The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Newb Help. What is this?

I'm looking at buying this truck. From the title it says it's a 1956 Chevy 6400. The VIN #V6B56S024625. I don't know all the lingo used to classify these things. I want to know what size it is (2ton?), and if I'm wasting my time starting a project with this truck. Its in good shape. Runs and drives fine. One owner truck. I'm wanting to bag it and do a diesel swap. Preferably Cummins. Any input would help.

If you use our VIN buster - http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/vin/vinbuster.html - you'll find out that the truck is a 2 Ton '56 154 inch built in St. Louis, MO.

Try just driving it first, then figure out what to do or not to do with it.
I my experience driving and using the truck like it is for a good while gives a much better perspective on what is important to you and what might be necessary, and likewise, not necessary.

Grigg

Ok thanks. I figured the information was somewhere buried in this site but when you're new to it it's a bit overwhelming. I know for sure I want to bag it and do a 12v Cummins swap. I've had a few people say to just buy a dodge dually and put the 56 cab on the dually frame, but then its not the same. I want the original truck. That's what makes it different. I just assumed there were a few guys in here that would know whether or not this model would be a good platform to start with. Thanks again guys.

I can't help with the diesel swap other than to say, get the tape measure out and see if the Cummins will fit.

Is the existing motor a 6 or 8 cylinder?

Mike B

Interested to see how that turns out. I think your right about dropping the motor and trans in the old truck. If your truck has a dump you will need to locate a pto output trans. Good luck and keep us posted

JWille, here's a link to someone (Mark) that put a Powerstroke in a 58 C60. You may find it useful.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1030459/1.html

Dropping it, bagging it, doing a diesel swap ! It's never going to be original again after that, so why not put it on a later chassis. A lot less work. It's going to be a non original custom, either way you put it.

Thanks for all the input guys. The original engine is a V8. I think it's commonly referred to as an RPO or something like that. I may be completely off. Of course the truck won't be original after its chopped, bagged, and blowing black smoke, but I'm not wanting original. I want all the original body and frame. There is tons of 3/4 ton dually framed bagged trucks out there so that wouldn't really turn any heads. I haven't seen many in the "big bolt" format! Haha. That name alone is just cool to me. But thanks again. You guys have been a lot of help.

In case you have not seen the 1956 Specifications Manual, and in case you are interested:

1956 truck Engine Serial Numbers
1956 Regular Production Options - 265 V8 engine options are shown
265 V8 RPO engine specs

Thanks tclederman