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Differences late 50's GMC vs Chevrolet Pickups?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by scootermcrad, Jan 21, 2013.

  1. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Well... I never thought I would be asking this question, but I'm curious.

    What are the differences between late 50's GMC and Chevrolet Pickups? Specifically 56-59 GMC and 58-59 Chevy Apache? I guess 1/2 ton step side?

    I see besides the obvious visual differences on the front clip, there is an engine difference. 235 and 283 for the Chevy and a V6 for the GMC. What is interchangable between drive trains? I know nothing about the GMC V6. Is it the same as a Chevy bolt pattern? Are transmissions different?

    Were either offered from the factory with 4WD, or was this a dealer install? What have some of you done for 4WD conversions while keeping it period/era correct?

    So what's the scoop!? Let's hear it!

    Thanks!

    Ran across these pictures today and was inspired...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. stuart in mn
    Joined: Nov 22, 2007
    Posts: 2,406

    stuart in mn
    Member

    The optional factory V8 available in GMC pickups was actually a Pontiac engine during that period.
     
  3. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
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    How about GMC the v6? 276 or 305 V6? Is it a Chevy trans pattern?


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    Last edited: Jan 21, 2013
  4. Also interested in this.... Recently been wanting one of these BAD!!!
     

  5. 63 Avanti 3137
    Joined: Dec 23, 2010
    Posts: 160

    63 Avanti 3137
    Member

    The V6 were in larger GMC's the 1/2 tons ran 248 and 270 inline... WAY better than that V6.
     
  6. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
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    Soooo.... What 3-speed backed the GMC engines (V6, I6, whatever) up to '59? Same trans as the Chevrolets of that time frame and comparable models? What trans and/or transfer case was being used for the 4WD models?

    So the GMC V6's are poo? Can't find much on them. Obviously the Chevrolet options (235 and 283's) were good, but again, can't find much on the GMC power plants for these pickups.

    What about other mechanicals, like brakes, suspension, etc.? Were they the same for GMC and Chevrolet?

    Thanks guys! Keep it coming!
     
  7. scrappybunch
    Joined: Nov 16, 2011
    Posts: 412

    scrappybunch
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    from nj

  8. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
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    So it looks like the GMC 305 V6 came around in 1960. So everything was in-line until 1960? Did they share the same trans mounting pattern?
     
  9. oldcars.acadia
    Joined: Jan 20, 2003
    Posts: 213

    oldcars.acadia
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  10. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
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  11. schwerko
    Joined: Jun 18, 2010
    Posts: 150

    schwerko
    Member
    from bristol ct

    The dashboards are different.
     
  12. When they advertised them in the early sixties, comparing them to chevys,
    they bragged "For $49 less".
     
  13. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
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    So seriously... anyone have info as to rather or not a I6 270 has the same bell housing bolt pattern as say a 283? (see where I'm going with this?)
     
  14. junkyardjeff
    Joined: Jul 23, 2005
    Posts: 8,588

    junkyardjeff
    Member

    The trans should have the same bolt pattern but not the bellhousing.
     
  15. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Awesome! Good to know! Thanks...


    Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
     
  16. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    So what about brakes, axle(s), chassis components, steering, etc.?


    Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
     

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