[Ollie]

I used the original 59 mounts to locate the engine. Then fabricated side mounts for the late model engine.
Used a late 70 up trans mission crass member.

[antique69lemans]

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a pontiac in a GMC.. I actually stumbled across a part which confused me. It was a baseplate ina GMC box for 1955-6 but I believe it fits the pontiac engines..?

Here is a link that has a few pics.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/...d/IMG_7227.jpg

If anyone needs it I can put this in the classified section, but not sure where..

[Ollie]

Yes, GMC used Pontiac Engines from 1955 to 1959.

[Bill Hanlon]

From GMC Master Parts Book dated January 1958, part # 2346860 is the throttle body for the Bendix carb used on 1955 second series and 1956 316 cubic inch (Pontiac called it 317) Pontiac based V8 engines in GMC trucks.

[Pontirag]

Bill,

just to cloud the issue a little..

55 pontiac and 55-? GMC carbs are the same?

[Bill Hanlon]

The GMC (Pontiac) V8s all used Bendix/Stromberg WW series two barrel carbs. Some (earlier ones I think) had automatic chokes and some had manual chokes. I think that Pontiac two barrel carbs from 55 through 59 were all made by Rochester.

[MOJO Catalina]

Including us Pontiyackers..









That 370 on the grille means PONTIAC!

The distributor and intake manifold looks kinda funny for a '58 but I'm sure one of you 'sperts will school me on that.

Here's the link... Go get it boys!

http://carsincstore.com/pictures/1028

[Bill Hanlon]

Someone put an HEI distributor in the fire truck, just like I've done with my '57 1/2 ton. The intake is stock. The home-brew hand operated cable throttle device is a little weird, mainly because the trucks usually came with a factory hand throttle. At least mine did.

[MOJO Catalina]

So those trucks didn't have a "foot feed" accelerator pedal? Or by throttle do you mean choke?
And can any Pontiac engine be converted to an HEI distributor? What's the advantage?

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by MOJO Catalina

So those trucks didn't have a "foot feed" accelerator pedal? Or by throttle do you mean choke?
And can any Pontiac engine be converted to an HEI distributor? What's the advantage?

Regular foot feed, but my '57 (when it was stock) had separate hand choke and throttle knobs on the dash. The choke cable was on the driver's door side of the dash, down near the bottom under the headlight switch. The throttle cable was mounted in the bottom of the dash near the ignition key. It just put the engine into a high idle, maybe 1200 RPM max, without engaging the choke. Common thing to have in old trucks that may have been equipped with a PTO (power take off) device to run things like pumps, hoists or winches.

When I installed A/C in my truck I removed the two vent cables (two ivory colored knobs hanging on the bottom of the dash in the middle staright above the foot feed in your picture above) and connected the driver's side vent to the the choke cable abd the passenger's side to the throttle cable. Didn't need them anymore as I had changed the carb to one that had an electric choke.

Any Pontiac engine can be easily converted to HEI. The big advantage is hotter spark and lower maintenance. Check here http://www.pontiacsafari.com/L1Garag...tion/index.htm
for my "how to". Doesn't work with 3x2 or 2x4 manifolds.

[MOJO Catalina]

Makes perfect sense now. I've seen guys that run cement mixers have a similar manual throttle to rev the engine while mixing. Thanks for the how-to link. I hope to do that to my '63 someday soon.

[Jack Gifford]

Finally, the "assembly" of my '59 GMC is underway. Chassis w/drivetrain was finished about a year ago and cab set back in place, but then languished for awhile. Moved it into the garage a few weeks ago- just finished all new wiring, and interior of cab is all done- including fuse panel that hinges down for easy visibility/access.

[Could you guess my favorite color?]

[Steve Barcak]

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

Finally, the "assembly" of my '59 GMC is underway. Chassis w/drivetrain was finished about a year ago and cab set back in place, but then languished for awhile. Moved it into the garage a few weeks ago- just finished all new wiring, and interior of cab is all done- including fuse panel that hinges down for easy visibility/access.

[Could you guess my favorite color?]

Looking good there Jack! Thanks for posting the pics.

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

[Could you guess my favorite color?]

White?

[carguy66cars]

Looking good Jack! How about some pictures of the long branch manifolds mounted on the truck? Wow Bill thats a great guess on the color! Heres some pictures of my newly recovered seat, just picked it up today. Cost more for the original material then having it covered! Does look alittle better.

Lyn.

[Jack Gifford]

Yeah, this thread is very old. But with any luck, my '59 GMC will be back on the road tomorrow- the end of a ten-year project!!! I hope to have pictures to post soon.
[That's the last time I'll ever take a vehicle completely apart...]

[carguy66cars]

Looking forward to some pictures Jack! Hope you took some of those long branch manifolds before you put the clip on it? Like to see some more interior shots also! Had my '59 out last weekend, bet you can't wait to be cruising yours again.

Lyn.

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by carguy66cars

... Hope you took some of those long branch manifolds...

See post#45 for passenger-side photo. I had to tweak engine location a smidgeon to get 1/4" clearance between driver's-side longbranch and the steering box.

[Jack Gifford]

A couple of cloudy-day photos of the GMC's maiden outing. Found a few things to deal with, but made it to a car show about 15 miles away and back.