1955 GMC Hydromatic Pickup (so close...)

[GMTruckGuy74]

I think they dredged it from the Atlantic Ocean...

Link: http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/3991859497.html

1955 GMC Hydromatic Pkup Antique!!!! Have papers from auction and paperwork to seek titlle. If interested please call Lauren at 609-338-5020!!!

A Hydromatic '55 or '56 GMC is what I desire, but this woul require a very extensive sheet metal operation. Still, if the engine and trans are decent, along with the frame, would it be a good investment?

[balthazar]

In person inspection is the only way to answer your question. Rot repair is one of the most expensive segments of restoration. But patching is a lot cheaper than sourcing new panels, in general. That hole in the hood edge- for example- if the rest of the hood is solid, weld in a patch. If you could get this at around $1000, and there's no huge surprises, I think it's a decent deal.

[G. David Felt]

Agree with Balthazar, if the underlaying frame is solid and your up for the sheetmetal patching or full replacement along with a decent amount of money that will have to be spent, then it could be an awesome project truck. My guy based on the 3 pictures is it will not be worth it as I see extensive rust on side panels, the whole thing is just so shot. But if you can get it for 300-500 it would be worth it.

[ocnblu]

I wonder how many GMCs were built with Hydramatic transmissions that year?

[balthazar]

Good question. GMC didn't even record model production (just the total), they sure didn't track HM installation. Only avail on the 1/2-ton, BTW.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I often see a lot of Hydramatic-equipped '50s GMC pickups at car & truck shows (sorry for my continued use of the typo from the CL ad - I was typing quick at work yesterday!). That would be the ideal truck for me for sure (sorry all you manual fans).

balthazar, are you sure that is correct? I could swear that I read somewhere that the Hydramatic transmission was available across many models. But I don't doubt you, seeing as how the 100/150 models are where my interests are and that's why I've seen many 100 models (1/2 ton) equipped with an auto trans.

[balthazar]

^ That's what the Standard Catalog of Light Duty Trucks states... tho the series is NOT without mistakes.

EDIT :: Here's the '55 GMC brochure page :
http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/GM-Trucks-and-Vans/1955_Trucks-and_Vans/1955_GMC_Models-Features/1955-GMC-Models-amp-Features-26

Says GMC covers all series with automatics, the 4-spd HM, the 8-spd HM and the Twin HM. I should know by now never to quote a Krause book unless I've cross-checked it.

Here's the whole brochure Roger :
http://oldcarbrochures.org/NA/GM-Trucks-and-Vans/1955_Trucks-and_Vans/1955_GMC_Models-Features

There were also a HD 3-spd manual, HD 4-spd, a 5-spd, a 10-spd and an air-shift feature. Ahhh, choice; wasn't it wonderful??

[GMTruckGuy74]

Thanks, balthazar! You truly are the wizard when it comes to identifying information relating to classic cars and trucks

[Drew Dowdell]

what's air shift?

[balthazar]

Air-assited shifting, I believe. Ach... now you're going to make go research that...

EDIT :: Not much out there. I see a reference on a military 6x6 of the period where an 'air shift button' allows engagement of front axle drive.

Step 1 mentions 'air actuated gearing' : http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-shift-a-semi-feature

Modern Hi-Po trans with air shifters (Liberty, Lenco) are programmable for precise RPM shifts.

Bottom line is... I'm not sure.

Edited August 15, 2013 by balthazar

[Robert Hall]

'Hydromatic'--water logged transmission would be consistent w/ the rust..

[G. David Felt]

'Hydromatic'--water logged transmission would be consistent w/ the rust..

[GMTruckGuy74]

Agree with Balthazar, if the underlaying frame is solid and your up for the sheetmetal patching or full replacement along with a decent amount of money that will have to be spent, then it could be an awesome project truck. My guy based on the 3 pictures is it will not be worth it as I see extensive rust on side panels, the whole thing is just so shot. But if you can get it for 300-500 it would be worth it.

The condition of the frame is my main concern, followed by the engine and transmission. I don't think this is worth the asking price, and am hesitant at $1k too. If it would sell for $500 I'd be very tempted as long as the frame and transmission aren't toast. Along with the extensive rust on the sheet metal, it's missing many of the exterior emblems (costly to replace) and there are no pictures of the interior so I don't know what's missing from there. I'm going to see if I can get additional pictures sent to me before I decide to take the hour ride to see it.

[balthazar]

Frames on vintage trucks are not usually a concern, at least in my experience. They tend to sit higher (even if they sit on 4 flats for 20 years) and they're often thicker steel than cars of the same vintage. I look at my '40- has a rock-solid frame even tho it was at least 25 years in service, and I have no idea how many years it sat outside. I had a '46 Ford and a '57 Ford F-250, and both their frames were also very solid, and the '46 was as rough looking as the '55 above.

$500 is close to scrap price, so that seems unlikely, but with no title, you have a strong bargaining point for a good $400 off right there (technically, of course, it's illegal to resell a vehicle in NJ without one). I think you've got strong odds of picking it up between 600-1000.... but yes- what's the story on the motor/trans/other rot.

If you get more pics, please post them up, Roger.

[G. David Felt]

That is good to know Balthazar, sounds like it might still have potential. I agree with you that if Roger gets more pics please post them.

[Robert Hall]

Seems like a good rat rod/beater truck candidate...make it mechanically sound, leave the body as is or spray it all in primer and drive it...