55 GMC 370 2.5 ton - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

7 Devils · 03-22-2018, 11:32 AM

So I'm new to the board and after looking around a bit I believe my truck belongs in this category. Its a 55 GMC 370 Series 2 1/2 ton with a 270 I6, 4 speed manual and a 2 speed rear. It was running and driving when it was parked several years ago. Last registered in Idaho as a farm truck. It has a working dump bed that was used for potatoes and beets.
Its in surprisingly good condition for its age and usage. I've posted a couple pics on other threads but will add them here as well. It snowed the night before I went to check it out so the pics aren't great. I will be getting more soon without the white stuff covering it up.

My intention is to convert it to 4 wheel drive with an engine/trans/rear end swap to something a bit more modern and stable. I plan on fabricating a custom flat bed for it with an integrated head ache rack. I'd like to be able to keep that. big wheel look and ride on the taller side of things. Of course I want to keep cost and difficulty down since its a side project and I don't really want it to sit for 2 or 3 years waiting to drive it. I'm, debating using the factory frame or putting the cab on something newer.

As many of you know, diving into one of these bigger trucks for the first time can be a bit daunting. That's my way of saying that I will have lots of questions. My background is in automotive performance and fabrication so I'm not intimidated by the build itself, just lack the knowledge of the chassis.

Anyway, I hope I can be helpful in the forums with any knowledge/experience I have and look forward to being educated by those that know these monsters and are willing to share.

OrrieG · 04-14-2018, 08:26 PM

Now I know what I am searching for...

**special-K** · 04-23-2018, 12:33 AM

I like it. That 270 is a strong runner. Maybe you can get that white to disappear. Would look much better w/o the 2-tone.

7 Devils · 05-23-2018, 12:41 AM

When I first came to the board I promised to post some better pictures of my new project truck. I knee surgery and altercation with a pitbull slowed that significantly. In addition, there was much work to get caught up on.
Here it is months later and finally I will be posting the pictures as promised. These pictures are as it sits. I haven't moved it or done a thing to it so far.

Enjoy, and these definitely qualify as patina!

Dan

**special-K** · 05-24-2018, 07:31 AM

That is the brownest green paint I have seen. I see the lightest dark green left near the bottom. That is very kind rust. Great truck.

C10 - C90 Bill · 05-24-2018, 08:34 AM

Looks a lot better without the snow.

Keep us posted on it.

7 Devils · 05-24-2018, 03:30 PM

Agreed. Now I have a better idea of what I'm working with. The 270 in it ran when parked and the hydraulics on the bed worked too. It's mostly bone stock. That's going to change but I'm going to do it in a way that can be used easily reversed if desired.
Be couple months yet before I bring it home.

7 Devils · 06-13-2018, 07:14 PM

My 55 370 series has the original dash and gauges in it. Honestly don't know if they work or not. Doesn't look like I'm going to use them.
Anyone have any idea what they are worth in either working or non-working condition?

03-22-2018, 11:32 AM	#1
7 Devils Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 117	55 GMC 370 2.5 ton So I'm new to the board and after looking around a bit I believe my truck belongs in this category. Its a 55 GMC 370 Series 2 1/2 ton with a 270 I6, 4 speed manual and a 2 speed rear. It was running and driving when it was parked several years ago. Last registered in Idaho as a farm truck. It has a working dump bed that was used for potatoes and beets. Its in surprisingly good condition for its age and usage. I've posted a couple pics on other threads but will add them here as well. It snowed the night before I went to check it out so the pics aren't great. I will be getting more soon without the white stuff covering it up. My intention is to convert it to 4 wheel drive with an engine/trans/rear end swap to something a bit more modern and stable. I plan on fabricating a custom flat bed for it with an integrated head ache rack. I'd like to be able to keep that. big wheel look and ride on the taller side of things. Of course I want to keep cost and difficulty down since its a side project and I don't really want it to sit for 2 or 3 years waiting to drive it. I'm, debating using the factory frame or putting the cab on something newer. As many of you know, diving into one of these bigger trucks for the first time can be a bit daunting. That's my way of saying that I will have lots of questions. My background is in automotive performance and fabrication so I'm not intimidated by the build itself, just lack the knowledge of the chassis. Anyway, I hope I can be helpful in the forums with any knowledge/experience I have and look forward to being educated by those that know these monsters and are willing to share. Attached Images __________________ Forgive my typos, big fingers and little Android digital keyboard....what a mess 06 GMC Sierra crew cab Z71 DD leveling kit, 34's, bumper, LED lighting. Still doing stuff to it. 67 El Camino Custom 300 Deluxe. In progress. 55 GMC 371 2 1/2 ton. Upcoming project.

04-14-2018, 08:26 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton Now I know what I am searching for... __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

04-23-2018, 12:33 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton I like it. That 270 is a strong runner. Maybe you can get that white to disappear. Would look much better w/o the 2-tone. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-23-2018, 12:41 AM	#4
7 Devils Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 117	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton When I first came to the board I promised to post some better pictures of my new project truck. I knee surgery and altercation with a pitbull slowed that significantly. In addition, there was much work to get caught up on. Here it is months later and finally I will be posting the pictures as promised. These pictures are as it sits. I haven't moved it or done a thing to it so far. Enjoy, and these definitely qualify as patina! Dan Attached Images __________________ Forgive my typos, big fingers and little Android digital keyboard....what a mess 06 GMC Sierra crew cab Z71 DD leveling kit, 34's, bumper, LED lighting. Still doing stuff to it. 67 El Camino Custom 300 Deluxe. In progress. 55 GMC 371 2 1/2 ton. Upcoming project.

05-24-2018, 07:31 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton That is the brownest green paint I have seen. I see the lightest dark green left near the bottom. That is very kind rust. Great truck. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-24-2018, 08:34 AM	#6
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,087	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton Looks a lot better without the snow. Keep us posted on it. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

05-24-2018, 03:30 PM	#7
7 Devils Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 117	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton Agreed. Now I have a better idea of what I'm working with. The 270 in it ran when parked and the hydraulics on the bed worked too. It's mostly bone stock. That's going to change but I'm going to do it in a way that can be used easily reversed if desired. Be couple months yet before I bring it home. __________________ Forgive my typos, big fingers and little Android digital keyboard....what a mess 06 GMC Sierra crew cab Z71 DD leveling kit, 34's, bumper, LED lighting. Still doing stuff to it. 67 El Camino Custom 300 Deluxe. In progress. 55 GMC 371 2 1/2 ton. Upcoming project.

06-13-2018, 07:14 PM	#8
7 Devils Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 117	Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton My 55 370 series has the original dash and gauges in it. Honestly don't know if they work or not. Doesn't look like I'm going to use them. Anyone have any idea what they are worth in either working or non-working condition? __________________ Forgive my typos, big fingers and little Android digital keyboard....what a mess 06 GMC Sierra crew cab Z71 DD leveling kit, 34's, bumper, LED lighting. Still doing stuff to it. 67 El Camino Custom 300 Deluxe. In progress. 55 GMC 371 2 1/2 ton. Upcoming project.

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