Anybody have any insight about the availability and cost of parts for old Ford trucks (I am looking at a '51 F-1) vs old GMC trucks (I am also looking at a '57 GMC)? All else being equal, is one truck easier/cheaper to fix up vs the other?

I gotta say, the people on this forum are far more helpful and encouraging than the folks on the GMC forum.

Thanks for that...

Now for a beer...

t

 

There are more reproduction parts made for Chevys (GMC) then the Ford... Quality good question... I would say your best bet is to look at online part suppliers like So Cal Speed Shop AZ Hot Rod & Resto Catalog

 

Why would you want to fix up a C*##* when you could have a Ford to enjoy?

 

Parts cost and availability will be similar. I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor, imho. Chevy trucks of that vintage are just as popular as the Fords, and GMC's are almost Chevrolets. The only thing that might prove difficult to find is any GMC specific pieces, body or trim, etc., since the demand for some things may not be the same as the same thing in the Chev version, and the aftermarket may not serve everything. It's more important to choose the truck that appeals to you best, as you'll enjoy it more when it's finished, rather than worry about the cost of the build. No matter which way you go, you'll be so far upside down in it, a couple of dollars one way or the other isn't going to matter.

 

Tough call, but I agree with Wayne.

An old Apache up the road from me sat for many years, and I've always wanted it. Never saw anybody there, but there was a bunch of stuff, such as an old Kaiser vagabond, and a studebaker, etc... Then one day I drove by, and it was all gone..... to the crusher.

 

Parts availability for GMC is just a little less than the chevs but never the less, are identicle except for the emblems, the grille and hubcaps plus a few minor details.

 

From what I've seen they seem to be the same for build costs.


I would figure out which you like better as a finished truck regardless of any other factor before choosing. Nothing worse than putting so much time, energy and effort into something only to see something drive by you that you like better.


Personally I do like the GMC trucks of that era, but for me they don't have the same vintage truck feel that a Ford does. Big fender Fords just remind me of another time. The Chevy/GMC trucks remind me of hot-rodding. But that's just me.

 

The parts are about the same cost, but motors/ motor parts are more available/cheaper for the GM products. That said, the whole time I had my 57 Chevy, I was really wanting an F100. Like you said, this is a great group of guys(gals) here; so, buy a Ford.

 

Going with the Ford. Ruled out the GMC today. Two guys who know old trucks both said to walk away from the GMC. They looked at it, drove it, etc. Hopefully soon I'll be a '51 F-1 owner. We'll see. : )

 

Mac's and LMC both have extensive catalogs for parts. There are a bunch more suppliers, it's just a matter of who has the part your looking for, and how much do they want for it. I have the same going on with my 75 Vette -- Ton's of suppliers, both good and bad, it came down to who has the part I needed for the best price.

Congrat's on the F-1!!!

 

We want pictures..

 

Parts sources (reproduction - used - NOS).

AUTO KRAFTERS / BLUE OVAL TRUCK PARTS / BOB DRAKE / C&G FORD PARTS / CAROLINA CLASSICS / CLASSIC AUTO PARTS / DEARBORN CLASSICS / DENNIS CARPENTER / EARLY FORD STORE / HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS

JOHN'S F FUN HUNDREDS / LMC / GREEN SALES COMPANY / MAC'S ANTIQUE AUTO PARTS / MAR-K / MID FIFTY'S / NATIONAL PARTS DEPOT / SACRAMENTO VINTAGE FORD / THE TRUCK AND CAR SHOP