1952 Chevy
 

I'm new to the forum and wanted to get some thoughts on a truck I'm looking at purchasing. I don't have the time or skills (mainly lacking the skills) to purchase a truck and do a rehab myself, but I love the old 5 window Chevy trucks. The particular truck I'm looking at is here:

http://www.streetsideclassics.com/sh...Chevrolet-3100

The truck is sitting on a 1973 Chevy ½ ton frame. I was told they took the 73frame and built it up to support the HP and Torque from the 502 crate motor. The Chevy ½ ton frame came with power steering and power brakes so there was no need for an upgrade to a Camaro clip.

Any concerns I should have with this setup? Also, any thoughts or comments are much appreciated!

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Couple of photos that were not included on their website.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Welcome to the site!

The track width on the 73 frame is too wide for the 47-54 trucks. If you look closely at the front tires you'll see how the outer edges are past the fender edge, same for the rear. But......That may not be an issue for you!

If it were me I'd keep looking and find one a little better engineered. There are a bunch of these trucks all over the 'net, of course eBay is always a good source too.

Hey, there's no harm in buying a completed truck, just do your homework first. Probably not much different than preparing for a trial!

Good Luck and please keep us posted on what you decide to do!

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

IMO... i'd keep looking. Track width is too wide like s-10fan stated. Outside looks like it was done well. I would ask for detailed shots of the rear cab seam to see how that was addressed. Most these trucks get seam sealer and after a couple miles develop an ugly crack there. If you notice there are no cross supports under the bed wood either. I'm sure they have well more than 30 in it... but that just doesn't look like a 30K truck from underneath to me...

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

I would not buy that truck. If you notice how close the front tires are to the fenders you can imagine what will happen when you hit a good dip in the road or bump. Same for the rear fenders.

The use of that chassis under an advance design truck just does not fit well. In the area of possible improvements to and AD truck that is one of the worst in my opinion. Even a camaro subframe is too wide.

Also I would want proof of that being a true 502 crate motor and not just a big block with valve covers from ebay. The nice touches that would make this a truck worth $27K are just not there. Brake booster and master cylinder are from the donor truck, no headers on the engine, the AC compressor and alternator are on the wrong side of the engine which results in a very cluttered engine compartment.

No mention of what transmission it has which raises concerns to me.

It is not worth the money they are asking. At best that would be worth $10K but I still would not buy it.

If you want an AD truck with a V8 you should become more familar with how one is built and what parts are used. This site is a great resource for that.

One piece of advice you should observe is to NOT buy any vehicle with first seeing it in person AND having it assessed/inspected by someone who knows how it should be done. That person must not be connected with the seller in any way.

That seller appears to be putting perfume on a pig there.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Is that even a '52? I thought the DR side cowl vent was earlier than that-not that it makes that much of a difference...

But I do agree that the price seems out of line with the quality of what is being presented.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Thank you so much for the help!!! I'm extremely thankful I found this forum. I think I'm going to stay away from this particular truck.

My concern is that with that much power and poor engineering I may have a disaster on my hands.

I'm looking for a five window chevy that is a completed truck with more power than the standard six cylinder. Can anyone recommend some places to look outside of ebay/auto trader classics?

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Are you really looking for a truck or just driving traffic to a site and grabbing addresses? I'm getting e-mail from his streetside site..

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

:devil: whats up with that??

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

I visited the site several times while replying to this post, no spam came to me.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

I'm really looking for a truck. I've been to that site many times and never have received an email from them-how would they know your email address by simply going to their website?

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

I'm not sure what they would have done to build up the frame. The 73 C-10 was available from Chevy with a 454 and GM sold plenty of them equipped as such.

The frames are the same for 250-6 cylinders all the way up to the 454-V8.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Sorry then, it just seemed odd to me..thought you might be ...anyway.. sorry again...too late to welcome you? !!

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Don't worry about it, but don't accuse me of being the second shooter on the grassy knoll.

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

Re: 1952 Chevy
 

I understand there are narrowed a-frames (1 1/2"- 2" each side) available for this vehicle.