54 gmc auto

[mcashman]

Hi, I recently came across a 1954 GMC with a hydramatic. Just curious if this was uncommon in 54 or if they made a bunch of them?
Thanks for your help.

[dwcsr]

If the price is reasonable I'd snap that one up.

[mongocanfly]

Ive only seen one for sale about 10 years ago...it sold fairly cheap..

[mr48chev]

Not real popular then as most of the guys who bought trucks in those days didn't think the would get the job done hauling or towing wise.

Now days I'd say that was a truck that should go to someone who intends to restore it to showroom stock. When they came with an automatic they usually came with all the bells and whistles in the accessory catalog as they were pretty well deluxe trucks that were bought by guys who drove them as most pickups are driven today rather than as a serious working hauler. They were probably a lot more popular as delivery rigs for businesses though.

[mcashman]

Thanks guys. It seems to be well optioned for a 54. Factory radio, hood bird, 5 window, auto. Not even sure if he will sell it but I'm going to ask.

[mcashman]

One other question. Do you think the two tone is factory? Seems like most are single color.

[vintovka]

My 54 3100 came factory with a Hydro. It lasted about a week and rebuild was beyond my then 0.75/hr paygrade. Quickly replaced with a 3 speed and never looked back. Ironically it has a 700R4 now so went full circle.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Not real popular then as most of the guys who bought trucks in those days didn't think the would get the job done hauling or towing wise.

Now days I'd say that was a truck that should go to someone who intends to restore it to showroom stock. When they came with an automatic they usually came with all the bells and whistles in the accessory catalog as they were pretty well deluxe trucks that were bought by guys who drove them as most pickups are driven today rather than as a serious working hauler. They were probably a lot more popular as delivery rigs for businesses though.

While mine is NOT a GMC it was a gov't order with no other frilsl but a heater. EVen the chrome (head lights and emblems0 appear to have been painted an Air Force Blue back when.

[Clay54]

Originally Posted by mcashman

One other question. Do you think the two tone is factory? Seems like most are single color.

My '54 chevy is factory two tone. To my knowledge, '54 was the first year for Chevrolet to have two tone and I would have to assume that GMC had it also. Clay

[joedoh]

it is one of the only auto transmissions you could push start (well, reasonably, I guess you can push start most autos at 70mph)

if you want to save gas hauling that truck home, pull it out before leaving! it is literally a 1/4 ton transmission in a 3/4 ton truck

[tmoble]

Would that truck be 6 volt or 12?

[mphudak]

1953 was the first year hydramatic for GMC and 54 was the first year for Chevy (neat fact was the 53 gmc and 54 chevy had a push button on the dash for the starter.) A hydramatic GMC isn't an everyday find but they are out there (they pop up on ebay regularly every couple months). Being that GMC was a higher priced truck then chevy, you'll find a more GMC's since someone that was spending the extra for a GMC would of been more likely to splurge for the auto trans then in a chevy. That said, they arent cheap to rebuild but are nearly bullet proof. An average rebuild is around 3k...plus shipping costs. (The hydramatic is what put B&M on the map for drag racing).

If you decide to buy one the devil is in the details. The hydramatic specific parts are rare and expensive, so find a complete one if possible. Starters are unique and don't interchange with manuals. I believe the 6 volt Hydramatic starters interchange between GMC and chevy, but all other years/engines are one offs. Expect to pay 2-400 for a rebuildable core. The floor boards, toe boads and trans covers are different. A trans cover is a tough piece to find and you have to pay up if you find one. Also the fill hole cover for the trans cover is almost non existent. The other big part is the removable trans crossmember. Several of the other unique items are shift linkage, carburator, linkage from carb to trans, torque tube (there is an intermediate section for the Hydramatic) and more that escapes me at the moment. I have a 55.1 GMC Hydramatic Suburban that I have been hunting down parts for a number of years.

[mphudak]

Originally Posted by tmoble

Would that truck be 6 volt or 12?

If an untouched 54 it would be a 6volt. If a 55.1, I heard they were 12 volt with an open driveline. Lots of mixed information out there on the 55.1.

[mongocanfly]

Good info mphudak..share some pics of that burb you got..bound to be a cool piece of history