Hey Jeff, These vintage ElderlyIron videos are really fun to watch again! I NEVER get tired of watching Jeff do stuff... xCop P.S. Easy on them there brakes Pardner.
I'm a Ford/Mopar guy, but can respect all your hard work. Time to bring the old truck back to a productive life. I don't know anything about 1950s GMC engines, though. I just know they offered only V-6 or I-6 from about 1959 to 1974.
My 1955 Chevy 3800 came from the woods of oregon, not as nice a unit as this is but Lulu is a really nice IL6 , 4 spd and RWD, she is a hard working 1 ton. best of luck to you with this very special truck.
JEFF BRAVO BRAVO BETTER THAN THE CRAP ON TV ! Old blue she o wait HEs a gem. Killer find. Cant wait to see him on the road. Love to see a part of our history saved. Its trucks like that that bult this country. Love the vids keep up the great work
1979 I found a 1956 GMC 100 in pieces, w/a 307 in the frame. Both fenders were off, doors hood and box gone. but the fenders had the V8 Hydramatic thingy too, took me almost a yr to find all the body parts( it was '80 then). Had a 400 Turbo so kept that w/a shift kit, found an old '63 283 from a wrecked corvette rebuilt THAT bored .30 over w /194 heads highrise manifold w/ Holley 750. That old truck would pull Santiam Pass w/a 2 horse Miley & 2 horses, half ton of hay in the bed....at 60 MPH and never break a sweat! Loved that old truck, sadly lost it, the trailer(which I also restored), and the horse in a ugly divorce. I was young, live and learn.
I love to see these old trucks put back into shape and used for work as they where meant to be. They weren't made for show, they where made for work! Thank you!
this truck/video reminds me of an old 1950 Dodge truck my dad had about the same size your truck is, the entire bed was wooden, it was a fun old truck to haul coal and wood in.
Once it was on top of the trailer it shows why it was so worth the effort you went threw just to get it out of that property. What a great looking truck.. For year make model . power breaker and steering was a major plus.. I cannot get past that chrome front end... Gonna be so great to bring it back to life.
It is 0 degrees here in Upstate NY. Too cold to work in my shop. I spent a good bit of this afternoon and evening enjoying your channel. Thanks for the entertainment and a LOT of good tips. A new subscriber....
I don't know how many of this dig outs of old trucks I have done. But my hats off to you. I thought I was the only one that went threw all the work that you did to get that truck out. And I love that turkey in your yard too. Keep up the good work !!!
It's good to know that guys like Jeff are working to revive the vehicles and machines of yesteryear. It's so awesome hearing these things running after they've been forgotten for so long.
to me , this is one of your Classic Videos . it features all the interest in Old Trucks that fella's like , the find , loading it , and getting it home . very enjoyable to watch . Thanks Jeff . Ray in Pa.
Heck we are almost neighbors now you got that 56 GMC and well I got a 58 F600 All Wheel Drive with a Dump Steel Box Bed. Retired Oregon Department of Transportation. Big Trucks can still do the work. Got the old Y block running and the gears working. Need to get the hydra boast brake pack working. Currently just using gears as brakes. Looking forward to seeing the progress on the highly optioned 56 GMC you just brought home. Nice looking place you have there.
I had to watch this one again. I just learned that Jeff was in a bad car accident back in August and he has a long road to recovery in front of him. I wish you all the best Jeff!
I had to go back and watch this one. Can’t believe it was that long ago already. Great to see a newer old blue Jimmy pulling Jimmy Blue to Jeff’s place. Sorry to see it go but hope that you find a good buyer for that classic truck.
You are one lucky man my friend. I wouldn't have found the title, the tires wouldn't have aired up, and would have had at least one blow out on the way home. Love the 69 chevy, and your way of life. New sub
I happen to have a 57 and a 58 Chevy half tons 4X4 Napco equipped. I also have an extra front axle from a 56 GMC Napco truck but only two correct Spicer transfer cases. I love these trucks. The dealer installed axles had Dodge Power Wagon brakes. The factory installed axles have GM brakes. I've chased these trucks for 41 years now. Very cool video.
Lucky that sun shell in that blazer trans held up, gotta pull from the rear! Reverse is a no no. But that truck is killer, i would go frame up and fix/ replace all of those acc. You just got another sub.
You are my favorite TH-cam venue...and this without a doubt my favorite!! The "hydramatic find"!! This is old I know...but Always looking for something new from you. But, I just would like to see a "project" you have completed/restored. Always bits and pieces...always truck carcasses sitting in your yard. Love all the animals running around. Please show me a beautiful restored truck!!! And loved the Evinrude video!!
I have a 1957 Chevy 1-ton tow truck, factory Holmes, it's almost original, 2pc. 18" wheels, 40 year old tires, they were abit sketchy nearly 30 years ago when I drove it, it has had a 70's v8 swapped in, 350 or 400, I'm thinking 350, because they are more popular, id like to get it on the road again, about the only thing wrong with it when parked was the tires, and could use break work, the hydro boost was a bit tired, it would be awesome to have power steering, I'd keep the 4speed !! Wouldnt be the same without it! Swap on some newer 2000ish, model 20" wheels, I heard 16" will not fit, but not sure! Great video alot of work!!
Man ''o'' Life, I love it--kinda reminds me of the last build I did my 1951 Mercury two door. That was all there by rusty as a old barn door hinge. Why it was before I got it it was used as hog farrowing pen ! then pushed in a one stall garage (if you could call it that) that a tree grew up in front of the only door. So I had to take down the tree to get the car out of it.When we came to settle up on it--the farmer told me he owed me $500.00 because the tree trimmer wanted that much to take it down for him--I even cut it up, most pieces stove size. Five years latter that Merc. ended up a Custom Rod--that took 27 trophies in 24 Car Shows. Three shows it scored more than one trophy !! It was truly a rebirth in the raw. Good luck with the rebuild of the Truck.
And what a find he is Jeff. Although I am just getting around to watch this I know I'll enjoy it. Thanks for doing this for us and congrats on your find. He's a handsome specimen.
I enjoyed watching this video . a lot of work & effort is involved here . I appreciate you sharing your experiences on video . love the turkey you have as a pet ! . Ray in Pennsylvania.
yep im late too. i guess i found this because of my 55 chevy search. Im in grants pass and was looking for landmarks on your drive...lol . love the cow horn too. i had a 48 GMC that had one.
Thats an excellent find glad to see another one saved from the being a scrap yard trip. Also love the shots of your part of the country. Keep up the great shows nowadays theres to much junk on the internet and tv, but your channel is top notch keep em comming.
Totally awesome! I live in PA with some nice views, but you have some really impressive mountains and valley views out there. That is one part of the country that I haven't been to...yet! Lord willing and if I live long enough...
This should be required viewing for anyone who thinks they might want to restore an old truck or car. It's hard labor but if you're the right kind of guy it's a labor of love. Restored a 1967 Ford Fairlane. But I didn't have to dig it out of the ground like you did. I'm looking forward to following this story. Good luck.
I don't care for 2 wheel drive trucks, but love the old 4X4s, any of them from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, I really like to see them fixed up, and listening to you make's it very interesting.
I don't care about Chevy or GMC. I am a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Volkswagen, Studebaker, Nash, International, etc., etc. guy; Pretty much I'll take anything before a Chevy or GMC truck. Still I watch these Elderlyiron videos because the story-telling, the editing, the narration, and the videos in general are some of the best on youtube. Nice work. I'd still love to see some old Ford truck rescue videos from you.
***** The fact that I said no Chevys and GMCs does not mean I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground, it only shows I have such disdain for the GM camp that it turns me off on ever driving one. They are some of the most thick-headed, refuse to budge, simple-minded, sister kissing people I've ever met in my life. With the facts right in their faces they will still swear up and down that they know it all. I've been around them for far too many years and now I'm at the point where I avoid the diehard GM guys because they annoy me so much. I'd rather be the only Ford guy wheeling with a bunch of Dodge guys and be criticized than own a Chevy truck and hang out and be accepted as part of their group. I would be ashamed of myself. My grandfather owned a GM dealership back from the 60's-90's so my family was always driving GM's or whatever trade-in's from other brands we could get a deal on. Most of our cars were GM with a few Toyotas, Fords, Nissans, and Chrysler products thrown in for good measure. I had a large family and we always had 5 to 6 cars/trucks at any given time. We spent so much time repairing all the GM vehicles that my father and I opened our own repair show and specialized in GM vehicles. After my grandfather died and the business was out of the family, I convinced my father to buy a new Bronco in '92 because my old '79 Bronco had rolled the odometer over 4 times without a rebuild. My old man was so impressed after owning his Bronco that from that day on my dad never bought another GM product. Before the switch we had a few K5 Blazers and pickups that caught fire, had engine blocks crack, bearings spun, pistons crack, steering gear boxes tear out of the frame, leaf springs break, all before 50K miles while my Bronco and '78 F250 just kept going. We had a '78 K10 4x4 bought new which had transmission failure before the engine even broke in. Our '83 Caprice's front end couldn't stay aligned, it ate up wheel bearings for breakfast, and started burning rings before 80K miles. We had a '76 Buick LeSabre that spent more time in the shop than on the road. We bought a used '91 Toyota Camry in '92 and driving home from the lot the transmission cracked in half. The only vehicles we ever owned that didn't fail us were an '81 Ford Fairmount, a '91 Tempo, a '92 Bronco, and of course my fleet of old Ford farm trucks. I originally bought my first 77 F250 to compare it off road to my '79 K20 and was hoping it would fail against the Chevy; boy was I wrong. The Ford would not die no matter what I did to it while the Chevy died from daily, normal use. It didn't take too much convincing for all the members in my family to start straying away from GM. I do have an '87 Power Ram that has been good to me minus the fact that the tranny slips under heavy load and it leaves puddles everywhere; just thought I should add that. I do have to give credit to General Motors, their vehicles have been much easier to work on because parts interchange so much compared to the old Fords. Any dunce can work on an old Chevy truck but the Ford guys actually have to be educated on all the different types of engines and transmissions that are/are not compatible. I don't want you guys to think I'm saying every GM vehicle is a POS, that's not it. I've come across quite a few old Chevy and GMC trucks from the 60's-mid 80's through the years that were reliable; just nothing I ever owned. Any time I ever had a GM truck I liked, there was just always a Ford truck of the same era that could do the job better, last longer, and look better doing it. Compared to the new vehicles, I'll take any of the old trucks from the big three.
I think the truck that got the worst rap was the International. They were actually great trucks in the 60's. Toward the end they started having problems, but they were industrial more than consumer focused. I was given Ford bias early on. To me, the reasoning is that Chevys are the same, year to year to year and you and interchange almost anything. Ford, on the other hand has a different bolt pattern, exhaust manifold, flywheel and flexplate for every combination of cubic inch and transmission! The reality is that everybody made a good truck because you HAD to if you wanted them to sell int he future. Dodges were also great trucks way back when, but they was UGLY!
Garrison, you are one of them old time buggers who has got all twisted up in the head and you are welcome to your worship of fords, Studebakers and Nashes and the horse you rode in on.
Don't you hate it when you see someone going the opposite way with one on the trailer? "Where'd he get that!?" Especially when it's one you've been trying to get for a few years and the guy wouldn't sell!
And the six was available with that trans.Even down to the Chevrolet sedan delivery. While very few were ordered that way, 55 -57 sedan deliveries dominated stock automatic classes. Too bad they didn't use it in the early Corvettes instead of the horrible Power slush.
I think Jeff's right about the trans. NHRA rules allowed Hydros in sedan deliveries, but I don't think Chevy ever made any that way. It was stock class rule bending.
Great vid. I like hearing the story of finding the treasures as much as watching the resto work that goes into the treasures. I picked up a Pontiac 455 a few weeks ago, intake was off and the plugs were out for 19 years. Hammered so hard on a couple of those pistons to get them out, the tops broke off. Can't wait to see this truck back on the road. Nice find!
Man what a find people dont realize that GM didnt always make 4x4s them selves they had another company specialize in the front drivetrains. My favorite truck GM made was a 58 napco Apache
Perfectly acceptable, Jeff. I'd be as excited as hell if I'D found that truck! PLEASE keep us posted on the restoration. By the way, the video is just excellent and the scenery is to die for.
For a few horrible seconds, I thought you were going to trailer it with the S10/15, lol! Great find
11 years later!! VGG and Puddin got nuthin’
Hey Jeff, These vintage ElderlyIron videos are really fun to watch again! I NEVER get tired of watching Jeff do stuff... xCop P.S. Easy on them there brakes Pardner.
I'm a Ford/Mopar guy, but can respect all your hard work. Time to bring the old truck back to a productive life. I don't know anything about 1950s GMC engines, though. I just know they offered only V-6 or I-6 from about 1959 to 1974.
Thanks for watching! The playlist of the intended powerplant is here: th-cam.com/video/_OC-Ot4jcSI/w-d-xo.html
its kinda nice having a gas powered air compressor on board our trucks, makes this so much easyer
My 1955 Chevy 3800 came from the woods of oregon, not as nice a unit as this is but Lulu is a really nice IL6 , 4 spd and RWD, she is a hard working 1 ton. best of luck to you with this very special truck.
Look out behind you Jeff, the dudes from Deliverance are coming out of the woods...LOL! That is one nice find!
JEFF BRAVO BRAVO BETTER THAN THE CRAP ON TV ! Old blue she o wait HEs a gem. Killer find. Cant wait to see him on the road. Love to see a part of our history saved. Its trucks like that that bult this country. Love the vids keep up the great work
1979 I found a 1956 GMC 100 in pieces, w/a 307 in the frame. Both fenders were off, doors hood and box gone. but the fenders had the V8 Hydramatic thingy too, took me almost a yr to find all the body parts( it was '80 then). Had a 400 Turbo so kept that w/a shift kit, found an old '63 283 from a wrecked corvette rebuilt THAT bored .30 over w /194 heads highrise manifold w/ Holley 750. That old truck would pull Santiam Pass w/a 2 horse Miley & 2 horses, half ton of hay in the bed....at 60 MPH and never break a sweat! Loved that old truck, sadly lost it, the trailer(which I also restored), and the horse in a ugly divorce. I was young, live and learn.
I feel your pain!
You shold have your own TV serie. Very entertaining :).
That little Blazer did work!
I'd like to just go along on this adventure...just as fun watching someone find their "find"...lol
I love to see these old trucks put back into shape and used for work as they where meant to be. They weren't made for show, they where made for work! Thank you!
enjoyed your show.
GREAT truck, Jeff. :)
Good episode. I needed that.
Glad to oblige...
looks like a TON of fun!!!!!
this truck/video reminds me of an old 1950 Dodge truck my dad had about the same size your truck is, the entire bed was wooden, it was a fun old truck to haul coal and wood in.
The bygone era...
nice truck, and very good video.
Really enjoyed this
This is my dream truck. Every option, every little detail, all of it. I didn't know one like it exsists but apperently one does. I love it.
well made video sir; almost 10 yrs old & still better quality than much of what's put on YT today
You are to dang lucky. Beautiful
One man's trash = another man's treasure!!! Nice find boys!
Once it was on top of the trailer it shows why it was so worth the effort you went threw just to get it out of that property. What a great looking truck.. For year make model . power breaker and steering was a major plus.. I cannot get past that chrome front end... Gonna be so great to bring it back to life.
It is 0 degrees here in Upstate NY. Too cold to work in my shop. I spent a good bit of this afternoon and evening enjoying your channel. Thanks for the entertainment and a LOT of good tips. A new subscriber....
I don't know how many of this dig outs of old trucks I have done. But my hats off to you. I thought I was the only one that went threw all the work that you did to get that truck out. And I love that turkey in your yard too. Keep up the good work !!!
It's good to know that guys like Jeff are working to revive the vehicles and machines of yesteryear. It's so awesome hearing these things running after they've been forgotten for so long.
to me , this is one of your Classic Videos . it features all the interest in Old Trucks that fella's like , the find , loading it , and getting it home . very enjoyable to watch . Thanks Jeff . Ray in Pa.
Heck we are almost neighbors now you got that 56 GMC and well I got a 58 F600 All Wheel Drive with a Dump Steel Box Bed. Retired Oregon Department of Transportation. Big Trucks can still do the work. Got the old Y block running and the gears working. Need to get the hydra boast brake pack working. Currently just using gears as brakes. Looking forward to seeing the progress on the highly optioned 56 GMC you just brought home. Nice looking place you have there.
THAT truck really is a rare find. Hats off to ya...
A Hi Lift jack would have been a handy thing to have there. Surprised you didn't have one. Never leave the shop without mine!
Some of the scenery in this video....wow. Beautiful countryside.
I had to watch this one again. I just learned that Jeff was in a bad car accident back in August and he has a long road to recovery in front of him. I wish you all the best Jeff!
Thank you, John!
ElderlyIron Thanks for the reply. Hope and pray to see you back at it via TH-cam soon! 👍😎
Glad to know you are still around😎☕
Super nice find would like to see it when you finish it.
Awesome stuff.
Here I am again! love this video !...lol
I had to go back and watch this one. Can’t believe it was that long ago already. Great to see a newer old blue Jimmy pulling Jimmy Blue to Jeff’s place. Sorry to see it go but hope that you find a good buyer for that classic truck.
You are one lucky man my friend. I wouldn't have found the title, the tires wouldn't have aired up, and would have had at least one blow out on the way home. Love the 69 chevy, and your way of life. New sub
Thanks Danny!
You and me both
I happen to have a 57 and a 58 Chevy half tons 4X4 Napco equipped. I also have an extra front axle from a 56 GMC Napco truck but only two correct Spicer transfer cases. I love these trucks. The dealer installed axles had Dodge Power Wagon brakes. The factory installed axles have GM brakes. I've chased these trucks for 41 years now. Very cool video.
I can't thumbs up this video enough.
Lucky that sun shell in that blazer trans held up, gotta pull from the rear! Reverse is a no no. But that truck is killer, i would go frame up and fix/ replace all of those acc. You just got another sub.
Cool, cool truck!!
VERY good story.
You are my favorite TH-cam venue...and this without a doubt my favorite!! The "hydramatic find"!! This is old I know...but Always looking for something new from you. But, I just would like to see a "project" you have completed/restored. Always bits and pieces...always truck carcasses sitting in your yard. Love all the animals running around. Please show me a beautiful restored truck!!! And loved the Evinrude video!!
Thats a couple of beautiful trucks you have there
Why am I reminded of Deliverance. Nice find.
nice job on the story and the movie, I see lots of garage time this winter,
I have a 1957 Chevy 1-ton tow truck, factory Holmes, it's almost original, 2pc. 18" wheels, 40 year old tires, they were abit sketchy nearly 30 years ago when I drove it, it has had a 70's v8 swapped in, 350 or 400, I'm thinking 350, because they are more popular, id like to get it on the road again, about the only thing wrong with it when parked was the tires, and could use break work, the hydro boost was a bit tired, it would be awesome to have power steering, I'd keep the 4speed !! Wouldnt be the same without it! Swap on some newer 2000ish, model 20" wheels, I heard 16" will not fit, but not sure! Great video alot of work!!
"and this is the rest of the story" ............ a nod to Paul Harvey ..... he was the man !
I reeeeeally want to do a Paul Harvey tribute on the rise of a 3rd party in the mid 1800's!
that is a beautiful truck.
I like the find, I'm thinking it would make a very cool wrecker!
Man ''o'' Life, I love it--kinda reminds me of the last build I did my 1951 Mercury two door. That was all there by rusty as a old barn door hinge. Why it was before I got it it was used as hog farrowing pen ! then pushed in a one stall garage (if you could call it that) that a tree grew up in front of the only door. So I had to take down the tree to get the car out of it.When we came to settle up on it--the farmer told me he owed me $500.00 because the tree trimmer wanted that much to take it down for him--I even cut it up, most pieces stove size. Five years latter that Merc. ended up a Custom Rod--that took 27 trophies in 24 Car Shows. Three shows it scored more than one trophy !! It was truly a rebirth in the raw. Good luck with the rebuild of the Truck.
Awesome old truck!!! finds like that just make ya feel awesome, and props to that little blazer for pullin it out
And what a find he is Jeff. Although I am just getting around to watch this I know I'll enjoy it. Thanks for doing this for us and congrats on your find. He's a handsome specimen.
This is one of the best videos you've made. What a find,..and the way you found it by going through some trash.. Good one.
I enjoyed watching this video . a lot of work & effort is involved here . I appreciate you sharing your experiences on video . love the turkey you have as a pet ! . Ray in Pennsylvania.
yep im late too. i guess i found this because of my 55 chevy search. Im in grants pass and was looking for landmarks on your drive...lol . love the cow horn too. i had a 48 GMC that had one.
I do a lot of business at Quality on G Street.
i love your videos cant stop watching them better then tv shows keep it up
Thats an excellent find glad to see another one saved from the being a scrap yard trip.
Also love the shots of your part of the country. Keep up the great shows nowadays theres to much junk on the internet and tv, but your channel is top notch keep em comming.
that's nice, has the chrome trim around windshield and door glasses, very rare
This is one of my favorite vids. Lots of good Trucks.
Totally awesome! I live in PA with some nice views, but you have some really impressive mountains and valley views out there. That is one part of the country that I haven't been to...yet! Lord willing and if I live long enough...
This should be required viewing for anyone who thinks they might want to restore an old truck or car. It's hard labor but if you're the right kind of guy it's a labor of love. Restored a 1967 Ford Fairlane. But I didn't have to dig it out of the ground like you did. I'm looking forward to following this story. Good luck.
Jeff, now uploaded, all the best, cheers
Surprised Classic Truck rescue didn't get this one, you are right in his backyard.
Oh he wants it! But he ain't gettin' it!
That’s what I call a true labor of love! Do what’s gotta get did for what makes ya happy... Great to watch!
thanks for the excellent video,you kept me out of trouble for half an hour.Looks like you found a unicorn!
I love that old truck
This video never gets old.
What an amazing find, you can't find something like that here in Michigan. Good videos, keep them coming.
I don't care for 2 wheel drive trucks, but love the old 4X4s, any of them from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, I really like to see them fixed up, and listening to you make's it very interesting.
Great camera shots of the return trip!
Thank you sir for the video. I love old trucks like that. I love going to junkyards and old properties with old trucks:)
that was a great episode cant wait to see what you guys do with him.
Definitely a rare find! Can’t wait to see it being repaired and finished.
Quite the beautiful beast to restore. Kudos, I enjoy the quality of your posted videos!
Thats a bad ass truck.. what a find!
Back in it's day .. that was one awesome truck can't wait to see it brought back from it's slumber..
this old guy works harder than the young guys entering the construction field nowadays
john doe tell me about it...young people today don’t know what actual serious physical work is.
..except for maybe Andrew Camarata...check out his videos.. :)
@@carlm8821 only some of us bubba,
Да. И у Вас то же не сахар! Хорошо там, где нас нет)
Я в городе Москва. Тот еще ужас!
Удачи всем нам!
Awesome old truck! Beautiful beast!
thanks jeff for taking the time. to vidio old blue the best fine ever. thanks again. dano uk.
The most entertaining 30 minutes I have had in quite a while ! A GREAT video !!
Love the video dude, I'm a Chevy fan for many years and I salute you for saving this baby from rusting away. Can't wait to see the finish of it.
How are you Jeff. Haven't seen you on any videos for quite some time. Hope you are well. Miss seeing you
and your videos.
I don't care about Chevy or GMC. I am a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Volkswagen, Studebaker, Nash, International, etc., etc. guy; Pretty much I'll take anything before a Chevy or GMC truck. Still I watch these Elderlyiron videos because the story-telling, the editing, the narration, and the videos in general are some of the best on youtube. Nice work. I'd still love to see some old Ford truck rescue videos from you.
Fords aren't worth repairing or rescuing....
***** The fact that I said no Chevys and GMCs does not mean I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground, it only shows I have such disdain for the GM camp that it turns me off on ever driving one. They are some of the most thick-headed, refuse to budge, simple-minded, sister kissing people I've ever met in my life. With the facts right in their faces they will still swear up and down that they know it all. I've been around them for far too many years and now I'm at the point where I avoid the diehard GM guys because they annoy me so much. I'd rather be the only Ford guy wheeling with a bunch of Dodge guys and be criticized than own a Chevy truck and hang out and be accepted as part of their group. I would be ashamed of myself.
My grandfather owned a GM dealership back from the 60's-90's so my family was always driving GM's or whatever trade-in's from other brands we could get a deal on.
Most of our cars were GM with a few Toyotas, Fords, Nissans, and Chrysler products thrown in for good measure. I had a large family and we always had 5 to 6 cars/trucks at any given time. We spent so much time repairing all the GM vehicles that my father and I opened our own repair show and specialized in GM vehicles. After my grandfather died and the business was out of the family, I convinced my father to buy a new Bronco in '92 because my old '79 Bronco had rolled the odometer over 4 times without a rebuild. My old man was so impressed after owning his Bronco that from that day on my dad never bought another GM product.
Before the switch we had a few K5 Blazers and pickups that caught fire, had engine blocks crack, bearings spun, pistons crack, steering gear boxes tear out of the frame, leaf springs break, all before 50K miles while my Bronco and '78 F250 just kept going. We had a '78 K10 4x4 bought new which had transmission failure before the engine even broke in. Our '83 Caprice's front end couldn't stay aligned, it ate up wheel bearings for breakfast, and started burning rings before 80K miles. We had a '76 Buick LeSabre that spent more time in the shop than on the road. We bought a used '91 Toyota Camry in '92 and driving home from the lot the transmission cracked in half.
The only vehicles we ever owned that didn't fail us were an '81 Ford Fairmount, a '91 Tempo, a '92 Bronco, and of course my fleet of old Ford farm trucks. I originally bought my first 77 F250 to compare it off road to my '79 K20 and was hoping it would fail against the Chevy; boy was I wrong. The Ford would not die no matter what I did to it while the Chevy died from daily, normal use.
It didn't take too much convincing for all the members in my family to start straying away from GM. I do have an '87 Power Ram that has been good to me minus the fact that the tranny slips under heavy load and it leaves puddles everywhere; just thought I should add that.
I do have to give credit to General Motors, their vehicles have been much easier to work on because parts interchange so much compared to the old Fords. Any dunce can work on an old Chevy truck but the Ford guys actually have to be educated on all the different types of engines and transmissions that are/are not compatible.
I don't want you guys to think I'm saying every GM vehicle is a POS, that's not it. I've come across quite a few old Chevy and GMC trucks from the 60's-mid 80's through the years that were reliable; just nothing I ever owned. Any time I ever had a GM truck I liked, there was just always a Ford truck of the same era that could do the job better, last longer, and look better doing it.
Compared to the new vehicles, I'll take any of the old trucks from the big three.
I think the truck that got the worst rap was the International. They were actually great trucks in the 60's. Toward the end they started having problems, but they were industrial more than consumer focused. I was given Ford bias early on. To me, the reasoning is that Chevys are the same, year to year to year and you and interchange almost anything. Ford, on the other hand has a different bolt pattern, exhaust manifold, flywheel and flexplate for every combination of cubic inch and transmission!
The reality is that everybody made a good truck because you HAD to if you wanted them to sell int he future. Dodges were also great trucks way back when, but they was UGLY!
Garrison, you are one of them old time buggers who has got all twisted up in the head and you are welcome to your worship of fords, Studebakers and Nashes and the horse you rode in on.
Man I’m totally jealous of your awesome find congratulations and thank you for sharing
Don't you hate it when you see someone going the opposite way with one on the trailer? "Where'd he get that!?" Especially when it's one you've been trying to get for a few years and the guy wouldn't sell!
A 1-1/2 ton with Hydramatic, chrome and power steering. GMC could not have made too many of those. Great find.
And the six was available with that trans.Even down to the Chevrolet sedan delivery. While very few were ordered that way, 55 -57 sedan deliveries dominated stock automatic classes. Too bad they didn't use it in the early Corvettes instead of the horrible Power slush.
I think Jeff's right about the trans. NHRA rules allowed Hydros in sedan deliveries, but I don't think Chevy ever made any that way. It was stock class rule bending.
Great vid. I like hearing the story of finding the treasures as much as watching the resto work that goes into the treasures. I picked up a Pontiac 455 a few weeks ago, intake was off and the plugs were out for 19 years. Hammered so hard on a couple of those pistons to get them out, the tops broke off. Can't wait to see this truck back on the road. Nice find!
Really interesting videos.!! ....anxious to watch the next one..!!
I LOVE this old video..your best!!
The 56 GMC 4x4 is awesome awesome I would love to see it on the road
Great video, excellent subject vehicle. Thanks for sharing.
Man what a find people dont realize that GM didnt always make 4x4s them selves they had another company specialize in the front drivetrains. My favorite truck GM made was a 58 napco Apache
Sweet and Awesome!!! Really good story of the find, Loved the rescue! Keep on Truckin
Dang Jeff, I had my eyes on this one and ya beat me to it lol:)
Had to let it go. I wasn't going to be the guy that lets it rot because "I'm gonna get to it some day. You Solomon from Sunstar?
Perfectly acceptable, Jeff. I'd be as excited as hell if I'D found that truck! PLEASE keep us posted on the restoration. By the way, the video is just excellent and the scenery is to die for.
Great !!! Now I have to scroll back ten years to watch the "next" video. LOL
nice blazer man; i have one just like it