1957 P600, 272 V8, T98’s 4-speed manual questions
#1
02-24-2019, 03:39 PM
1957 P600, 272 V8, T98’s 4-speed manual questions
Good day, all!
First-time poster here, so your patience and indulgence are much appreciated...
I am the proud owner of a newly-acquired original Bookmobile that served the Butte County (CA) library system for 20+ years before being mothballed for most of the ensuing 40+ years. Appears original, including the drivetrain.
I started restoration in on in earnest a couple of weeks ago. Rebuilt carb and dizzy, replaced ignition wiring, and drained/refilled transmission oil. Brought the engine to life last Tuesday, successfully moved it 50 feet under its own power on Thursday.
Next comes brake overhaul. Any tricks to removing the master cylinder?
the Beast has power assisted drum brakes. While inspecting the undercarriage, I came across a smallish tank about the size of an oxygen tank, just forward of the fuel tank. At first I thought it was an auxiliary fuel tank, but then I noticed a hose attached to it from the brakes vacuum booster. Can anyone tell what this tank is and how it works?
And finally (for now anyway), I need to replace both serpentine belts. What’s the best approach to tackling this job? Tops/tricks to share?
many thanks,
Bob
First-time poster here, so your patience and indulgence are much appreciated...
I am the proud owner of a newly-acquired original Bookmobile that served the Butte County (CA) library system for 20+ years before being mothballed for most of the ensuing 40+ years. Appears original, including the drivetrain.
I started restoration in on in earnest a couple of weeks ago. Rebuilt carb and dizzy, replaced ignition wiring, and drained/refilled transmission oil. Brought the engine to life last Tuesday, successfully moved it 50 feet under its own power on Thursday.
Next comes brake overhaul. Any tricks to removing the master cylinder?
the Beast has power assisted drum brakes. While inspecting the undercarriage, I came across a smallish tank about the size of an oxygen tank, just forward of the fuel tank. At first I thought it was an auxiliary fuel tank, but then I noticed a hose attached to it from the brakes vacuum booster. Can anyone tell what this tank is and how it works?
And finally (for now anyway), I need to replace both serpentine belts. What’s the best approach to tackling this job? Tops/tricks to share?
many thanks,
Bob
#2
02-24-2019, 05:50 PM
What do you plan to do with this thing, convert it to a camper? Be aware that the MPG will be terrible!
A pal of mine is in the auto literature biz, bought a bookmobile in the late 1970's. Since he lived in Pomona, I assume he bought it somewhere here in LA LA Land.
He planned to use it to haul his literature to swap meets, but became very discouraged due to the lousy MPG
P600 is rated as a 2 ton truck, officially it's a P series Parcel Delivery. Some have factory front sheet metal with an aftermarket body, some are just a rolling chassis, the entire body is aftermarket.
Some P350's, P500/600: With power brakes, the master cylinder is on the firewall, the Hydro-Vac remote mounted power brake booster is located on the frame rail.
The small tank may actually be the booster itself, or it's a reserve vacuum tank for the booster.
No 1953/77 P series had serpentine belts. No Ford truck did either until the 1980's.
Post the VIN .. When I decode it, I'd like to see if this is actually a P600.
A pal of mine is in the auto literature biz, bought a bookmobile in the late 1970's. Since he lived in Pomona, I assume he bought it somewhere here in LA LA Land.
He planned to use it to haul his literature to swap meets, but became very discouraged due to the lousy MPG
P600 is rated as a 2 ton truck, officially it's a P series Parcel Delivery. Some have factory front sheet metal with an aftermarket body, some are just a rolling chassis, the entire body is aftermarket.
Some P350's, P500/600: With power brakes, the master cylinder is on the firewall, the Hydro-Vac remote mounted power brake booster is located on the frame rail.
The small tank may actually be the booster itself, or it's a reserve vacuum tank for the booster.
No 1953/77 P series had serpentine belts. No Ford truck did either until the 1980's.
Post the VIN .. When I decode it, I'd like to see if this is actually a P600.
#3
02-24-2019, 07:14 PM
What do you plan to do with this thing, convert it to a camper? Be aware that the MPG will be terrible!
A pal of mine is in the auto literature biz, bought a bookmobile in the late 1970's. Since he lived in Pomona, I assume he bought it somewhere here in LA LA Land.
He planned to use it to haul his literature to swap meets, but became very discouraged due to the lousy MPG
P600 is rated as a 2 ton truck, officially it's a P series Parcel Delivery. Some have factory front sheet metal with an aftermarket body, some are just a rolling chassis, the entire body is aftermarket.
Some P350's, P500/600: With power brakes, the master cylinder is on the firewall, the Hydro-Vac remote mounted power brake booster is located on the frame rail.
The small tank may actually be the booster itself, or it's a reserve vacuum tank for the booster.
No 1953/77 P series had serpentine belts. No Ford truck did either until the 1980's.
Post the VIN .. When I decode it, I'd like to see if this is actually a P600.
A pal of mine is in the auto literature biz, bought a bookmobile in the late 1970's. Since he lived in Pomona, I assume he bought it somewhere here in LA LA Land.
He planned to use it to haul his literature to swap meets, but became very discouraged due to the lousy MPG
P600 is rated as a 2 ton truck, officially it's a P series Parcel Delivery. Some have factory front sheet metal with an aftermarket body, some are just a rolling chassis, the entire body is aftermarket.
Some P350's, P500/600: With power brakes, the master cylinder is on the firewall, the Hydro-Vac remote mounted power brake booster is located on the frame rail.
The small tank may actually be the booster itself, or it's a reserve vacuum tank for the booster.
No 1953/77 P series had serpentine belts. No Ford truck did either until the 1980's.
Post the VIN .. When I decode it, I'd like to see if this is actually a P600.
Attached are pics of the Ford data tag and the plate affixed by the builder, Gerstenslager. It’s definitely a P600 chassis and drive train.
I guess i St I misspoke when I used the word serpentine... it’s the two fan belts.
#5
02-25-2019, 07:46 AM
Add my welcome. From your profile I see that you live in MA. There, like in most areas of the country, the original equipment wheels on your bookmobile might present some issues when it goes in for tires. That is unless they are tubeless 22.5”. The original tube type 20” two piece wheels would have outer rims known as the Firestone RH-5°, today called widowmakers. Some time on Google learning about them would be well spent. But if you have the tubeless 22.5s you are in good shape. Stu
#7
02-25-2019, 10:54 AM
Add my welcome. From your profile I see that you live in MA. There, like in most areas of the country, the original equipment wheels on your bookmobile might present some issues when it goes in for tires. That is unless they are tubeless 22.5”. The original tube type 20” two piece wheels would have outer rims known as the Firestone RH-5°, today called widowmakers. Some time on Google learning about them would be well spent. But if you have the tubeless 22.5s you are in good shape. Stu
I was was concerned about the wheels being widow makers, too! Fortunately, they’re 22.5” tubeless tires. Whew!
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#9
02-25-2019, 11:28 AM
Not 100% sure yet exactly how we’ll use it, but it definitely won’t be as a camper.
Attached are pics of the Ford data tag and the plate affixed by the builder, Gerstenslager. It’s definitely a P600 chassis and drive train.
I guess i St I misspoke when I used the word serpentine... it’s the two fan belts.
P60 = P600 Parcel Delivery.
L = 272 2V Medium Duty Y block.
7 = 1957.
E = Mahwah NJ Assembly Plant.
39051 = 1957 Numerical Sequence of Assembly, the trucks specific serial number.
154" Wheelbase.
P = Primer finish (painted by the body company).
24G = Assembled July (G) 24, 1957.
F = Borg-Warner T-98 4 Speed Manual Transmission.
11 = Timken model F106 Single Speed Rear Axle / 6.80-1.
17,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
153 net HP @ 4,100 RPM
0214 = Domestic Special Order number, truck ordered special by the original purchaser, not "bought off the lot."
This P600 has Ford front sheet metal and instrument cluster. Plus, the seldom seen deluxe truck white steering wheel and horn ring.
What's interesting is: You live in MA, the truck was assembled in NJ, but it was sold new in CA .. Surprising because back then, most Ford vehicles sold new in CA were assembled in San Jose.
#10
02-25-2019, 01:26 PM
That is a neat truck. Good news about the wheels. We had one back in the early 80's, when I was working as a carpenter. It was a 58, but it sure just like it. It was an old bread truck and it was handle for construction work. However I am not sure if I spend more time fixing it or driving it, LOL. Ours did have widow makers.
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