Rare 1955 First Series GMC 100 1/2 ton SWB --Vintage V8 Swap High Torque 283

1955 GMC Other Description

UPDATE: IT REALLY IS A FIRST SERIES GMC 100!
There was some concern that this wasn't really a 55 First Series but was instead a 54 that has had the drive train swapped out. The 54 GMC trucks have a closed driveshaft tube while the 55 First Series have an open driveshaft like modern vehicles. When I went to research this myself I got conflicting information so I ended the auction until I had some better information to go on. I do not want to try to mislead anyone or sell something as something it is not.
So here is was I found out: The Serial Number of this truck (not truly a VIN# this early) is 101 24 P Z17381 (101 means 1/2 ton short wheel base, 24 means the 248 six cylinder engine, P means it was made in Pontiac, Michigan). The Z, according to the book, means it is a 1954 as GMC used a Y for 1955. I was told that the production number 17381 would mean this truck was built in the last quarter of 1954. So maybe it's really a 1954 that has been changed to an open drive shaft? And also if a truck was made in 54 but didn't sell until 55 it could be titled as a 55 regardless of the actual year model. So the title being registered as a 55 doesn't mean it's really a 55 First Series.
So this is where I got to and ended the auction because it seems like this is just a 54 with the drive train swapped out.
But wait, it gets more confusing. The 1955 GMC First Series did not have a new sequence when production began but simply continued the Serial Numbers from 1954. So all 1955 First Series have the Z as a prefix. So when the guy told me this truck was made in the last quarter of 54 he failed to tell me that GMC lumped all of the 55 First Series in with the 1954 totals as GMC was more concerned about series models than year models. So all 55 First Series production figures will say it was made in the last quarter of 54 because they didn't start over the Serial Numbers until March 25, 1955 when the Second Series was released. According to GMC accounting, the last quarter of 1954 lasted until March 25, 1955.
So this truck being a Z17381 might be a First Series after all. The last piece of the puzzle I can find is from the GMC master parts book for these trucks. Under the section for the Rear Axel Housings, which changed from the 54 to the 55 First Series, says that the part number for the closed drive shaft housing is good for trucks up to Serial Number Z15410. And there it is.
The 55 First Series trucks will have a Z for 1954 but will have a production number greater than 15410. This is considered the cutoff for the 54 to 55 First Series. According to this information this truck is number 1971 of the 55 GMC First Series trucks.
I am going to list this as a 1955 GMC First Series truck based on this information. If I am wrong about any of this please contact me.
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This hard to find half ton short wheel base step side 1955 First Series (Only made from January 1 to March 25 of 1955- basically a 1954 body on a redesigned-for-1955 frame) GMC 100 has been in the same family for 57 years. Truck belonged to the owner of a welding shop who drove it three miles to work every day. His son took possession in the 80's and then he sold it to his brother who passed away in 1992. The son of the first brother bought it back and parked it behind his house where it sat until last Saturday.
READY FOR CLEAR COAT
Everything is there except the front bumper. Body has minor dents all the way around. Cab is rusted through on one spot on the bottom of the cab at the driver's corner. Passenger side door has some rot mainly at bottom. Frame rails are solid with surface rust only. Wooden bed is long gone as is most of the dual exhaust. A pillars are rusty and driver's side looks like a spotlight was installed at one time. Firewall is rust free. Floor is solid.
Windows roll up and down. All glass is there. Wing glass is cracked on both sides, driver's door glass has crack in corner. Windshield is pristine- better shape then my daily driver :(
The original straight six engine was swapped out to a High Torque 283 V8 out of a 62-65 GMC truck. Truck has a manual floor shift. The engine and trans were installed during the summer of 1966. It isn't correct to the truck but it looks very nice in there and it is a truck engine. I couldn't make myself take it out since it's been in there longer than I've been alive. I will remove engine and make a deal like that if someone just hates the 283- contact me for details.
I will attempt to turn engine over by hand after I soak the rings in oil for a couple of days. Engine hasn't been ran since the mid-90's. I'll update when I know if it's locked up or not.
It still has a generator on it. The wiring looks ok but I'm not sure about putting a battery in her without it being gone through first.
None of the wheels match. All are six holes and were on it when I found it.
The seat was covered in an old blanket- I don't know if it's original to the truck but it's in fantastic condition except for the very top of it which the sun has baked.
The truck has been painted twice. It was originally green, was then painted a different shade of green inside and out and then was repainted red years later. The decades of baking in the Arkansas sun have turned it into a fantastic patina.
Brakes do not work. When I pressed the pedal it went to the floor,
Clutch seems to function and it shifts.
Restored, this truck could bring some serious money- Hemmings lists an original restored one at $40,000. This is missing the original engine so it'll never bring that kinda money but it is a very nice collector's piece that was made for less than three months in 1955.
I have a reasonable reserve set that I will not reveal. If the bid gets close to it I will lower it to make the sale. Good Luck.
Truck is sold as is where is with no hint of an warranty.
I can possibly get a title to this truck but there will be a charge. The title is in the grandson's aunt's name. He says he has it somewhere and looked for a week but he isn't in the best of health so I haven't pressed him on it... I can send off for a lost title but it will take 4-8 weeks or I can try to get a bonded title for $120. I can sell with bill of sale and mail title later.
International bidders are welcome with the understanding there will be a long delay in getting a proper title so that it can be exported. I will store truck for no charge while the title work is being completed. Closest port near me is Houston, Texas. It could take up to eight weeks to get a title.
Deposit of $250 due within 48 hours Full payment due in 7 days by check or wire transfer. I'm tired of paying Pay-Pal fees... Delivery can be arranged for a fee. I can store truck as long as needed for no charge. I will help load and secure for transport.
Feel free to contact me for more information or more pics. I will add a link to a walk around video.
Thanks for looking.

On Nov-14-16 at 21:07:17 PST, seller added the following information:

On Nov-14-16 at 21:16:17 PST, seller added the following information:

On Nov-14-16 at 22:07:36 PST, seller added the following information:

On Nov-14-16 at 22:22:49 PST, seller added the following information:

On Nov-14-16 at 22:38:56 PST, seller added the following information:

On Nov-14-16 at 22:53:49 PST, seller added the following information: