Draft:GMC 9500

• Comment: Sources are primary or not reliable such as Motorologist.com which is a blog. S0091 (talk) 20:29, 10 August 2024 (UTC)

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GMC 9500 Chevrolet series 90
1971-77 GMC JI-9500 Lethbridge, Canada
Overview
Manufacturer	GMC Truck and Coach Division
Model code	9500
Production	1966 – 1977
Model years	1967 – 1978
Assembly	United States: Pontiac, Michigan (Pontiac Central Assembly)
Body and chassis
Class	Class 8 truck
Body style	Single Axle (H) Conventional Tandem Axle (J/M) Conventional
Layout	FR layout, 4×2 (H9500), 6×4 (J9500) , 6x4 (M9500)
Related	GMC Astro F/D 9500 COE
Powertrain
Engine	GMC Gas: 275 GHP 637 V8 GMC Diesel: 205-220 HP D637 V8 DH637 V8 Detroit Diesel: 201-289 HP 6V-53N V6 6-71N , In-line 6 60mm or 65mm TB's. 6V-71N , V6 6V-92 , V6 8V-71N , V8 55mm , 60mm or 65mm TB's Cummins: 211-325 HP NH 230 ,In-line 6 Super/NHC 250 ,In-line 6 V 903 ,V8 NTC 290,335,350 ,In-line 6's
Transmission	GMC Syncromesh 5-speed manual 10-speed manual 13-speed manual 16-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	139–235 in (353.1–596.9 cm)
Length	213–255 in (541.0–647.7 cm) (single axle short hood) 220–324 in (558.8–823.0 cm) (short hood) 255–341 in (647.7–866.1 cm) (long hood)
Width	8.5 ft (259.1 cm)
Height	8.3 ft (253.0 cm)
Curb weight	17,000 lb (7,711 kg) (Cab) Approx 33,500–50,500 lb (15,195–22,906 kg) (GVW) 76,800 lb (34,836 kg) (GCW)
Chronology
Predecessor	GMC BW5500. 800/900 Series 860/660 COE Cannonball
Successor	General, Brigadier

The GMC 9500 / Chevrolet Series 90 is a heavy-duty (Class 7-8) Conventional truck that was manufactured by the GMC Truck and Coach Division of General Motors from 1967 to 1978. Succeeding the older series, the GMC "B" and "L" series', that were produced from 1960-1966. The 9500 series boasted several new features most notably a forward hinged "tip-off" hood made of lightweight fiberglass in comparison to the old "butterfly" hoods of the previous series.

The 9500 had a longer production that it's forefathers, until its replacement by the GMC General in 1977 which took over the (Class 8) long hood distinction of the (M) 9500's. Whereas, the short hood (Class 7-8) roles fulfilled by the (H/J) 9500's as well as the 7500 series were replaced by the GMC Brigadier in 1978.

Like the previous generation, as will the next generation of GMC heavy-duty trucks, they were all assembled in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac Central Assembly.

Background

In 1960, GMC Truck and Coach Division introduced it's new series of Conventional truck's replacing their older series like the GMC HC-series series as well as the infamous short-hooded "cannonball", from the 40's through the 50's.

a dilapidated GMC BW5500 Hoquiam, Washington.

This new series, the GMC B-series boasted better weight distribution, and easier handling. As well as time appropriate designs akin of the pickup trucks then produced by GMC (automobile) like the K series truck. However, with growing needs of the industry, and with more powerful engines on the market, GMC aimed to produce a new (Class 7-8) Conventional truck that could pull more and fit bigger radiators behind a bigger grill for the higher output engines.The decision was also made, like the models from the 40's/50's, to produce a short hooded variant (H/J Models) as well as a long hooded variant (C/M Models) to compete in eastern and western markets as some states had length limitations. This new chassis in both forms had a new, for GMC, ability to pull a GCW of 76,800lb. All to say, this new design and decisions seemed to have an affect, as by 1968, GMC ranked third in total US truck sales; additionally, GMC took over design and manufacture of all Chevrolet's medium and heavy duty trucks. By 1969 a whole new line of medium duty models appeared that were based on the currently running 9500's rather that up-rating the automobile's division of pickup trucks. This new family of medium duty 96'(BBC) conventional cab models included the: C4500, C5500 and C/M6500. This C series replaced the older "E" series, and boasted competitive GVWRs ranged from 18,000 to 45,000 lbs.

Design overview

The GMC 9500 and Chevrolet Series 90 were alike to the other Class 8 conventional trucks of its time. GMC's Truck and Coach Division implemented a number of features to help distinguish itself from its competitors. These new features were attested in brochures and advertisements as improvements marketed for driver comfort, durability, and ease of service. For one, the series' new rugged cab construction was designed and built entirely inhouse by GMC with the intent of making a cab that was more solid, safe, and rust resistant. This was achieved with sturdy "U"-shaped, channel reinforcements making up portions of the floor, doorway, dash, and engine-openings. These reinforcements were often visualized in diagrams on various marketing material. Just as well, the series was the first by GMC to offer a "tip-off" fiberglass hood for ease of access to the entirety of the engine bay. The interior had several features intended for driver comfort, safety, and ease of use. For one, vinyl bucket seats with seatbelts came as standard, as well as a suspension seat and stationary companion seat as optional extras. Another feature being that the standard dash was surfaced with non-reflective paint and highlighted with a wood vinyl applique with the goal of reducing glare/visual fatigue. Additionally, this new series had more interior room and a higher driver's seat position for better visibility in comparison to other models. The gauge cluster was restructured to position gauges based off frequency of use, and improving their readability. The series was also offered with numerous offerings of optional equipment such as, freestanding exhaust stacks, additional frame-mounted oil filters, power steering, transmission options, and GMC's own Astro-Aire Suspension. A feature that "pays-off where it counts most..." as it added useable payload by reducing suspension weight, improved roll control, and required less driver steering correction. Dealers also offered way to personalize and accessorize their purchases. Models could be equipped with improved air conditioning, air horns, additional mirrors, custom mud-flaps, engine heaters, citizen band radio, cat walks, and other options. Finally, the 9500 line was offered with numerous 2 tone and 3 tone paint schemes offering company pride with distinctive and attractive paint schemes from the factory.

Nomenclature

The 9500 series had a nomenclature system of chassis codes denoting what features, engines, axle number, etc was given. The first letter of the chassis code indicated Cab Type. For the length of Production of the 9500 Series there were mainly four Cab axle combinations. Tandem having two axle, single having one axle. The second letter in the model designation prefix indicated the engine used (Ex:MH9500 indicates a long hood with 8V-71N , V8)

(These are the models offered in 1974. Y=down X=across)

YX9500	N	I	C	H
M	Long Hood Tandem NH230/Super 250	Long Hood Tandem 6-71N	Long Hood Tandem NTC350	Long Hood Tandem 8V-71N
C	Long Hood Single NH230/Super 250	Long Hood Single 6-71N	Long Hood Single NTC350	Long Hood Single 8V-71N
J	Short Hood Tandem NH230/Super 250	Short Hood Tandem 6-71N	Short Hood Tandem NTC350	Short Hood Tandem 8V-71N
H	Short Hood Single NH230/Super 250	Short Hood Single 6-71N	Short Hood Single NTC350	Short Hood Single 8V-71N

Year to year changes

* 1966: Totally new H/J and C/M series heavy conventional cab models (9500 series) replaced most prior heavy duty conventional models. The GMC 637 cid V8 gas engine and D637  and DH637 diesel Toroflow engines were released for heavy duty applications. The 637 replaced the 702 cid V12 providing the same power, 275 ghp
* 1968: To deproliferate an overgrown model lineup and weed out poor selling models, many models were dropped, including those with Toroflow D351 and and DD 6V-71 engine (Note: Based on Brochures found after 1968 it does not appear the Detroit Diesel 6V-71 was discontinued.)
* 1969: The M9501 long hood "western" models were absorbed into the regular M9500 series.
* 1970: Cummins NH230 and NHC250 (Super 250) diesel engines were added to heavy duty conventional short hood cab's H/J9500 models. Among models dropped all 9500 series with GMC built diesel engines
* 1971: Astro-Aire tandem rear suspension became available on 9500 series trucks with Rockwell SLHD or SQHD tandem rear axles. Rated at 34,000 lbs., it provided smoother ride with a weight savings of over a thousand pounds.
* 1972: The 330 ghp Cummins V903 V8 diesel engine was offered in 9500 model series.
* 1975: DD 6V-53N and Cummins NH230 diesel engines were discontinued along with the truck models in which they were used
* 1977: The GMC General heavy duty conventional cab series replaces the 9500 series. 

External links

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Categories:

• GMC vehicles
• Class 8 trucks
• Vehicles introduced in 1966
• Flagship vehicles