Hidden deep in the overgrown fields of Kansas, this 1937 GMC T14B looked like it had been swallowed by time. With vines creeping through its fenders and decades of dust and decay, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was nothing more than scrap. But to the Turnin Rust team, it was a challenge worth taking.
50 Years of Silence Broken
The truck hadn’t moved in over 50 years. Yet somehow, it still had its original flathead inline-six engine and surprisingly complete interior. When they finally got the truck out of the field, the team discovered a shocking fact: the brakes weren’t even locked up and only one tire was flat. It practically rolled out of its grave.
The Engine with a Crack (or Three)
Back in Texas, the team got to work. The 230ci flathead six was still intact, but severely neglected. Stuck valves, chewed-up wiring, and no spark were just the start. Compression? Almost none. And worst of all: two massive cracks in the engine block.
Most would stop there. But not these guys.
They drilled out the ends of the cracks, beveled the damage, and applied high-temp epoxy, using a vacuum to draw it into every crevice. One crack was nearly 16 inches long. It looked hopeless.
From Toothbrush Taps to Test Drives
With the valves freed (thanks to a toothbrush handle), spark restored, and an electric fuel pump in place, they gave the engine a shot. And against all odds…
It fired up. It ran. It even drove.
Despite a milky oil mix from water intrusion and a Frankenstein fix on the block, this truck roared back to life. The cooling system was flushed, hoses replaced with copper, and a temperature gauge rigged up for safety. After 50 minutes of idle with a head gasket sealer, she held steady at 160°F.
Unique Features of the GMC T14B:
230ci flathead inline-six
6-volt positive ground electrical system
Mechanical foot pedal starter
Crank-out windshield (built-in 1930s A/C!)
Heavy steel body and timeless curves
Why This Build Stands Out
This wasn’t a high-dollar frame-off restoration. This was real, gritty, bring-it-back-from-the-dead mechanical resurrection. The kind of job where epoxy replaces machine shop time, and hope is stronger than horsepower.
Even more satisfying? Seeing the old girl take a spin, windshield cranked open, sun shining through what remained of the rear glass.
Not bad for a truck that sat half a century with a split engine block.
Final Thoughts
This 1937 GMC T14B proves that sometimes, you don’t need perfection. You just need persistence.
Would you restore the paint or leave it with that perfect patina? Drop a comment below and let us know. And if you love watching rusty metal roar again, hit that subscribe button on Turnin Rust’s channel.