The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts ~ The Short Truck ~

Here's one for all us guys with Little BIG Trucks, who has the shortest wheelbase on a stock chassis? Shortest Truck?

I have a 1960 Chevy Viking L60 it has the shortest wheelbase offered on any of the big truck, 121". The Cab is 89.75" BBC, it has a CA of 60", CE of 95" and a total leangh of 184.75. A short bed pickup has a wheelbase of 115", & OL of 186.625". So my truck is about a full 2" shorter then a Short Box Pickup.

Doggonnit Jolly, I'd have ya beat, if I hadn't removed all the sheet metal, & cab, from my '53 Chevy COE 5100 series tractor. It has a 110"in. wheelbase. As it sits now, it's just a rolling chassis.

Well Jolly,if Spanky would have had you beat, then maybe I can step up. I've got a 51 Chev COE tractor. Might have to measure it up this weekend. What do you think Spanky, is it the same length as your 53? That short wheelbase was one of the things that attracted me to the rig.

Joe

Hey Jolly,nice truck and I like the setting for the picture.
I have a question for you since my next project is a 61 C60 Viking? Is the rear end in your truck a 14 bolt and if so,is this the same rear end that is talked about so much by all the 4X4 guys? I think that rear end looks way to big to go under a pickup, but I dont know and thought you might.
Hobert

The Much talked about " GM 14 Bolt " rear axle is form 3/4 to 1 ton GMC/Chevy trucks built from 1973-88. The axle in my L60 is the Optional Chevrolet 2-speed 15,000 lbs axle. I have a GM 14 Bolt I plan on installing in my 1965 GMC 1 ton & upgrading to disk brakes.

Yep Joe, As I recall, your truck is also a 5100 series, so it would indeed, be a 110"in. wheelbase.

Jolly,
That is a real nice truck but there used to be a 60 or 61(not sure) GMC around here that was a mobile home mover. I'm not sure but it seemed a little shorter than yours. I'll check to see if it is still around. It was complete and parked in a yard about 15 miles away.

My dad's friend has a 1961-1966 Ford F-700 that is probaly about 12 feet long. It is a coe that once moved house trailers

Well My truck was also used to haul Hillbilly Mansions, those black spots on the door is were they painted out the name of the outfit that used it for so many years. It's got one BIG hitch sticking out the back.

I have not measured it myself, but I do know they cut off all the frame from the rear spring hangers back, not how much is gone, when some of this snow melts I could get out there with a tape and see, but I'll bet it not much as this truck is on the shortest factory frame for this size truck for this year.

We watched the Led Zeppelin concert DVD last night, The Song Remains The Same. In the scene where they are disembarking at the airport in NYC there is a '70s Ford that looks like a ½ ton with the rear wheels right at the back of the cab. A strange looking animal.

I travel a lot for work and I've seen those around often. They're used to tow trailers (baggage, etc.) around the airports. I've seen mostly F*rds and D*dges and some Chevys in my travels. I'm not sure if the airlines modify them or if it's a special from the factory. They sure do look funny, though. Must be a nice SMOOTH ride!

Those airport "tugs" were done by independant companies who specialize in airport/handling equipment. All started out life as regular P/U chassis.

Put this info with a dollar (or two) and it'll get you a cup of coffee.