The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay ’55 Series 1 ᠁ 6 / 12 Volt?

I know this is really basic and has probably been hashed out before–-

Was the short run of the 1955 series 1 3100 wired for 6 volt like it’s predecessors, or was it the first in 12 volt?
I’ve come across conflicting information , some saying it was the series 2 the introduced 12 volt in a pickup.

While we are at it , what was the duration of the series 1 production run?

Everything that I have read, tells me that the 1955.1 3100s were that last of 6 volt for 1/2 tons for Chevrolet.

I have also read that the early 1955s ended on or about March 31, 1955. Part of the delay was for the excitement of the all new 1955 automobiles along with its all new V8 to die down.

Concur, 1955 First Series 3100 was produced with a 6V - generator system. While by now many 1955.1 trucks have probably been converted to 12V - alternator, my particular truck retains its stock 6V system. Just purchased a new 6V battery last November, preparing for Winter.

There is a ‘55 series 1 3100 up for auction on BaT.
The seller stated that it is 12 volt from the factory. Is he misinformed?
My inquiries are based solely on technical interest.

... and just to throw weirdness into the mix, 1955 SECOND series GMC trucks from 1/2 ton up through the 41x series retained the earlier 6 volt positive ground electrical systems as standard equipment, with an optional upgrade to 12 volt negative ground.

Misinformed.

The 1955 First Series trucks were issued from the factory with a 6V, negative ground electrical system. (While there could have been exceptions, it is doubtful and I know of no documented examples).

Cite: The attached doc (p.159 - Engine Electrical System) is from the GM Heritage collection: 1955 Chevrolet First Series specifications. Published in October 1954.

Thanks Ol , that’s what I thought. I initially bought the seller’s statement, but I should have known better.
The vehicle in question also lacks the foot starter. Seller claims that is factory stock also.
What do you think?

If it's a 3100 with a manual transmission, it would have the foot starter. 55-59 Task Force pickups with MT also have the foot starter.

Not sure about trucks with Hydramatic automatic transmission, introduced in 54-55. Other members who are familiar with Hydramatic models would know. I know my father's 59 Apache with Hydramatic had a starter w/solenoid operated by the ignition switch.

In many cases someone selling a vehicle will state that it is original even if they don't know or someone else told them it was.
A lot of stuff happens to older vehicles to keep them on the road.
Fred

Good information, thanks.
It would not have made much sense for Chevy to make those electrical / production changes for a run of just a few months, plus it would have watered down the marketing impact of 12 volt in the all new 1955 Series 2.

Original often means "It was this way when I got it and it looks old".

Looked up the 1955 1st Series 3100 on BaT.

Lots of mods; shiny paint, nice chrome, 12V, 15" wheels, Fenton dual exhaust, automatic choke, aftermarket radio, new wiring, later 235 engine.

And all that stuff is from the factory.

Took a closer look at the engine photos. The cylinder head casting number is 3836850; which is the casting number for a 261 head. Doesn't necessarily mean that it's a 261 engine though; head swaps did occur.

Seller states it’s 235.
I would not have the means to I.d. that engine myself.

Quite possible it’s a 235 with 261 head.

Well , there have bees number of modifications to that truck , so it’s possible.

I don't see anywhere in the auction that he claims it is all original. Until Waveski brought up the electrical system in the comments, there doesn't seem to be anything about it being original.

Am I missing something?

By casual inspection, it has been pretty heavily modified.

Agree,

Adding the word Restomod to the BaT listing would be an apt description and provide additional insight. Then, readers wouldn't be trying or wanting to see it as an Original truck.

What got my attention was the seller’s summarial statement that the truck left the factory with a 12 volt system and without a foot activated starter , and that was standard equipment for the ‘55 s1.
Then came the observation by ol 55 regarding the heads.
One wonders about the accuracy of the information on that truck. I don’t think the seller is dishonest, but he is misinformed, at least on some details. Some buyers would consider 12 volt conversion to be a selling point , for others it would be a deal breaker.
Note that the seller did not perform the work on that truck. It’s a very nice ‘55 , but accuracy is important.

Wrap up :

That stock/not stock ‘55 series 1 went for–-
58k !

If I’m the seller I’m reeaalll happy with that.

Very nice truck, might call it a mild Restomod.

The Seller was sometimes a bit hedgy in Comments. For example: Google the VIN to find production documentation about what options the truck had when it left factory. There is no web site on AD trucks providing this information that I know of. Seller was asked to post the factory production option information, and declined to do so. I think the issue here is if this is a true 5-window optioned truck, or a 3-window cab modification. And, then there was the 12V or 6V originality question.

Apparently this truck was re-titled with its Engine Serial Number, not the Vehicle Serial Number.

About the large rear wheel well gap that some commented on and is noticeable. This truck had 15" wheels and low profile passenger car tires, smaller than stock 16" wheel/tire fitment.

All in all, a nice truck worthy of the sale. It looks well put together.

I agree that it is a very nice truck in it’s own right.
The sale price did surprise me though. I would have guessed high 30’s , maybe low- mid 40’s.
58k was a surprise, especially in today’s market, which I judge to be a bit soft.
But then , it’s real worth is whatever someone is willing to pay.

P.T. Barnum would be happy with that deal!
LOL!
Jerry