The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts My new , old GMC DF860 Cannonball

My 1959 GMC DF 860 cannonball arrived last month from Illinois. I have been working on it for the past 6 weeks getting it registered, servicing engine and drivetrain, waxing, etc. It was in excellent shape but had sat for 3 years. Then the fun began and I removed the 5th wheel and added a short flatbed. Found some missing emblems an ebay and a fan for the interior. Fixed a few leaks. Lowered the rear fenders and shortened the mudflaps. It runs excellent and have gotten pretty good at shifting. Seems easier to not use the clutch. I am going to haul hay on it for our horses. My wife has yet to ride in it. She opened the door and said" I thought it would be like the trucks in Trick my truck " Man, no appreciation for history. Her friends are liking it and since I put the flatbed on it it seems to have shrunk in size so she will accompany me to our big car show up here in Tehachapi in August. I have put 300 m iles on it and really like it. I have been looking for one off and on for a few years but a medical scare in April finally pushed me to do it while you can. This group looks to be a lot of fun. Take care and stop by if in Tehachapi for a ride, Tom www.thepetposter.com/cannon.html

Congrats, thats a beautiful truck !

That has got to be the nicest cannonball I've ever seen. They didn't even look that nice when they were new. And I'm old enough to remember when they were new.

Very nice GMC!
And what's that one you're winching the flatbed around with?

I had to look at this again, it really is a nice rig, and yes the new flatbed looks much better than the huge school bell?
Haa!! Haa!!
Whats up with that? Was it a package deal?

The flatbed was loaded into my pickup with a 1937 ? , not sure but I think it was an International. All I know is it had no brakes but did the job. I unloaded the bed from my pickup with my tractor and redid the deck after installing it on the 860. The bell was from a locomotive and used as a backup signal. It came with the truck and ws given to a friend who collects train stuff. Thanks for looking, next will be full chrome fenders on the rear and short black mudflaps. Longterm will be polished Budd wheels.

great lookin truck, what engine does it have?

Detroit 6-71 with 9 speed roadranger. Replaced a gasket today and got the tranmission to stop leaking !!

Actually, that's another Big Bolt also--either a Chevy, or another GMC, I'm not exactly sure. I thought maybe that was yours too.

The old boom truck looks like a late 40's International, I've seen a few around NC.

As for the DF860 is the transmission original or a modern replacement? A lot of the late 50's to early 60's diesel trucks used the roadranger R96 transmission which was a long case 10 speed with cable range shift, 5 low side and 5 on the high. This was around before the twin countershaft RT910 came out. We used both roadrangers when we were changing over from gas burning Chevys to diesel White 9000's and 4000's in the mid 70's.

James

Good question on the transmission. The former owner said it is a 9 speed although I have gone through 5 gears on the low and 5 on the high. Is 1st low really not used much and that is why it is a called a 9 speed ? I start in low 5 , pull the T handle to get it in high range and shift it as a 5 speed after that. Of course that is empty most of the time. If it is loaded with some hay I may start in a lower gear on a hill. Is there a number on the trans to verify what model ? I know the cable pull to change from low to high actuates an air switch on the trans. Thanks.

There should be a plate on the side of the transmission that will ID it. The Roadranger RT910 trans is a 10 speed, made for many years, and it uses an air shift range selector mounted on the shift leaver. The RT910 is as common on a diesel as a SM420 trans. is on a Chevy, parts are plentiful and good used RT910's are cheap. Its bullet proof, just make sure you keep it filled to the proper level with mineral oil. You'll rarely use 1st gear since its so low.

I just reread what you had to say about your trans, a T handle on a cable shift sounds like an earlier R96 roadranger 10 speed trans. They are the earlier 10 speed type, the transmission is long and heavy, strong and bullet proof just like the RT910. Both are direct 1 to 1 in 10th gear. We used the R96 on early White 9000's 'coupe cab' type, 1962 models we bought used in 1972. Great trucks, great transmissions! I still own one 1965 White coupe cab, will post pics of it one day.

Beautiful truck you have, would love to see it one day...

James

Thanks for the info. Could not find an ID plate but it is a long trans. The former owner said to use 90 wt gear oil. Do you know of something better to use ? If ever in Tehachapi, Calif let me know and come drive it, Tom.

I like it!

Got an update for this great old truck. I was real surprised when Tom sent me some video! He's got some more pictures coming, too - so if they are not there today -- check again on Monday! I'm needing one for the Big Bolts calendar!

Peg