Recently purchased a 1956 Chevrolet 6400 V8. Most wheels are the Firestone RH-5. Read through the tech tip wheels thread and it mentioned posting future info on the 6 lugs but didn't see any updates. What options are out there if I decide to run the OEM running gear?
Also found the master cylinder leaking out the rod seal. Any recommended sources for parts?
Finding 22.5" (one piece tubeless) 6-lug Budd rims is way easier than finding the 5/10 lug rims. Place an Ad in the Parts Wanted Section here and check with your local big truck junk yards...those rims were used for many years...don't overlook old school buses.
The rebuild kits can be found at your local NAPA, you need to confirm the size (cast on the side of the MC)...1-1/4"? If the MC is pitted real bad than it can be sleeved in brass or SS. Do a google search and see who does it in your area. I know White Post Restorations in Virginia does it.
Does your truck still have the original 265 V8 with a 4+2 trans/rear setup?
It does not have the original engine. Looks to be a 1972 350 with hei and 4bbl from a '78. Exhaust manifolds I'd guess are original as I've never seen any like these before with front cross over but the RH manifold is shot. Has correct short waterpump, late model 12V alternator(improperly shimmed). My guess is original 4sp and 2sp rear axle.
Pic of truck on way home, getting off loaded and test fitting a bench seat from a regular cab S10.
No clue on its history. For that matter it's actual year either. Turns out it was cab swapped decades ago and the vin tag is for a 3100. Wasn't planning on hauling heavy anyway. Bought because it was in decent shape, rust wise.
The original chassis serial number found on the cab A-post tag is also stamped on the frame. It's found on top of the drivers side frame rail right above the front axle and will have the Year, Plant and Unit number...the series code was not stamped on the frame...
Sample 56A001234
A 6400 will have a 154" wheel base and be coded "6B", so the cab tag would look like this...6B56001234.
If the front V8 engine brackets are riveted to the cross member than it was a factory V8, (if bolted it's a conversion and was born a 6-cylinder) and the Cab tag serial number would start with a "V" (not stamped on the frame)...
So the trucks chassis was either born V56S023812 as a V8 truck or 56S023812 as a 6-cylinder...
V = V8 6B = 2 ton 154" wheel base 56 = Year S = St Louis 023812 = Unit number atarting with 001001
Your Cab 3A57511xxx breaks down as follows...
3A = 1/2 ton short step side 57 = year 5 is a typo...bet it was "S" = St Louis 11xxx = Unit number starting with 100001
IIRC, there was a symbol on the frame preceding the VIN but I just thought it was a artifact from the #stamp, but it could have been in a "V" design. Will check later.
