The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 59 Spares truck with a 261 ?

I'm restoring my 58 long fleetside. It's all apart, but I know the 235 runs. Has low compression in the middle 2 cylinders. Don't hear any knocks. Other than that, who knows what I've got.

I found a guy in the area who is trying to get rid of a 59 short stepside 3800. He says it has a 261 rebuilt in the last 5 yrs. Has a 4 speed. It's not restorable, but has a bunch of parts. Windshield, two hoods. Good seat he says. He's not sure about wheels.
Truck is 3 hrs away. And about 4 hrs to where I'd store it at my Dads.

Any suggestions if I should make a big effort to pick it up for spare parts? Especially the engine and transmission? Or will this just sidetrack me from my current tasks.

Thanks guys.

I would pick it up, many guys want the 261 but I woundn't give much for it. "rebuilt" could mean it was repainted or just a head rebuild or whatever. If you can get it cheap and have a place for it get it if not let it go.

Come on, you know you want to go get it !
Haa!
If you get it dirt cheap its worthwhile, but just talk to the guy a lot and get a good idea what he does have, can't tell you how many wasted 8 hour drives I've been on just to see garbage.
If this is on Craigslist I've had almost nothing but flakes and outright junk from those people.
From people who don't even have it when you get there, but don't think its necessary to call you to stop your trip, to people who just aren't even there when ya get there, or even people who don't have a clue, I went to look at a ford fairlane once only to find out when I got there it was actually a rambler!
Personally I've made it a cause not to go that far again, but sometimes deals are too good, or too rare, to pass up !
Good luck!

i personaly would go look at it and make sure its a 261. And if it is a 261 make sure it has a running oil filter.