Hi from UK.Help wanted.

[Generallee]

Hi everyone.I live in the UK and have bought a 55 SWB stepside to restore.
It is a bit of a bitsa (bits of this, bits of that!). It had no engine or box, but I came across what I think is an early Chevy V8 and 2 speed Hydramatic box.
I have fitted them in the truck, but can't find any information on the engine with the numbers I have.The gearbox is easy, it says CA-56, 5899 - so I would be right in thinking this is a very early 56 gearbox????
The engine has a number stamped on the side, just above the sump
A34715028, and what looks like 523283 as the casting number.
Anyone help me out with age/size of the engine????
Not many people know much about these trucks over here.
Any help appreciated!!
Thanks
Tim
ps. I luv american cars/trucks and spend alot of my time rescueing/restoring them.

[steve53]

welcome to the site!

here is a website you can research that engine serial info.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/models/engine.htm

[dwcsr]

Looks like you may have a Pontiac 347 used in GMC's, can you snap a few pictures and post them here?

[Generallee]

Hi.Thanks for the help.
Here are some pics.
The Pontiac engine seems more plausable as the fuel pump is on the other side than a SBC. I had a chevelle once years ago, but never did anything with the engine, so don't know what one looks like.

[Generallee]

Here is a pic of my truck when I bought it - with all its odd panels, and the second pic is just before I started on the body.
I have so far replaced all the brakes, lines, shocks, kingpins, rebuilt axle and made the engine and box fit.Done all the welding on the cab too. I think it has a 57 chassis and a 55 body.Came from a scrap yard in Arizona I believe.

[Generallee]

Yep, appears to be a 1957 Pontiac 347.
Well done that man!!!!

[dwcsr]

Its definately a pontiac motor and it should have a Strato-Flight Hydra-Matic 4 speed trans. I think your engine and transmission were from a car. The transmission should have a front and rear pump that allows you to push start the motor. CA-56 is 1956. The CA is the car make, Cadillac. Used from 1956-1964. Here is a picture of the engine.

[Generallee]

Wow - thanks for all the info., very interesting!! It nearly fitted into the chassis, but I ended up making a new gearbox crossmember.
Well I think I'm going to continue to clean it up, and drop it in the chassis, then try and start it.
My truck is never going to be a numbers matching vehicle, but should look kind of the right era.
Any trouble with the motor or box and I think I may go the crate motor route.
Again, thanks for your help.

[raycow]

Congrats! That engine is quite a find. It wouldn't be common here, and it must be extremely scarce in the UK. I hope you can bring it back to life. It will definitely set your truck apart from the rest of the pack with small-block Chevys in them.

Ray

[52 Rat]

Nice project. I would stay with the rare Pontiac engine and transmission. Keep updating the thread with pics.

[dwcsr]

It would be a very cool truck with that motor and transmission, good luck.

[Generallee]

Thanks guys.Have scrubbed and cleaned engine and box today, ready for paint tomorrow.
I'm going to fit back in the truck and start it up.I know I need a carb rebuild kit as the accelerator pump has gone hard, but should be able to get it running.
There is a sticker on both rocker covers saying rebuilt by the Orange motor company, Anheim, California, does anyone know if they are still going????
Its the gearbox I think will be the problem - had already been off.Had to make a gasket to hold the fluid flywheel together.It was tough assembling it - I had a good hour wrestling it on the garage floor.My girlfriend was operating the engine crane, whilst I cursed the VERY HEAVY gearbox!!!
Will let you know what is good or bad!!
Tim

[Generallee]

Engine and box painted and ready to go back in the truck tomorrow.
I do hope it starts OK and the gearbox works or it will be months before I get to this stage again.
Does anyone have a throttle pedal assembly? or how do I post on parts wanted??

[Mr GMC]

According to the stamped number and where it was at indicates it is a GMC engine. The car engines had the number on the front of the block.

[Generallee]

Finally got it running today.Engine sounds good.Gearbox does turn - had a leak at first, but seemed to clear up. Need to modify the propshaft next.I need the carb isolator gasket, anyone any idea where I might get one?
Tim

[mr48chev]

Most of the GM truck parts vendors sell the cab isolator pieces in a kit. Wes at www.classicheartbeat.com doesn't show it but I do know that he sends parts to the UK an Ireland on a regular basis. And he is a member and advertiser on this board.