Register now to get rid of these ads!

Projects Proper Identification of 53 GMC truck

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Scottrods2, Dec 7, 2011.

  1. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    I posted earlier today that I am a "Noob" and will be needing help. I need to know how the 52-53 GMC pickups were Labeled. VIN number like.... How'd it look? How many Digits should it have?... etc. I have a prospective purchase I need to do a VIN search on to verify stolen or not.... Everything looks good. It is currently owned by a guy who owns a body shop, and he has no ***le at this time. The VIN Plate I see on it is screwed on with 2 philips head screws. This gives me pause....... They've been there for years for sure, as the rust on them matches the rust on the rest of the vehicle.... LOL I don't know if it's true, but was told in p***ing that the VIN and Engine numbers might be a match if all is factory..... don't know, but these do not match for sure. If I need to share more info to get IDentification I can Via PM.

    I have a Body with a number format of FC 102 ****X
    and an Engine Numbered LAAI ****** The old 6 Banger....

    Is this going to be a kosher deal by any stretch of the imagination? or am I getting into a bad deal?

    Anyway, any help with a proper VIN Number type for the year and model/s would be helpful, before I go spend a handful of cash. Don't want nobody coming after it once I have it.

    If this works out, I'll be Sporting a Project GMC that is going Custom.... Not completely wild, but probably at least Chopped, maybe Sectioned. Been looking at "Salty"'s build thread. What a great inspiration for a chop/sectioned Truck. Some nice work going on there.

    Most of my Vintage Vehicle knowledge has been in Chrysler Country and in Volkswagens.....

    Thanks for any help offered....

    SCOTT
     
  2. TRod
    Joined: Oct 23, 2004
    Posts: 94

    TRod
    Member

    Scott,
    The best place to look is
    www.oldgmctrucks.com

    They have a section dedicated to serial numbers. I don't think the engine and body should match. I think Chevys do match but GMCs are different.

    Tony
     
  3. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    Excellent Info! Thanks Tony. It appears as though I have found a 50 model.... The Serial Number on the plate (which may or may not match the Ch***is... gonna have to go figure that out this weekend), is in the 9**** range so it definitely falls in the 1950 year model range.....not a 53. The guy has no idea, I'm pretty sure. But the appearance is the same on all the 48-53 year bodies it seems.... Just the ID plates and numbers are different or not there (according to which year). Cool site by the way. It will likely be a great help for me in the future (as well as now).

    Already more help than I could imagine. Thanks H.A.M.B.!
     
  4. henry29
    Joined: Sep 5, 2007
    Posts: 2,887

    henry29
    Member

    Does it have a vent on the drivers side of the cowl?
     
  5. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    It does between the door and fender.... and louvers on the right side..... Is that indicative of a 50 model? or a 53?
     
  6. Fullblast
    Joined: Jan 6, 2004
    Posts: 930

    Fullblast
    Member

    50 was the last year for the side vent and one piece side windows{no vent windows}
     
  7. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    We're honing in on it then.... It does not have the vent wings either. The only things it's missing thus far is the shifter ball. The Transmission cover in the floor, and the turn signal lever and the p***enger side Door handle.... And of course... proper wheels..... and the gl*** has all been knocked out. All the frames are intact though.

    Hell.... the tailgate even looks pretty good. I may have to look into finding some doors with Vent wings in them.... Almost a necessity for a vehicle with no AC..... It does have the 228 in it still... with a Huge Dirt-Dauber nest in one of the Spark Plug holes.... Gonna have to do some work on that part.... Once I get it (if all goes well) It will start a journey toward some customization.... I could never RESTORE a car or truck..... I don't have the nads for such a thing.

    Seems like it's pretty much all original. The cab lower corners look better than a lot of them I've seen too.
     
  8. The frame does not have any id numbers on it the screws on the body id plate are factory they did not use rivits till 54 technically there is no vin only a body number and a engine number and in calif all cars and pickups 1954 and older used the motor number originally
     
  9. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    Thanks for that, Cut Master.... I'll take that into mind while I work out the details....
     
  10. Scottrods2
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 56

    Scottrods2
    Member

    So Far,... SO Good. Looks like an Appointment to take a personal look at this machine Saturday Morning. If it all pans out still.... I'm gonna need to find me a Spare Front Drum with Lugs in it, and a wheel..... with or without a tire... I can handle the tire part.... Any takers on an available part? The left front lugs are all Eaten off or bent.... What do you have and/or some more advice on a way to get this thing on a trailer. Local stuff is best if possible....

    Left front drum is sittin' on the ground. Like so....
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.