While driving in northern Florida this Easter weekend, I ran across a beautiful 1956 GMC 150 (3/4 ton) step-side for sale. Someone had restored it maybe 8-10 years ago, so it needs the paint touched up (a little rust on the lower panels), new seals on the engine and trans, sanding and painting here in there, but basically is is a very solid truck.
I'm looking for someone who knows GMC trucks pretty well, and asking their opinion on the value. If I were to buy it, how much should I pay?
This appears to be somewhat rare, as it has an original "looking" V8, power steering (large hydrolic pump mounted TDC on the front of the block), and an Hydromatic 4-speed transmission (N, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2, R). The engine runs great, and the transmission shifts smoothly. I drove it a few miles, and I'd drive this baby to California if the steering were a little tighter (it drifts all over, and could get tiring constantly correcting on a long trip). It also has factory dual gas tanks, solid brass radiator, and oil bath air cleaner.
The owner claims the V8 is an original 283 ci. He says he was told that back then, GMC would find whatever engine was coming off a Pontiac or Oldmobile line and put it into their trucks. He says this is a Pontiac 283. Now from the research I've done, the 283 first came out in '57 ??? Maybe this was a very late '56 truck with a very early '57 engine?
The only modifications appear to be that he put disc brakes on the front straight axles, and a late model rear end (3.18) so it will run 60 on the highway at normal RPMs. This is apparent because the wheels are all 5 lug.
Truck Serial # 152 8 CX1371 (off door plate)
Engine 21680 ? (Not sure where to find. This # was on the bottom of the block and hard to read)
Trans D 10 8617230 (off the bottom of the trany)
My e-mail: <
[email protected] >
See the pictures at:
http://www.walmart.com/agt/bounce.gsp?ID=1C4DD11061E02642B96A8056A5D30ABE67F2&sharee=AdamsRock%40TampaBay.RR.Com
