The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How much is this '56 GMC 150 worth?

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

The V8 GMC used in 1956 trucks was the 316 and it was basically a Pontiac engine. The seller is either pumping you full of bs or he doesn't know any better. They never used Olds engines in the smaller trucks.

If the engine number you saw was stamped on the lower right side of the block it probably started with 316, if in fact it is a 1956 GMC engine.

As far as value, it would be worth more if it was a ½-ton shortbed but it still is worth $3000-$5000 if running, stopping and looking as good as you say.

283's were Chev only engines - GMC used the Pontiac V8, NOT "whatever was coming off the line", but a Pontiac V8 for the year - different for different models, 288, 316, 336, 347 I believe

152-8 = 3/4T w/ 316 V8 123.25" W.B.
X=56

might check over at the old gmc trucks forum for more info on value

Bill

Good information. You are right about looking on the OldGMCTrucks site. It confirmed everything you've said about the 316 ci. The engine # was hard to read, so I suspect it was 31680, not 21680. I do think this is all original engine and transmission.
I had no idea a 1/2 ton is worth more than a 3/4 ton.
Thanks for the input.

I don't mean to sound snotty at all but, what any truck is worth depends on just how bad you want it and if your wife will let you spend it.

Thruwurkin
Kennewick, WA

Can everyone see the link to the Walmart photo site at the bottom of my original post?

Yes - the truck has chrome grill, bumpers & headlamp rings.
Yes - it has a chrome strip around the windows.
Yes - it has stainless/chrome gauge bezels
Yes - it has a factory radio
Yes - it has a large (wrap-around) rear window

It has a "150" in the middle of the front grill

No. You don't sound snotty. You're right. The truck is worth what someone is willing to pay. But if I can show my wife the truck is rare/valuable, maybe she'll let me buy it !!!
Thanks for all the feedback. Please look at the pictures and keep it coming. - Dave

That is a beauty. If you can get that for under $5000 you're stealing it. I up my estimate to at least $7500.

Man-that's a good lookin' truck!! You shouldn't pass it up if you can get it.
If you ever need a water pump for it,I found you can buy one for the 70's/80's Chevy pick up diesel for a fraction of the price of a Pontiac 316/347 one-same pump.
Speed