New Purchase - 1961 GMC 4000 Farm Truck

[lizziemeister'sV6]

Just purchased a 1961 GMC 4000 - has good Iowa title - truck runs and will drive . Has a combo grain box and hoist that works. Has the correct hood in good shape and all glass is good. Body has rust out in usual areas of this series. Brought the truck because it has a nice chrome front grill that I will exchanged it for an extra painted grill I have in storage. Doing this because my 1965 Suburban has the chrome grill and it would be nice to have a spare in case of need. My question is that this truck has the torsion bar front end and wanders a bit - needs work on the drive shaft carrier bearing/u-joints and just plain TLC. Would this truck be worth repairing or should I sell the parts {hood, lights and ect} to be used on another series/year more desirable. I'm open to opinions to keep it complete or offer for parts. Thank You - truck located in NE Iowa.

[BillT]

I always hate to see another truck go if it can be reasonably saved. I would swap out the grille you would like to have and put the truck back up for sale. That is if you are not interested in fixing it for yourself to keep.

Post some pictures if you can.

[lizziemeister'sV6]

Thank You for your reply. Would like to keep the truck if I could it licensed for a lower tonnage that it's rated for and considering it wouldn't ever see the usage that a newer truck would. How do you truck owners license and insurance yours? Believe it not - my 1965 GMC suburban was issued a "station wagon" title back when new . Have had the courthouse question it a few times the past 30 years when renewing the plates. Also - would any of you have a complete 2- piece shaft for a 1961 GMC 4000 that you would sell? I can get you the wheel base if you think you do. THANKS!

[BillT]

Just Liability Insurance shouldn't be that expensive. Is Iowa known for high Insurance costs? You would also have the option to try to insure it as an Antique.

On your Driveshaft, it may be cheaper to rebuild the one you have. Is it damaged?

[lizziemeister'sV6]

Thanks Bill - yes drive shaft spline coupler both male/female is damaged - was questioning license and insurance would be under commercial usage heading due to it's GVW rating. Was hoping someone had a drive shaft out from under a truck for sale - we have old junk yards here but getting someone to pull an old truck out and removing driveshaft is doubtful.

[James]

Those parts can be replaced by a drive shaft shop. They usually do a lot of farm equipments as well. Check around. Just performed a search in your area and found this web site: https://www.sadlerpowertrain.com/ They are about an hour and 20 minutes south of you.

[TJ's GMC]

I'd keep it and drive it if you can......not to many of them around any more it seems.