Richard,
I have a '51 Jimmy and while it's only been in the family for ten years
or so, its like the ones my dad had in his business and yes, I learned to
drive in one as well. Mine was also a low mileage farm truck but those farm
miles can be hard ones. At least it was "barned" so it has no rust to speak
of.
It's true that most of the restoration manuals are Chevy oriented. That
should suffice for GMC except for the engine, radiator and some cosmetics
like grill surrounds, parking lights etc. In those days, a GMC was truly a
cut above the Chevy (sorry bowties) because of its rugged full pressure
engine. The drivetrain, brakes etc are all the same. If and when you get
puzzled on some point of authenticity, just ask the list and you will get an
answer (hopefully the right one). The fact that your truck has been in the
family since new is a great help, since you know it has not been changed
from original.
You can do a pure stock restoration, "spiritually stock" with some
modern upgrades,
a rip-snorting street rod treatment, or anything in between. Each preference
has its disciples on this list, and we all respect each other's approach
(usually)! You've probably already sorted out some of the many vendors who
are competing in the old truck parts business these days. Since you are in
Phoenix, one excellent local resource is Patrick's Antique Cars & Trucks in
Casa Grande. Patrick is a true Jimmy lover and does business the
old-fashioned way, i.e. honestly and with the customer as his first
priority. Welcome to the list and good luck on your project.
Jack / Winter Park FL
-----Original Message-----
From: Tayrien, Richard <rtayrie@chw.edu>
To: 'oletrucks@autox.team.net' <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Date: Friday, April 02, 1999 12:02 PM
Subject: [oletrucks] My 51 GMC, where do I start?
I love the dialogue on this list serve and had to jump in.
I have recently inherited our families 52 GMC ½ ton purchased new by my
grandfather for $1900 the year before I was born. The whole family and all
of my friends used to love this truck.
We spent a lot hours sitting on the big front fenders and peering under the
hood trying to figure out how the engine worked. I remember it quite well
when it was newer, it was beautiful. Dark green (officially juniper green,
I guess) with a little white pin-stripe around the cab. The wheels were
lime green with white baby moon hubcaps that had GMC in red across the
center. It is the vehicle in which my brother and I learned I learned how
to drive at the age of 12 on the farm. We actually had to pull on the
steering wheel and practically stand up to push that big stiff clutch pedal
all the way in. It was the only pickup my dad ever owned and he used it as
work truck most of the time. Hauling rocks, building fence and I remember
helping him literally pull out two stumps with it. My buddies and I in high
school used to throw an old row boat in the back and head for the lake to
camp-out and fish.
Why is it that these old AD trucks are so appealing, they almost seem to
have a personality. I used to attract more girls in the truck than my
buddies could in their Corvettes. I can't believe it now but I had that old
truck up to 70 MPH on the highway once I almost feel guilty about it now.
Lots of memories.
It has about 56,000 original miles and is on its second set of tires. It
has been chained to tree behind our house in Oklahoma and the wood bed has
deteriorated. Lots of rust but the body still seems pretty solid still. It
has not been started in about 10 years. Both mom and dad are now gone and
we have to sell the house. I want to bring the truck to my home in Phoenix
this summer and begin to restore it.
I have read Tom Brunwalls book and have been collecting information and
tools to get started. All of the information I find seems to be directed
toward Chevy's. Is there that much difference between a Chevrolet 3100 and
the GMC of the same year? Should the paint schemes and parts be
interchangeable? I realize I may be asking a lot of questions that have
already been answered by this group in the past so feel free to direct me to
previous answers. Also any information on getting started and transporting
my truck would be appreciated. I'm glad I found you guys! Maybe I can send
some pictures as I get started, is that acceptable?
Thanks
Richard Tayrien
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Rtayrie@chw.edu <mailto:Rtayrie@chw.edu>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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