29GMC Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 I got my first project truck and am pretty excited to start working on it. This truck was my wife’s grandfathers truck. It was on the road last about 25 years ago but to my knowledge he started it up every now and then. Gas tank is drained with no rust. I have a few questions can anyone identify the model? We apparently have a title somewhere but the estate is not finalized and they are not sure where it is. Second, I know it’s a hot debate so here it goes… add a lead additive or not, or marvels mystery oil, or any other additive? I plan on running non ethanol gas. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 Instead of Marvel I use a 1/2 pint of ATF to 15 gallons and the engines don't smoke. So, 29 GMC with a twin head Pontiac six! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsmoke Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 Nice "survivor" even if it has a later GM engine. Personally I would limit work to getting it mechanically good for driving, such as having a mechanic do a careful refurbish of engine (clean, flush, compression test, points, plugs/wires, new oil flush rad new coolant, etc) transmission/rearend, attention to brakes, attention to wheels and tires, lights/horn working (maybe a $5K-$10K rebuild). Then enjoy the attention you'll get every time you confidently back it out of the garage. If you start a full restoration, add another $30K. Of course a good wash and tidyup is allowed!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 I'm no GMC expert, but I'll bet the Pontiac engine is original. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 3 hours ago, Gunsmoke said: ...Personally I would limit work to getting it mechanically good for driving, such as having a mechanic do a careful refurbish of engine... Then enjoy the attention you'll get every time you confidently back it out of the garage. Gunsmoke gives knowledgeable advice. You can restore the truck if you like the excellence and freshness of a new-looking vehicle, but these days, original cars and trucks will bring more attention at a show than just about any restored example. People appreciate seeing what came out of the factory in 1929, just as something from King Tut's tomb is more interesting than if a museum repainted it! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 I have stated on here before with the debate of restore/leave it alone. I think a vehicle needs to be assessed for what it is in the decision to restore. With this truck, I think getting the running gear safe and reliable, clean up the outside a bit and you have a winner there!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 As low as that engine's compression ratio is, a lead additive isn't needed. Leaded fuel wasn't common back then anyway. NE fuel is a good plan. Marvel oil, ATF as Pfeil suggests, or any top cylinder lubricant will be ok. Get it running and safe to drive and enjoy it. You can do the cosmetic restoration later if you like. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, Bloo said: I'm no GMC expert, but I'll bet the Pontiac engine is original. https://www.olsonsgaskets.com/gaskets/gmc-truck-with-split-head-pontiac-six/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_straight-6_engine#223_Pontiac/GMC Quote The ignition distributor was mounted on top of the block in the gap between the heads. This engine was also used in GMC's T-10 and T-11 (their two lightest trucks) beginning in 1928.[1] Development of the engine shared characteristics with the Oldsmobile Straight-6 engine, as GM worked together to develop the engine for Pontiac combined with the resources of GM-Northway Motor and Manufacturing Division. Edited June 15, 2022 by 1939_Buick (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 12 hours ago, Bloo said: I'm no GMC expert, but I'll bet the Pontiac engine is original. @29GMC Clearly a period correct engine for that truck. If you let me know the serial number of the block we can probably tell what year engine it is. The serial number would be on the driver side of the block just above the dipstick. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 (edited) On 6/15/2022 at 10:57 AM, Bloo said: I'm no GMC expert, but I'll bet the Pontiac engine is original. I should have mentioned that! Thanks, Bloo! Edited June 16, 2022 by Pfeil (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stakeside Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 (edited) On 6/14/2022 at 6:29 PM, 29GMC said: I got my first project truck and am pretty excited to start working on it. This truck was my wife’s grandfathers truck. It was on the road last about 25 years ago but to my knowledge he started it up every now and then. Gas tank is drained with no rust. I have a few questions can anyone identify the model? We apparently have a title somewhere but the estate is not finalized and they are not sure where it is. Second, I know it’s a hot debate so here it goes… add a lead additive or not, or marvels mystery oil, or any other additive? I plan on running non ethanol gas. I believe your truck is a composite built cab. If the wood is in good condition I suggest leave as is. Just take care of the running gear and brakes. Great original truck. Here is my 1929 Dodge Bros 3/4 ton. This was a frame off restoration. Edited June 17, 2022 by stakeside E (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 On 6/15/2022 at 10:57 AM, Bloo said: I'm no GMC expert, but I'll bet the Pontiac engine is original. I doubt the Pontiac is original. I know that in 1929 GMC used Buick engines in their trucks. Maybe the buyer had choices? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 (edited) 59 minutes ago, Mark Shaw said: I doubt the Pontiac is original. I know that in 1929 GMC used Buick engines in their trucks. Maybe the buyer had choices? Apparently, you didn't read what 1939_BUICK provided for us; https://www.olsonsgaskets.com/gaskets/gmc-truck-with-split-head-pontiac-six/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_straight-6_engine#223_Pontiac/GMC Yes, they came with BUICK but also PONTIAC and also OLDSMOBILE at some point in time. Edited June 17, 2022 by Pfeil (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 18 minutes ago, Pfeil said: Apparently, you didn't read what 1939_BUICK provided for us; You're right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayG Posted June 17, 2022 Share Posted June 17, 2022 Love it. Especially the long running boards and rear fenders. You don’t see them on the big truck very often Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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