New to 47-54's...HELP!

[culp7]

Ok, so I have always been into 67-72 chevys but I think I will begin my venture into uncharted territory...47-54 Chevy trucks!!!
But before I buy my 1st one I have a few questions I would like adressed:

1. I would like to drop the motor and tranny onto a S10 4x4 frame... what are the years and models of S10's i need to look for??? (extended cab, ect.)
2. How does the oiling system work on these trucks?
3. I am pretty sure they came out with automatic trannys in this period, if so, what year did they come out, and how rare are they?

Thanks, Bryant

[sgtusmc]

I might be of some help as far as the s10 goes. Years to look for on s10's are 1982-2004. There are very few changes to the frames. The easiest frames are the standard cab long bed (wheel base is 1 inch longer than the AD base.) Extended cabs will also work with cutting the wheel base down.

[nickp51chevy]

The 216's had what would be a low pressure system in them; I think 15 psi. Then with the 235 it had a full pressure system 30psi. They were both pretty basic, but I do believe similar to what we still use today. I'm not 100% on these numbers.

There were automatics available for these trucks. I believe that they were first offered in 53 or 54. They were hydromatic 3 speed. I have seen them around cheep, but they can get expensive. You just need to keep an eye out for 'em.

Hope this helps ya.

[Steve@OldSub.com]

Originally Posted by nickp51chevy

There were automatics available for these trucks. I believe that they were first offered in 53 or 54. They were hydromatic 3 speed.

GMC actually offered the Hyrda-Matic in PM series trucks in '52 but they are rare and I have never seen one. GMC offered the Hydra-Matic in pickups in '53 and Chevrolet followed in '54.

I own a '54 GMC with Hydra-Matic and I have a buddy with a '54 Chevy Hyrdra-Matic. And hyphenated with both caps is how its spelled out on the emblems on my GMC.

The Hydra-Matic is a 4-speed automatic that has no torque converter.

Frankly if you want to drive your truck much and want to use an original type motor I'd recommend buying an adapter and using a more modern transmission. Its likely to be cheaper than rebuilding the Hydra-Matic and you'll be happier with the way it drives.

[nickp51chevy]

Originally Posted by Steve@OldSub.com

GMC actually offered the Hyrda-Matic in PM series trucks in '52 but they are rare and I have never seen one. GMC offered the Hydra-Matic in pickups in '53 and Chevrolet followed in '54.

The Hydra-Matic is a 4-speed automatic that has no torque converter.

I was close I guess.

I didn't know they were 4 speeds. I thought they were 3 speeds. Good to know.

[Muleman100]

I agree with Steve, the later model trannys are cheaper to rebuild. I have a 1954 GMC and a 57 Chev pickup both with factory Hydra-Matic trannys. They are defintely a different animal, but rare.

[49ZR2]

Building mine on a 2000 ZR2