Out and About . . . . . . . . 11 to

The automotive section of

Shop truck collects parts, show trophies

By Murray Green

Tim Betts of Botha owns a 1956 GMC Fleetside truck.

“I own a restoration shop and my workers always took off to town with my brand new truck to get parts. I thought we should build a shop truck, so my new truck wouldn’t be used as much,” said Tim.

“We were just building the truck cheap because the idea was to use it to run around. One weekend, we were almost finished, and we didn’t have a car to take to the local car show. We decided to take the old shop truck to the car show. Dang if we didn’t win. When I came home, I told my wife maybe we should put some money into this old truck and really fix it up,” explained Tim.

GMC, formerly the General Motors Truck Company, or the GMC Truck and Coach Division, is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) that primarily focuses on trucks and utility vehicles.

“We put the truck on a 1979 Chevrolet chassis short box. It has a 383 stroker engine, a 400 automatic transmission, power steering, power disc brakes, air bags and some modern conveniences. It still rides a little choppy with the suspension. It has the original seat in it, just redone, but SHOP CLASS

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

When Tim Betts started working on his 1956 GMC truck, he envisioned a unit for running to town to collect parts for his business. It soon turned into a work of art that attracted trophies at car shows.

you sit pretty much straight the hospital in Medicine up and down. You can’t be Hat and went to the store much over six feet or you in the hospital. I saw this can’t get in there,” chuckled chicken that was only $20 Tim. A rooster ornament was added to the rear box. “I was visiting a guy in and I thought that would look cute sitting on the rail of the truck. The children really love it,” he said. “A lady in Medicine Hat was looking down at the wheels and then looked up at the rooster, let out a loud scream and starting Are you the owner of running. I guess she was scared of chickens,” laughed Collector Auto, Tim. “I’ve had more pictures taken of the chicken, Auto Memories or than of the truck itself.” The truck has done its Auto Memorabilia? job as a shop truck. “We’ve taken it everywhere to get parts. I like the style of the truck and the fact it is a GMC, rather than a ChevIf you have a vintage ride (rebuilt or original), if you’re in the midst of a restoration, or if you’re building a “rat” or a street rod, we’d like to hear from you. We may want to profile your project. rolet.” Likewise, if you own vintage automotive tools, Tim had a little trou- old diagnostic equipment or other tools or techniques ble with the hood. “I put of the trade, please contact us. We’re eager to write an aftermarket hood on and report on these kinds of topics. the truck and we had an And, our readers want to see what interests you! awful time getting it to fit just right. The rest of Contact Murray Green, News Reporter the truck has all original Phone 780.672.3142 Email murrayg@camrosebooster.com metal in it, but the aftermarket hood didn’t fit quite right. I played with that for days and days. And, it still doesn’t fit quite right. It is close enough, but not perfect,” he added. “One of the interesting notes is that when we go to big car shows with 600 to 700 vehicles there, my truck seems to win the trophies. I can’t believe that,” Tim said. “Other people really like this body style too.” While many GMC and Chevrolet trucks are mechanically similar, GMC is positioned as a premium offering to the mainstream Chevrolet brand.

FUN FACTS

The Chevrolet Task Force was Chevrolet’s successor to the Advance Design series. The Task Force Series ran from late 1955 (second series) through 1959 and at GMC dealers, it was called the Blue Chip Series. The 1955 second series offered standard options and add-ons such as 12-volt electrical systems, Chevrolet’s first V8 engine since the 1917 288-cubic inch (4.7 L) Chevrolet Series D, and Fleetside beds in 1958. Commercial trucks and various other heavy duty models were available.

The 1955 Second Series or Stepside Series was the first year for the new body style. A new wrap-around windshield–a truck industry first–and optional wraparound rear window on Deluxe cabs were added. Power steering and power brakes became available for the first time on GM trucks. The electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts. Fenders had single headlights and a one-piece emblem was mounted below the horizontal line on the fender.

The 1956 models featured a wider hood emblem. Twopiece fender emblems were mounted above the horizontal fender line. It was the last year for the egg-crate grille. 1957 was the only year for an open grille. The hood was flatter with two spears on top, similar to the 1957 Bel Air. Fender emblems were still above the fender line, but were now oval shaped, as opposed to previous versions in script.