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#79246 06/26/2007 6:09 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
L
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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a friend of mine has a 1954 chevy pickup and he says that his engine is a 261cuin! i thought these engines were only fitted to the later 60's trucks. does anyone know if the 261 was fitted to the 1954 pick up??
thanks for any help
Danny


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#79247 06/26/2007 7:28 PM
Joined: Sep 2001
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
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limey dan,

If you search on "261" in this forum, you will find a lot of info about the 261.

In 1954, the 261 was an option on only large trucks (5000 series and larger). Someone (even a dealer) could have easily fitted a 261 to a 1954 1/2 ton truck.

Tim

#79248 06/27/2007 12:28 AM
Joined: May 2004
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B
'Bolter
'Bolter
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When I 1st got my truck from my Dad, his mechanic who had experience with these trucks told me my truck had the 261. Even though I felt he was a guy who would know, he was wrong. As Tim said, do the search and you will find out. You can find casting numbers at inliners.org


1962 Fleetside 4spd 235 w/O.D. posi 3:90
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#79249 06/27/2007 12:41 AM
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Shop Shark
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Correct me if I'm wrong (which I'm sure somebody would do) but don't the 261's have 2 little cast vertical bars....like captain's bars up under the intake/exhaust manifold? They sure would make it easier to ID a 261 than by shuffling through a handful of papers. This would eliminate the 235's and concentrate the numbers search to only 261's.

Dave


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#79250 06/27/2007 2:28 AM
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B
'Bolter
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I remember reading that not all years had them. Quite possibly the 1st year? http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/cgi/htmlos.exe/004167.5.2657531052500029880


1962 Fleetside 4spd 235 w/O.D. posi 3:90
In the Stovebolt Gallery
1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon AWD 2.2 5sp
2013 Ram Tradesman C/V
My Webshot Photos]
#79251 06/27/2007 3:47 AM
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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No need to shuffle through papers. Here are the 261 casting codes.

#79252 06/27/2007 6:19 AM
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Extreme Gabster
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The "captain bars" are over the starter, not on the intake side.


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#79253 06/27/2007 6:35 AM
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B
'Bolter
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Here is my 59 block. It has "captain bars" on both sides. The 1/2" fittings for the oil hose is also a way to tell a later 261.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2490814160071636143DcYPwA


1962 Fleetside 4spd 235 w/O.D. posi 3:90
In the Stovebolt Gallery
1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon AWD 2.2 5sp
2013 Ram Tradesman C/V
My Webshot Photos]
#79254 06/27/2007 11:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
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B
'Bolter
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My 1954 261 block has the captain bars on both sides also.It is out of a 1954 2 ton truck.


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#79255 06/28/2007 3:42 AM
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
As stated above, the "captain's bars" are not a sure indicator of a 261, especially in 1954.

As stated in a Jim Carter Tech Tip:

"Watch for the "Captain's Bars!" The 261 has two pairs of parallel raised 3/4 inch long bars cast in the block. This is not seen on a 235 except 1954. One pair is above the starter and the second pair is at the top middle of the left side of the block very close to the head. See photos below. The one exception is the early 261 produced in 1954 to mid 1955. It has only one "Captain Bar" above the starter but keeps the pair on the left side."


The best identifiers are the casting numbers (linked above).

#79256 06/28/2007 4:21 AM
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'Bolter
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Thank You,TC.
I've printed out that info.,,,i know a buncha people that'll want copies also.
As usual,,youre the walking,talking shop manual!

Happy Truckin,
Marty


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