The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk I think I identified my truck - now need help

Its a '53 GMC Dual Wheel 4 sp w/single R/end

Serial number: 253 22 P 2550
GVW: 8800 Net HP: 90 @3200 RPM

So by the GWV alone my charts tell me it must be a 3800 series. Only the 3800 series has GVW of 8800.

THe truck is stunningly beautifull. Ill post some pics as soon as I figure out where they go.
It is fully restored (cosmetically) but the engine has a bad rap in the bottom and needs rebuilt.

In now reading the formus for swapping out this particular truck's engine and tranny for an automatic w/OD and modern V8 such as a 350cid

I have a feeling this is gonna get real expensive becasue of the 6v -> 12v conversion and the use of computers in the newer drivetrains.

Smokey:
Welcome to the Bolt.
Re. new engine
You don't need a computer for your new V8. GM sells several 350 cid engines that do not need the computer. You might check with your local GM dealer for a catalog of performance engines.

Get those pictures moving!

A 6-12 volt conversion really doesnt cost much. You can get Runtz voltage reducers for the gauges and swap out all your bulbs. Then you need the charging system to back it. Upgrading to a V8 youll have a 12 volt starter and probably an alternator.

Welcome to the bolt!

Jeff

Much appreciated fellas

I sure have a lot of reading to do

I submitted my pictures today. You can also see the pics at

128.2.185.209/1953gmc

can you point me to a resource that specializes in drivetrain swaps for the early 50s GMC trucks?

Been reading but dont see specifics like lists of engines/years that will bolt up or typical drvie combos that people have gotten to work well

The NV 4500 looks like a good idea for best of both worlds lo/hi speeds if an automatic is not doable

A 3800 is a Chevy. Your GMC is designated a 250. Both are 1-ton trucks.

That is a beautiful truck. In my opinion it would be a shame to butcher it up for a V8. I'd rebuild the 228 or find a 270 or 302 to build for it.

Also, there's no need to go 12V. The 6V system has served it well for over 50 years. As long as all connections are clean and secure it will last at least another 50.

Steering is the biggest challenge in a V-8 conversion on one of these trucks. You'll want to choose a solution to those issues before deciding what this will take.

You can put in a modern inline motor and avoid the steering box issues, or you can do as Cletis suggests and look for one of the big GMC sixes.

Using an adapter you can run a modern automatic behind your existing old six, or one of the newer sixes without one.

Now if you are like me, you may feel you have to convert to a V-8. I'm putting a Cadillac 500 in one of mine. But its a multi-year project and I know I have a lot of work to do. If you don't have to have a V-8 consider the sixes. A lot of guys are very happy with them, and unless you have to have a screaming hot rod or use it for towing likely it will do anything you need.

Thanks for the identification of my 250. Rebulding whats already there is the straightest path. Im wondering what the limit is on how much a 228 can be beefed up.

I really want to drop an automatic/OD in it but I dont think the orig 228 can be beefed up enough to power an auto/OD. Its not a full pressure engine and with only 90 stock HP I can't imagine getting 200HP out of it.

Could a 302 be built up to where it would have plenty of power for an automatic tranny with O/D and be used for some towing.

I really wish someon would come up with a list of here are all the engines that will bolt right in w/out having to redo the steering and here all the trannys that will bolt to that engine w or w/out adapters. And a list of HP/torque that the old 6s can be rebuilt to perform.

Surely someone has collated athis kind of info.

That's one of the nicest 1 tons I've seen in years. I agree with cletis that it would be a shame to hack it up. A 302 with a thick radiator like out of a 450 and 3/4 ton third member would do wonders for it. There are specs somewhere, but it seems like the 302 is rated at 160 hp where your 228 is only 90 and I think the torque is around 260 at 1400, which thanks to its 4" stroke is a lot of twist. I guess an overdrive automatic could be put behind it, but it would be a challenge. 4.57 rears with 18" tires is not bad at all and everything would be a bolt together.

I don't believe he said anything about "hacking" it up. I see many ADs that have been upgraded in steering, brakes, rear ends, and motors that have maintained their outward stock appearance.

WOW This is a very nice truck.

I am doing what BIG CHEVY 3600 talked about. I hope it lives up to the bolter's scrutiny.

I am adding a SB400 / TH400 and doing the 12V thing to my 3800, but trying to keep the look (outside) stock.

You will also need to add engine and transmission supports on the frame if you venture down a traditional SB V8 path - they can be readily purchased.

Good luck and enjoy your truck whichever choice you make.

I can't get the photo to come out. How did you guys see it.

Here you go spanky

index of pictures

The GMC 228 is a full pressure motor.

I think an all inclusive lists based on your criteria would be hard to compile. As for motors, the GMC inlines and all the early Chevy inlines would fit without steering mods or adapters. The GMC inlines and the pre-63 Chevy motors bolt to the existing bellhousing. The pre-63 Chevy motors are pretty close to bolt in. The GMC motors don't require adapters, but do require modifications to the front motor mount and moving the radiator. A '63 or later Chevy inline requires a different bellhousing and does not adapt to the stock front mount.

Almost any GM rear drive manual car or pickup transmission made after '48 will bolt to your bellhousing with little or no modification. The exceptions would be the Corvair and Fiero, stuff, probably the Chevette and some but not all Vega transmissions. Then some of the very newest stuff may be a problem but I've not kept up well enough to really know.

If anyone has compiled a list or written a tech tip on this subject I don't recall seeing it. I'm not going to volunteer...

Thanks 54Tow. That is indeed a nice look'in truck.

Glad to help.

Hi SmokeyCity, That is a great looking truck! In addition to the info that you get here, you should check the GMC site. Most of the trucks here are Chevies and , and while there are many shared parts/ systems there are also many significant differences. You may find more comprehensive responses there-- don't leave us, just add their input.
Welcome to the Bolt!
Glenn

Howdy Smokey City,
I not much of a mechanic, but I love driving my 53 and that is what counts for me.