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That's a good point! In 1962 Chevy introduced their first diesels and they were all powered by 53 Series Detroits, both 4 and V-6's. The 53's didn't show up in GMC trucks until the 1965 DB5900, a one-year oddball version of the Chevy E80 that was replaced in 1966 by the HV/JV 7500. The 4-53 was also offered in the GMC 4000 series conventional in 1966 only. So while GMC always had the larger 71 Series Detroits, in the mid-range trucks they certainly seemed to favor the Toro-Flows. Only reason I can come up with was the the Toro-Flow was a Truck And Coach Division 'internal' product. Chevy had no allegence to either the Toro-Flow or Detroit, they were both produced by other GM divisions. Good for Chevy, I think the 53 Series were the best mid-range diesels of the era.

We were talking '60 to '66 the other day, but the same for '67 to '72. It would have been great to see GMC have a 4-53 available in one. Same for the '73 and newer as well. The first time I saw a 4-53 in a '78 Medium, I remember saying "It's about time"!! Finally, but only 18 years late. Only lasted 2 years though as I believe the EPA phased them out. Would had been a nice 20 year run though. And think of all the cool trucks that would still be around today with that great Detroit power.

Bob B.

04-29-2022 12:48 AM

Re: GM Semis

Yes, the 4-53 was available in Chevy and GMC C series mediums from 1978 to about half-way through 1980, when it was replaced by the Detroit 8.2L. There was a lumberyard near me that had a few C-6500's with 4-53T's in them. Man they were noisy, sounded like they were going about twice as fast as they actually were.

factorystock

04-29-2022 08:08 PM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob B. (Post 9072894)

Man they were noisy, sounded like they were going about twice as fast as they actually were.

I agree, that is what I recollect as well. It seems they were always being rev'd out to get the torque from of the small 212 cu inch engine.

KQQL IT

04-30-2022 03:34 PM

Re: GM Semis

3 Attachment(s)

Gasoline forever

C10 - C90 Bill

04-30-2022 05:00 PM

Re: GM Semis

Nice looking 7500 Tandem.

It's either a '68 or '69.

special-K

05-02-2022 08:40 AM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

This thread fuels my love for old GM Trucks! It's been a real gas looking at all the pictures. (gaggin' on the corn over here)

KQQL IT

05-04-2022 07:56 PM

Re: GM Semis

2 Attachment(s)

My favorite 54-55.5 AD trucks

Few fb grabs

Bob B.

05-05-2022 01:41 AM

Re: GM Semis

An Astro 95 with a KT 450 Cummins. Wonder how many of those were built.

KQQL IT

05-05-2022 08:13 PM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob B. (Post 9075386)

An Astro 95 with a KT 450 Cummins. Wonder how many of those were built.

At least one, and probably one of one.

special-K

05-09-2022 08:18 AM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

Isn't that orange dump gorgeous? Sure is sharp anyway

The Cummins KT is a well respected engine for sure. Sure seems odd to see an Astro run one. That Mayflower gas job is hard to imagine these days. Twin tanks on this side. I wonder about the other side.

I wish I could see a picture of this Budweiser boat hauler

Bob B.

05-12-2022 01:31 AM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

This is for C10-C90 Bill, special-k, KQQL-IT, and factorystock. I hope the rest of you enjoy it as well:

C10 - C90 Bill

05-12-2022 04:25 PM

Re: GM Semis

Impressive.

I was trying to see mine there with the Road Ranger behind it, lol.

Thanks for the picture.

KQQL IT

05-13-2022 01:12 AM

Re: GM Semis

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Neat comparison

KQQL IT

05-13-2022 01:32 AM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

Since I'm finding gold

Bob B.

05-13-2022 06:33 PM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill (Post 9078345)

Impressive.

I was trying to see mine there with the Road Ranger behind it, lol.

Thanks for the picture.

I was looking closely at the first V6 in the picture. 'LV' is written on the oil pan, and notice it has a crank-mounted fan, long heater hoses, a hydraulic clutch, remoted control shifter on the transmission and no air brake compressor. Just what you would expect the engine to have if it was going into an LV5000 (tilt cab with vacuum brakes). Behind that V6 is a Chevy High Torque 409. Since the GMC V6's were all made in Pontiac and the 409's came from Tonawanda I suspect the picture is of an engine dress line at a truck assmebly plant, not an engine plant.

special-K

05-14-2022 09:13 AM

Re: GM Semis

Both of you guys have really gotten a great group of pictures together here. Better than great. I'm just not feeling creative :cool:. Great observations and knowledge, too, Bob. Did anyone else notice the trash can? :lol: (not impressed?)

Such variation in models. I have seen those pictures before and they really show how GM was REALLY building trucks. Such variation. The fat cabs were retained for some with both new front ends and old, and there was even the fleet model in the lighter trucks. I love that era or GMC Truck

C10 - C90 Bill

05-14-2022 09:36 AM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K (Post 9078916)

Great observations and knowledge, too, Bob.

I didn't even notice the 409 till Bob pointed it out and I first thought the first engine was a 637, lol.

factorystock

05-14-2022 10:37 AM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob B. (Post 9078146)

I hope the rest of you enjoy it as well:

Thanks for posting, nice crisp engine shot. Good observations, indeed engine destined for a tilt with the LV chalk markings. Note how the silver "W" engine is not painted Chevy orange, must be a shock to car people. IMO, must be a pre '66 photo, '65 was the last year of the 348 and 409 for Chevy, in '66, Chevy offered the new 366 and GMC 401 and 478 in their heavies.

KQQL IT

05-14-2022 01:49 PM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

Fb grab

Bob B.

05-14-2022 01:53 PM

Re: GM Semis

Yes, 348 and 409 'High Torque' truck engines were painted silver grey and some of the truck small blocks were green. Nice assembly line shot of E and H models.

Like the truck 'mug shots', particularly the rare 'fleet option' light duties.

C10 - C90 Bill

05-14-2022 02:40 PM

Re: GM Semis

Five-Ten Budds on the Green GMC. Could be a 5500. I like the Yellow 9500. I believe I see a Diesel Emblem on the side of the hood. Most likely a 6-71. Trucks are either a '66 or '67.

KQQL IT

05-14-2022 02:56 PM

Re: GM Semis

1 Attachment(s)

Fb grab

C10 - C90 Bill

05-14-2022 06:03 PM

Re: GM Semis

I believe my '62 6500 had an Eaton 2-Speed. I can remember "Eaton" on the button. As much as I'm not a fan of 2-Speeds, that is one tough rear. I would split shift a lot and one day I was hauling a heavy load of bricks up a steep hill. I shifted the rear into low range and for the first and only time ever, it mis-shifted. The whole truck shook a continuous violent bang-bang-bang until I stopped. I was expecting the rear to have chipped gears if not completely blown out. I shifted it a time or two standing still and took off again in low range. Turned out to be just fine. Worked perfectly from that day on.

KQQL IT

05-16-2022 11:42 PM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill (Post 9079066)

Ran a C60 with 366 and 5 x 2 I thought the top 4 pattern was neat.
It split 4L 5L to 4H 5H
always pretended it was a 13spd

regan wilson

05-17-2022 07:37 AM

Re: GM Semis

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT (Post 9080006)

Ran a C60 with 366 and 5 x 2 I thought the top 4 pattern was neat.
It split 4L 5L to 4H 5H
always pretended it was a 13spd

The old N/A Fuel Pincher Detroit I drove was the same. I just pretended I was trying to kill it. It sounded like I was anyway lol. That truck was frustrating to drive because I was always in the way.

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