The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts New to this section

Hey All,

Hello to everyone in Big Bolts. I'm new to this area of Stovebolt, and feel kinda "small" as all of my projects have delt with regular size vehicles.

I saved this 1959 G.M.C. 370 L.C.F. from the crusher. (you can read my story under heading below signature) I will have a bunch of questions dealing with rims, brakes,
P.T.O., and more, as this is pretty much all new areas or of little experiance on my part. I was a professinal mechanic for many years and dealt with the little cars and trucks.

I would enjoy your input or thoughts (good or bad) on what I have to start with and problems I may encounter or what may need addressed that I have not thought of.

I will thank you all now for any advise you may have!!!

Welcome,
What are you going to do with the truck? Or what do you want to do to it if anything?
With that info you'll get better advice.

Grigg

Great truck and great find/save.
Keep us posted on the progress and bring it to KC next Sept.

Stranger, thanks for saving another piece of American History!

Hey Grigg & 2-Ton,

First the answer to Grigg. My main objective was to save the truck from being crushed and that was accomplished. After getting it home I/we started tinkering with it and got it as described in story. As what I am going to do with it, only time will tell. At this point I just want to get it road worthy. I am curious as to what others have ran into trying to accomplish the same with a truck of simular condition. I have been toying with the idea of a car hauler or maybe just a flatbed for swap meets and general hauling of bigger loads. But thats all down the road.

2-Ton, thanks for the compliment and will try to keep posted whats going on. Right now it sit behind the shop waiting warmer weather. And yes I am allready thinking of K.C. in Sept. I had a bunch o fun last year!!!

Looks like you have a good solid vehicle to begin with. A 370 is nothing more than a pickup with a little bit heavier axles and frame and bigger tires and wheels. Your photo says polishing the chrome. Do you have the massive chrome grille for it? In my opinion, that is what makes these GMCs stand out.

I saw this on Craigslist. I'm glad it was saved. Looking forward to the progress.

Thanks Achipmonk.

Crenwelge, the truck had no grille when I purchased it. I have been looking for one but no luck as of yet.

Vetteman, I was the one that posted it on Craiglist. I had found a 56 3100 and was trying to raise the cash. No bites and the '56 sold.

Hi,Frank! Brakes and tires are the most expensive/essential elements in getting your truck road-worthy. you may be lucky,and have "SAFE" rims,but I THINK the majority of the 6-hole,6-bolt "Big Bolt" rims are Firestone "Widow-Makers". If that's the case,you may have a time trying to find a set that fits,or changing the hubs,to adapt the 10-hole,10-lug rims. If I bought that '55 T.F. L.C.F.,I'd adapt it to the frame of an'87 Brigadier,equipped with a 3408 Cat/10-speed Fuller/Rockwell 2-speed rear. The "Brig" is already set-up to pull a gooseneck,along with electric/air trailer brakes,(depending on the trailer). This will make the truck much more efficient,(better brakes,22.5 Radials,higher road speed,better fuel economy. It doesn't hurt to dream,but the "Brig" is only $2,000!! This could happen!! Now to win the "Lottery"...

Hey Stranger, Looks identical to mine. Check out my photobucket below.
I tend to disagree with Crenwelge. These are LOTS more than a beefed up pickup. The cowl post tag says 19500 lbs. This is a heck of a big truck. I think it was Spanky that said they were like a 2 and 1/2 ton. There is a total of 8 wheel cylinders.
Yep, brakes first. Cost me a grand, but I have great brakes now.

Wetwilly5757 Thanks for the advise on the rims and yeah I know that "Win the Lottery" way of dreaming!

Old GMC Gold I'm kinda thinking like you. None of my 3100 or 3200 had air brakes, electric rearends, pto, governer, ect. As for Crenwelge, I think he meant all nuts and bolts like a pickup just on a bigger scale and a differnt set of manuals!

The tires are holding air for now and that allows me to move it around if need be. Think I will start with the mastercylinder and work my way back from there. Other projects in the shop occupying my time now so work on the '59 is research and questions for now.