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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 | Hey everyone,
I have enjoyed reading everybody's posts for the past week. I have just purchased a 1956 Chevy 6500 flatbed truck w/265 6cyl.. I was looking for a 1966 truck but this one is in pretty solid shape for a '56. It has the usual rust spots on the rear of the cab corners and I will probably have to replace the passenger side door due to rust rot on the bottom(maybe it can be fixed?). Other than that this thing is rock solid!
The truck might have power brakes as there is some sort of diaphram on the master cyl.???????? Did the '56 have power brakes on bigger trucks? When I get ready to fix it up I'd like to add power steering if possible(is there a retrofit kit?). I would also like to add A/C(I found a kit available on Ebay for the half tons(What are some good add ons?). I meant to mention that it has a four speed trans. w/2 speed rear. Right now I'm in planning mode to decide what I want to do. I hope that I can pick the brains of all of you veteran stovebolters. Any advice is appreciated. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 | My name is Dave by the way. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | welcome to the 'bolt Dave-by-the-way! if the 56 has a 6cyl, it's the much loved [by some] 235 - in 56 they did have a 265, but it was the 'new' V8 - the 'power brake' bit is a vacumm brake booster called a HydroVac, the master cylinder is actually the wimpy little part under the floor at your feet, at least if it hasn't been modified
the power steering and AC are possibilities, as modern aftermarket additions that would require some creativity on your part, but w/ the 235 in a big truck you might be a bit underpowered - my advice would be to get it workin as good as it can in the original configuration, drive it for a while and get a feel for what the truck can do
the folks here would love to see some pics of the big boy - maybe you could send some pics for the gallery
Bill | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 332 Big Bolt Shop Curmudgeon | | Big Bolt Shop Curmudgeon Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 332 | Dave, you've already had the official "welcome" by Bill. He's one of the regulars around here, and extremely knowledgeable about all kinds of stuff on these old Bolts.
We will enjoy hearin' more about your truck and seein' pictures. Some of us are lazy about reading, and much prefer lookin' at trucks.
We also like stories. Where did you find it? How did you find it? How easy or difficult was the Previous Owner to deal with? Etc. Etc.
Ok, now don't be tellin' all yer stories all at once, but let's hear more about how she runs.
Got a name picked out yet?
Drivin' down a 2 lane country road in a stovebolt.....cowboy, it don't get no better than this!
1946 1-1/2 ton Chevy
"Ol Blue", or "THE BIG 'UN"
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 | Hello and thanks for the info. I guess it can't be a 265 since it is a 6cyl. I'll have to check to see what it is exactly. I'll post some pics ASAP. As for a name I have it already, Spot II. My dad had a '55 1/2 Chevy when I was about 4 years old. He went through that truck and repaired and replaced everything. For a while the truck sported many primered "spots" due to dads repair of dings or rust. We all lovingly referred to his truck as spot even after he had it painted. I can remember us taking rides in Spot and Daddy was understandably proud of this beauty and all of the work he'd put in it. Daddy sold Spot a couple of years later saying that he was tired of it but I know now that money had got tight and it was what he had to do to make ends meet. I remember being so mad at daddy for selling Spot(kids just don't understand bills and such). I guess Spot II reminds me of Spot so there's the name. I am showing it to daddy this weekend I hope. When I told him about it he just grinned and said he'd like to see it. Until next time.
Take care.
Dave | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 323 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 323 | Welcome Dave.
Sure would like to see a picture of your truck. I have a 56 6500 and 2 55 6500's. Your engine may be a 261 as it was an option for the 6000 series. Its a 235 with bigger pistons. Good luck and keep us posted. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | hey! I like it!! nice lookin truck Dave, but get that polishing done!!  Bill | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 | | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,733 | Really neat old trucks Dave. Need some mirrors on SpotII though. I really like the dump truck. Just a guess from the photo but it may have a Fontaine U30 or U40 hoist?? The round lift links make me think that. I really get off on the equipment as well as the chassis.  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,144 | Possible he has a 261 my 54 manuel shows them available so maybe thats what he has in the 56 6500 | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 117 | Yeah Spot II will need mirrors i'll have to add that to the list. Glad you liked the pics though.
Dave | | |
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