Really Heavy Duty GMC

MemphisDoug · August 21, 2003

I am thinking of possibly purchasing a 1973 GMC Astro 95 semi tractor. Do any of you know where on the web I might be able to find some information on these trucks? Thanks for any help

C/K Man · August 21, 2003

That's a real classic over the road tractor. They were built from 1969 to 1987, and from 1970 to 1980 there was a Chevrolet version called the Titan 90. The Astro 95 was a state of the art cabover when it was introduced. There were quite a few different versions, some single rear axle, some tandems, short day cabs, and 2 different length sleepers as well. Most that I have been around had Detroit 8V-71's, a few used 6-71's, and the Cummins NTC-290 and 350 were common as well. There were a few built from 1973 to 1977 that had the legendary Detroit 12V-71, a 434 h.p V-12 that pumped out about 1100 ft. lbs. of torque. A real hoss to say the least! Check out the American Truck Historical Society for more information.

GMMediumDutyMQ · August 23, 2003

I've been working on a website on classic GMC heavy and medium duty trucks, and most likely, will somehow get it uploaded this weekend. I've a lot of old brochures on the Astro, Titan, General, Bison, Brigadier, Bruin, etc. I suppose this started after discovering my old man did a lot of engineering work on these trucks. Good stuff.

Let me know what information you want to know, specificially. Some of my facts may be slightly off, but I think I have the specs/details brochure from either '73 or '74, so I can tell you some information that you may ask for. Let me know what you're looking for.

Is it a sleeper? And if so, is it the 74" or 82"? Does it have the Special Series Package (upgraded interior, chrome trim, larger grille-later adapted to all Astros).

Now if you were really up for a challenge and wanted a rare GMC, I'd go for an '83-'84 Aero Astro (with the extra ground effects, fiberglass panels, and electronically-adjustable Dragfoiler), or the 1987 (last year) General Set-Back Front Axle (with a sweet looking new fiberglass fender design). Any Chevy version (Titan, Bison, Bruin) can be rarer as well. I know of about a '71 Titan day-cab that I pass on my way to school. It's in good shape, but the owner haphazardly tried to put on the full-sized grille from the Titan Special Series, and so that doesn't quite look right.

Feel free to post or email me with anything u've got to ask.

MQ

P.S. C/K Man, did you used to work on and/or with Astros at all? You seem really quite knowledgable (a compliment). Good to know people still like these things.

MemphisDoug · August 25, 2003

Well, I was the successful bidder on the truck on Ebay. Now, I just have to pay for it and get it home. The best part is that it is only about 10 miles away from my house. Learning to drive it with the 5 speed transmission and 3 speed rear end should be fun. Once I get it home, I'm sure I will have questions about it. I do know it has a Detroit Diesel 8V71 in it that runs great. It is a sleeper cab though I don't know what length.

GMMediumDutyMQ, you said you were going to have a web page. Is it up and running yet and what is the address?

silverado man · August 25, 2003

Post some pics of the new beast when you get it. I'm sure everyone would enjoy looking at them.

MemphisDoug · August 25, 2003

OK, here's the picture from the Ebay listing. More will follow once I get it home.

C/K Man · August 29, 2003

You have to post that on the A.T.H.S. website! That is the first Astro I have seen in 20+ years that has the original 'transit bus' mirrors. Those were only on early Astros and Titans.

jelisfc · September 3, 2003

I drove many of these 10 years ago while temp driving for UPS. Single rear, 5 spd with an air clutch. After a day of running aroung town shuttling trailers and no power steering you knew you had driven a TRUCK

Richman · September 3, 2003

So, now that you own this "fine" truck, what are your plans for it. A restoration??

It would be fun to attempt if parts are available. Could a fine boulevard cruiser.

fenderbender · September 3, 2003

I drove a 1979 Chevrolet Titan for 3 years back in the early 80's. No power steering, the a/c would not work most of the time. In the middle of the summer with no a/c it was like sitting in a oven with those big windshields. It had a 290 Cummings in it when I started driving it and when it needed replacing they put a 350 in it. It would run like h*ll, drove and rode good for a cabover but it sure was hot in the summer when the a/c quit.