I just wanna drive it and put a box on the back so it looks like a truck. I got a shop with all tools to work on this truck. Wanna change those rims out to something modern and safer. Steve
Restoring any big rig can turn into a bottomless money pit. Tandem axles in particular add four more tires to the mix, more brakes, and in the case of an actual dual drive setup, a complete extra rear end and a power divider. Some places have different driver's license requirements and commercial vehicle inspections to deal with on vehicles above a certain gross weight rating and/or air brakes. Unless you have a specific need for a truck that big and the shop facilities and mechanical experience to get it on the road, it might be a good idea to pass that one by! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Hy Smangy, welcome, that trucks serial number probably begins with a W (denoting a tandem) if you could post the serial number I could probably decipher it for you. That size of truck in 1958/59 only had one engine option the Chevrolet 348 V8, the truck had a GVW 0f 36,000 Lbs., and was available in three different wheelbases. Hope that helps some.
Welcome to the World of Big Bolts! I'm the furthest thing in the world from any kind of an authority on this stuff but I have never seen that grill badge before. Perhaps a Canadian model? As far as brake parts, they may be one of the hardest parts to find but, if you really want to go the distance (I don't want to be the one of the only ones ) you could find a rear axle cut off off of a modern truck that already has modern brakes and wheels on it. I got a deal on the single axle cut-off for my '59 just because I was patient and looked for a while. Can you post some more pictures of it? Also, as said above, share the vin number so the brain power here can noodle it for you. Big bolts are a lot of work because some of the parts are harder to find or at this point made of unobtainium. Said parts are bigger and heavier and require bigger tools, bigger jacks and jack stands etc. but, I had a blast working on my big bolt, well most of the time anyway. Don't forget about the patience part....oh and the money part....you will need a lot of both to see it through! Again, welcome to Stovebolt!
Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society Exotic Animal Division
Interesting truck. I also never heard of a 91000 and if original, my guess would be possibly Canadian as well. I wouldn't give up on keeping it all original, until the truck may tell you otherwise. Who knows, it could be a low mileage truck or a truck that was well maintained just before it was taken off the road. Post some more pictures if you can. Wondering if it still has the 348 in it and does it have Air Brakes?
'60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan
Hey guys. Thx for all the help. The truck is not close to me and I messaged the seller for more pics. It rolls and steers but it doesnt run. Turn over which is good. Dont really wanna pass this truck on. Would be cool to leave as is and drive it. Here are more pics.
Hy again Smangy, as I suspected your truck is indeed a full tandem with a wheelbase of 174 1/2", 348 Chevrolet engine and 36,000 Lbs. G.V.W. I hope you are lucky enough to purchase it.
I'm just waiting for more pictures from the seller to verify that everthing is there, no missing parts. If could be a pain finding rare parts for this. And then hope we can made a deal. Thx again for the help.
Is that an optical illusion, or are there actually three shifters in that cab? What's that funny-looking curved stick for? I can see the main shifter and the Brownie clearly, but is looks like there's another one there also. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne 4dr 230 I-6 one owner (I’m #2) “Emily” ‘39 Dodge Businessmans 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)
Hy Guys, Mike as far as I know the driveline components on those tandems are the same on both sides of the border. Hotrod Lincoln the third lever is what they call a declutching lever, in one position only the front axle of the tandem is being driven, in the other position both axles are being driven. I do not recall seeing an air compressor in the engine compartment, but I will go back and check, without that compressor no air brakes or air over hydraulic brakes. I would not mind having that truck join my rust collection myself, but I hope Smangy buys and preserves it. Hope that helps.
Thx everyone for the good info. Really wanna pick it up, hope wife doesnt kill me too many projects already. The seller takes forever to get back to me online. He must have no signal up there in the north pole. Also found this info online. It's from a chevy but the same I guess.
Hy guys, I just went back and checked the pics, no compressor, but a power steering pump, so rare power steering, definitely a 348/409 style engine. I hope Smangy or someone grabs it and preserves it.
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Hotrod lincoln That's my favorite song too. Specially when I'm cruising in one. Just picked up a 58 lincoln continental. Low milage. Been sitting in barn for a while. Started no issues, run and drives, just no brakes. Here's a pic , if not allowed pls delete. Tjx
Curb weight for the cab and chassis (no body) is right at 9000 pounds.
Anything to do with the cab is easy stuff as it's the same as the pickup trucks, as are the hood, core support and inner fenders. The fenders and grill are unique to the BIG GMC trucks, so more than likely you'll have to work with what you get.
The power divider gives you 3-speeds...Direct, Low and Lower and it more than likely has a Clark or Spicer 5-speed trans.
A twin screw is a tandem win which both axles are drive axles. Most tandems in the 50's and 60's had only one drive axle and the other was like a trailer axle. Eaton had a really crazy setup for a twin screw in the 50's in which the interaxle drive shaft went over the front axle. It was short lived and replaced with a through shaft similar to what Rockwell used. The Eaton setups are very rare. Not many were built and few of them survived It looks like this one may be a one or two year only three speed axle that used the old interaxle over the forward drive and shifted manually. By the early 60's Eaton used a thruoughshaft type power divider and the three speed Eaton became quite popular. By the 60's, the three speeds were shifted with air. My first Diesel truck had a 3 speed Eaton. The setup is comprised of two two speed Eaton Axles. In low range, both axles were in low range. In high range both axles are in high range Intermediate range is achieved by having one axle in high range and the other in low range. The power divider splits the ratio. The power divider uses a sun gear with planetary gears and power dividers were a very high maintenance item with 3 speed axles. I got my commercial drivers license in 1959 and still own a fleet of trucks. I have never actually seen a manual shift 3 speed Eaton. If it were in my neighborhood, I would buy it just because it is so rare. However, it will be very difficult finding parts for the Eaton. There is nothing different about the 2 speed and 3 speed Eaton except for the shifter setup. With a 3 speed Eaton behind a 5 speed a truck had 15 very evenly spaced gears. The drawback was the maintenance.
Thx for the info. Does anyone know what rims are on this truck? I hope it's safe to pump up the tires without blowing up. Lol Hopefully I can pick it up. I just want it. Would anyone know how many where built and how many are still out there. Has anyone ever built a box for these trucks??
Cren, Was the Eaton which you describe at all similar to the Detroit-Timken model SBD1555? I have one in a 53 White which has sat for many decades and I haven't had running. It looks to have a pass through drive shaft to the rear axle and it has a power divider, altho not sure if it's a two speed or 3 speed divider. Smangy, I wouldn't air up too many tires....leave well enough alone as long as the truck can be dragged/rolled onto the transport vehicle. Those old tube tires could blow if you change their status quo (such as putting air into them or driving more than a few miles on them)! It's possible that they are tubeless, as both were used in the late 50s, but be cautious about airing up any large truck tire which is flat or low on air.... I once (slowly, on a very rural road) drove a tandem axle truck with tube tires which had been sitting for many years....by the time I drove 10 miles, three of the ten had blown. Also, when you do air them up, make sure you use a remote clamp-on type air chuck....in other words, don't be standing or kneeling next to the wheel.
I'm kinda nervous. I only have seen the truck in pictures. Cant imagine how big this thing is. Today I pulled beside a semi truck in traffic and looked over at the wheels. Wiw 22.5 they are huge. Lol I got it for $1000, not much lost if I wanna resell it .
Detroit Timken made a 2 speed axle, but I'm not sure if they ever made a 2 speed tandem. Here is a diagram of Eaton vs. Timken tandem units. The Timken which later bacame Rockwell and now is Meritor used a through shaft. The 1950's Eaton had the interaxle driveshaft above the forward axle. This design didn't last very long. In about 1960 Eaton went the through shaft design that is the standard of the industry today.
As for the tires, the wheel I see on the drive shaft is a lock ring style that is relatively safe. It is still produced today. On the drive axle, the lock ring are on the inside and couldn't go anywhere even if a lock ring were to blow off. You have to be more careful with the steer tires. The lock ring is to the outside. If it is not properly seated, it can be dangerous. I run all tubeless tires on my fleet and have been for over 40 years. But I have been messing with tube tires for over 60 years. Here is a photo of my latest toy. I put just enough air in the steer tires that they stood up and then towed the thing 70 miles per hour in 100 degree weather. Unless the tires have been totally flat for years, bias tires are less likely to blow than radials. It was running them so slick that they wore down to the tube or running over a sharp rock that caused the old bias tires to blow.
Cren, I see the differences in the tandems....quite different actually. Somewhere I have some lit on the Detroit tandems, and will post pix if I locate it. Good luck getting it home, Smangy!
Thx for all the info Found all this on the web about the rear axle.
The Chevrolet Walking Beam/Power Divider setup was made for GM/Chevrolet by Truck Equipment Company starting in 1956. Prior to 1956 Chevrolet Tandems were dealer/owner installed from third party vendors. I'm not sure if GMC used the same set up or not...
On the bigger trucks Chev and GMC diverged quite a bit. It wasn't just GMC engines and different badges like on the medium duty trucks. Maybe I'm commenting on the obvious here but be careful about assuming what you find in the Chevrolet book applies to GMC. Then there is the confusion over what was produced for the Canadian market. I cannot speak to that as I have only worked on US GMCs and Chevs. The three-speed power divider is a new one on me and that alone might make the truck worth restoring or at least preserving.
You might also look up the ATHS (American Truck Historical Society). Their members mostly focus on heavy trucks, like what is now yours, and heavier. They have chapters all over the country and regional shows and a national show annually. I've been to seeral nationals and they had upwards of a thousand entries. The National in Yakima WA attracted lots of logging equipment from B.C. Jim Carter was there and I talked to him at length. Nice guy. They skipped this year but a couple of the regional shows went on.
1951 3800 1-ton '62 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971. In the DITY Gallery
I'm so excited and kinda scared. It's being delivered saturday morning. Dont know what to expect. Hope it's all good. Will post better pics and video when I get it parked.
You got 348 engine with Power Steering...looks very un-molested and original. The Power Divider is Low-Low, Low and Direct...should pull a mountain down in Low-Low and Granny...
You also have Dayton Rims, NOT Firestone RH-5's, so you're good to go! Any big truck tire shop will hook you up with new rubber when the time comes!
Sweet on the rims. I was scared that I got the widow maker rims. The truck all created up is not for me. The driver parked the trailer at my house fully loaded. He had to go do another run. Will unload later this week. The truck will go into storage until I finish my other projects. Too many toys. This truck sitting on the trailer get lots of looks and everyone stops and asks what it is. Lol like a celebrity. The truck itself needs lots of work. The rear tandem axles look good but the walking beam design looks a bit rough. Will need a rebuild. The front end looks good and solid. The tires are shot. The body needs lots of attention. The engine has oil and the plugs look good. Gona power up to see if I can turn over. The rad is empty and so is the power steering pump. The tranny shifts nice and the clutch pedal moves nice. The brake pedal was seized, but with lots of foot power I got it to move. Now it goes to the floor. Maybe the booster needs a rebuild??? This is gonna be a bigger project than I though, but she is a keeper. Love it and so does my wife. Plan on keeping it all original as long everthing works . The rear walking beam may have to go. We will see. Thx everyone for all the help. Steve
Make sure you take your time and not get in a hurry when trying to wake up the engine after a long nap. There's a Tech Tip on steps to take that can help you through it...doing it wrong can break things and end up costing lots of extra money to fix.
I'm looking forward to following along on your adventure with this truck!
Finally got it unloaded. I got the chance to drive it while being pulled. Felt exciting. Lol It wont be till next year after the snow melts before any work will start on it.
Quick question for u all smart people. How do I tell if this is a 348 or a 409. Been told to look at the dipstick location by others, but is there any other way. Been reading a lot about this truck online and in books. They where correct on some stuff and wrong on others. Like my rims are not 22.5" like it says in the specs, its 20". Is there like an owners shop manual for these big trucks??
You will be able to get 22.5 tubeless rims that will fit on those hubs easily. That's what I did for my 860. I think I only paid about $100.00 each but that was a few years ago. Keep an eye for a manual on Ebay. I found my rims there too. It will be exciting to see the progress on the truck once you start.
Billy Old Dominion Stovebolt Society Exotic Animal Division
I recently purchased the same truck but with a single rear axle (photos attached). I'm wondering if anyone knows what the 91000 designation means? The only GMC references I can find from that year list a 9100, not a 91000, is this the same truck / specs?
Does anyone know if it's possible to get replacement drivetrain parts, ie brakes? I'm planning to restore the truck and will need to source some parts for it somehow.
Hy 91000, Welcome, your truck is a Canadian GMC with a GVW of 25000 Lbs., it is powered by a Chevrolet 348 cu. in. V8 engine. Those trucks were available in five different wheelbases, if you post the trucks serial number I will decipher it further. I suspect your truck is a former fire truck judging by the twin spot lights and stainless trim. As to parts availability, the 1 1/2" bore master cylinder has been unavailable for many years, but it can be resleaved if necessary. The wheel cylinders should still be available, as will the flexible brake hoses. You should start your own topic on your truck, tagging onto this other post kind of hides you
Hello everyone. Well after 2 years of covid and finishing up other projects. I got into ripping this truck apart. Brought it home from the farm where I was storing it in the spring and came up with a plan. Keeping it all original with the patina. Going to rebuild the 348 engine and keep the 5 speed. Tried turning over the engine but it would not budge. Stripped engine down and found one stuck piston, I'm onto Vinager to free it up. Nothing else worked. Heres some pics of the progress and 75% of bolts broke on this truck. Lol Enjoy the pics.
I guess there is no home owner association there, I bet the neighbors like the project? That is one of the reason I had to part with my trucks some years back I had no space and lots of neighbors. Yeah one huge regret, especially for the selling price.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks. Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
Yes there is no HOA. Lol My neighbours are all good and know the truck is in the driveway for a short period. Till it gets stripped down and moved to the back shop. I do have lots of toys, atvs,dirtbikes and go karts for the kids. At the end of the day, everything gets put away and cleaned up. No mess and eno excessive noise. Neighbours understand and it's all cool.
At least now you know the correct color that it is suppose to be. Now you need to build the 2X6 cab lifting attachment for an engine cherry picker, by far the best way to remove a cab. Interesting those A pillar braces to floor? I didn't know they did that, kind of an obstruction in the floor area? I wonder why that was done? Looks like factory? Maybe to help strengthen the cab mount thinking the heavy duty trucks would be off roading a lot, for logging, mining and such.
Last edited by Truckrolet; Fri Oct 14 2022 02:55 AM.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks. Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
Yes. Planning on building a jig for the engine hoist. Ripped apart the spicer tranny force rebuild. All internals look good. Just a quick clean and reassemble.
Yes that is exactly what I was talking about. A bit over kill on the size of beams. I made sort of a T post in the center to make sure it gave be plenty of lifting height. That is the only way to lift a cab, very controlled and precise. Thanks for all the great pictures.
And if your shop or garage is not real spacey, it is sure nice to just have the cab there low enough and everything accessible to work on.
When I was cutting out parts like the steps and all, instead of what others do welding in square tubing and messing sheet metal up doing that. I fabbed some supports that bolted to the hinge point and the striker plate and if needed add more bracing to that, all bolt in so it can be used again. Plenty of factory holes to brace to if needed.
Last edited by Truckrolet; Tue Oct 18 2022 07:29 PM.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks. Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.
As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins
) you could find a rear axle cut off off of a modern truck that already has modern brakes and wheels on it. I got a deal on the single axle cut-off for my '59 just because I was patient and looked for a while. Can you post some more pictures of it? Also, as said above, share the vin number so the brain power here can noodle it for you. Big bolts are a lot of work because some of the parts are harder to find or at this point made of unobtainium. Said parts are bigger and heavier and require bigger tools, bigger jacks and jack stands etc. but, I had a blast working on my big bolt, well most of the time anyway. Don't forget about the patience part....oh and the money part....you will need a lot of both to see it through!
Never heard of a 91000 before.
