Not sure if I am posting this in the right place. I have aguired a 1963/64??? Gumman step van with a Chevy six in it. I plan to restor it and use it as my transportation to the races. I race vintage motocross and this cool old truck will hide my bikes and provide living space for my travels. Motor run good and trans works great. This was an air force step van from what I can see, most likely off one of the local bases near me. Here are my issues 1 how do I tell what size motor this is? 2 there was a vac/boost tank for the brakes under the drivers side. It is missing and I am not sure where to find a used or rebuilt one. Or is there a more modern replacement unit to boost the brakes??? Thanks! Richard aka sidecargezzer
This site is mostly dedicated to the pickups with an occasional larger truck. The step van is a little off base. I am unfamiliar with the early step vans. I had a mid 80's version of the truck and I will base my answers on that truck, so some things may not apply. My engine was a 4 cyl Cummins. It was a retired potato chip / bread truck. These trucks are noisy inside when driving, the diesel really made mine loud. The top speed is not so speedy. When it is windy they are a hand full to drive. These step vans are quite roomy and will hold your bike and living requirements. If the early ones were like the later ones the body is all aluminum. They don't rust but are still suseptable to corrosion. With vibration the bodys will crack. Sincy yours is military it probably does not have that many miles on it. The later units like mine are prone to rust in the rear spring area of the frame. Before you start spending a lot of money make sure simple parts like brake drums and shoes are available. Someone else help with the 6 cyl ID please. If the vac reservour was just for the brakes it can be built of most anything. There will be no positive pressure if it is for a standard power brake system. It suprises me that this truck would have power brakes. The later units had hydroboost. Since mine was a diesel with a turbo there was no vac available and hydroboost was a necessity. If this truck has air over hydraulic brakes you are in for a nightmare.
Thanks for the reply, I was just told in a call that what I have is a Chevy 2 ton truck chassis with a 292? chevy six of course with a Gruuman body on it. Is there a better spot on this forum or any place else I might check that you know about? Once more thanks for the input
For help on bigger trucks The guys at Stovebolt have forums for almost any type of Chevy truck. You might give them a try. http://stovebolt.com/ Stan
