The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop FC454

Hi

I am new to this site but I have been reading it for quite some time. Last fall I bought a 1948 GMC FC454. Don't know nothing about it.

It is sitting upnorth on my property and this Spring I plan a major reconstruction effort.

What is with the lug nuts on the dualies?? I thought it was always lefty-loosee rightee-tightee!

Also, if I re-plumb my brakes and use a dual master cylinder do I have to use my hydra-vac system? I am not gonna be hauling a lot of weight.

And....where do I get good shop manuals?

Congrats! I suggest you visit Old GMC Trucks for more info. Some of the vendors on the links page of this site sell reprints of manuals. There seems to be more Chevy info readily available than for GMC. Visit the Gallery of this sight and look for any GMCs like yours and email their owners for possible technical help. Good luck :p

You have a 2 1/2-3 ton. Later 400 Series used a 302 engine but yours is probably smaller. I'll look it up tomorrow and let you know.

All older GM trucks are LH thread on the left (Driver) side and RH on the right side.

Try eBay Motors for manuals. The other recommendation for Old GMC Trucks is your best bet.

Until you can find a GM manual get hold of an old Edition of The Motor Truck Repair Manual. These are always on eBay for around $20, you shouldn't have to pay any more than this unless it is in pristine condition. There are plenty of them. I think approximately Editions 5-8 cover your truck. Ask the seller to tell you specifically what GMC years are covered. I'll also look that up for you tomorrow.

These are GREAT trucks.

This truck came with a 270 engine. In the '50s 270s were hopped up and supercharged and were blowing the doors off V8 ***** on the dry lake beds.

It is a 450, the last 4 in 454 means a 179" Wheelbase.

I have a '53 633-50 where the 50 means a 503 engine and the last 3 is the wheelbase and 630 is the model. GMC kept changing their model designations so much that you need a program to keep up.

Earlier models such as AF353 were cabovers. the F meaning cabover?

On yours the F means '47-'50 years, go figure?

Have fun.

'47-'50 COE, would have been, "FF"

Thanks Guys!

Sure do appreciate all the help.

Found this "jewel" back in the woods of the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Hauled to our place via a tow-truck. The right rear brake was locked up.
The flat bed was 3 inch by 12 x 20 foot slabs of oak. Took off the flat bed and gutted the interior before we shut our place down for the winter.

We'll be going back up in a month or so and we will get more numbers off the engine. Thought there was a number on the frame, but couldn't find one!

Last time it ran was 1987 and has sat ever since.

Should have no problems starting it, eh?

So, I'll be talking to you guys and asking for some advice from time to time.

Thanks again!

Skeeter