The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1957 GMC 370/270

It looks I might be picking up a 1957 GMC 270 or it might be a 370 ( I can't beat the price). I don't know to much about this vintage or their model numbers.
1. What was the 270 or 370 series rated for?
2. What other vintage and series interchange parts wise?

So is it a 270 or 370 engine? GMC used both or are you talking about the series of truck. If so it would be a 370 series would be a 2 1/2 ton. It uses the same cab as pickups unless it is a low cab forward model. These can be identified by a cutout in the door for the fender. Engines are interchangeable from 100 to 400 series without modifications. Front sheet metal.. hood, grille, fenders of all 300 series are interchangeable. I think a 400 series would be the same. A 450 series uses a totally different front end. If the front sheet metal is good, about the only expensive part to fix is the brakes and of course it takes 6 instead of 4 tires and they are more expensive than lighter tires.

So is it a 270 or 370 engine? GMC used both or are you talking about the series of truck. If so it would be a 370 series would be a 2 1/2 ton. It uses the same cab as pickups unless it is a low cab forward model. These can be identified by a cutout in the door for the fender. Engines are interchangeable from 100 to 400 series without modifications. Front sheet metal.. hood, grille, fenders of all 300 series are interchangeable. I think a 400 series would be the same. A 450 series uses a totally different front end. If the front sheet metal is good, about the only expensive part to fix is the brakes and of course it takes 6 instead of 4 tires and they are more expensive than lighter tires. Cabs are the same from late 55 to 59. Fenders are the same from late 55 to 57. 58 came out with dual headlights.

ken, my bet is on the 370 series with a 270

Thanks for the the info. The truck series is a 370. It has no motor or trans and not even sure what it came with. I was actually thinking frame swap. But for a couple of hundred dollars, I'll buy it now and figure out what to do with it later. Besides, my 10 year old daughter said, "Dad, it looks like "Mater" from the movie Cars, you should buy it." So I said OK - (sounds like a good enough reason to me). Sometimes I think I keep buying these trucks to see if the wife's little head could possibly shake side to side any further.

Mike, I'm quite sure its a 370 series, but one never knows. Someone may have a 370 motor and want to get rid of it. Originally I thought I was going to take the wrecker body of the rig I bought from Harold, but I have decided to keep it a wrecker. I would love to find another 370 motor and build a truck tractor like I drove 45 years ago.

I have an engine and transmission for the 1957 GMC 370. The engine runs and the transmission works. Let me know if you would like more information. 651-460-6867
I am in south eastern MN

I finally got the truck. It is a GMC 370. The fellow said it came with a Pontiac V-8 originally. The tag inside the door said 200hp.
I pretty much bought it sight unseen. So here it is -
Its all their and the front clip isn't in to bad of shape, but the cab and doors are pretty rough. The frame is in excellent shape and it steers and rolls easy.

So I'm not sure if I'm going to put this one back together. I've put worse back together, but I don't know when I'll ever get around to it. So if anyone out thier wants it or needs parts - let me know, i'll let it go cheap. I'd rather see someone do something with it then sit in my back 40. When I get a chance, I'll try to get some pictures posted. You can give me a call if your interested (815)347-2944 - Jeff

The cab is the same as a pickup. The front clip is different. The engine could be a 336 or 347 which do well in pickups. Restoring a larger truck is more expensive than a pickup, and unless you particularly like larger trucks, you may not know what to do with it if you complete it. I have several larger GMC's, but that is because I have been the trucking business for over 45 years. They are not for cruising around town and won't fit in a normal garage.

I am interested in your front grill and eyebrows if you got them available still. I have a model 3 70s, School Bus, mine also had no motor with it, originally came with the Pontiac 347 for that year, looking for one of those also.

This is a nine year old thread. Kind of a long shot. Plus soliciting parts in the garage Forums is prohibited. Place a Wanted ad in the Swap Meet Forum.