That styling was a big hit and some companies bought fleets of them. GMC used the Braen companies in New Jersey to feature the trucks. Braen had purchased about 25 tandems and I think most of them were W630's. There were transit mixers, dumps and tractors - all gas. A full color two-page photo of many of them lined up in one of Braen's quarries was featured in a 1956 Life magazine ad. A number of years ago, I talked with Don Meyer, GMC historian, about my truck, a 59 W660, and he sent me a bunch of information including a hand drawn ratio/speed chart showing how to shift up through the gears of my particular trannys, using both sticks....it would be a lie if I told you I've mastered it. He was a field troubleshooter for GMC in the late 50s, and was sent to the Braen quarries because the rear brakes were squealing loudly as the trucks descended into the quarries - he figured it out, but I can't remember the solution. He also recalled that one bitter cold winter in Michigan, he was assigned to take a 2-stick tandem out to the test track. He said that they could barely get the truck moving because all the fluids were so thick (molasses in January). He wrote about some of these experiences in various vintage truck magazines and I think he wrote a book also. Anyway, he was a devoted employee who loved working for GMC. I'm not sure if he is still with us. I also had the opportunity to meet Don Sullivan from Michigan, another GMC enthusiast. His pride and joy was his 'green giant' (1958 model 630). Some of you would know him and that he died in a tragic accident a few years ago. Excuse the rambling, just sharing my enthusiasm for the late 50s GMCs.
