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.

Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton
 

Now I know what I am searching for...

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.

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

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.

Re: 55 GMC 370 2.5 ton
 

Looks a lot better without the snow.

Keep us posted on it.

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.

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?