Greetings. I just acquired a 1958 860 tandem axle truck. loose but not running yet. Couple questions... Where can I get info on this truck? Are there many around anymore? Parts? Thanks for any help!
welcome to the site! I am sure some of the guys with the bigger trucks will be along soon and be able to answer some of your questions. What kind of parts are you looking for? I am assuming the 860 is a GMC? You might put a little more info about your truck in your signature. Also, stop by the welcome wagon and introduce yourself
Welcome to the forums agwss, look for a shop manual for your truck, and a factory assembly manual. Also, check out the GM Heritage site, they have "Vehicle Information Kits" that give a boat load of info. A lot of members have Big Bolts and have done major work on them, ask questions and you will get answers.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Smaller model GMC trucks in 1958 had an ID plate on the left door hinge pillar that had the serial number and engine ID information. I don't know if that carried through to larger trucks like yours. Larger trucks had a similar plate on the inside of the glove box door that had the same info as the tag of the pillar plus additional info about the transmission and rear end.
Below is extracted from the 1955-60 GMC Master Parts Book printed 12/60 and covering 100 series (small pickups) through the largest GMC trucks made during those years . The "S" series letter defines 1958 and 59 models. I have the book in both paper and .PDF form. I don't remember where I got the .PDF file, but if you are interested I could try to find out.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
That’s one big rig! Looking forward to more pictures and conversations on your truck.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
I've got the same style cab on a 61 American LaFrance fire truck, a single rear axle pumper. It's running a 401 V6 engine and a direct drive 5th. gear Clark 5 speed trans. I'm planning to remove the fire bed (rusty and parts missing) and add a commercial 5th. wheel and a gooseneck trailer hitch. The driveshaft mounted fire pump will be replaced by a 3 speed Brownie auxiliary transmission. 15 forward speeds and 3 in reverse! 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!
The 860 was an interesting truck. They used the larger "fat cab" like the 900 series along with part of the hood. They shortened it to meet length laws and used the 550 series grille. I have interchanged parts on these. I butchered a fire truck to make a tractor like I drove over 60 years ago. My 550 came with an Olds engine from the factory rated at 232HP while the 671 in the 860 was only 195HP. 60 years ago 671 Detroits got in my way.
So many of these old, tall rigs remind me of the styling cues found on so many modern trucks today. I think the Nifty Fifties rigs did it better ;-) in terms of styling, at least.
So many of these old, tall rigs remind me of the styling cues found on so many modern trucks today. I think the Nifty Fifties rigs did it better ;-) in terms of styling, at least.
Concur. Having driven both Billy Marlow's '59 860 and a brand new International Lonestar (the one with the retro front styling) -- Billy's 860 was way more fun but the Lonestar was waaaay more comfy...
JM
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery "Success comes in 'cans' ..."
Looking forward to more pictures and conversations on your truck. 
