1976 GMC Tow-Truck Conversion — TCL346Z509696

Record at a glance

VIN: TCL346Z509696
Year: 1976
Make: GMC
Model / series: C30 pickup chassis, later tow-truck conversion (auction classification)

Evidence status

BaT lot 95,674 prints exact chassis TCL346Z509696 and an $11,500 high bid with reserve not met on January 13, 2023. Original configuration is unverified and the tow-truck conversion is later work.

Physical vehicle evidence

The photographed GM rating plate bears VIN TCL346Z509696 and lists GVWR 9,000, front GAWR 3,800 and rear GAWR 5,340. These historical photographed values do not establish present safe capacity for the shortened-frame tow conversion. No manufacture date is established from the plate.

Owner or seller statements

Seller reported 1987 acquisition after conversion, a shortened frame and bed, tow lift, later Chevrolet front clip, replacement 454 V8, TH400, cosmetic/mechanical refurbishment and replacement instruments. These are attributed descriptions of modifications, not factory options.

Sources

Bring a Trailer: 35-Years-Owned 1976 GMC C30 Tow Truck Conversion, lot 95,674 (accessed September 29, 2026)

Open questions

Authenticate the physical VIN plate and inspect any SPID/build sheet, verify as-built engine/trim/equipment, date the conversion, trace later custody and mileage. The reported California emissions failure concerns the auction condition, not original specification.

Bring a Trailer lot 95,674 identifies exact chassis TCL346Z509696 as a 1976 GMC C30. The January 13, 2023 auction ended at an $11,500 high bid with reserve not met, so it was not a documented completed sale. The seller reported acquiring the vehicle in 1987 after a prior tow-truck conversion. Its shortened frame and bed, tow lift, 1984 Chevrolet front clip, replacement 454 V8, refreshed interior and replacement instruments describe a substantially changed vehicle; they do not establish factory equipment. The five-digit odometer showed about 78,000 miles, with total mileage unknown/TMU.