Every car show has a rock star that grabs your attention the moment you see it.
An attention-grabbing 1952 GMC resto mod was parked on the entry corner of a car show and was indeed that rock star.
Jim Sutherland
1952 GMC pickups were built for hard work and did not exactly stand out in a crowd 73 years ago because that was not their purpose at the time. Most of them disappeared off the planet when they outlived their usefulness and few were given a new lease on life.
A big exception to this grim assessment for most 1952 GMC trucks is John Rathwell’s resto mod version-with heavy emphasis on the “mod” side of the equation. John had a vision for his ’52 GMC pickup, one that required many changes to the old truck.
John had a talented friend who asked him about the truck and wanted to tackle the creative transformation from a mild to a wild 1952 GMC. The builder was Daryl Hinz, and he was the right guy to take John’s vision into reality.
The process would not be easy, but the net result was a stunning blend of old school style and modern function.
The new platform for the GMC was a frame donated by a 1977 Chevy Heavy Half 4×4 pickup. The Heavy Half Chevys could handle bigger loads than a typical ½ ton and was the perfect foundation for a major upgrade in the powertrain department.
For the record, the GMC now sports a crate 502 GM big block with plenty of horses, even without its supercharger, so the power upgrade is well beyond the truck’s humble six-banger in stock form. The big engine is hooked to a Chevy Turbo 400 transmission to handle the giant power boost.
The GMC also has a disc/drum brake package to help corral all the extra horses provided by the muscular 502 big block.
The vintage truck has also undergone cosmetic changes, including a custom box with built-in storage compartments and a roll bar. The front end of the truck has significant modifications featuring a cleaner grille look and oversized bumper with a push bar.
One of the most unique custom features on Fred’s pickup is the filler cap because it looks like a fire extinguisher and is something we at MyStarCollectorCar had never seen on a vehicle.
The ’53 GMC has come a long way from its limited number creature comforts because it was built for hard work and not to pamper its passengers. However, the truck now has power steering, power brakes, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and even cruise control to make it a very comfortable fit for its occupants.
The seats are also a big upgrade from the GMC’s original bench seat and the custom shift knob (a small piston) is a very cool custom touch in the truck.
The GMC has LED lighting on the front and back of the truck, with rear taillights from a motor bike to fit the size needed on the back end. John described the project as “98% finished” and added its future includes life as a tow vehicle.
He should also include plans to answer plenty of questions from a large collection of curious onlookers because John’s ’52 GMC is a very creative one-of-a-kind resto mod.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
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