The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1954 Chevy 6700

Hello all,
I am new here and new to stove bolts also, so I have a lot to learn! I recently purchased a 1954 6700, and am currently working on getting it moved and sizing up the project. After much debating and going back and forth, I think my first choice for what to do with it would be to restore it back to original shape (if I can find all the parts). Much of the motor is missing, it is pretty much just the short block that is there, so I am going to need to find a donor motor for parts. Anyone know what the motor options are for the '54? From what I read the 6700 is a 2 ton chassis(I could be wrong). Any advice on my project and any tips on finding parts would be a tremendous help. Thanks in advance!

Hy mystro, welcome, so you have a school bus to restore then? If you could look on the engine block for some raised numbers and post what you find here, that would help us to tell you what engine you have, this may involve a lot of scraping and wire brushing to find the casting numbers. The truck probably left the factory with a full pressure oiling system 235 engine, a 261 engine may have been an option for that size of truck in that year. A complete engine for transplant into the truck may be a better option than trying to resurrect the short block you have, hope that helps.

As 3B posted, 1954 67xx trucks had a standard 235 engine and optional 261 engine (high-pressure engines with the "high-mounted" water pump).

here are locations of engine codes

If you have a 261 block and it is rebuildable, you might want to use it (a later higher-compression 235 head can be used/adapted). Or, post the block for sale/free in the Swap Meet.

Thanks for the info! and yes I think another motor would be the way to go, as the cylinders are full of water and mud. I believe the motor is a 261 but wont be sure until I have the markings located. To answer your question it is a school bus with a wayne body, been sitting in the timber since '78. The previous owner of the property and former junk yard was the bus driver for his church, so anytime they had a bus go kaput they gave it to him. there was a 56 chevy bus there also. I believe mine is a 28 passenger, which I think is the second biggest? At any rate I've alway thought old busses were way cool and '54 was my favorite chevy truck, so when I happend across it, I had to have It!

Thank you for your reply! I'm not planning on giving up on the original motor at least until I can pull it out and properly examine it. I'd sure like to use it if it savable and so long as I can find a head and all the rest of the parts its missing.

Got any pictures of it? I'm a retired School Bus Mechanic, & used to own a '49 Chevy 6700 Perley Thomas Built bus myself.

Yes I have a few pictures, I am going to try to get them on flickr so that I can share them on here

Wow, thank you!! I am actually in south east Iowa on the Mississippi. I did manage to find some parts through Car Quest, I'll definatly check into Sturdavents. Mostly what I need is brake and suspension stuff at the moment at least until I figure out which direction I am going with the motor.

Nice bus ! My Thomas Body bus had only one warning light (in the middle) at the top in the front, & back. Check with Geoff at, www.alretta.com for brake parts for you bus. Dude has supplied many members here with what they needed for their Stovebolt trucks.

thanks for the info spanky! Ill check them out. I know its a few years off but I'm not sure if I want to go with the classic yellow, or 552 turquois and white for the paint scheme.. I am just too excited about this project!

I don't know about Iowa, but here in North Carolina School Buses were Omaha Orange (which was a Factory GM color) with black fenders up until 1972. Then for 1973 until now, the color was solid Yellow.

this one had black fenders, but it was definatly yellow. The Church it belonged to seem to have painted the bottom half teal so it was yellow on top, tea on the bottom... its safe to say what scheme I will NOT be using haha

Sent a P.M.

pulling the bus out today (lord willing) I'm terribly excited and also a little nervous :/ I will be there to supervise so If the going gets rough it will have to wait till the ground thaws a little

couple days late but shes out! came out with flying colors and no further damage!

Great !, Lets see some more pictures.