Bird is the Word - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stormking · 06-22-2016, 11:47 PM

I always look at hood birds when I see them in hopes of finding one of the early 60's GMC version. Well it finally paid off this last weekend. Went to the beach and in a little junk shop happened upon this gem. There seems to be a lot of misinformation about these, and I have a few question. What years was this version available in the GMC accessory catalog? Is there a online installation diagram available? This is just sitting on our 63' suburban 4x4 for the picture.

IMG_0302 by , on Flickr

IMG_0303 by , on Flickr

Softpatch · 06-23-2016, 12:45 AM

you got an early bird 55-59
.
http://p-wee.tripod.com/index_013.htm

**aerotruk63** · 06-23-2016, 05:18 AM

Takes a knowledgeable eye to find this Jet. Right spot at the right time.

**60-66** · 06-23-2016, 07:55 AM

Nice score , that's the correct 1960-1962 bird that I believe was also used in 1958-1959

**Rolland** · 06-23-2016, 10:35 AM

Looks like a nice one and not as pitted as some. Last shown in the 1962 GMC accessory book.

**aerotruk63** · 06-23-2016, 10:45 AM

**Classic v6 GMC's** · 06-23-2016, 07:53 PM

Great find!!!

stormking · 06-23-2016, 10:44 PM

Thank you all for the info, especially 60-66 for the installation instructions. Nice bird aerotruck, is the long nose version you have rarer than the short one?

**CHIZZLER** · 06-23-2016, 10:52 PM

Nice score. You found it on the oregon coast?

**aerotruk63** · 06-24-2016, 05:36 AM

I was at Carlisle Pa swap meet. Met a vendor with a bunch of NOS. Showed him the photocopy of the " Hood Bird " and told him I wanted one. " Hood Jet " he replied " Like that one ". as he pointed to a jet. He had to repeat himself twice to get it into my head, what he was pointing at, was what I was looking for.
I didn't haggle with him, so he bends down and pulls out the " Jet " I have now which was in much better shape than the one on the table.
We checked the casting number on the bottom to match the book. 2233985
One year Jet? Had to come off something else if the pattern from GM of borrowing from the passenger car line.
I didn't have a 63 Accessories Book at the time and assumed the Jet continued into 63.
That's how it ended up on my truck.
GMC part numbers generally start with a 2 as Chevrolet generally start with 3's.
Did they really make a jet for one year application? I think this comes off some car application

**60-66** · 06-24-2016, 07:49 AM

Aerotruck the pointed style like yours is 1955-1957 according to the link softpatch posted

**aerotruk63** · 06-24-2016, 08:24 AM

So the Canadian info is not the same as the American info, interesting. I'll have to pull the jet off one day and check the casting number.

jbgroby · 06-24-2016, 10:15 AM

GMC made two bird/Jets. This is the 60-61 Version. The sharp pointy nose version is the '57-59 version. They did not make any for the 62-66 hoods. This one is NOT chromed, it has been power coated and I have not painted the black out area as of yet.

**aerotruk63** · 06-24-2016, 11:30 AM

http://www.oldtruck.net/19551959gmc/..._hoodorn.shtml

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ3dyJUMCww

**60-66** · 06-24-2016, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbgroby

GMC made two bird/Jets. This is the 60-61 Version. The sharp pointy nose version is the '57-59 version. They did not make any for the 62-66 hoods. This one is NOT chromed, it has been power coated and I have not painted the black out area as of yet.

Check the 1962 Accessory GMC books Jake, also the 62 brochures. I have 5-6 GMC factory photos that Im not allowed to publish with 1962s all wearing the bird.

jbgroby · 06-24-2016, 02:13 PM

I thought the 62-66 was the flat hood and the bird don't fit the middle of the hood those years, can you PM me the pictures? I'd love to see and learn more

**The Rocknrod** · 06-24-2016, 02:49 PM

Wow - And no box either:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...3D182171050040

**aerotruk63** · 06-24-2016, 05:25 PM

Link to 1955 Canadian GMC Accessories catalog. No part number however.
http://www.1955gmc.com/1955-59gmclit...MC_Can_Acc.pdf

1956 GMC catalog. 2233548 is the part number listed.

**Classic v6 GMC's** · 06-24-2016, 06:18 PM

Hood Bird on the 63 gmc we used for parts.

Slammed96 · 06-24-2016, 06:20 PM

Way cool! I suddenly want one for my truck!

**aerotruk63** · 06-24-2016, 07:20 PM

1960 American GMC Accessories Catalog
Part # listed matches 55-61 Canadian Book.

Four part numbers now
2233831 ( 1955-61) (( Canadian ))
2233985 ( 1962 ) (( Canadian ))
2233548 ( 1956 ) (( American )) pointed nose
2333755 (1955-57 ) Ebay pointed nose

62stepside longbox · 06-24-2016, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slammed96

Way cool! I suddenly want one for my truck!

Haha That is how I feel whenever I see something cool like this, I suddenly need it even though I never knew it existed before.

spacedebris · 06-25-2016, 12:34 AM

I really want one of these myself (pointed style like Aero's)

but not this bad

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...lV~fT2&vxp=mtr

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-GM...JXLk2Z&vxp=mtr

although this one is a little better

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Chrome-J...lXDZtY&vxp=mtr

**aerotruk63** · 06-25-2016, 04:58 AM

Ebay listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...3D172250589899

Item specifics
Condition: Used Brand:
GMC
Placement on Vehicle: Front Manufacturer Part Number: 2233548
2233548
Surface Finish: chrom Interchange Part Number: 2333755

[IMG]1958-1959 GMC Truck Hood Plane ( Bird) Will fit 1956 to 57 but is not really correct except for the casting number. This is a super rare item for GMC trucks 1958 to 59 . GMC used these hood ornaments with the same casting number from 1956 to 1959 . The only different is, that they changed in late 57 the front part of the plane. These where dealer installed options, so its possible that even some 57 GMC had that plane on the hood.[/IMG]

**aerotruk63** · 06-25-2016, 05:42 AM

06-22-2016, 11:47 PM	#1
stormking Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Portland's Back Door Posts: 64	Bird is the Word I always look at hood birds when I see them in hopes of finding one of the early 60's GMC version. Well it finally paid off this last weekend. Went to the beach and in a little junk shop happened upon this gem. There seems to be a lot of misinformation about these, and I have a few question. What years was this version available in the GMC accessory catalog? Is there a online installation diagram available? This is just sitting on our 63' suburban 4x4 for the picture. IMG_0302 by , on Flickr IMG_0303 by , on Flickr

06-23-2016, 12:45 AM	#2
Softpatch Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Vashon WA Posts: 969	Re: Bird is the Word you got an early bird 55-59 . http://p-wee.tripod.com/index_013.htm __________________ My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative' . . 1966 C-20 .....Swap 91 G-30(5.7 FI)/4L80E http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=789617 59 Viking Revival .. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632341

06-23-2016, 05:18 AM	#3
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word Takes a knowledgeable eye to find this Jet. Right spot at the right time. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

06-23-2016, 07:55 AM	#4
60-66 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,329	Re: Bird is the Word Nice score , that's the correct 1960-1962 bird that I believe was also used in 1958-1959 __________________ IS IT an EATON or Chevrolet rear axle https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=843778 The hubcap thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702839 WANTED : 1963-1966 6 Cylinder Fan Shroud WANTED :1964-1966 PANEL TRUCK

06-23-2016, 10:35 AM	#5
Rolland Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Colorado Springs CO Posts: 215	Re: Bird is the Word Looks like a nice one and not as pitted as some. Last shown in the 1962 GMC accessory book.

06-23-2016, 10:45 AM	#6
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

06-23-2016, 07:53 PM	#7
Classic v6 GMC's Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Arizona from Overland Park Kansas Posts: 3,968	Re: Bird is the Word Great find!!! __________________ Current projects: 1966 Chevy Custom PS PB A/C BBW 283 v8 3 speed OD 1966 GMC Long Step 1966 GMC 3/4 ton Custom PS PB Sport trim 351 v6 1966 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Custom PB 305 v6 np435 1960 GMC Custom 1968 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Short Bed 1962 K20 Tow truck 1961 GMC Extended Suburban Panel and a few more

06-23-2016, 10:44 PM	#8
stormking Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Portland's Back Door Posts: 64	Re: Bird is the Word Thank you all for the info, especially 60-66 for the installation instructions. Nice bird aerotruck, is the long nose version you have rarer than the short one?

06-23-2016, 10:52 PM	#9
CHIZZLER SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sherwood oregon Posts: 1,141	Re: Bird is the Word Nice score. You found it on the oregon coast? __________________ 53-suburban (99% done) 40-pick up (99.9% done) 12-cc lb dually D-max (dd) 61-crew cab D-max "PAY LESS FOR WHAT YOU NEED PAY MORE FOR WHAT YOU WANT" 53 BURBAN BARN FIND:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404091 1940 PROJECT MOON SHINE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551088 1961 CREW MAX: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6957999

06-24-2016, 05:36 AM	#10
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word I was at Carlisle Pa swap meet. Met a vendor with a bunch of NOS. Showed him the photocopy of the " Hood Bird " and told him I wanted one. " Hood Jet " he replied " Like that one ". as he pointed to a jet. He had to repeat himself twice to get it into my head, what he was pointing at, was what I was looking for. I didn't haggle with him, so he bends down and pulls out the " Jet " I have now which was in much better shape than the one on the table. We checked the casting number on the bottom to match the book. 2233985 One year Jet? Had to come off something else if the pattern from GM of borrowing from the passenger car line. I didn't have a 63 Accessories Book at the time and assumed the Jet continued into 63. That's how it ended up on my truck. GMC part numbers generally start with a 2 as Chevrolet generally start with 3's. Did they really make a jet for one year application? I think this comes off some car application __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 06-24-2016 at 05:55 AM.

06-24-2016, 07:49 AM	#11
60-66 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3,329	Re: Bird is the Word Aerotruck the pointed style like yours is 1955-1957 according to the link softpatch posted __________________ IS IT an EATON or Chevrolet rear axle https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=843778 The hubcap thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=702839 WANTED : 1963-1966 6 Cylinder Fan Shroud WANTED :1964-1966 PANEL TRUCK

06-24-2016, 08:24 AM	#12
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word So the Canadian info is not the same as the American info, interesting. I'll have to pull the jet off one day and check the casting number. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

06-24-2016, 10:15 AM	#13
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: Bird is the Word GMC made two bird/Jets. This is the 60-61 Version. The sharp pointy nose version is the '57-59 version. They did not make any for the 62-66 hoods. This one is NOT chromed, it has been power coated and I have not painted the black out area as of yet. Attached Images __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829

06-24-2016, 11:30 AM	#14
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word http://www.oldtruck.net/19551959gmc/..._hoodorn.shtml https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ3dyJUMCww __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

06-24-2016, 02:13 PM	#16
jbgroby Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lacombe, LA Posts: 2,772	Re: Bird is the Word I thought the 62-66 was the flat hood and the bird don't fit the middle of the hood those years, can you PM me the pictures? I'd love to see and learn more __________________ http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/jb...23904108567829



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06-24-2016, 02:49 PM	#17
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Bird is the Word Wow - And no box either: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...3D182171050040 __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

06-24-2016, 05:25 PM	#18
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word Link to 1955 Canadian GMC Accessories catalog. No part number however. http://www.1955gmc.com/1955-59gmclit...MC_Can_Acc.pdf 1956 GMC catalog. 2233548 is the part number listed. __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 06-24-2016 at 05:43 PM.

06-24-2016, 06:18 PM	#19
Classic v6 GMC's Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Arizona from Overland Park Kansas Posts: 3,968	Re: Bird is the Word Hood Bird on the 63 gmc we used for parts. Attached Images __________________ Current projects: 1966 Chevy Custom PS PB A/C BBW 283 v8 3 speed OD 1966 GMC Long Step 1966 GMC 3/4 ton Custom PS PB Sport trim 351 v6 1966 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Custom PB 305 v6 np435 1960 GMC Custom 1968 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 Short Bed 1962 K20 Tow truck 1961 GMC Extended Suburban Panel and a few more

06-24-2016, 06:20 PM	#20
Slammed96 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Olathe KS Posts: 156	Re: Bird is the Word Way cool! I suddenly want one for my truck! __________________ 14 Silverado- 4/6 drop daily 66 GMC short wide Custom Cab- building to be low and cruise. 4.8/t56 swap occurring now. Stupid low static drop 66 GMC 1 ton stepside looooong bed- the tow pig/work truck.

06-24-2016, 07:20 PM	#21
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word 1960 American GMC Accessories Catalog Part # listed matches 55-61 Canadian Book. Four part numbers now 2233831 ( 1955-61) (( Canadian )) 2233985 ( 1962 ) (( Canadian )) 2233548 ( 1956 ) (( American )) pointed nose 2333755 (1955-57 ) Ebay pointed nose __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 06-25-2016 at 04:44 AM.

06-25-2016, 12:34 AM	#23
spacedebris Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 543	Re: Bird is the Word I really want one of these myself (pointed style like Aero's) but not this bad http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...lV~fT2&vxp=mtr or http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1957-GM...JXLk2Z&vxp=mtr although this one is a little better http://www.ebay.com/itm/GMC-Chrome-J...lXDZtY&vxp=mtr __________________ 1960 c30 Apache Panel w/ '95 cummins bt6 turbo diesel (work in progress) NOTE: due to photobucket trying to extort money my photos are temporarily unavailable. currently looking for alternative to fix issue. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=523009

06-25-2016, 04:58 AM	#24
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word Ebay listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-1959-GM...3D172250589899 Item specifics Condition: Used Brand: GMC Placement on Vehicle: Front Manufacturer Part Number: 2233548 2233548 Surface Finish: chrom Interchange Part Number: 2333755 [IMG]1958-1959 GMC Truck Hood Plane ( Bird) Will fit 1956 to 57 but is not really correct except for the casting number. This is a super rare item for GMC trucks 1958 to 59 . GMC used these hood ornaments with the same casting number from 1956 to 1959 . The only different is, that they changed in late 57 the front part of the plane. These where dealer installed options, so its possible that even some 57 GMC had that plane on the hood.[/IMG] __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

06-25-2016, 05:42 AM	#25
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Bird is the Word __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 06-25-2016 at 05:53 AM.

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