My dad once bought a '51 UPS truck with a late '50s OHV six in it. The guy he knew at UPS said they'd cobble parts from different vendors to make their trucks run. I would guess maybe the TV studio had a resourceful mechanic on hand who bolted in the later six. The truck could have fit their character needs and made it work. I'm sure it wasn't hard for a shade tree mechanic to make the needed brackets to make the later engine fit.

 

I'd like to get a hold of an original Helm's Bakery truck. Or should I say panel truck. OK, I'll even take the donuts! Sorry OT but Great memories!

 

So from the research you guys have done, it seems to be the real deal. My hope is that whoever ends up with it, preserves it as is. (IMHO, it belongs in a museum for all to enjoy)

 

Great read and great pic's. Awesome thread
guys. Thanks for the drive down Memory Lane.
I also hope the new owner will preserve it as is
for as long as he can. Than on to the next owner.
Maybe someday a museum were it should be going
now before it turns to a pile of rust dust.

 

I showed this to my wife........ I wonder what the "low reserve" really is?

 

Kevin? It sounds like your about ready to buy.
Or seriously thinking about it.

 

If I could afford it, I'd buy it. For now, I can only pay tribute.

 

i liked the show, but the truck really does look like a junker to me.

 

It's SUPPOSED to be a junker. Has always said so right on the side of the truck!


.

 

We appreciate your expert opinion.

 

Not a single bid at the $20k opening price... Pretty surprising.

 

I agree. That truck is an icon. Yes, the price is very high for any OTHER 51 Ford in that condition, but that is the actual truck. I wonder if Demond Wilson (Lamont) knows about it. Personally, if I were him, I'd want it. Or, if nothing else, one of the reality show restoration shows would seemingly jump at the chance to restore/preserve that truck.

 

That truck is what got me interested in these old pickups. Heck, the ringer on my phone plays the theme song.

Unfortuunately, my garage is full.

 

you can get one a million times nicer for 20k and you can get one just as junky for under a grand. spraypaint the words on the side and use the rest for your kids college education.

 

You're kind of missing the point. No one who needs to fund their kids' education is likely to be buying that. It's a piece of history, not just an old truck.