55.2-59 57 GMC how rare??

[1project2many]

Seen lots of pics of 1/2 tons and some deluxe cabs, but none with all the bells and whistles on a 3/4 ton

What are you considering all the bells and whistles? Do you have any pictures of the truck?

I once had a 3/4 ton '57 Suburban (GMC's Cameo), very rusty, that I bought for parts. The bed was taken long before I got the truck as someone offered the PO "Big Money" for it. Factory options that I remember included Hydramatic, V8, Clock, Radio, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Two-Tone Green Interior, Arm Rests, Cigarette Lighter, Electric Wipers, Custom Cab, BBW, Chrome Grille and Bumper, and Green Tinted Glass.

The GMC version of power steering was different from the Chevrolet version. It used a separate pump, not a generator mounted pump, and the power steering was all contained in the steering box rather than using a separate control valve and assist piston. The pump and the box had a large, distinct S like the S used with Saginaw parts, but the name on both components was Safety. I have only seen this pump and box on one other vehicle since. Power braking was provided with a Hydravac system. Hydravac is not ultra-rare but I haven't seen many small TF trucks equipped with it. I have seen clocks, armrests, and Hydramatic. I have seen V8 equipped trucks. I have seen two tone interiors but not the green that was in the GMC. Deluxe cab and BBW is not uncommon but I don't remember seeing another tinted glass TF pickup.

If your truck is loaded like the one I had, I think the combination of parts is somewhat uncommon.

[jmlloar]

It has the BBW and glass is tinted. outside is red and interior is 2 tone red. Everything that could be chrome is. truck is not delivered yet so not sure n the power steering, brake setup. not sure if it had a bed or was cab only model. have to wait for it to get here for rest of the little details and pics. Didn't think I had a super rare truck, I just prefer the GMC over chevy and never seen one this loaded with fancy stuff. Don't know how it was in other areas but old trucks from this area just didn't get ordered with all the extra stuff.

So I guess mine is custom cab?

thanks

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

What are you considering all the bells and whistles? Do you have any pictures of the truck?

I once had a 3/4 ton '57 Suburban (GMC's Cameo), very rusty, that I bought for parts. The bed was taken long before I got the truck as someone offered the PO "Big Money" for it. Factory options that I remember included Hydramatic, V8, Clock, Radio, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Two-Tone Green Interior, Arm Rests, Cigarette Lighter, Electric Wipers, Custom Cab, BBW, Chrome Grille and Bumper, and Green Tinted Glass.

The GMC version of power steering was different from the Chevrolet version. It used a separate pump, not a generator mounted pump, and the power steering was all contained in the steering box rather than using a separate control valve and assist piston. The pump and the box had a large, distinct S like the S used with Saginaw parts, but the name on both components was Safety. I have only seen this pump and box on one other vehicle since. Power braking was provided with a Hydravac system. Hydravac is not ultra-rare but I haven't seen many small TF trucks equipped with it. I have seen clocks, armrests, and Hydramatic. I have seen V8 equipped trucks. I have seen two tone interiors but not the green that was in the GMC. Deluxe cab and BBW is not uncommon but I don't remember seeing another tinted glass TF pickup.

If your truck is loaded like the one I had, I think the combination of parts is somewhat uncommon.

this would be a rare truck with ALL of those options

[1project2many]

"You might want to do some work to try documenting yours."
Where do I start??

At the very least, start working from the last known registration. With some patience and phone time to state DMV offices you may be able to get back to the original registration. If you can determine the original sale price or list price it will help show the truck was built with more options (vs. being added by previous owners). If the model number is on an old reg or two reg you will have more info about whether the truck was a regular pickup or had the fiberglass bed. (BTW, The GMC Cameo was called a Suburban. The Palomino was a one of a kind, GMC built custom Suburban.)

I also wanted to add that the power brakes on that old GMC were a Bendix vacuum system rather than a Hyrdovac. It was also equipped with driver and passenger side key locks although I don't know if it was an option or standard. I managed to save the handles and locks out of all the goodies I removed back then and they are now are now in my '57 Chevy.

Originally Posted by dwcsr

this would be a rare truck with ALL of those options

I think about that from time to time. There was no way I could have saved it at 18 yrs old and moving out to begin life as an adult. But I wish I'd been able to find someone that wanted it. I was a dissapointed young man the day I watched the wrecker take it out to be crushed.