The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts '58 Viking 60 for a first time attempt at a restoration

Not too sure if I have it in me. I have never attempted anything like this before, but I couldn't pass up on this truck. It looks to me like it is in pretty good shape. and It was awful lonely out in a field. A '58 Viking 60 Dumper. With what I believe is a 283 in it. 5-speed manual and a two speed rear end.
That's what brings me here. I was hoping to find some answers.
On the placard are;
SN=864803B812813
Engine TV106991
Body Number 52800
Paint FC234
Now this is a Canadian made truck and finding information on Canadian versions is proving tough.
My questions.
Is this indeed a 1958?
Is a 283 the stock v-8 in these? (I understand this may not be the original engine but what was the optional v-8.)
and what color was this truck new? Orange, turquoise?
Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Glad I found this place!

Welcome,Iron Byron!!Three engines offered for'58 Chevy trucks. (G.M.C.'s another story.) The smaller trucks,(up to 1-1/2-ton,had the option of the 235 "Thriftmaster, L-6,or the 283,which replaced the 265 V-8,in'57. The 1-1/2-2-tons, were offered with either the 261 L-6 "Jobmaster",or the 283 V8,which only had approx. 5 H.P. more output,than the 261. No knowledge on Canadian codes. I don't think the 248's/409's,(V-8's) were available until '59. Sounds like a NICE find! Any pic's? If you can work on an old car or truck,with no computer crap,then you'll have no problem with a bigger truck. Some items,(like wheels),require bigger tools/torque settings,and a few more vacuum-operated items,(2-speed rear)but,designed for easy service. 5-speed may be O.D. unit,(check data tag),and coupled with a 2-speed rear,would give you decent gas mileage,at lower engine R.P.M.'s,less engine wear,increased fuel mileage.

Thanks WetWilly. The tranny has L+1to4. That's what I would call a five speed, but maybe its a four? I am green like I said. It does have some rust on the cab and the fenders. I know I am pretty excited to get into this truck.

Welcome Byron!

Granny gear plus 4 makes it a 5-speed...5 forward gears.

Can't speak for the Canadian trucks but the 348 V8 introduced in 1958 was only available in the 90 and 100 series US built trucks. All of the other smaller series trucks got the 235, 261 or 283 engines. The 60 series had the 261 standard and the 283 optional.

Mike B

Thank you Mike, I began to wonder about the tranny because everything I found was saying that a 4-speed was standard in these trucks , with an optional 5. Too rare a find for my luck.
Am I correct in believing that the eight, the first digit in the serial number would represent the year built?

Anyways here are a few pictures. Hope it look like a keeper to y'all as well

http://sdrv.ms/13XyJTS

Viking 60

yes the leading 8 = '58, the 6480 is the exact model, and it does look like the original 283, although with a skookum alternator upgrade

Bill

Glad to hear it! Thanks Red. I was hoping that the original engine was in there. Need to confirm it with the block number correct?

yes, but I'm not sure the stamped engine numbers for CDN production are the same as US, so most relevant will be any casting numbers and date codes you can find on the block, heads and intake

Bill

Yes, that's a keeper!

I like the accessory tachometer...that is a rare option on a 60 series truck.

The transmission looks like a New Process...is the shift pattern

L 2 4 R
..3 5

Mike B

Yes, that is the exact shift pattern. Well, its

L 1 3 R
..2 4

What is a new process? Sorry. Wish I knew more. Its really loose, but I can feel each gear. Can parts be found to rebuild these these if necessary?
Are you saying that this alternator could have come with it?

Any info I find on the NP says it was used in the 60's. Could this be a replacement?

New Process 5 speed is in the '57 shop manual, also a "heavy duty" 5 speed that's a Spicer .... you need a '58 shop manual, available at the vendors

Bill

I cannot shed any light on the engines used in CN trucks but here is what the photos tell me:
it has been repainted in the present blue color as evidenced by the overspray on the frame. The cab bottom and corners rusting is a common site on these older GM trucks.(AD & TF series)
The dump body is not original to this trucks because it is too long for the WB. Even proper mounting of it wouldn't close the distance enough to make it work properly. There appears to be frame under the rear past the spring ends which is where it would be cut off normally. Looks like a pretty good project truck and should be a lot of fun.

Yes, it appears it is a New Process 540. Not too sure what letter designation.

Thank you Moneypit. All of this info is great.. Any yes, it does look like a good project. Wish me luck...

IB,

The Alternator is not stock, your truck came with a generator.

Your Tach sending unit is mounted on the fire wall (black box with a big straight blade screw in the cover). They were made by Sun and sold/installed by Chevrolet...should be 0-5000 rpm.

L 1 3 R
..2 4

Is this the way the gear shift knob is marked?

These big truck are fun!

Mike B

Yeah,I thought they came with generators as opposed to alternators.
Yes, my knob is marked just like that. Is that significant somehow?

I don't remember ever seeing a knob marked that way...

Mike B

It's very worn, but when I get a chance I will post a pic

It looks like it has had some kids driving it at one time, its probably going to need a new clutch, they could have tried racing it too, it likely needs a bunch of work.

I think that the kids in the picture are probably of the perspective buyer's,or the current owner. If the shift knob is worn,it would've been from years of use,which those transmissions were designed for. All of these old trucks need a bunch of work,but that's part of the adventure!

Yes indeed. darn kids!