I am the recent owner of a 1963 P350 with grumman body#00417KSF6310M. I'm inquring about information and documention on this chassis. The (domestic Special Order) code is 740597 and VIN# P35BH393469. I guess at one time it had a blue envelope in the glove box containing a copy of the Special Equipment Parts List used on that particular vehicle. The selling dealer also has a yellow copy. I would also like to know where another VIN is on the chassis. If you require more information please ask.
I'm looking for a hard to come by piece of glass for this 1963 Grumman step van.
The windshield is six pieces and the middle passenger side curved glass badly cracked. I need a replacement piece to pass inspection. I have included pictures of the identifying plates and the broke windshield it’s self. I can provide you with more information and pictures of the vehicle at your request. I'm still waiting on a reply from Grumman on the part number and manufacture of the OEM glass. If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it. It’s the only piece holding me back from enjoying my van.
Thank you for your time,
Can't help you out there but that sure is a fun looking van..
I had two cousins that used to work for Grumman Olsen in the Fresno area. They are not old enough to have worked there in that year and probably couldn't help you..
galvanized knight, Welcome to FTE and the 61-66 forum.
Let's leave the photos in the galleries so our brothers with dialup don't have their visit slowed down by a photo posting fein.
Looks like you have run up on an old Merita bread truck. These trucks have 30 year bodies on them, and go in for rebuild every few years to be fitted with new engines, trannies, etc. to run the 30 years.
John
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In the cool still quiet hours of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
Jowilker is right about the 30 year body's. I worked in the garage at "KERNS" bakery in the late 70's. We had mostly "Evergreen" bodies fron Evergreen, N.C. which were 63 models. We would bring them in every few years and completly rebuild them, from the ground up. You would surprised at how many miles a bread truck can rack up in just one years time. Strangely enough, we found that the Chevrolet,Series 30, double duty chassies would hold up much better than the Fords.
Funny I though they made those bodies out of aluminum so they wouldn't have to redo them. I like the fact there is no paint to chip or peal. Well its 13 years over is due date assuming it hasn't even been rebuilt. I guess theres only about 124000miles on it judging by the clean untempered with chassis and body. Once I get a windshield piece and a bumper It'll become a service vehicle for my home heating and cooling business. The more information the better for me no matter how small.
Thanks for the replies
Lance
With the searching I've done its seems like FTE members: chex and y block bill have similar vehicles. Does anyone have a Email for aerobilt bodies, INC Athens NY? I have already sent emails to Grumman, Ford Fleet, Stepvan.com and Speedy auto glass looking for that piece of glass and general information on this vehicle.
There is a company in Ohio (Mill Supply) who supplies a vast amount of parts to the
users of all three of the major step van companies. I'm sure they are on line, I haven't
dealt with them since I retired. I would contact them and see if they have any records
concerning your model. They have been around a long time back into the late fifties.
I was in awe of its large goofy wooden bumper on the back of this beast. So i did i little searching and I believe there is a loading ramp slot in be hide it maybe just maybe with the loading ramp its self still inside. Check out these picture to see what i mean.
As well as emailing a few big automotive glass companies about the cracked piece. Yesterday I went into the local glass shop that had helped me before by getting me a windshield for my 1976 Toyota Chinook camper. They suggested that maybe I could replace the windshield piece with lexen. I would very much prefer having the original piece for my rig but it is an alternative that will get it on the road. Being we just went through our Canada day long weekend and 4th of July the responds to my many emails have not been returned yet. I am hoping today I'll get a few of the first responds in my inbox. My step van is number 597 off the line so there is a possible 596 of these vehicles out there. On my van there are some faint images from decals that have been removed of other companies that have owned this van before e.g. a microscope and a sunburst. If you have any information at all please post.
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P 350 grumman olsen aerobilt all aluminum body 1963
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