1975 GMC 6500 dump truck with 366ci gas big block

[crazyal]

I once owned an IH Fleetstar with a 549 gas engine. It wouldn't have gotten better than 5 MPG on the way down if I had driven it off a cliff.

I don't think my 446 does much better in my Loadstar.

 

[Argosy]

They were good trucks, if you can get it for a decent price it would be a great find. Brakes were hydroboost, the power steering pump provided power for the boost.

The cost of the brake job is relative. Unless the system has really been neglected replacing the shoes, turning the drums if needed shouldn't be outrageous if a decent truck shop does it. Take it to your friendly local mechanic who services your car and he will farm everything out because of the size and it could get costly.

As was posted rubber parts will probably be the biggest headache, from the coolant lines to power steering to vacuum lines to the flex brake lines. If they haven't been replaced they will be hard from age. Start working it hard, build some heat and start flexing and they will fail. If you're just going to putt around no big deal. If you're going to haul some serious weight on the road I would change all the coolant lines, the 3 flexible brake lines. Brake fluid retains water, have the system flush when do that.

 

[gilraine]

I had a 78 C60 with a 350.. it was a good truck.. the brakes were decent, for 4 wheel drums...I did replace all the brake lines and hydraulics, it wasnt that bad.IIRC it was about 600 dollars or so..the drums were not cheap though...insurance wasnt bad,

 

[scoutcub]

This silly old dump truck is really on my nerves now. My wife may say that since both barns are completely full, I can't have it. Ooh, that would hurt!

Sounds like a good reason to build barn # 3.....

Great thread, I'm also looking for an older farm dump, leaning more towards the IH Dt466/auto combination, but lots of good info here.

Good luck whatever you do!

And....still no pics yet??

 

[downslope]

Like Jesse said, get the truck and then take care of it. It sounds like it would be good as either a classic/restorer or to use as a dump truck. Even in this economy I believe many would easily pay $2500-$3500. The consensus is these were solid trucks so I wouldn't over-analyze it. But if you are going to have to let it set outside and rust away then maybe let it stay where it is.

 

[75H2]

Just a comment from the cheap seats. This is an interesting forum to follow. On one side 650 foot pounds of torque aren't enough for a 3/4 ton diesel p/u. On the other, members see the merits of a vintage dump truck powered by en engine that today would be considered patheitc & weak for even a compact P/U. It makes you wonder how our parents & grandparents accomplished so much with the equipment they had at their disposal. I'm not trying to pick a fight, just amazed how capable our trucks, tractors, powertools etc.. have become

 

[JESSE1]

It's amazing how much work used to be done with so little horsepower. My '59 White has a 220 Cummins and my '57 White has a 145 hp flathead gas engine.

 

[Raspy]

Just a comment from the cheap seats. This is an interesting forum to follow. On one side 650 foot pounds of torque aren't enough for a 3/4 ton diesel p/u. On the other, members see the merits of a vintage dump truck powered by en engine that today would be considered patheitc & weak for even a compact P/U. It makes you wonder how our parents & grandparents accomplished so much with the equipment they had at their disposal. I'm not trying to pick a fight, just amazed how capable our trucks, tractors, powertools etc.. have become

That is well said.

We are truly spoiled with all the HP and diesel options we have today. It's fun having so many choices and it's fun to mess around with old trucks. It's also fun to pull a grade at speed with the locomotive roar and all the comforts of a new one. Plus the incredible fuel mileage we can get today.

 

[Dmace]

Just a comment from the cheap seats. This is an interesting forum to follow. On one side 650 foot pounds of torque aren't enough for a 3/4 ton diesel p/u.

If those 3/4 ton trucks had 2 speed rears, no a/c, no power steering, and top speeds of 45 mph like these old trucks then they wouldn't need 650 lb.ft.

 

[ArtMech]

It's amazing how much work used to be done with so little horsepower. My '59 White has a 220 Cummins and my '57 White has a 145 hp flathead gas engine.

Love your pic.
I had been driving the dump trucks from 8 to 25 tones loading capacity in the mid '80ths. My father trained Russian soldiers how to use :confused2: lend-leased Studebakers, Dodges ... in '42 in Iran.

Sorry, but I have no competence to post a comment on the 1975 GMC 6500 dump truck subject.