The Stovebolt.com Forums Home | Tech Tips | Gallery | FAQ | Events | Features | Search
Help is a click away!

VEHICLE
INFORMATION
KITS


at the

GM Heritage Center
All the details are here.

Searching the Site - a click away
click here to search
New here ??? Where to start?
Click on image for the lowdown. Where do I go around here?
====
Who's Online Now
5 members (baldeagle, Mike Roache, Gdads51, Hotrod Lincoln, Steelonsteel), 90 guests, and 2 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics128,088
Posts1,055,993
Members48,430
Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026
Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums
Brad Allen's photos

AD Chevy Trucks

Pictures galore
Over 6,000 pictures

Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips.

Check them out!

Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!

Big Thanks!

THANKS!

For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for

over 30 years!

and not clogged down
with Ads!


Again, thanks!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#1332016 10/31/2019 2:42 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
M
Moderated
Moderated
M Offline
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
I have a GMC 550 with the following VIN on the data plate: W553XI024

It’s a tandem axle, 5 window truck. Has the Olds V8.

What else can be told from this number?

Does “024” mean it was the 24th 553 truck built? In just 57 or 54-57?

What does the “XI” mean? The “W”?

I know 553 indicates wheelbase.

Any help is appreciated.

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
If this is a 550 series GMC, I strongly suggest that post this question on oldGMCtrucks.com.

There are members who know alot about big GMCs.

Spanky reads posts here & there - he knows big GMCs.

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,100
3
3B Offline
'Bolter
'Bolter
3 Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,100
Hy mikedean58, welcome, your serial number breaks down as, W = six wheeler, 553 = 158" wheelbase, X = 1956 production I believe the balance of the number is regular production number which probably started at 1001. Your truck left the factory with a 324 cu. in. Oldsmobile V8 the standard equipment was an 11" dual disc clutch, an FO90 front axle, rear axles Eaton SS(A) 34M, transmission 5 speed 541GDS3. possible auxiliary transmissions 6231A or 6231B and air brakes, hope that helps

Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,399
B
Camp Commandant
Camp Commandant
B Offline
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,399
Mike, post a picture when can. Some of us love big GMCs here too!

Last edited by Bill Marlow; 10/31/2019 5:22 PM.

~ Billy
Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division
1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures
1959 GMC 860 | Pictures
1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures
I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
E
Crusing in the Passing Lane
Crusing in the Passing Lane
E Offline
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,096
GMC posts the engine displacement as the first 3 numbers of the engine SN, 370xxxx.

That engine is a 370 or became a 370 in subsequent years.

Ed


'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.

Moderated by  69Cuda, Super55 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Home | FAQ | Gallery | Tech Tips | Events | Features | Search | Hoo-Ya Shop
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0