(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

o/t chevy viking

N

notjustair

Well-known Member
I need a grain truck to haul feed. I've only had Fords in the past. Found a very nice '58 Viking I can get for a good price. He said he was driving it when the head gasket went. Losing lots of coolant down the side of the block but runs well, wasn't overheated, and is definitely not cracked. How easy are head gaskets to do on the old jobmaster online 6's? I have no problem wrenching, but would have to do it now and it's getting cold!
 
Which series is it, as even a series 60 could come with the 261 Jobmaster. It isn't that bad to change the head gasket, but may I suggest considering replacing the engine with a rebuilt V8?
 
BTW, I love the old 2 tons. They are stout, yet, slightly underpowered, in my opinion. The Viking is better than the Dodge of their day, and about par with the Fords. Studebaker trucks are only cool, cause they don't still make them. I learned to drive on a 53 Studebaker and a 58 Ghetto Hearst(Also called a chevy panel van in more refined circles). Next year, I'ld like to get a two ton stakebed, most likely whichever one is around cheap.
 
Not a bad job, I would either fix and keep the 6 that is in it, or swap in a GMC 270 or 302 industrial 6, I tend to like the sixes better than V-8s in a bigger truck, you would have to go to a 454 to get as long of a stroke as the sixes, they are much more torquey down low. A chevy 292 six would be another good cheap swap.
 
The hardest part of the head remove will be getting the exhaust pipe off. Take the head and manifolds together, you should be done by noon.
 
I'll cede that the six does have a slightly longer stroke resulting in a bit more torque, yet, for day after day heavy use, I still feel the V8 gives better preformance, even for the agricultural use. I'm not saying the six is a bad motor, just overall, the V8 is better.
 
If your just going to haul grain a short distance a few times a year, just replace the head gasket and top end gaskets. If your going to be a little rougher with it, have the head redone with hardened valves and seats. If your going to get crazy with it, find a decent 427 or 454 preferably pre 1974. I've had and seen small blocks in several bigger trucks and while dependable they do have their hands full if the gearing isn't right.
 
Grab it, Great old trucks. Better than a Ford for lugging power.
I've got a 55 chev 2 ton. It's kind of like my dog, part of the family.
 
Fix the six!For your uses it will do a fine job.It will not be a racehorse,but niether will the V8-gearing."Convertions"Can be a real PIA,and can get expencive,even a "bolt in".
 
(quoted from post at 11:01:24 12/03/11) Fix the six!For your uses it will do a fine job.It will not be a racehorse,but niether will the V8-gearing."Convertions"Can be a real PIA,and can get expencive,even a "bolt in".
Click to expand...

You sure are right about not being a race horse! I've still got a '58 here that my dad used to haul sweet corn with the the late '60s early '70s. 4400 RPM at 55 MPH but it hauled 7 - 9 ton loads for many years, most of them overloaded on the rear axle.
 
A head gasket shouldn't be that difficult. And, as has been mentioned, those 6's are practically bulletproof. Plus, the 58's are cool looking. I'd get the truck.

If you want more info on Chevy trucks, check out the discussion forums on www.stovebolt.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
67 IH Farmal gas 656 coolant in oil pan & shifter st
Replies
3
Views
377
Papaw8
P
jon f mn
400 finally running
Replies
15
Views
1K
RBnWA
R
P
188 D case 530 CK water in oil
Replies
3
Views
671
John Saeli
J
2
chevy 6 liter...water in oil
Replies
17
Views
4K
2x4
2
L
Small diesel diagnostics?
Replies
19
Views
5K
lastcowboy32
L
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top