The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New member questions-help?

I have a 1951 Chevy Fire truck with a 235 engine. I've been reading on the internet about the AD pickups but not much on the 2-ton versions.

So do the parts on the small AD pickups fit on the 2-ton versions? I want to change out the brakes, and tires to make sure it stops when I need to. It runs great and has 20,000 originial miles on it. Anyone have experiance with this type 6400 series and any suggestions on how and where to start the effort to bring it back to like new?

Thanks from a new member.

the short answer is no. the longer answer is there are still SOME parts houses that still stock bigger truck parts, including rebuild kits for brake parts, and complete wheel and master cylinders. try napa. you might have to wait for a bit when ordering parts, and unless you can find a knowledgeable parts guy, have a hassle with a parts guy who knows only what's in a computer, but remain persistant. some bigger truck brake and parts specialist can be really helpful in locating parts.

welcome aboard, and keep those posts coming.

oh yeah, a picture would be nice. stick one up so we all can ooooh and ahhhhh at it!

Thanks. You are correct. It is hard to get parts around here. Yesterday I found out when I ordered a fuel pump for the truck its not going to be easy. The clerk kept teling me it was a 216 engine in the truck. Like I wouldn't know what engine was in my own truck. Anyway, he finally gave me one for a 235 and I have to wait for it to arrive.

I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out how to do it. I'm reading the directions.

I'm trying!
[img]http://www.iaffl2924.com/51chevyfront.jpg[/img]

Other side: [img]http://www.iaffl2924.com/1951truck.jpg[/img]

Here is the truck as shown in 1958. It is the originial fire truck to run out of our fire house in 1952. [img]http://www.iaffl2924.com/1951originalview.jpg[/img]

In the last two weeks, I'm trying to get started restoring it. I plan to make it look now as it was in the last photo. It needs paint, labor and TLC but it runs very well. I'm putting some time into research before I mess it up. Thanks.

VAft,

Nice pictures. The big truck guys on this site should be quite helpful. I have light trucks - both of them lived in VA years ago.

If you do not have them yet, I suggest you get hold of a 1953 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual (48-53, most likely) and a Factory Assembly Manual (1947.5-1955.5; actually it is for 54/55 but you might find the diagrams very helpful). The company that sponsors this site should sell the manuals (American Classic Truck Parts - click the flashing ad/banner at the top of this page).

http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/...&iyear=1953&ytype=to&exyear=

Tim

Thanks. I've ordered both books. The VIN is: 14VWK4777 1951 Chevy 6400 series Built in Baltimore in November 1951. I'm learning more about the truck every day.

I want to thank you all in advance for my many questions. I'd like it to be just like new when it is finished so we can place it in the future fire department museum.

PRETTY SHARP OHHHHHHHHH-AHHHHHHHHHHH! in a bunch better shape than most projects start! i have my eye on a 55 or so 600 series fire truck, but, well, i been sorta derailed on project lately. again welcome, good to see ya here!

sorry there moderator, i know welcoming new blood is sorta one of your jobs, but i gets alittle excited when new big truck guys show up!

I got excited myself when I located this forum. I have read many 1/2- 1 ton AD truck web sites but the big trucks are limited. Glad to know others are out there. I hope I can ask you all and learn from your experiance.

I have already gotten the "How to restore your Chevy PickUp" book and I am reading it and trying to put it all into a plan for restoration. Do you all think it is best to work on the motor and drive train first before the body and paint? My truck drives pretty well, so I'm looking at brakes, body and paint followed by interior renewal. I thought about an "off the frame" restoration but after crawling under the truck, it isn't rusted. It has been stored in a fire house for about 50 years. It was outside sometime in about 2000-2001 before I got it back.

I think the interior size in the cab is the same on all the AD trucks. Is that right? I don't want to buy parts when they will not fit. Like the front bumper...It looks different on my truck than in the pickup parts catalogs for the smaller AD trucks. Are they the same size?

Anyway, sorry about the rambling...

You'll give my '46 2 Ton AD truck a complex if you keep callin' AD trucks small!

I'm new here as well, and I can tell ya this is the best place to be if you've got questions regarding your truck!

Here's a tip given to me by another member:

Chevrolet will send you a FREE 'restoration pack' which is touted as being the ULTIMATE REFRENCE for restoring these old beauties.

I ordered mine last week, so i've yet to get it to see what's all in it, but it's free.. what do you have to loose?

Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
P O Box 7047
Troy, Michigan 48007-7047

Phone: 1-800-222-1020

Ask for the "Restoration Package".. they'll ask you for your trucks VIN, and model year, so have that handy when you call.

That truck of yours is a real beauty!

Yes, Coolamundo VaFT!! And welcome to the Stovebolt Page!

Before you do anything else, be sure to email us one of those photos and the writeup of the truck for our Gallery.

And speaking of the Gallery, have you been to the other parts of this web site? We have a great Tech Tips (well, it's getting there) section, feature stories, extensive list of old truck-related links and other useful and entertaining info to help you on that big truck. Just use the menu bar at the top of this page to go poke around the rest of the site.

Also, we have a pretty good search function. This particular Bulletin Board has been on the site since 2000, and the web site itself has been online since 1995, so chances are pretty good we have the info you are looking for. Also, as you read this Tech Tips, we're one of only a very few old truck web sites that has info on the bigger trucks (Along with Jolly Goodfellow's '60-'66 site. There may be others, but Ours and Jolly's are the only two I can think of. Jolly hangs out here, too.

And you have Tom Brownell's book -- great! Did you get the new version? The new version has a section in it for big trucks.

Now, to get down to business, as Kool and the others said, about the only stuff that interchanges with the pickups on the AD trucks is the cab and all the stuff in or on the cab (Interior, doors, weather stripping, etc) hood, fenders and chassis are different. Engines, if original, on the 6000-series will be a 235 (One of the other guys can tell you when the 261 became available as an option for the big trucks -- I forgot). The 4-speed SM-420 transmission is the same as can be found on the 3/4-tons and up.

I have a 4000 series truck (Ton and a half that's in the bulletin board logo at the top of this page) that I'm restoring and so far, I've had pretty good luck finding everything I've needed. I think the biggest challenge has been the parts for the rear axle (I have a 2-speed from a '51 2-ton), but so far, so good! On wheel cylinders, axle bearings, etc, NAPA has been my main source. Everything else I try to get from American Classic because they sponsor the site. Jim Carter and the other vendors listed on the Links Page are good, too. We have some of them flagged for having big truck parts too, I think.

Anyway, you've come to the right place for help with that truck! We've got a good crew here and they'll help you out. You're off to a fine start -- keep the questions coming!

Regards and welcome!
John Milliman

Thank you all very much. I'll put something together for the Gallery too! I'll reading every word on the web site and learning alot. Thanks again.

Sorry about the "little truck" comments.

Virginia Fire Truck, I will echo the welcome from others on the Stovebolt Page.

I take off for a day, and first chance I get to do the job as the new moderator of the Big Bolts, I fall outta the saddle and skin m'self all up. But John and the men here have just stepped in helped out, as they always do. Thanks fellers.

You have a fine looking old Chevy there, and you will find more fire trucks and such as you poke around here.

Keep pesterin' everybody with your questions. They all love puffin' out their chests and telling you everything they know (which is more than you want to hear). As you discover more and more about your truck, you will compile a great deal of information which you can then share with the next 'bolter.

And that is what old trucks and The Stovebolt Page are all about--passing it on.

What a fine looking truck. I'm sure you're going to have it back 'as new' when you are done. With the help of all the good folks on here you'll accomplish that for sure.

You asked about the order of restoration and, not that I'm an expert, I would think doing the mechanical stuff first, then the interior and paint would be the way to go. You never know how doing engine work, or other, might just scratch up that shiny new paint.

Lots of luck and good times.

That,s a sharp truck. You will have agreat time with it. I would get some experienced person to help with those rear brakes.They can be tough to work on & if you don,t get those hubs on right you can ruin the axle or wind up with grease all over the brake shoes. They are also tough to bleed. Wecome to the bolt websight. Great bunch of people.

A beauty to start with. My suggestion would be do the brakes etc. first as you dont want to mess up the cosmetics while getting something straight uner the hood or while moving it around the yard.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Hello Va.FT, Nice look'in 'ol Chevy 2 ton, you have there. I own quite a few 2 ton AD Design trucks, so any time you have questions, feel free to email me, if you like. I make several trips to Va. Beach yearly. My wifes sister, & her family live there. Check out some of my trucks here, http://community.webshots.com/user/snubnose4754

Great looking firetruck!! It's cool that you also have that old picture to go with your current ones. You can see that there have been a few changes over the years. Good luck with it!

The only other site I know of with any big truck info focuses on GMCs - www.oldgmctrucks.com - some of it might still be helpful for a Chebby, though.

BTW, great truck - good luck with resto!

Thanks. BTW: I have the originial version of the book:"How to restore your Chevy Pickup." I didn't get the new version. At the time, I didn't know there was a new version available.

VA Firetruck,

The revised addition is really good. You should read John's review. Many of the Stovebolters helped with the chapter on Big Bols. Check out John\'s review of Tom's book.

The other fellows can tell you if it's worth the "buy." Since we have a Big Bolts section in the forums now, I imagine these good guys will be able to help you out a lot!

Cheers,
Peg

Ok next question: I want to put new tires on it (8.25-20) but the commercial tire dealer asked if they were split rim? He also said, "someone might have changed the wheels as a 1951 came with 18" rims." Help?

He says they can't work on split rims due to the insurance company will not allow "suicide rim" work...Any ideas or info?

Those wheels sure look like they'd be 20 inchers'!!

I would be quite sure they were original too. The guy you talked to may be right about his insurance.

Since they still make those 8:25/20 tires, some competent tire shop will still be able to mount them. Just check around your area for truck tire dealers.

There are previous threads about the 'split rim' thing so you might want to peruse them on here. There's nothing complicated about them but then, they're not for amateur tire changer's either.

Good luck finding a willing shop.

Those wheels really are 20". The tires have 8.25/20 on the sidewalls. They appear to be the original rims as they still have the pin strips on them that is shown in the 1958 photo.

I have a retired firefighter who just donated six brand new Pirelli radial tires size 8.25/20R. I'm just trying to get them mounted...

The comments above were exactly what the commerical tire dealer told me this afternoon. I'll keep looking for a dealer who'll put them on the rims, but what have the rest of you done for tires?

your tire dealer was incorrect. 20 inch tires and rims were standard on your truck. 18 inch was on the heaviest 1 tons. Don't know if Franks truckstop or Big Charlie's on northhampton boulavard would be of any help getting them changed

Thanks. I'm still looking for dealer. I'll ask at Charlie's on Tuesday.

I found a tire dealer who is willing to work on the split rims! He has the spare tire and is changing it out this afternoon. I'll let you know if it works out and what happens. Thanks again for the advise and support. This big truck thing is all new to me. I can drive'em but repair them? Not in a million years...

Good looking truck! I have a 54 6100 and it came with 8.25 X 20's on it. However when I turn sharply going up an incline the tire rubs on the frame. My old tire man told me that quite often the old trucks used 7.50 X 20's on the front. I put on the 7.5o's and no more problems. I had trouble finding someone to change the tires on split rims so I bought the tools and change them myself. Jim

I haven't noticed it rub. I'll take a look at that. Maybe because I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia where we do not have any inclines it hasn't occurred.

I found a tire shop that would mount the tires and dropped off one of the split rims and a new tire yesterday to see if he could do it. One question: is it better to refurbish the rims without tires on then and then put on rubber or does it matter? Also one of the tire dealers told me not to allow sand blasting the rims as the metal is very thin and it will weaken the metal. How do/did you all clean up the rust and build-up off the rims and lock rings?

I have hired a restoration company to refurbish my truck starting yesterday. I wanted to do it myself but just do not have the time or room (and mechanical ability) to take it off the frame to do it right. They agreed I could come in the shop anytime to work on the truck with them and learn about the process. It is a small local outfit. I hope it is an enjoyable endeavor. I’ll keep you all advised and I’ll keep asking questions! Thanks again.

I have 7.50 x 20 tires on my '46 1-1/2 ton and do not have a problem, but there is very little clearance between the tire and the fender well on tight turns.

Does anybody know if the use of "clamshell" fenders was related to 8.00 x 20 tires on the trucks to mitigate the tire clearance issue?

Or were the clamshells specifically for something else?

I cleaned up the wheels with a wire brush on my electric drill. When I got all the rust and crud off I sanded them wtih 110 grit paper then 220 grit. I wiped them clean with lacquer thinner, sprayed primer and then painted them white with old fashioned enamel. The air compressor and paint gun all came from Home Depot. As I replace a tire, I sand and paint that wheel. Big Boatswain Blue 6100 with white wheels.

Thanks. I'm working on the rims but there is a lot of rust.

BTW: I obtained a new siren/light for the top of the fire truck to replace the one knocked off in 1962. Here is a photo:
[img]http://www.iaffl2924.com/lightsiren.jpg[/img]

How many porn sites did you have to visit before you found that "red light"? It's getting pathetic, ain't it?
Scott

That's funny. I don't care who you are that right there's funny...

Actually, I found a link from a firefighter's web site and I was in!

That is a very nice truck you have there!The talk about not sandblasting the rims makes no sense to me. If the metal was that thin, the wheels wouldn't stay together. The restoration guys will know what to do for the rims. I don't think that there is any other kind of truck category that would get as much TLC in it's lifetime, as a firetruck!

The restoration crew is sand blasting all the rims but the one (spare tire) that I'm working on. It does seem like heavy duty metal and even with the wire wheel the rim is cleaning up nicely.

And you are right about the TLC a fire truck gets. The problem with most of them comes when a bright shinny new truck shows up in the fire house and the old one gets thrown out. Its sad that there are few firefighters who really value those old trucks.

In my case, the truck has been stored in a heated and AC fire house all of its life except for about two or three years. Once we have restored it, it will forever sleep in an old fire house as long as I'm alive.

My new question: Original paint type. I've read about the colors and seen the paints offered in the Jimmy Carter catalog but my truck refurbishment contractor wants to paint it in the "newest" type of paint he says will last forever and has come along way since the 1950's. I'm not sure what to tell him. Any ideas? It's a historical fire truck and I want it to look like it did in 1951 but I do not want to waste the chance to get the best restoration job on it. Help again...