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1951 Gmc Panel Truck XLNT Condition

  • Price: Ask a price!
  • Location: Santa Cruz, California, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: GMC
  • Model: 1951 Gmc Panel Truck
  • SubModel: Panel Truck 1/2 Ton Gmc/Chevy
  • Type: Panel Truck
  • Year: 1951
  • Mileage: 47
  • Color: Gray/Gray
  • Engine size: 228 ci
  • Number of cylinders: 6
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: 4 Speed
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Gray/Maroon
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1951 GMC 1951 Gmc Panel Truck Description

The Panel Truck was originally sold to the US Forestry Department and used as a service vehicle for the first several years of it's life.
The second owner purchased it, and used it as a delivery vehicle for a small antique restoration business right up until I purchased it several years back
I purchased it with the intent of just doing a mechanical overhaul for use as a weekend runaround car, but as you can see, I went overboard as I usually do.
I started off by thinking I was just going to get it in tip top shape, maybe primer it, and drive it, but it didn't go that route.
This isn't the first time I have gone beyond my initial realm of thinking, but I'm so happy I did, as you can see, the resurrection was well worth it.
I started on the restore a little over two years ago.
First I did the mechanical aspects of what needed to be done, as to not impose on the new paint job, that was imminent.
The front end needed to be rebuilt, and the tie rod ends, ball joints, king pins, track bar and wheel bearings, etc. were all replaced.
New shocks were installed as well.
The rear axle seals were replaced due to noticeable seepage.
Brakes inspected and found to be almost new.
The engine had been rebuilt by previous owner as it had been in daily use it's entire life as a delivery truck for his antique store, and has about 12,000 miles on it and runs like a top.
It is the 228 ci with a 4 speed transmission.
It runs, stops, and drives very nicely.
The body was completely disassembled, removing all fenders, all doors, and glass.
The majority of the truck was stripped to bare metal, and rust repair was completed.
Most of the repair work was hand fabricated as opposed to aftermarket shelf parts, due to the fact that they fit so poorly.
I know it's been said before, but in this case it definitely holds true, the pictures do not do the paint job justice, it is one that you definitely will be impressed by when you see it in person, it is over the top!
This was a frame on restore.
There is complete photo documentation for all body and paint work done.
In the reassembly process, new window regulators were installed, new door locks, handles, window channel felts, and scrapers, all new glass, and weatherstripping was done throughout the entire truck, including fender welt, body contact rubber,all glass etc.
I then took it to a local electrical specialist and had him go through all of the wiring to make sure it was 100% sound.
All necessary work addressed, and then some additional things I requested.
The paint job is amazing and probably cannot be appreciated in picture form, but it is probably in the 95% range of the best out there!
The seat frame was blasted, and powder coated, and the seat completely rebuilt, better than new, with original style material.
The wiper motor was replaced with a 12 volt motor, as were all electrical systems upgraded to 12 volt as well.
Even the dome light works.
All lenses are original glass, such as tail lights, turn signals, etc.
The heater functions as it should, as do the turn signals.
The wood flooring in the cargo area was in mediocre shape, but respectable for a 66 year old work rig.
I decided to change it up a bit and went with carpet over, which was just my choice, but left the floor in tact in the event someone else had a different vision
The headliner was custom made, since panel trucks were extremely spartan in the day, and most didn't have any type of headliner at all.
All interior soft goods were done by one of the best in the area, and I have been having my interiors done by him for over 30 years+
All side walls are dyna matted, and headliner is 1/2" full foam insulated.
Wheels are powder coated, and tires are brand new Coker Radial (bias Ply Look) 3 1/8" Wide Whites.
The truck starts at the touch of the starter pedal, and runs and drives nicely.
Not a rattle or squeak in it.
You definitely won't see yourself passing by in the other direction since these are few and far between, especially in this condition.
If you know anything about the cost of quality fabrication, paint, and body work, you know you couldn't possibly accomplish that phase of a restoration for what you can purchase this for..
A full documentation series of the restoration process is available in photo form to the new owner.
This project was just completed after nearly two years, and has less than 50 miles on it.
I can be reached at 831-239-0625 if you'd like to talk.
I am located on the Central Coast of Ca. so we are Pacific time here.
Please, no calls after 9:00 PM, but you can call me as early as 7:00 AM
Please do not text, I do not respond to texts during the auction.