The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre 55 S2 3100 with inflatable seats

Hello Fellow Bolters! I am the proud owner of a former 1955 6500- series 2-Ton,fire-truck,which is now equipped with a 14-foot flatbed/hoist. When I first acquired this (almost) gem, it ran pretty well, considering that the gas was at least 2- years old,(and Ethanol-un-leaded) to boot! My friend drove it about 10 miles, then called and said that it was running on 5 cylinders, and smoking badly. I removed the valve cover,and found 3 bent pushrods! Thanks to the great stovebolt support folks at PATRICK'S of Arizona, I found out that my truck is equipped with a 261c.i. block,with a 235 head. According to their knowledgeable staff, that's the equivalent of fuelie 202 heads on a 327! I was also curious about this particular truck not being equipped with an air- filter, especially since it was origionally used as a fire-engine. These industrial engines were designed to self-clean their oil through the oil-bath air filter, although I change the oil every 1,500 miles, just to be on the safe side. (I like my oil to look like honey on the dip- stick.) I had the head rebuilt, using PATRICK's advice of installing "lead-free" valves, to keep the carbon from building too much excess. That was the cause of my bent pushrods in the first place. I also replaced the gas tank,sending-unit, fuelpump,and rebuilt the carburetor, thanks to the GREAT folks at L.M.C. As soon as I figure-out how to submit pic's to your AWESOME gallery, I'll submit some photo's of what she looks like so far. Your site is BY FAR my most favorite on the Web! Thanks for all you do! [email protected] Happy Holidays! . P.S.- If your truck is equipped with solid lifters, it is highly advisable to add "Z.D.D." or equivalent oil additive to prevent scoring of your lifters and camshaft, since most newer oil composites don't have sufficient zinc added, due to newer government standards. Happy Bolting!

I will try and get some pictures up as soon as I figure out how. This seems like a really cool option - seems like others would want to figure out a way to keep them working. Yes this is a 55 second series 3100 half ton short bed.

Hi Guys, I moved wetwilly5757's post from the Interiors Forum to the Welcome Center and in the process moved the post that responded to his post, along with the original title. The original "52 S2 3100 with inflatable seats" post can still be found in the Interiors Forum, less the comment by remohbill.
Rusty46

Welcome to the Bolt wetwilly. This is THE place to be for old bowties. See ya around the garage.

hey wetwillie, welcome to the garage ... it's not clear from your post if you have a 1st [AD style} or 2nd [TF style] series 55, and you maybe mean it doesn't have an oil filter? oil filters were optional back then, air cleaners were standard, frequently an oil bath style

we'll be lookin for some pics when you get that together, just put your storey in the DITY forum

Bill

Welcome wetwillie, I also wondered about the filter. I'm sure you wouldn't drive it without an air filter. Is your head an 848 head (last 3 digits on the casting number) I have that head on my 261 as well. Happy bolting to you too!

Leo

Sorry guys- You're right about the OIL filter! that's what I get for being in a hurry and not editing. My truck is a second- series Task- force, by the way. I saw something really strange on "youtube recently... A 1955 Chevy 6500-series, with a 1st-series cab, and a 2nd-series front-end! I think the truck is from South-America. Check it out,if you have time. I finally got my frame welded, so now I can use my hoist. It operates like-new! Last week-end, I removed the fenders and front-end, to take care of some small rust issues. I Hope to have her painted before the snow flies. I'll keep you posted. Happy Bolting! Sincerely: Bill Hickey ( New Guy) [email protected] "It takes an awful big dog to weigh a ton"

Welcome Bill, Please try to post a few pictures for Peggy to put in the gallery. You have a story and a name. All we need is a few pictures, even just one for now. If you can't figure it out, send one or two pictures to me at [email protected] I will pass it on to Peg. Thanks!