The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts I went to an auction and met a girl (A BIG girl)

2 Tons of fun to be exact! So I bought a 1957 Chevy 6400 grain truck in really decent condition. Drove it home and even had brakes and lights (signals too) on the way! Hoist works well - and the rubber ain't all bad. But alas there are some things she's going to need...and I got questions. I'll start with one.

1. Two speed rear end (Vaccuum activated). Is 45MPH about right in 4th High for this 4 speed or am I stuck in Low? I've been working the actuator using instructions from this site on shifting, but I'm either only always in 2,3,4 high or low. Actuating and listening it sounds like it's moving something back there but never any range change. Anyhow - where should I begin to figure it out?

Lovin' this truck already - thanks for any help!

It sounds like your rear is not shifting. Do you hear it grind or make any noise in the rear when you move button? I guessing that it has the button mounted to the shifter.

The problem could be anywhere in a vacuum system that stretches from the intake manifold to the rear axle.

The easiest way to find the problem is to start at the rear and work forward.

Take the 2 hoses off the vacuum actuator on the diff, (mark one of the hoses so you know how they go back). Engine off, trans in neutral.

Use an air hose with a rubber nozzle to give a squirt of air into one inlet on the actuator. Listen for a clunk when the gear moves. If nothing, try the other side. Listen for air rushing through a bad diaphragm.

Even if the diaphragm is bad, a rush of compressed air can often overcome it to make the gear move.

When you hear it shift, stick a couple bolts in the hoses in case they still draw vacuum and try driving it. See if the speed changes.

If the air won't do it, take the cover off the actuator (lots of #10 screws and nuts) and push or pull on the rod to shift the gear.

Hint - 1st gear low range is equal to a fast walk at full throttle.

Definitely no grinding or really any noise when I am driving and trying to change ranges. I will give Jim's advice a whirl next chance I get. I will be back with results. Thanks much guys.

Hey one more quick one. Carb has a 2.75 dia. Clamp ring for the air filter. Do I need to be searching for an original or are there some aftermarket solutions for it? Oh and what about the PCV hooking into it...critical? It is just coming out of valve cover currently.

Thanks again!

Welcome to the Stovebolt!

Post some pictures in Photo Bucket and share the link...we love pictures...they help us see what you're asking about and let us see your new toy!

Mike B

is her name Tess?

as in 2 ton Tessie?

As Requested here's a photo of the Big Beauty! She may be a Tess, but we're callin' her Betsy.

http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u380/rhaferbecker/2014-04-05165527_zps05d67c5b.jpg

Only photo I have right now. I will take more and get them on here.

Nice truck. All of the 57 models were great looking vehicles.

Nice truck! It even has the original mirrors and turn signal lights.

What size are the tires...are they the 22.5 tubeless?

Mike B

Whatever her name is, it looks like she spent most of her life in a shed.

That's a nice looking truck! You done good!

Hey guys thanks for the comments. Great to know about the mirrors and signals too. I couldn't believe that all the gauges and dash lights work too! They are 22.5 tubeless tires on her. Any advice on picking them up if needed? I will get more pics posted hopefully today. Gotta get under the hood and figure out which six I have. Later all.

More pics. Anyone know the motor just from the pics? Let me know if the link doesn't work please.

http://s1064.photobucket.com/user/rhaferbecker/slideshow/

Just for knowledge sake, because I would want to know. Winning bid for her was $900.

Please also chime in. Restore or drive as is? First order of business though is that air cleaner. What are my options?

Have a great afternoon!

The motor is a later model 230/250 or maybe a 292. Hard to see details with your slide show. You should be able to use an air cleaner from '63 up 6 cylinder.

Not a bad looking truck. My fenders were rusted in the same spot. I ad the fenders patch-welded/etch-primed,for about $50.00/ea. I see a lot of oil around the carb. Blow-by? Engine may need rings,but you didn't get hurt in your purchase. Tires look good,and Hopefully,your rims aren't the dreaded "widow-makers". A bunch of "Big-Bolt" T.F. owners,on this site,(Me included)! I'm not restoring mine,but I am fixing it up, to my liking. They're fairly easy to work on,and a BLAST to drive!! Welcome to the "Bolt"!

Nice '57 Chevy 6400 you've got there. Its very similar to mine, a former firetruck that I turned into a flatbed dump. I'm sure my drive train setup is similar to yours, except I still have the original 283 V8. Fourth gear 'High' puts my truck at a top speed of 55-60 mph but the motors screaming. 45 mph still turns the engine fast but its within reasonable RPM. I've got 10x22.5 tubeless on mine too, these tires are not commonly found but are available at the large truck tire centers, especially shops that sell tires for agricultural use.

As far as restoration I would neutralize any rust areas and give it a good paint job. For now I would change out the fluids and give it a complete service. MOST IMPORTANTLY I would thoroughly go through the brake system and don't go cheap on any fixes. Check the steering too.

Again you've got a great 'heavy' Chevy at a good price too. Its a good working type of truck, classic in appearance and a lot of fun to drive. Check out mine in the Stovebolt Gallery.

57Chey6400,
You done Real good with that one.
Price wise and Engine wise.
Thats a 292!
The fuel pump is in the middle of the block and the motor mount bolt bosses are foward of it.
Other way round on the 194/230/250 engines.
Its prob.got a one piece "U shape" mount behind the harmonic balancer,but I cant see it.
Great Driver,Have Fun.
regards,
steve sr.

Yes, what a great find. I would make it safe and enjoy it as it is. I have a 59 Viking 40 (1 1/2 ton). Mine also had been changed out to a 292, very good engines.
Very cool when they're restored, but resale value is a killer.

Have fun with it!

John

I have a '57 6100 dump truck. It has 9.00X22.5 tires on it. I have found that the local school district has to replace their old bus tires way before they are worn out. It all has to do with State requirements. Anyway IF you could find such an outlet like that, you might be able to purchase some used tires with enough tread left on them for a reasonable price. You would just have to pay someone to mount them. JP

Hey thanks for all of the commentary guys! This is great! @Steve sr - Appreciate the motor identification. @ Jon Patton - that is a great idea on the tires (I was eyeing up the school bus this morning as my son got on HA!). Nothing more to report as the weather has been unkind and youth baseball season has begun. Still gotta get at that air cleaner. When I do though, what to do with the open hole and open port on the valve cover? Take it easy all!

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=974858#Post974858 Here's the topic that I posted on a 2-speed re-build. It also includes info on the 2-speed switch,(located on the transmission). They're pretty easy to do,and I hope this helps!