The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Which cam should I have in 1956 235

I have a 235 from what I'm told was a "1956 Chevy stepside truck" (so I assume 1/2 ton), and low mile. It does have the 848 head. I don't have access to it at the moment, so trying to figure out if there is a way for sure to tell if it has a mechanical camshaft - without tearing it apart. Would like to try and run it on a test stand, as the guy I got it from seemed pretty reliable that it was a still running truck, he did the usual pull it for a SBC. It's been stored inside a garage on a stand.

I know the old oil wasn't as great, and oiling system either, but it would be fun to just see it running before tearing it all apart. It turns over well. Or is that a bad idea even after doing some of the typical soak then oil change before starting it up?

I would like to do a cam re-grind, and go solid given the current state of hydraulic lifters available. Excuse my ignorance, I've read alot, but I'm no engine builder and am not up on the intricacies of mechanical vs hydraulic cams.