The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Spartans and Vikings

As some of you may know im attempting to build a custom 54 gmc 350 AD truck but, i have always wanted a spartan or viking after seeing a repurposed firetruck spartan turned into a rollback car hauler coupled with the fact i grew up riding around in a 56 1/2 ton pickup im just in love with they way they look. Can anyone tell me how much wider the frames are in the front on the spartans or vikings? I may have the chance to get my hands on either one but the seller is not able to get up and around like they used to and it is too far away for me to run over and measure. i know they came with a big block v8 so it has be be wide enough to fit that in there, and before i take on a second and possibly third project are there parts available for these trucks? Sheetmetal, fenders, grille components etc or is it more than likely id have to track down a good original part to replace them with?

Not sure about 60-61 Vikings and Spartans, but during 58-59 the frame widths are pretty much the same throughout Apache, Viking and Spartan. The cabs, hoods, and inner fenders are the same while the Vikings and Spartans had the wider fenders, grill and grill support. Those parts aren't reproduced.

I'm confused as to what trucks your are trying to compare...are you trying to put a 58/59 frame under your '54 GMC or are you trying to compare the '56 1/2 ton pickup to the 58/59 Viking/Spartan's?

Mike B

this is what i needed, i have a 56 1/2 ton i can measure off of to get a close idea

No sir, just trying to get some sort of engine bay dimensions so i dont run into the same issues with the spartan or viking trucks as i am my 54. being super narrow limited engine options and just a whole list of issues. basically trying to see if these would be easier to build into what i want, if thats the case ill go back to stock on the 54 and just spend the money elsewhere on one of those trucks.

The Vikings and Spartans were designed to accommodate a V8 engine. So, you are good to go. The AD trucks were only available with an inline 6. That's why you are limited to only a few engine choices (inline 6's) without having to make a lot of changes.

Good luck.

John

Lots of people install V-8’s where there once was a 6cyl.

Ed

I tried a mock up with 2 different engines and the blocks wouldn't fit between the frame rails. so i am going 6 cyl diesel. for the AD, and if i snatch up one of these trucks i mentioned i will be able to have even more options for a motor.