Hi Stovebolters,
Newbe Justin here, AKA CarterTheCameo. I just picked up my very first Stovebolt truck, a 1958 Cameo Carrier. I bought it from the original owner who bought it new in San Francisco at Ellis Brooks. (That dealership is still in business at the same location today!) A link to a photo of the truck is at the bottom of this post.
The truck is unmolested, and not modified at all. It has its factory 283 V8 coupled with a Hyrdra-matic 4-speed automatic trans. An unusual combination, even for the high-end Cameo. But what really sets it apart is the factory ordered power steering, and the dealer installed Cool-Pack air conditioning! The power steering pump sits at the back of the generator, very primitive, but cool.
It was missing the center caps and wheel rings, but I found them, then I put the correct size Denman bias play whitewalls on it to finish it off. The geometry of the correct size tires makes the power steering smooth as butter, and the ride something to behold.
I rebuilt the power control valve and ram, and went completely through the brakes. I went all through the motor; completely resealing it, new timing chain, hidden electronic ignition, and even all new single line exhaust, as per original.
The only thing I need is the correct carb linkage. It's a two-rod affair with a spring. If anyone out there has one, it would make old Carter very happy. (That was his owner's name, and is now the truck's name.)
This truck is so original, it even still has his magnetic pipe holder and used pipe still on the dashboard. It also still sports the original wood in the bed. The truck was used mainly for fishing, and did runs from San Francisco north a couple of hundred miles to Lake County California. It never really saw any hard duty. It has had one respray in its life, but that's it. Original red/silver/black speckled door panels are still intact, as are the arm rests, both visors, etc. Interior sports a red dash top with silver bottom. The red headliner has a kitchy, late 50s pattern, and the silver interior is still quite intact.
The working A/C flips out other drivers when they see me on the freeway in an old truck, on a hot day, but with the windows up and my hair blowing!
I have been able to determine that the '58 was the lowest number produced of all four years of Cameo production at 1405 units, but I have no way of knowing how many had a v8, automatic, power steering, and A/C? If anyone has any info on '58 Cameos, bring it on!
I hope to get the time to check back often. Ya'll look like a bunch of nice folks!
Thanks for letting me share... I will post more photos in the coming weeks as time dictates.
Justin
AKA CarterTheCameo
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