1948 GMC FC 3/4 Ton Pickup
Beginning in 1920, Chevrolet and GMC trucks began platform sharing, and that continues more than 100 years later. In 1947, the New Design Series trucks were introduced at GMC, similar to Chevrolet's Advance Design trucks, and a complete makeover from the previous generation. These were not intended for nor marketed to individuals or families for commuter use. They were designed to work and work they did!
For consignment, a 1948 GMC FC 3/4 ton pickup truck that still bears the name of the workman who owned and used the truck, albeit in more modern vinyl decaling. In fact, prior to our consignor owning the truck, it was a one family vehicle since new which is a remarkable fact. With the exception of a few items, the truck is very original and things were built to last back in the day, and with regular maintenance, this thing just keeps going!
Exterior
Single stage Brewster Green paint in wonderfully satin luster is the main color. There are a few shades of green on the truck, but each bit of patina tells a story. The bumps, bruises and imperfections are many and people pay big money to try and recreate this kind of natural patina, right down to the rust spots that took years to develop! The 17-inch steel wheels are a lighter shade of green and topped with dog dish hubcaps. A similar green pinstripe encircles the cab and the bed had a steel plate added many years ago and provides for a usable bed. The split windshield joins five other windows to create a greenhouse like cab and its rounded roof adds to the height. With the business name in modern white vinyl decals on the side and old style phone number where a word precedes digits, along with the unrestored condition of the truck, makes it seem like it just stepped out of 1959, having served the owner at work for 10 hard labored years.
Interior
The door panels are original and they're not going to win any design awards. But when you see where a man's arm has rubbed 10,000 times and left a mark on the door, well, that' a winner. The brown vinyl bench seat cover has been stitched so many times Raggedy Ann is envious. It's torn, worn, and should not be scorned. The steering wheel is rough but all there and the dash has long ago faded from its previous glory but the two gauges and their red deco lettering are in good shape behind their glass faces. The once shiny metal grille of the dash is barely recognizable as metal. The tall, floor mounted shifter is surrounded by a rubber mat that joins a tiny latch on the glove box as non original parts of the truck, along with the steel plate. The vinyl topped headliner and visors look original.
Drivetrain
A 228ci inline 6-cylinder engine is in place and is rated at 85 horsepower. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and driven by a 4-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels and 4.10 gears. Drum brakes equip the truck front and back. The engine bay is as you would expect and in original, driver condition though we note an updated electrical box and fuse board.
Undercarriage
The spare tire and wheel are in place and we're not sure it's ever been out of the truck. There's some surface rust underneath as expected, and some oil on the transmission. Grime built up is there but not surprising and there are a few areas of invasive rust. Overall however, not a horrible undercarriage where a single exhaust flows the length of the truck, enters a stock style muffler, then fumes sent rearward past the back bumper. Leaf spring suspension is found front and rear.
Drive-Ability
The old dog fires up and rolls out of our garage onto the tarmac without a problem. I don't know if our modern trucks will still be running in 75 years, but the simplicity of these trucks means less things to break. As a result the lights, gauges, transmission, and engine work as they did in 1948.
Here's a little slice of Americana that, like an old house, has character and stories to tell. Shiny trucks with small block Chevys are great, but there's something special about an unrestored work truck. This tough old hombre is looking for a new home and whether that leads to restoration or preservation, it won't mind. It's lived a life and is ready for the next chapter.
FC1525062
FC-Conventional Cab
15-3/4 Ton Pickup
2-125.25" Wheelbase
5062-Sequential Unit Number
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