 Beginning
in mid 1955
with the introduction of the "Second Series" trucks, Chevrolet
introduced the "big one" of the decade - the modern V-8!
This light weight overhead valve 8 cylinder was an immediate success.
It weighed about the same as the existing 235 six cylinder but its
265 cubic inches gave extra power not available before in a Chevrolet
truck. With limited changes this small block V-8 engine continues
to be used by GM in several of its new vehicles 44 years later!
To stay competitive, GMC also introduced a V-8 for 1955. It shared
no parts with Chevrolet's 265 V-8 and actually was a modified Pontiac
V-8 with a GMC logo on the valve covers. For several years as Pontiac
made slight changes in their car V-8, GMC would also have to follow
their supplier.
The
introduction of the true fleetside pickup
occurred in 1958. It was available in 6' and 8' models. The 1958-59
fleetside bedsides are different from the 1960-66 style. Horizontally
on the outside is a long "spear" type protrusion giving
extra strength to the sheet metal. To better call attention to this
new design the chrome letters "Fleetside" are on the top
rear corner on each side.
General
Motors followed the industry trend and introduced dual
headlights in 1958.
With
the introduction of the new 1955 body design, Chevrolet began with
the 12 volt electrical system. GMC carried the 6 volt system
one more year on their inline six cylinder.
Due
to increasing popularity of 4-wheel drive,
General Motors introduced a factory installed unit in 1957. Of the
several aftermarket add-on 4-wheel drive companies at that time,
GM choose NAPCO of Minneapolis, MN as their supplier. Of course
NAPCO is not mentioned in GM shop manuals or sales booklets, however,
the 5 N-A-P-C-O letters are always cast and easily visible in the
front axile housing. GM used the NAPCO system exclusively between
1957-59.
Due
to the dash design in the cab, there is no place to mount the optional
radio speaker in 1955-59. Therefore, it is placed overhead
between the inside sunvisors and is protected with a special metal
cover.
The
Chevrolet Cameo and GMC Suburban
carrier were marketed 1955-58. This "boulevard" 1/2 ton
pickup was designed for a growing population with more disposable
income. Its retail price was almost 30% higher than standard 1/2
tons. This nicely appointed pickup had most options but used the
same suspension as a standard 1/2 ton. The most visible difference
is its fiberglass smooth bedsides. As almost all domestic pickups
were stepside, this fleetside design was very radical for its time.
No doubt, it received much attention during its beginning years!
During
1955-59, Chevrolet marketed the 3200 pickup
- a long bed 1/2 ton with a 123" wheelbase. It's suspension remained
as the shorter 3100 as well as keeping 6 bolt wheels. The 3600 remained
a 3/4 ton with 8 bolt split rim wheels but had the same wheelbase
as the 3200. |
