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Login to post Forums » Off-topic discussion » I'm looking at a truck ....

Jan. 23, 2012 8:54 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

GMC FC-301. 1947 - 52 body style, 2 ton.

First I have to say that I don't need a truck and already have a few projects so I should just move along but you know how that goes.

It looks like the one below but doesn't have the wood box on back, just a flat bed. 235 six and the head is off, sitting in the front seat.

a.) Rebuilt the straight six? There's hp in there.

b.) SBC.

c.) diseasal

This truck has a two speed rear end with duallies, I'd like to keep the duallies but want to go down the road without getting rear ended. Can you swap gears in the back or do you just adapt a different axle in place and cobble in the dual wheels?

It's been sitting in a barn for 20 years that I know of. Inside, dry.

Money isn't a concern, just what to do with it is. Flip it?

Any thoughts?

Dan
Jan. 23, 2012 9:14 a.m. DoctorBlade Dork

I'd say you've got enough room for an engine swap, that's for sure.
Jan. 23, 2012 9:15 a.m. 81cpcamaro Reader

Pretty cool truck. Only concern about keeping it for me would be if it is still considered a commercial vehicle. Check with insurance and your state to avoid any surprises.

If you get it, I would think a Cummins/5-speed swap would be good, even with the 2-speed rear end. A Duramax would be cool as well. What are the ratios in the rear?

The ultimate cool would be to swap in an appropriate Detroit Diesel 2-stroke like an 8V71 or 6-71. That would be a fun ride.
Jan. 23, 2012 9:37 a.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

I would love an old truck like that.

Personally I would swap a 261 straight six (same generation Chevy straight six just a bit bigger) with maybe a couple hop ups or do a diesel swap. I think a SBC would be a boring swap into that truck.
Jan. 23, 2012 10:11 a.m. BoostedBrandon HalfDork

Definately update the straight six. On Powerblock's Trucks! Program, their project ClasSix kept the 235. Bored .080 (!) over, better cam, and two or three carb's. Sounds awesome
Jan. 23, 2012 11:50 a.m. spitfirebill SuperDork

I've seen later GMC dump trucks that had a V-6.
Jan. 23, 2012 12:34 p.m. joey48442 SuperDork

What about a more modern straight 6 out of a trailblazer or some such?

Joey
Jan. 23, 2012 12:44 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

joey48442 wrote:

What about a more modern straight 6 out of a trailblazer or some such?

Joey

Turbo'ed Atlas 6.....
Jan. 23, 2012 12:57 p.m. Gearheadotaku SuperDork

Depends on what you want to use it for. Serious hiway speed towing / hauling would call for a modern diesel and suspension work. Around town tow / haul I'd upgrade to a bigger inline 6 (292) and take a look at the Clifford performance catalog.
Jan. 23, 2012 2:00 p.m. bravenrace SuperDork

In reply to 914Driver:

Do you happen to know what the front track width is on that?
Jan. 23, 2012 2:07 p.m. 914Driver SuperDork

Not something I measured.

Sorry.
Jan. 23, 2012 2:18 p.m. Travis_K SuperDork

Aren't those trucks really uncomfortable to drive unless you either have 6 inch long arms and legs or do an extended cab conversion? It doesn't seem to me like something that's going to be a useful vehicle anymore because driving it would be really unpleasant.
Jan. 23, 2012 9:08 p.m. patgizz SuperDork

vortec 4200

the 235 is bulletproof though.
Jan. 23, 2012 9:12 p.m. ddavidv SuperDork

Easier solution: take body off, attach to modern truck.
Jan. 23, 2012 10:01 p.m. Greg Voth HalfDork

Awesome truck!

In response to an above comments.

My truck is a 54 F600 mounted on a 87 Suburban Chassis and driveline.

A couple places I called for quotes would not insure it because it is "commercial vehicle". Grundy took it after explaining what it is any taking pictures.

My truck is comfortable to spend time in. Its a standard cab and I am 5"10 with a 32" inseam.

If the motor is workable and you plan to use it around town I would say get it running. If you want a highway cruiser put something else in it but if its anything like mine its going to be loud as hell at anything above 50mph.
Jan. 24, 2012 5:57 a.m. bravenrace SuperDork

ddavidv wrote:

Easier solution: take body off, attach to modern truck.

That's why I was asking about the track width.
Jan. 24, 2012 6:00 a.m. bravenrace SuperDork

Greg Voth wrote:

My truck is a 54 F600 mounted on a 87 Suburban Chassis and driveline.

I'm sure you know what you have, but to me the truck in your picture looks a lot more like an F-100 cab than an F-600 cab.
Jan. 24, 2012 6:03 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

This cab is plenty big enough for me at 5'11".
Jan. 24, 2012 8:04 a.m. Greg Voth HalfDork

bravenrace wrote:

Greg Voth wrote:

My truck is a 54 F600 mounted on a 87 Suburban Chassis and driveline.

I'm sure you know what you have, but to me the truck in your picture looks a lot more like an F-100 cab than an F-600 cab.

I really don't know for sure but looking at the VIN and from my understanding the cabs and hood are the same (my hood is off a F100).

The only difference body wise is that the fenders have larger openings and the beds are some sort of utility bed. Also the running boards are shorter.

Obviously the frame and mechanicals are different. Hotlinked for your pleasure.
Jan. 24, 2012 9:37 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

If you don't need it and you're already loaded up with projects, it's probably a good idea to just let this one pass.

That said, they make a fine farm truck.
Jan. 24, 2012 1:50 p.m. Appleseed SuperDork

If anything deserved a diesel swap...its that truck.

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