The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Can't find info on my "beast"

The "beast" was mentioned in my last topic. I've searched "olive drab", Inliners, and a dozen other archives, but cannot find my truck. The dash placard identifies it as (paraphrasing)...
2 1/2 ton 4x2 stake, platform, flatbed, 424V, 1956 GMC. It has a 14-foot bed, dually rear axle, 302ci 6-cyl, 5-speed.
Anyone have any thoughts on the matter. I'd like to know its original use.

prolly standard frieght haulin duece and a half military? does that dash plaque or anything else have USmilitary names on it? the 424V doesn't sound GM to me - got a pic we can see?

Bill

This truck appears to be a civilian truck purchased by the Army. There were thousands of these purchased by all the services. I got my Navy heavy truck license on a brand spanking new '47 five ton GMC flatbed.

These trucks were usually no different than civilian trucks: however, it appears that yours was ordered with the same 302 engine setup that was used in a tracked amphibian and the M135/M211 series of 2 1/2 ton 6x6s being built at the same time. this was probably done for commonalty of parts. The above vehicles also had Hydramatic Transmissions but I never saw any civilian types with AT. The amphib had two 302s and ATs.

I can't find a 424V listed but I do know that it is a 400 Series which is the 2 1/2 ton. The 2 means a 302 and 4 has to do with the wheelbase. I don't know what the V means. Most V8 trucks then had model designations something like 450-8V if they had the 316 or 347 V8s. I have a '53 633. It is a 5 ton with a 503 straight six, it looks like a bull.

Thanks Squeeze and Gusc! That's more information than I was able to find anywhere. Where did you fellows find this?
Is the civilian-vehicle purchasing a common occurance? Is that why inliners said military 302 is side-mount while mine is front-mount? Can I use the army serial # and vin # to find out what its specific duty was?...Is there an army archive for such research?

I got most of my info from old Motor Truck Repair Manuals (Lots of them on ebay) and my GMC 633 Shop and Parts Books plus years of collecting and reading about military trucks.

Is the civilian-vehicle purchasing a common occurance?----Yes

Is that why inliners said military 302 is side-mount while mine is front-mount?----I don't know for sure, but reread my second paragraph. This is my best guess. If it has a Holley two barrel, horizontal, rear intake carb it is most likely the military engine.

Can I use the army serial # and vin # to find out what its specific duty was?...Is there an army archive for such research?---- Maybe, I doubt it. These were general purpose trucks used to haul general cargo around bases. I don't know anything about Army Archives. You can search the internet and probably find out.

Thanks again. The carb is a downdraft, but I cannot tell what manufacturer right now (Too dark to see clearly). Sounds like you're right about purchasing a civilian vehicle.
Is The original 14-ft flatbed typical? It was removed (Had to quickly reinstal using only 2 u-bolts for tow home).Also was modified while owned by local school. They simply welded 3/8x3x4 angle iron around the perimiter & covered it with steel plate -- directly over existing bed.
All the rest of the truck looks original.

Hello - Hey I know this is a very old thread - but it appears I have the same truck as your Beast.

2 1/2 ton 4x2 stake, platform, flatbed, 424V, 1956 GMC. It has a 14-foot bed, dually rear axle, 302ci 6-cyl, 5-speed.

This fits the description exactly.

I am also having little to any luck on finding information.

Do you still have yours?