Nice use of Cu pipe to eliminate fruitless search for hose that would fit, easy to replace straight sections, too. I did the same thing in my '37 GMC with a 4-53T.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
With the long wheel base you need to put a big tool box between the mast and cab.
You can see my 1956 Chevy with the 525 and a 828 Chariot Style Service Body body in the gallery...click on the link below my signature to take you there.
OK, Spank -- I'll bite .... what's a "Seattle bed?"
John
~ John
"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are"
1948 International Farmall Super A 1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Seattle beds were typically beds that were first seen in, and around the Seattle Wa. area back in the day, built by shops, for their wreckers. Seeing how Ernest Holmes Company was on the East Coast side of the Country, the farther West you got, the fewer Holmes units you saw, with actual Holmes Service Bodies. customers would purchase wrecker bodies from outside Body Manufacturers, or would build them, themselves. Example of one below.
Last edited by spanky; 07/14/20183:16 PM.
Spanky Hardy Collector Of Fine Old G.M. COE Trucks & Antique Holmes Wreckers
While on the subject of West Coast Wreckers, seeing how the major Manufacturers, were no where near the West Coast, two large Truck Shop/Towing Businesses, went into producing their own Wreckers, and had a small number of outside customers. Will, and Tex Freeman, of Continental Towing, and Don Heins, of South Union Body Works, and later D&M Enterprises. Each company had their own style, but they were all called "Big Stick" wreckers. Pictured below is a Continental version on the left, and a South Union version on the right. There is a Facebook page called, "West Coast Big Stick Wreckers", that is very interesting.
Last edited by spanky; 07/14/20183:46 PM.
Spanky Hardy Collector Of Fine Old G.M. COE Trucks & Antique Holmes Wreckers
Upon closer inspection of my new 525, one of the booms had filled with water and then froze and busted. When I first spied the hoist, I planed on straightening and replacing some of the angle iron bracing to make it look good and straight, but now I am thinking of round or box steel booms. I do not like the look of the pictured boxed over angle, etc. in the wrecker pictured.
Not sure what they did back in the day when they repaired or replaced them, but I think I have seen this style with 4x4 box iron booms. Maybe that was a 600, or similar.
Maybe DOM tubing. 4 or 5 inch. Might break the bank. Will do some checking...
Anyway, thanks for the comments.
BaconFarms
1948 GMC 2 Ton 1958 GMC 370-8 1965 GMC 5000 1970 Chevrolet C50
Received my Holmes 525 Wrecker operation instructions manual today. A little pricey, but here is my take;
A little short on how to operate the hoist. It assumes you know something about hoists, etc. Great lube diagram and specifications. Great diagrams for how to install winch on to a truck, which will come in handy. Great diagrams on rigging with the twin booms and snatch blocks, etc. Very informative for those that haven't seen a twin boom in operation.
Worth the money,
BaconFarms
1948 GMC 2 Ton 1958 GMC 370-8 1965 GMC 5000 1970 Chevrolet C50
