I found a '52 Chevy Pickup just down the road from me, don't really need a second project but have been keeping my eyes open for a pickup. All I have been told about it so far is that it is "solid" but is a definite project truck, has the original engine which does run good, has a 9 ft. bed which the owner says he was told is not very common, and owner will take $900 cash.

I don't have a lot of early 50s truck knowledge and the guys at Team Chevelle sent me here. If I go take a look at it, what are some things I should look for, be aware of, etc? What kind of shape does it need to be in for $900 to be a good buy?

Thanks for your time and any input.:)

If it's solid and complete, I'd say 900 is a good deal. If you already have a project on the go then you know where to look for problems. Check for rust in the obvious places for it to hide. And look to see if the dash has been butchered for aftermarket stereo or gauges. A 9' box is a rarity, but not sure how desirable that is. The wiring might be rotten if it's been sitting in a hay field, but it's 6 volt and maybe you want to go 12 volt anyways. Keep us aware.

kick panels, floor, battery box is in cab on passenger side floor, but as stated before, if it's decently solid and complete, it should be worth that, as long as you like the long bed. if you don't, finding a frame, bed, etc. would make the deal not quite as enticing.

The 1st ? I'd have to ask is what are your plans for it? $900 seems like a steal if there's not a bunch of cancer. Here's a few shots of my mom's '54 after soda blast. Most of these AD cabs rusted out in the same areas.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0507.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0508.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0509.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0510.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0511.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r72/Daniel_U/100_0512.jpg

Thanks for the info guys. Like I said I don't have much early truck know how, but hope to learn. What does "AD" stand for when you say "AD cab"? I don't know how desirable the 9' box is either, but when I drove by it I thought it had a very unique look to it. My plans are to make it a driver for just around town and use as a truck at first, then of course when money and time allows to do a resto and hot rod it a little bit but nothing radical.

I didn't plan on buying one yet, but it seems like they are getting harder and harder to come by, or is it just me? Anyways, I hope to talk to the owner again in the next couple days and go look at it this weekend.

Thanks again.

AD = advance design

it is the name for that series of trucks

like 55.2-59 are called "Task Force"

I started out with a 3600 3/4 ton 8ft. bed. I thought about using it as a trailer after getting the short box chassis. My mom ended up with it and likes the long bed look. Somthing to keep in mind.

i started with a '59 36 with the 8 ft. bed, and i will finish with an 8 ft. bed. i like the long look also. oddly enough, this truck is a joint venture with my mom. we split the parts, i put in the labor...

I too just picked one up. Got it for 50 bucks. couldn't pass it up.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/68chevy68/DSCF3566.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/68chevy68/DSCF3564.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/68chevy68/DSCF3565.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x184/68chevy68/DSCF3549.jpg