This 1952 GMC ½ Ton pickup is an example of what and why Automania LLC exists. The pickup was purchased shortly before 2000 as a project for a retired mill worker on the coast. Most of it was bought in pieces, the frame and cab were the largest parts of the project. Chassis work went along until 2004 when he passed, leaving his family an unfinished work with great ambitions. He spoke to his brother in-law in his last days, asking him to finish the truck so that it would go on to his son someday in the future.

Starting sixteen years ago and from 1/3 done in 2004, it slowly came together, the brother in-law doing the work for the reward of the memories as time allowed, patiently bringing the truck along to this point. Several body mods were taken on. The rear window was cut and enlarged as you see from stock and a one piece front windshield was added. The front hood was welded and smoothed and the bed rails filled. The bed of the truck was repanelled in ¾” Oak and it is beautiful. The interior was completed using seats out of Mercury Sable, one piece door glass added along with power windows. The dash was customized with a slab of wood selected by all of the family members after a great deal of searching different local lumber yards. It was painted about twelve years ago and driven occasionally but the engine and transmission were worn. 125 miles ago, a GM Crate Motor was installed and the Automatic Transmission rebuilt by John Harmon here in Grants Pass. AC was intended, but it only got as far as the Compressor, the under Dash Controls and switches, still missing the receiver, dryer and hoses. The rear axle is a Ford 9” with Disk Brakes, the front suspension is a clipped Camaro assembly, also with Disk Brakes. We have a very full folder of receipts that go with it, listing most of the parts (including the crate 350) that went into the build.

Finally ready to be driven on the street and on to the expected ownership by the son, reality stepped in. The son is not able to accept the truck due to housing and employment issues with no sign of change in the future. After all of this time and effort, the GMC must be sold.

Today, the truck drives and handles well. It is still on its way to being tied up, there are things that need finishing that an average person can take on without having to hire “Guido” at $160/hour. We have had the truck safety inspected prior to offering for sale. The shop reported back brakes and drivetrain were in good order. He also added that this truck is going to make someone a great driver after some more time finishing it. There are a lot of good parts, it just needs to be attention, for instance, the AC. If a word would be used to describe the previous work, I would say it was started as a great and loved hobby. It was part of a retirement bucket list and mostly finished as a family heirloom. It is close to be being ready for someone to make there mark and then on to summer night cruising and family enjoyment.

Give us a call or come by to look over and talk about the truck. It deserves to be included in someone’s life, to be used and enjoyed as it was intended twenty years ago.

The selling price is $23,495. The VIN is 11022C7546 and the miles are 125. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest