How are is a 1953 GMC with a hydramatic?

[MrTucker]

I know, I know - USE THE SEARCH NEWBIE! But I feel this site is more directed towards hot rods than factory restorations...no offense, I love hot rods.

I've searched and searched and found some threads but they're all at least a year old. Plus, I'm looking for some additional info I've had trouble finding...

I was given a 1953 GMC 1/2 ton long bed that is 99% original, with a 228 and a hydramatic tranny. The truck was bought new in 1953 by my wife's great-grandfather and it's been in the family ever since. After he died his daughter took ownership, now I own it - so technically I'm the 3rd owner.

My original plan was to slam it, make it a short bed, do the "typical" 350 sbc / 700R4, with a MII and a 4 link hot rod treatment. But I've since discovered this is a pretty rare truck. I'd really hate to chop it up and make "another" 47-53 Chevy/GMC hotrod, considering how rare it is, and how much family history it has. There are plenty of AD trucks out there to hot rod.

So how rare are these trucks? How many '53 1/2 ton long beds were made with hydramatics?

Steve - I'd love for you're input on this...as with my other thread...

Here's a link to a bunch of pictures and the entire story... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vb...thread.php?p=3374649