Usaf 5500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

3QTRTONS · 11-28-2016, 11:58 AM

Not mine...... might hafta have it tho!

https://images.craigslist.org/00a0a_...y_1200x900.jpg

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-28-2016, 04:02 PM

Looks like it is a 7500.

Strange it only has 6 Lug Wheels.

MalibuSSwagon · 11-28-2016, 06:03 PM

I found this cool thing on the internet so I thought I'd try it. Easy way to save Craigslist ads.

http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=USAF5500

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-28-2016, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the link.

Well, maybe it is a 5500, lol. Who ever converted it, much have installed the Wider Fenders. First time I ever saw a 292-6 in a truck like that. It also has Air Pressure, but not sure if it has Air Brakes. Unique truck for sure.

3QTRTONS · 11-29-2016, 09:26 AM

Appreciate the Link!
My father-in-law took a look at it; not bad, all things considered. Seems like cheap money but not the best time of year to be cutting loose with cash. Also, what kind of fuel consumption is to be expected with this setup - my guess is 4 mpg.

C10 - C90 Bill · 11-29-2016, 09:59 AM

My 292-6 in a C-30 got about 13 to 14 MPG Fully loaded. I would say that it would get about 7 to 9 in my opinion, tuned properly anyway.

**Bob B.** · 11-29-2016, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Thanks for the link.

Well, maybe it is a 5500, lol. Who ever converted it, much have installed the Wider Fenders. First time I ever saw a 292-6 in a truck like that. It also has Air Pressure, but not sure if it has Air Brakes. Unique truck for sure.

That's what I am thinking, it's an ES 5500 that someone put H front fenders on. Notice how far in the front wheels are? Narrow front axle. Besides, the H series never offered the 292. Neat truck regardless!

3QTRTONS · 11-29-2016, 04:08 PM

Got the day off tomorrow, gonna get all the details I can.

**special-K** · 11-30-2016, 01:50 PM

That really is a neat configuration all around

3QTRTONS · 11-30-2016, 10:17 PM

OK,
So I went and took a look-see ............ and bought it!
Used to be a pole setting truck. U.S.A.F. owned it 1st, then was allocated to a Co-operative Extension type of Agency. The PO had very little info about it's history, but was interested in it because of the axles.
Anyway, we were able to agree on terms, and I will have it at my place in a couple of weeks.
NO mil-spec data plate to be found, but a whole bunch of military stencil. I'm excited to get it - the plan is to rehab her into the hauler for a WWII ambulance for parades & shows.
A lot to figure out but hoping to do a "Build" here.

rkn463 · 11-30-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3QTRTONS

OK,
So I went and took a look-see ............ and bought it!
Used to be a pole setting truck. U.S.A.F. owned it 1st, then was allocated to a Co-operative Extension type of Agency. The PO had very little info about it's history, but was interested in it because of the axles.
Anyway, we were able to agree on terms, and I will have it at my place in a couple of weeks.
NO mil-spec data plate to be found, but a whole bunch of military stencil. I'm excited to get it - the plan is to rehab her into the hauler for a WWII ambulance for parades & shows.
A lot to figure out but hoping to do a "Build" here.

That is great that a board member bought it! Make sure to share your build with us.

-Richard

**special-K** · 12-01-2016, 09:21 AM

Glad to hear you got it. Looks like a pole setting rig for sure. It's got that USAF blue. It's a crew cab 4wd dually...only different!

3QTRTONS · 12-01-2016, 09:33 AM

Thanks all!
Something new to get used to, and learn about. I guess its an ES5500 - butterfly hood and a few other differences. For now the 292 is gonna stay in place, with at least a tuneup.
The tires are cracked bad so those will get changed out and probably go through the brakes from start to finish. Hope to glean info from others on the Forum, this is new ground to me.

C10 - C90 Bill · 12-01-2016, 09:33 AM

Congrats on the buy.

Let us know what the Air Pressure is for as the truck does not appear to have Air Brakes.

3QTRTONS · 12-01-2016, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

Congrats on the buy.

Let us know what the Air Pressure is for as the truck does not appear to have Air Brakes.

Thanks much!
Believe it is connected to the under hood compressor.

https://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_...qI_600x450.jpg

Sorry about the pix. Working on getting em loaded to my computer....

C10 - C90 Bill · 12-01-2016, 09:56 AM

Right, but I'm wondering what it is used for on your particular truck.

I'm going to guess that there are some air outlets somewhere, where they used them for pneumatic tools.

Unique truck for sure.

68panelman · 12-01-2016, 10:27 AM

Very cool truck, I'm guessing air over hydraulic brakes from the small tank on driver side. I assume all the pole work was done on the rear, the gantry on back is probably hydraulic lift to set the pole in the hole. Wonder if it had an auger set up originally?

3QTRTONS · 12-02-2016, 11:19 AM

68panelman,
Correct. Had an auger - quite the setup. Whats left it is coming off.

I need to shave off weight where I can as the plan is to hopefully keep the 292. I'll be installing a generator and using the boxes for tool and parts storage. Probably gonna pull any unnecessary hydraulics lines/controls as well. The winches will have to be rehabbed/restrung. Lotta lot to do. Gonna try to do a build page.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 12-04-2016, 12:32 AM

Very cool truck, I'll bet it was a heck of a workhorse in its day.

CCCC · 12-05-2016, 09:33 PM

Hood/cab/dash looks a lot like my 69 C80. One cool truck.

11-28-2016, 11:58 AM	#1
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Usaf 5500 Not mine...... might hafta have it tho! https://images.craigslist.org/00a0a_...y_1200x900.jpg __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)

11-28-2016, 04:02 PM	#2
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Usaf 5500 Looks like it is a 7500. Strange it only has 6 Lug Wheels. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-28-2016, 06:03 PM	#3
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: Usaf 5500 I found this cool thing on the internet so I thought I'd try it. Easy way to save Craigslist ads. http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=USAF5500 __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

11-28-2016, 07:45 PM	#4
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Usaf 5500 Thanks for the link. Well, maybe it is a 5500, lol. Who ever converted it, much have installed the Wider Fenders. First time I ever saw a 292-6 in a truck like that. It also has Air Pressure, but not sure if it has Air Brakes. Unique truck for sure. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-29-2016, 09:26 AM	#5
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Re: Usaf 5500 Appreciate the Link! My father-in-law took a look at it; not bad, all things considered. Seems like cheap money but not the best time of year to be cutting loose with cash. Also, what kind of fuel consumption is to be expected with this setup - my guess is 4 mpg. __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)

11-29-2016, 09:59 AM	#6
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Usaf 5500 My 292-6 in a C-30 got about 13 to 14 MPG Fully loaded. I would say that it would get about 7 to 9 in my opinion, tuned properly anyway. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

11-29-2016, 04:08 PM	#8
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Re: Usaf 5500 Got the day off tomorrow, gonna get all the details I can. __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)

11-30-2016, 01:50 PM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Usaf 5500 That really is a neat configuration all around __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-30-2016, 10:17 PM	#10
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Re: Usaf 5500 OK, So I went and took a look-see ............ and bought it! Used to be a pole setting truck. U.S.A.F. owned it 1st, then was allocated to a Co-operative Extension type of Agency. The PO had very little info about it's history, but was interested in it because of the axles. Anyway, we were able to agree on terms, and I will have it at my place in a couple of weeks. NO mil-spec data plate to be found, but a whole bunch of military stencil. I'm excited to get it - the plan is to rehab her into the hauler for a WWII ambulance for parades & shows. A lot to figure out but hoping to do a "Build" here. __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)

12-01-2016, 09:21 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Usaf 5500 Glad to hear you got it. Looks like a pole setting rig for sure. It's got that USAF blue. It's a crew cab 4wd dually...only different! __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-01-2016, 09:33 AM	#13
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Re: Usaf 5500 Thanks all! Something new to get used to, and learn about. I guess its an ES5500 - butterfly hood and a few other differences. For now the 292 is gonna stay in place, with at least a tuneup. The tires are cracked bad so those will get changed out and probably go through the brakes from start to finish. Hope to glean info from others on the Forum, this is new ground to me. __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)

12-01-2016, 09:33 AM	#14
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Usaf 5500 Congrats on the buy. Let us know what the Air Pressure is for as the truck does not appear to have Air Brakes. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

12-01-2016, 09:56 AM	#16
C10 - C90 Bill Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Moneta, VA USA Posts: 3,088	Re: Usaf 5500 Right, but I'm wondering what it is used for on your particular truck. I'm going to guess that there are some air outlets somewhere, where they used them for pneumatic tools. Unique truck for sure. __________________ '60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan

12-01-2016, 10:27 AM	#17
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,456	Re: Usaf 5500 Very cool truck, I'm guessing air over hydraulic brakes from the small tank on driver side. I assume all the pole work was done on the rear, the gantry on back is probably hydraulic lift to set the pole in the hole. Wonder if it had an auger set up originally?

12-02-2016, 11:19 AM	#18
3QTRTONS Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Warren, ME. Posts: 235	Re: Usaf 5500 68panelman, Correct. Had an auger - quite the setup. Whats left it is coming off. I need to shave off weight where I can as the plan is to hopefully keep the 292. I'll be installing a generator and using the boxes for tool and parts storage. Probably gonna pull any unnecessary hydraulics lines/controls as well. The winches will have to be rehabbed/restrung. Lotta lot to do. Gonna try to do a build page. __________________ 1969 ES5500 B E A S T 1976 K20 Suburban 1983 C10 'farm truck' 1984 K10 Suburban 1988 V30 Fire Truck 1941 Dodge WC18 Ambulance 2000 GMC Bus (parts warehouse)



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12-04-2016, 12:32 AM	#19
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: Usaf 5500 Very cool truck, I'll bet it was a heck of a workhorse in its day. __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

12-05-2016, 09:33 PM	#20
CCCC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Pedro River, SE Arizona Posts: 734	Re: Usaf 5500 Hood/cab/dash looks a lot like my 69 C80. One cool truck. __________________ CCCC 67 Sting Ray Coupe 327 4sp; 68 K10 Suburban 327 4sp; 69 K20 Lifted 383 4sp; 69 C80 Fire Truck 478 V6 5sp/2sp; 69 C20 Longhorn 327 4sp; 70 C30 Wrecker 350 4sp; 70 C30 Flat Bed 350 4sp; 71 C20 LWB 350 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer 350 4sp; 72 C30 Flat Bed Gooseneck Hauler with sleeper 350/TH400; 72 C20 Longhorn 402 4sp; 52 Mack LTL Supercharged Cummins 5sp x 3sp; 01 Dodge 5.9 HO Cummins 6spd; 02 Safari Trek 2430 8.1 Vortec on Workhorse Chassis; 03 Silverado 2500 HD 4wd Duramax/Allison Moved but still in the family 70 C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350; 72 K5 Blazer CST Highlander 350/TH350 Recently sent to new homes 72 C30 MoHome 402 4sp; 72 K5 Blazer Conv 350 4sp; 75 GMC 6000 Aerial 350 w Allison; 72 GMC 3500 Utility 350 4sp; 70 GMC 3500, 350 4sp

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