The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 1962 Grumman-Olson Kurbside step van (New Mexico)

Hi folks,

My name's Konstantine. Some folks call me Kon.

Glad to be here!

I've got a 1962 Grumman-Olson Kurbside aluminum body step van. I try and find as much info about these as I can given how little there is out there.

It was built from the factory on a 1962 Chevy P30 platform, with a 235 motor, 4-speed manual transmission, and an Eaton rear end.

I've been building, and working on bikes for a long time, but this is my first foray into getting elbows deep with a 4-wheeled vehicle (other than oil changes, tune ups, and swapping out the occasional radiator).

It's been running and driving since I got it about 4 years ago, but I basically had to redo most of what was already done given that the previous owner did a lot of sketchy stuff.

I'll likely be asking all sorts of questions and looking to learn as much as I can.

Thanks and looking forward to meeting good folks.

I've added a link to my Instagram account for the Grumman. It's got pics and posts of some of the work I've done.

I've also got a YouTube channel called KZ_Kon with a playlist dedicated to the Grumman, if anyone is interested.

Kon - Welcome to Stovebolt! You've got a very cool truck there and I see you've already posted a DITY Gallery of your own to fill us in on more details!

You've gotten right through the moderation process and achieved full 'Bolter status in about the shortest time I've ever seen. Congrats on all this and thanks for introducing yourself and your truck so well.

PS = I'd suggest you add your basic truck details, and links to your Instagram and YouTube links in your signature line of your member profile. That way they always show up in all your posts anywhere in the forums. It's helpful when folks read your posts/questions for them to be able to see what truck you're working on when it comes time to try and help with technical topics you may want to discuss. Saves you from having to repeatedly type it in each post too.

Looking forward to more posts from you.

Let me add my welcome to Gdad's!

We have several folks here who are into those cool Kurbsides. My friend Vic ("VEW" on the site here) is one. I've actually had the honor of driving his. They are so cool and fun to drive! As you probably already know, there are a lot of specifics unique to those trucks and he/they will be a wealth of info and help.

Way back when I was a summer hire for a beer and wine distributor (Pine State Beverage in Augusta, Maine) I got to drive a "modern" (well, for 1982, anyway) one on a regular basis. Fell in love with them then.

I'm glad you found us!

John

The best thing about a Grumman is that it doesn't rust!

It's been a good Grumman day!

Four years ago, I bought a new shift boot to replace the torn up one. I promised myself, however, that I wouldn't install it until I got the Grumman running well, and dependably. Well, that day has finally arrived!!! 🤘🏼❤️‍🔥
What a good feeling! Before putting on the new boot, I cleaned and greased all of the components that sit under it.

I also decided to swap out the skull shift knob I put in back then with a new, black, Mooneyes knob because why not?

Last for today was having new tires installed. I bought 225/70R19.5 to replace the 8R19.5 that were on there since I bought the Grumman. The 8Rs all had cracked sidewalls, so it was time. Also, I wanted a slightly shorter tire (the 225s are about 1.5 inch shorter), and wider (they are about 1 inch wider) than the 8Rs.

The lower height is mildly noticeable, especially when getting in and out of the vehicle, and the wider footprint makes driving smoother and easier and it tracks better. Also, the 225s are only 14-ply, compared to the 16-ply of the 8Rs, so the ride is more plush and softer. All in all, I'm happy with the end result.

I gotta say, it's fun getting to do the smaller, final touches on the Grumman, rather than just always worrying about it running well. I still have a ton of work I want/need to do, but not so much crucial and critical work, anymore. I get to have fun setting it up and making it look like I envisioned.

Love the progress and will celebrate with you from afar. Neat to continue the "Moon Eyes" theme inside to the shifter handle.

Konstantine, take a look at this shift boot in another thread. I think it might be a better choice than the round peg in the square hole situation you have now.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1615167/floor-mats-for-4-speeds#Post1615167

Thanks, Dan! Your shared enthusiasm is much appreciated.
I did want to continue the Mooneyes theme, but also wanted to keep it a bit subdued, hence going for the black ball with the eyes, rather than their standard yellow.
Plus, it feels better in the hand than did the motorcyclist skull knob.

Hi Otto.

Thanks for that link. Interesting. The boot I put on is a direct replacement of what came off the vehicle, so I assumed it was the correct boot for it. It even had cutouts underneath for the mounting studs to sit in.
I'm wondering now if what was on there was an incorrect replacement at some point in its life?

Prolly the only boot the previous owner could find at the time. Grumman surely wouldn't have let the vehicle out of the factory with such a jerry-rigged shifter boot that doesn't cover the hole in the floor.

The round boot may have been the one used for a different application, like a pickup truck or something.

Ah, I see.

My chassis, motor and drivetrain are a Chevy P30, so that may be why.
This boot was the one listed for my vehicle on the Mill Supply site. I'll keep the link you send me in mind. Thanks very much.