Hi all, I have recently rescued a 1956 Grumman Olson stepvan on a Chevy forward control chassis. Tag on the steering column says 3d58t. Got her running and moving under her own power. My goal is to put it back on the road, improve the brakes and steering/handling for a bit of a safer ride. There doesn’t seam to be a ton of info on modifying these vans out there but if the info is anywhere it’s here.
Welcome to the Stovebolt madness. There is no cure!
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
A nice fine and a nice project. I know there is a couple guys here that have them. I think one of the guys is named Victor but don't know his Stovebolt handle. Good luck and we are here to help you on your journey.
Closed body trucks are nice and useful especially if you can stand up in them. They keep your stuff dry and they can make a great advertising platform for your business. The grille bars on yours are reminiscent of an Advance Design truck. What engine does it have? You can learn a lot here, I sure have.
Welcome Tikitech, fellow Old Dominion Stovebolter Victor has a beautiful '55 Grumman Olsen. I was trying to find a picture but will have to wait until I am on my personal computer. Ever since I saw his in person, I have had a thing for them. Great rescue and good luck with your project.
~ Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society: Exotic Animal Division 1946 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine | In the Gallery | Video | More pictures 1959 GMC 860 | Pictures 1950 GMC 450 FlatbedW/W, Air Brake equipt (25% Owner) | Pictures 1950 Chevrolet 3800 | Pictures I've got a trailer and I'm not afraid to use it!
thank you for the warm welcome gentleman! frogfarmer, it originally came with the 265 but was replaced with a 350 in 1968. I found a hand written note on the wall inside saying it was replaced at 87000 miles in 68 and signed by the mechanic. I thought that was cool. Still has the original sm420 trans. Bill, I will defiantly look up victor thanks! diseasel, good to know there are some local Stovebolters around! I will be posting questions and updates in the Tons 'o Fun section, there is no van forum so I am guessing that's where I should post.
Tikitech, you can still post questions in the other forums. For the driveline just post the questions in the Driveline Forum, engine questions in the Engine Forum and so on.......It may be a van but many/most questions pertain to many models.
Hi Tikiteck, Welcome to Stovebolt! It's a great site for many reasons: great folks and just a wealth of free flowing knowledge! We have a 55 Grumman. It's still pretty much original, but I did install an overdrive (56, R10) unit on it. I use it for camping. I'll be glad to share what I know (that shouldn't take long ). Mill Supply is a good source for Grumman parts. I'm usually around everyday, but if you don't get an answer to what you're looking for, feel free to PM me. They are great utilitarian trucks! Good luck with your project!
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter
Hey vew, that is a nice looking van! I have made some good progress on mine, paint removal and wiring mostly. I do have a question. I am looking to convert from duel rear tires to singles.figuring out what rims fit has been a bit of a challenge. what size/type of rims are on yours? Do you know of any one selling new rims that fit or any more modern junk yard finds that may work? Thanks for sharing your pics!
Some more shots of Victor's van. VEW once made a very unwise decision to let Billy and I take it for a spin ... Man that van is fun to drive! I was a little concerned when Billy had it up on two wheels, but it turned out ok...
~ 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)
John, you and Billy are BAD BOYS!!! And I'm not going to let you drive Doughboy ever again - - - unless you want to
Tiki, I have a 3/4 ton, 8 lug, FF rear differential in mine. 16" wheels. I've never checked for aftermarket wheels. If you just want single rear wheels, why don't you just remove the inner wheels? You may need to press in shorter lug bolts....maybe.
I could be missing something...wouldn't be the first time!
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter
I had The same Idea VEW but the offset on the 19.5 dually wheels makes them look either way too far out or way too far in (tried both ways things got real weird back there). Also if any of you guys are ever near NJ feel free to 2 wheel my van anytime!
OK, so you have those wheels. I have them on the 41 I'm building and it will be duals. I've read on this site that aftermarket wheels are available in that size. I was reading someone wanted to use trailer wheels of that size because there was a better selection available. Do a search, probably in the Driveline Section and see what you can find. Plenty of info on this site. Good Luck!
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter
