1959 GMC 12 Ton Pickup

1959 GMC Pickup

Adorning our halls here at Classic Auto Mall is this simply beautiful street rodded pickup truck in the form of 1959 Blue Chip GMC 1/2 ton in nicely restored condition. Many upgrades have been performed along the way including a 454ci V8, an overdrive transmission, a mini-tub to accommodate the large rear tires, upgraded seating and a more modern suspension. Not without a few faults and flaws, but an overall meticulous job that retains the original look with some niceties added in!

Exterior
Blue metallic covers this step side version of this light duty hauler with single visored chromed headlights, a fantastic 1957 GMC chrome grille and bumper, and shaved badging at the front of the hood, which needs mentioning is a good paint job. A few faults are noted here and there in the form of some slight bubbling, chips, cracks and areas of prior bodywork, but otherwise we see a mirror-like finish and one that you can use to brush your teeth in. A wonderful wrap-around windshield and a roof integrated sun visor are seen on the cab area and for some extra thrills, the hood is front hinged and slides away from the glass allowing for easy engine detailing and work. Moving rearward, lurking behind the lightly tinted glass is the beautiful freshy redone laminate lined bed with its shiny metal straps keeping it all together. There is a polished diamond plate toolbox at the front of the bed as well. The smoothed tailgate is flanked on the sides by small round tail lights and a custom roll pan is seen below. 18 and 20-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are wrapped by staggered width blackwall radials on all 4 corners.

Interior
Horizontal and vertically ribbed black panels make a background for shiny levers and cranks on the doors and we are in Wow-Town before we\'ve even entered the truck. Wide black leather low back bomber stylebuckets have been added and utilizing tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters. Up front, a chrome bezel in an V shaped fan style custom dash houses all of the factory black face instrumentation. A modern digital AM/FM stereo has been mounted on the smooth body matching blue upper steel dash and to the driver\'s lower right are a trio of gauges within a chrome bezel. We note the addition of Vintage heat & AC as well as ducting and vents for this system as well as the display controller for the Holley Sniper EFI, but more on that in the Drivetrain section. A small black broadcloth headliner is atop the compartment, and low pile carpet in black and very clean condition floods the cabin floor. Resting between the seats is a custom console with a large storage box and we note a Grant GT steering wheel has been installed atop the tilt column.

Drivetrain
Lifting the massive hood on its forward tilting axis allows us to view the 454ci V8 in allits black blocked glory now sitting within the clean engine bay. This is topped by a black paintedEdelbrock Performer intake and is fed just the right amount of air and fossils via a Holley Sniper EFI. A 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission on back. Way back nestled under the bed, is a 10 bolt Posi rear axle. We note an aluminum radiator, some snappy ribbed Weiand valve covers and the addition of power steering and power brakes.

Undercarriage
Up in the air we are greeted wearing a mix of surface rust, a silver painted frame, and black painted flooring along with black steel which lines the bed. Headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system are added, and a newer galvanized gas tank replaces the original. Leaf spring suspension on the rear as the original had, although relocated for the mini-tubs, and up front we note an independent coil spring suspension. For better stopping, power front disc brakes have been added and rear drums are now power assisted with a dual reservoir master cylinder.

Drive-Ability
A hop inside and the truck immediately started, sounded smooth, and was ready to go onto gear. A move of the Lokar floor shifter, and we were cruising. A smooth ride, nice handling, and overall comfortable interior werejust part of the joys of our tenure behind the wheel. While this truck has both heat and AC, we picked a perfect windows down day for the test drive and all functions inside are operational save for the fuel gauge not working.

Driving this truck is a great experience as it will take you back to a time where trucks were mainly used on the farm or strictly for work. This example can certainly be used for work but would also be very comfortable showing up at the country club, or a drive in night, and it will be a head turner. A nicely done restoration with great upgrades. All just right baby bear.

1018CS5005A

10-1/2 Ton
1-114\" Wheelbase
8-V8
C-Oakland, CA Assy Plant
5005A-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showr

Read More

Read Less