We have not featured a large GM truck for such a long time. When we saw this 1953 Chevrolet 2-ton, it was the time! A 6400 series was the largest Chevy had available that year. Its gross weight ranges from 16,000 to 20,000 pounds depending on the tire size. The wheel base is164”.
The proud owners are Larry and Kitty Buchanan near Corvallis, Montana. They moved from Washington State over a year ago and built a very nice home on 20 acres. Also in the plans was a 40’ x60’ building that Larry needed as a shop for miscellaneous “fix-it” jobs. That was a must.
They decided it was one way to save “much” money during the construction. This was to “not” have the construction materials delivered. Larry said, “I will do it myself!” To do this, he needed a large truck. The reason: “When the buildings are completed I will still own the truck!” If he could buy a used truck at a good price, he would do all his own local material deliveries and it could be done on “his” time schedule. If he later sells this big truck at even a slight profit, it would be a win-win investment. Larry is a good business person!
So the hunt began! Larry’s final choice was this 2-ton listed on Market Place. It was for sale by the Bell Motor Company in Cut Bank, Montana, about 4.5 hours away. This was the town’s Chevrolet dealer for 114 years. They occasionally buy and sell older Chevy vehicles when they can find one of better driving quality and appearance.
This big Chevrolet had been bought by the dealership at an Estate sale. As there is little interest in a 70 year old 2-ton truck by people attending a rural auction, no doubt it sold at a very low price. “Lucky Larry!” No doubt he also got a good price from the dealer AND it was just right for his needs and at a much lower price than planned.
Larry liked the appearance, less than 1,000 miles per year, very straight body, two speed differential, and hydraulic dump that unloads lumber from an excellent 12” Knapheide aftermarket bed. There was little not to like!
He decided to trailer this big truck to its new home. The tires were badly cracked and he did not need a very expensive tow bill.
In fact, it was decided to replace the cracked tires and go a different direction.
He installed later model 8 bolt tubeless wheels and 9r22.5 Toyo tires. The tires were a great price and delivered free from Walmart to his door!
It gets “even better”:
The larger original low oil pressure top of the line 1953 six cylinder 235 engine had been replaced with one of Chevrolet’s greats, a 1955-62 six cylinder 261 cubic inch engine.
GM knew to make sure they easily dropped into place in older trucks in years to come!
More “Even Gets Betters”:
The really, really great extras are these two:
A. It came with a two-speed rear differential. This is a great extra on a 2-ton truck! With a turn of a small dial under the dash by the steering column, the driver can change the ratio from 6.13 to 1 on the highway to 8.10 to 1 when loaded. (This gives immediate extra pulling power when needed.)
B. An excellent accessory (probably why Larry bought this truck) was its 12’ long Knopheide grain bed with hydraulic lift. All in great condition! This tilts at the front for removing grain, etc. In this case, removing so much lumber on the Buchanan’s site needed for their home and shop construction. The many boards just slid out!
The bed raising was powered by a St Paul hydraulic lift under the bed in this large Minnesota city.
It was a very popular brand during the early years. Its claim to fame was a left arm on both sides of the truck frame. (Not just one in the middle.) This was said to better stabilize a loaded truck. Thus, greatly lessen the chance of all “laying over on its side” when used on uneven ground.
Their Trademark.
The 2 arm supports showing in the lift.
A Few Visible Extras:
The front fenders “lollypops” were added years later. This allowed easy to see turn signals.
The chrome ornament on the front of the hood is actually half of the pair of accessory 1957 Chevy pickup hood trims. Nice touch!
In Summary:
The Buchanan’s found their 2-ton so successful in their construction project and with very little needed repairs, Larry and Kitty decided to keep it. They can now justify that with the savings they made during the construction, it is almost free PLUS it is “money in the bank” if they ever sell it.
Larry can be contacted at: lcbkrb@comcast.net