1968 GMC 1-ton (3500) Stepside 9' Bed

1968 GMC Other Custom Description

Everybody has a short bed, how about this full 1-to, non-dually, 9' "Bowling Alley"? These are very rare trucks. The records for 1968 GMC were destroyed in a fire. I found the Chevy records and it's a general agreement that GMC sold 29% of the Chevy production. So I figure there are only 900 of these Made (I also have a 72 Chevy 9-footer. Last year for 9' bed, 1532 total production). These trucks date back to the 30's. They had wood beds and were promoted to farmers and road crews.Very basic no frills and options.The farmers liked them for the extra foot, wood bed, and 1-ton rating so they could install a rack and transport animals. The road crews, used them for gravel, asphal, salt etc because the 1-ton could carry more and the smooth stepside made it easier to unload.

This is a California/Tijuana, Mexico Truck. The 305 V-6 is full of torque, and were only used in the GMC trucks up to478 Cubic inches.They even installed them"in tandem". If you'll notice the heads are offset and the spark plugs are through the top of the manifold. You won't win any races, but you'll eventually get there. No power assist and no rear shocks (not offered in the rear). the granny-tranny is "sloppy" . It doesn't pop out of gea, but it's shift pattern is "broad". Brakes are good, front end tight, tires..so-so. I went through the wiring to get the lights to work correctly and learned something in the process. 68 was the first year for fender clearance lights, except the 68 has no holes in the rear to receive a light bulb, so they are basically reflectors. There is no wiring harness either. In 69 they became active.

Body wise, pretty straight for 51 years old. There is some rust on the drip rail above the wing vent. 1 rocker has a little daylight. Cab corners and floors.......thumbs up. the bed just has a piece of plywood, BUT all of the 9 foot bed floor rails are there. 9-footers are almost impossible to find. Rear bumper is some sort of Camper Bumper. I believe all glass is solid.

I would love to keep it, but can't afford to build 2 of them, (actually like the looks of the Jimmy better)but I'm keeping the 72 because it was the last year.

We can get more done in a phone call rather than e-mail Mark 702-604-0005 I am near a large ADESA Auto Auction in Fall Branch, TN . Easy Pick-up for any carrierexit 50, Interstate 81.