01 February 2012
# 2940

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1959 Chevy Viking 60

Owned by
Carl "oldtek88" Miller
Santa Rosa, CA

From Carl :

It's been over five decades since my Grandfather bought my Viking 60 (brand new). He ordered it just like every other vehicle he owned. It was pretty much "bare bones." The one option that it did come with was a "New Process" 5-speed transmission instead of the typical SM-420 4-speed that was standard back then.

Grandfather traded in his 1949 Dodge flatbed for the 1959 Viking 60 to use in his orchards. The truck was put to work hauling prunes, pears, apples and walnuts until he sold his property to developers in 1969. From that point until 1984, the old truck was primarily used to haul a cement blower. After a while, the front end was so badly worn that it would shimmy like the dickens when going up the road.

My Dad and Grandfather pulled the front axle and had it rebuilt. Sadly, my Grandfather died shortly thereafter of a heart attack. The truck was parked in a storage yard that my Dad had rented for the trucking business until he died in 2007. I have since decided to put it back together and just drive it. That way I can still use it as I repair things.

This is a fantastic truck and I really enjoy driving it. Every dent reflects a little bit of its history and I can pretty much tell you how they all came about.

The patina will eventually be sanded away as I start to work on the rusty areas. For now, the plan is to take it slow and do what really needs to be done first.

Besides addressing the rust, it's in need of new tires and engine work. If all goes well, a motor swap to a good running 292 are potentially in the near future as the 261 seems to burn more oil than gas. After that, I can focus on paint, new rubber seals, glass and a new deck.

I've always thought I was in the minority (liking these trucks), but its clear I'm not and I'm glad to be here.

Thanks,

Carl Miller
Bolter # 31343

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