A question about stock 1953-54 GMC's options...

[MrTucker]

A little back ground -

My father in law is giving me an old pick up he no longer wants. It's been in the family since brand new. He claims its a 1953 GMC that is 100% stock with a Hydramatic transmission.

After a little research, everything I read says that the 4-speed Hydramatic wasn't offered until 1954. I know there's a 3-speed Hydramatic, but I cant find any information on what years it was available. LMC Truck simply says that 1954 was the first year the Hydramatic was available, but it doesn't say if it's the 3 or 4 speed...

I won't be getting the truck until August (otherwise I'd just look at the thing), so I'm just trying to figure out what year this is, since there are so many differences between the '53 and the '54.

Any help??