New toy, will get her next month... what's she worth...

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mkorst
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New toy, will get her next month... what's she worth...

Post by mkorst »

Hey guys,

I couldn't resist the offer I had for this new toy. She's a '4X GMC CCKW with LeRoi compressor on the back... She's bought by the previous owner about 10 years ago. He was planning to bring her back to full glory, but he never did. All he did was start the engine a couple of times a year to keep her alive...

So she's a runner, has very little rust, all tires hold air, she's nearly complete (misses air-tools), and i'm uncertain about clutch, gearbox and brakes. But he drives it around (so he says) so must be in pretty decent shape...

Now, what do you guys thinks she's worth. (will have more pictures soon)

And is there anything to look out for when i go to make the final deal? Any weak spots to pay extra attention to?

I made arrangements to pick her up somewhere in august, but the price is still a bit negotiable... :-)

Looking forward to your replies.

Cheers,
Micha.


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Gordon_M
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Re: New toy, will get her next month... what's she worth...

Post by Gordon_M »

Well she is 1941 because she is a hard cab. Earlier would have been a different model, and later would be open cab, but surely someone (Joel?) can tell us the cutoff dates.

Matt in Wales had a truck like this and it was very nice, though the compressor engine was stuck - presumably just from lack of use so I didn't see that as a big problem.

Value? no idea, but hard cab a bonus as it means less rot / rust to deal with.
Gordon, in Scotland

( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
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mkorst
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Re: New toy, will get her next month... what's she worth...

Post by mkorst »

Hey Gordon,

Thanks for the info. I didn't know the closedcab-opencab year of build rule. So it's good to know she's a '41 truck. Nice early, i like that.

I'm unaware of the state of the compressor engine on this truck. But I know it's a whopping 5.215 cm3 (318 cubic inches) LeRoi D314 4-cylinder engine to drive the 3 cylinder compressor. It would be nice to get the compressor to work, but not very fuel efficient i think :-)

As i have no experience in the GMC corner and unaware of anything to look for when buying a truck like this I'm hoping to get some information from the specialists here... :thumbup:

Thanks!

Micha.
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Re: New toy, will get her next month... what's she worth...

Post by Gordon_M »

Well a typical GMC is hard to kill.

The worst problems seem to be related to poor or no maintenance, or abuse by previous owners, but your purchase looks relatively straight, and because she is a compressor truck you can be sure she wasn't overloaded, for example.

I would certainly suggest carrying her home rather than driving, for safety.
Hydrovac braking system is very effective but should be checked carefully, engine and transmission are unkillable, but engine tends to suffer from exhaust manifold breaking if run too hot and switched off rather than run till it is cool.

Major transmission items are OK, but sometimes the transfer case bearings and rear differentials can cause problems if one locks up and wrecks the whole system, but no parts problems. Intermediate axle pillow block bearings are often neglected and can cause trouble, but a full by-the-book service and lubrication should be your first priority. Clutch is often slipping or even sheared out - by-the-book adjustment for free pedal travel and a short drive should tell you.

Check the compressor engine to see if it turns BY HAND - do not use the starter on an unknown engine. If it will turn by hand try to start it. If it won't turn by hand pull the plugs and put some lubricant down on top of the pistons till you get a chance to have a closer look.
Gordon, in Scotland

( Now officially given up on any form of politics )
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