Hi Kris,
The "Spartan" name was first used on the 1958 Heavy Duty trucks, Apache is Light Duty and Viking is Medium Duty. The 1958/59 truck can be easily identified by there dual headlights, 1957 and back are single.
The model numbers were also shortened starting in '58, so your Model 100 is the same as a 1956/57 Model 10000 or 2-1/2 ton Heavy Duty.
The only engine option for the 1958/59 100 Series trucks was the 348 V8 rated at 230 hp with 335 ft lbs of torque. This engine shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as all other Chevy V8's so droping a 350 in shouldn't be a problem.
The 100 Series is a conventional Cab, the 50, 70 & 90 Series are the Low Cab Forward (LCF) models.
Your truck would have a Spicer model #3152 or #3152A (close-ratio). Both of these have a 1:1 5th gear ratio.
The Cab and Hood are the same as the pickup's. Fenders and Grille are different.
The Cab and Chassis will weigh between 6000 and 7000 pounds complete. You didn't mention the wheel base length and if there was a body on it so this is just a rough guess. Your truck should weigh about 500-600 pounds less without the motor.
If it still wears the original paint then it is "Cardinal Red".
It should have Cast Spoke wheels (10 stud disc wheels were optional) with 22,5" Tubeless Tires and could have had Air Brakes as well.
A truck of this size will need a BIG wrecker body to look right, something like a Holmes 600 or 650 with a 15-20 ton capacity.
Check out my '56 Wrecker in the Photo Gallery.
Keep us informed and send pictures when you can!
Mike
