chrome trim rings are
on all 4 corners, just to show off even more.
Interior
As any artisan who takes on a project as such would do, we open the
doors and already we are over the top with tuck and roll vertical
vinyl panels in tan with a white comet like swoop accent below the
redone door pulls. Cranks and handles are excellent, and
surrounding metal edging is painted tan on the sills and yellow on
the bottoms. As we take our wandering eyes into the passenger
compartment, we are greeted with 2 wide overstuffed broadcloth
buckets which fill the interior space from door to door. There is a
center fold down armrest to add even more comfort, and now it all
looks just beautiful. Noted these seats are electric for even more
comfort. Continuing to the front, the original dash setup has been
retained, but now presents in ivory with original instruments
replaced with classic style gauges and instruments. Vintage air,
heat and defrost has been added, and now an AM/FM vintage style
radio graces the dash in the original position. Due to the 12-volt
conversion, windshield wipers are now electrified, with no more
vacuum to rely on. A long stick shifter rises from the pristine tan
carpet and has a copper top knob. A tachometer is nestled into the
right side of the Flaming River tilt chromed column, and wood
rimmed rally style steering wheel atop. A shout out to the
headliner which is now black and appears as a faux leather
patterned piece of tight vinyl. Keep it simple is the mantra for
this truck and it works wonderfully throughout.
Drivetrain
A 350ci Chevrolet engine now graces the pristine and fully restored
engine bay. It codes out as circa 1969 to 1979 and is certainly all
buttoned up with its chrome air cleaner cover, and silver Chevrolet
badged valve covers. Inside a few mods have been added in the form
of a Comp Cam, and Holley 600 CFM 4-barrel carburetor fed by an
electric fuel pump. A 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission pushes
power from the mill rearward to a 12-bolt posi rear axle. Oh, and
lest I forget shiny headers to evacuate burnt fossils and air
mixture from the engine.
Undercarriage
A totally restored black painted rust free frame is noted
underneath. Bolted to this is a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo front
clip, and coil-overs, and on the back are more coil-overs, and a 4
link setup. Power discs upfront, and power drums for the rear, and
also a Flowmaster exhaust is seen working its way rearward from the
headers. Wood is near perfect just as above, and there are no runs,
drips, or errors near the transmission and engine underside.
Drive-Ability
This stake bodied truck fired right up, and it was off to the test
track where it handled all tasks put before it just swimmingly.
Great acceleration, good handling for a truck, and plenty of
stopping power. Steering was very smooth, and the transmission
shifted effortlessly. All comfortable and all working on the
interior control fronts. A great cruiser with a nice exhaust
tune.
A full body off restoration done with obvious passion, and usage of
nifty contrasting colors, some shaving going on with the bumper
front and rear, and a stake bodied wood cascade sided bed on the
back. A scrumptious interior with the overstuffed seats and perfect
dash and carpet, and air, heat and defrost. Turn the key and drive
away to do some work, or just cruise around and turn some
heads!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
