Frame Off Restored Narva Green 100 1/2 Ton Pickup 228 Inline 6 3 Speed Manual

1952 GMC 100 100 Pickup Description

SUMMARY

4-year frame-off restoration that's logged only 503 miles
Correct 228 cubic inch GMC 6-cylinder
Correct 3-speed manual transmission
Correct Narva Green paint / Correctly painted trim / Correct gold pinstripe
Equipped with a 12-volt electrical system
Equipped with Juliano's 3-point seatbelts
Equipped with a factory heater
Correctly painted Yellow Pine bed
16-inch wheels / Correctly painted hubcaps
10-bolt rear axle / 4.11 gears

As General Motors' stalwart and devoutly focused truck brand, GMC has produced years of tough and innovative workhorses that are often completely overlooked by classic car investors. But, when it comes to restoration, dedicated fans of the 'Professional Grade' division have a rich legacy of preserving unique and exceptionally well-done offerings that cause a big stir every time they roll out of the garage. A first-class showstopper that celebrates the all-American class of vintage pickups, this immaculate half-ton capitalizes on GM's timeless design and GMC's innate exclusivity. And, whether you're a diehard GMC fan, an old school truck lover or just a curious buyer who's looking for something a bit different, it's a cool classic that 'fires on all cylinders'!

BODYWORK/TRIM

After World War II, GM rolled out its Advance Design pickups nearly a full year ahead of its revised passenger cars. Why? Well, most agree that, because truck production continued throughout the war, the General's body dies were getting worn and needed replaced. It's a simple answer, and the kind of thinking you'd probably expect behind such a wonderfully uncomplicated machine. This pristine 100's head-turning appeal comes courtesy of a 4-year, frame-off restoration that sealed a solid Georgia body in fantastic Narva Green pigment. That pigment, PPG acrylic urethane enamel founded on 100% sandblasted sheetmetal and PPG epoxy primer, was correctly highlighted with hand-painted gold pin striping. And everything adds up to one clean, acutely detailed classic that's been finished to 100% show worthy standards!

As the Korean War strained supplies of nickel and copper, metals essential to the chrome plating process, most GM trucks began leaving the factory with fully painted surfacing. In addition to making pickups like this GMC true 'plain Jane' builds, that treatment underscored the offerings' utilitarian nature and eventually increased collectability. At the front of this 100, a color-keyed grille hangs bright "GMC" lettering between a black bumper, fresh headlights and small, white-trimmed parking lamps. Behind that grille, a split windshield leads a 'six footer' cab that's framed in small visors, polished stainless wipers and a color-keyed driver's mirror. Beneath that mirror, stylized door handles ride between correct hood emblems, a locking fuel filler and black running boards. And at the back of those boards, a "GMC" branded tailgate centers painted Yellow Pine planks between sleeved chains, chrome-trimmed tail lamps and an optional bumper.

ENGINE

Peer in to the truck's super clean engine bay and you'll find a correct, 228 cubic inch 6-cylinder that's been completely rebuilt and fully detailed. Designed from the ground up to be a tough-as-nails workhorse, and serving as primary GMC power for well over a decade, this stalwart mill is a favorite among vintage GM truck fans because of its simple design, adequate power and excellent durability. And, with the exception of carefully updated electronics, pretty much everything on the block has been returned to intentional, factory-spec simplicity. At the top of the engine, a small Zenith carburetor mixes air, supplied by a dressed cleaner, with fuel that's piped through fresh stainless fluid lines. That carb rides on a cast, factory-spec intake, which floats above a cast, factory-spec exhaust manifold. Opposite that manifold, a tagged Delco-Remy distributor sequences fire between fresh plug wires, a stealthy YnZs Yesterdays Parts harness and a 12-volt Delco-Remy generator. An original, re-cored radiator provides cooling with the help of a stock pulley fan. And items like a Delco-Remy starter, a color-keyed, "GMC" branded valve cover and a full assortment of decals ensure the bright orange powerplant is very impressive to look at.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

During restoration, considerable research was conducted to make sure this 100 is as period correct as possible. And when you crawl under the truck, body-matched floors and a Satin Black frame highlight a roster of factory-spec components that appear to have never seen the slightest hint of inclement weather. Power meets the pavement through a Saginaw 3-speed, which is tied to a 10-bolt rear end that spins big, 4.11 gears. Correct leaf springs and big drum brakes occupy all four corners of the chassis, mixing rugged road prowess with firm and solid stops. A standard, single-pipe exhaust system runs the entire length of the truck. And everything rolls on 6.50-16 B.F Goodrich Silvertowns, which lap correct, stripe-less wheels and correctly painted hubcaps.

INTERIOR

GMCs of this era were honest, no nonsense trucks marketed directly at farmers who didn't really want, and generally couldn't afford, superfluous frills. And nowhere is that sentiment more apparent than inside the cab. For starters, the slick body's Narva Green paint is snuffed in favor of a calming tan hue; which spreads from a correctly painted dash to the roof, window frames and a stylish, red-trimmed steering wheel. A correct bench seat, restored with custom SMS trim and correct synthetic horsehair padding, combines with correct side panels to highlight a brand of nostalgic utilitarianism that's no longer found in showroom-fresh offerings. Beneath that seat, a heavy-duty floor mat disappears behind a factory heater. An optional rearview mirror joins Juliano's 3-point seatbelts to greatly improve safety. And everything, from the truck's original telemetry to its mirrored door handles, is restored, sorted and ready to roll.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A vintage GMC marketing brochure
An original Owner's and Driver's Manual
An original Maintenance Manual
A 2015 calendar

Whether it's simple nostalgia, or their long list of extremely useful design virtues, one thing is certain: trucks NEVER go out of style. And when they're built this well, they seem to never fade away. If you're in the market for something that's classy and unique, don't miss the chance to claim this impressive GMC!