The Hydramatic in my 53 GMC works great. I have only owned the truck for two years. I took the side and bottom pans to replace the gaskets, everything inside looked nice and clean so I am assuming it has been rebuilt at some point.
As tclederman mentioned above, there are a few differences that are peculiar to the Hydramatic trucks. My block and bell housing both have the same number stamped on them. They were machined at the factory to be a matched pair. There is no foot starter but a starter button over the headlight switch and a solenoid on the starter. The gas pedal linkage is connected to a kickdown for the transmission. Also the carb is turned ninety degrees on the mainfold from a standard tranny model to accomodate the changes in the linkage. The wiring harness includes a neutral safety switch to keep the truck from starting in any gear except nuetral.
The Hydramatic shifts nicely and runs great behind the 228 GMC motor. I have the 3:55 Patricks gears so the truck cruises nicely at 55 - 60 mph.
It is always an eye catcher at truck shows. Many people were not aware that these early model trucks were factory equipped with the Hydramatic..
[ 11-24-2001: Message edited by: 53 4 me ]
