Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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#470605 06/07/22 08:20 PM
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39gmc Offline OP
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[Linked Image from vccachat.org]Been around forums for sometime figured I’d hangout in the newbie section awhile since I’m to to everyone here.

To start, I have owned a few different vintage rigs. 39 dodge 1.5 ton (which started it all). I’ve had a 50’s gmc as well as a 53 Chevy 2 ton.

Since owning the 39 dodge I’ve been on the hunt for a 39 GMC, luck came to my side last night when my wife sent me a Craigslist ad for a 1 ton 39 gmc. The best part about the deal is the truck was 5 min outed down the same country road as me. Needless to say I wasn’t letting this one go. Checked it out this morning and purchased it this evening. At 1500$ I wasn’t complaining, it’s not perfect, nor will it probably be when I “finish” it, but it is a good baseline. As far as I know, I’m technically the 2nd registered owner.

I am in the process of cleaning out the large amount of cat turds and squirrel nests that have accumulated in it but once done I will be throwing a new 6volt in, checking oil and seeing what the motor does.

Some might cringe at the thought but I’ve never been one to leave anything alone. I like the patina so that I’ll keep but I’m more fascinated in fast good running vehicles to keep it stock.

Anywho, take a gander at the pics, my main goal with it right now is to get it running and road worthy enough to drive it down to the fellows house I bought it from. I know he wants to see it driving.

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Last edited by 39gmc; 06/07/22 08:23 PM.

39 GMC service truck build
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39gmc #470610 06/07/22 09:42 PM
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Howdy 39GMC,

Welcome to the VCCA's website! Awesome looking truck!

Cheers, Dean


Dean 'Rustoholic' Meltz
old and ugly is beautiful!



39gmc #470640 06/08/22 07:22 PM
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Thank you sir! Happy to be here.

Managed to get it fired up today! Put a fresh 6 volt in it along with some battery cables. Cleaned up the distributor and plugs.

Got it to pop a few times with some fuel down the carb so I figured I’d throw some fuel in it. Like a dummy I didn’t check any of the fuel lines other than the bowl to the carb. Fuel began streaming out from the tank outlet. I had inspected the tank with a bore scope and found it to be quite clean. Nonetheless, got the line fixed and after a few cranks with the choke on it sputtered to life.

Once started it blew all the almonds from the squirrels out of the exhaust. Runs much better without all that back pressure. I’m very pleased with my purchase thus far.


39 GMC service truck build
39gmc #470642 06/08/22 07:56 PM
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If you bought standard battery cables at a parts store they are a smaller gauge that is needed for a six volt system. Most 12 volt cables are six gauge where you need a 1 gauge minimum. If you can't find them at a farm store a welding supply shop can make them for you, often cheaper than buying ready made cables. Also make sure all terminals and connections are clean.


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39gmc #470655 06/09/22 12:15 AM
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Bought generic ones that way I didn’t waste any of my 2/0 and solder lugs if extensive repairs were needed. The 2/0 is going on once I move it to the shop tomorrow.


39 GMC service truck build
39gmc #470695 06/09/22 07:30 PM
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Welcome to Chat, It's great to have another BIG TRUCK guy on board.
On three occasions in my old car hobby years, I have removed the oil pan from a recent purchase. Every time, I wasn't planning to do it and every time it was lucky that I did. It slowly dawned on me that this should be on the "must do" list. Twice I found oil pump screens that had fallen off and every time I found the most disgusting sludge you could imagine. I don't think any of the engines would have survived if I had not discovered the situation.
I would urge you to get yourself a pan gasket set and crawl under your new treasure for some exploratory surgery. It's a lot of peace of mind for a small price. You can shake the rods while you are there.
I believe I have one NOS front fender for your truck. Let me know if you would like me to investigate.
You can see some info on my truck in the truck threads a few pages back. Look for 1936 Low Roof Semi Truck in the title. Once again, WELCOME!!

Mike


ml.russell1936@gmail.com

Many miles of happy motoring
39gmc #470803 06/12/22 08:46 PM
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Thank you sir!

I appreciate the advice, I definitely should have thought about that prior to starting it but excitement got the best of me. I ran it for no more than 20 seconds and had 40lbs of oil pressure on the factory gauge.

In all honesty, getting the engine running was more for slight personal gratification at this point. I bought this rig because of my dream of redoing what I started 5 years ago. I had built my 39 dodge into a service truck and then switched it all up and sold it. Now that this one has come about that plan is coming back together. I had started the hunt for another 39 ,gmc/Chevy were preferred, approximately a year ago.

Needless to say I may eventually sell the factory drivetrain, ie axles, engine and trans. Brakes are the only issue for drivability right now. I may even hold onto it all just for sentimental reasons.

To circle back to you Mike, I love the ton and above higher rigs, haven’t owned anything smaller at this point!


39 GMC service truck build
39gmc #470817 06/13/22 08:42 AM
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I'm disappointed that you plan to change out your drivetrain.

Mike


ml.russell1936@gmail.com

Many miles of happy motoring
35Mike #470825 06/13/22 11:28 AM
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I'm with Mike on this.
I'm also disappointed to hear that you would swap out the drive train.

Personally, if I did that to my truck, I think I would forever feel like I was just driving a "facade".

It is of course yours to do with as you please.
And the rest of us will just have to respect that. :-)

Good luck with what ever you do!


Ole S Olson
39gmc #470947 06/15/22 09:52 PM
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I understand the disappointment, but like stovbolt says it is my project. Fact of the matter is if the engine were rusted solid I know I wouldn’t get the disappointment. After digging through the cooling system now that the engine is out I’m finding the engine is best on a test stand for my own viewing purposes anyway. I’ll provide pictures of what I’m talking about soon, large amounts of rust.

Now that that is out of the way, my project continues. I have tracked down YOM BE/PC California plates that I plan to buy in the next couple weeks. Once those are in hand I will be going to the dmv to get it registered.

I have begun rust repair, the bottom rear of cab is rotted out not to my surprise. At this time the cab and front end will be staying on the frame so rust repairs are at minimum. I removed the rusted out windshield frame and to my surprise the cab is not gone where it sits. I will be painting the interior the factory thunder gray color (I believe that’s what it was). If that’s not factory, I’m not worried as I’m sure you guys have gathered, I like the color.

My new window frame and vinyl seat kit along with multiple other items are arriving on Friday. Will post more pictures soon.


39 GMC service truck build
39gmc #474743 09/29/22 11:22 PM
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To anyone still interested, I got my plates, still waiting on windshield frame that’s on back order. Build is coming right along.

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39 GMC service truck build
39gmc #475689 10/31/22 07:21 PM
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Do you still have the plates?

39gmc #478081 01/23/23 08:37 PM
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Yup I do, not for sale just showing my new to me plates. I am currently in the body work stage. Currently in the post primer bondo stage to fix imperfections. Plan to do a metallic gray color. Once I find a good service bed to use I’ll have it paint matched as well. Working on a press form to repair all grill bars now. Gotta get it ready for chrome.
As for 35mike I know you aren’t pleased with my choice of drivetrain but I am in need of a right side front fender. Would even swap plus cash on my end.


39 GMC service truck build

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