I just picked up a 58 Ford C series cabover and had several questions. Same body style as the 60-83 year cabover. I have been into 60-62 Ford/Mercury cars for the past 10 years and have zero knowledge on these trucks.

Transmission- Engine appears to be a 292 or 312 Y block with 4 speed OD. I would like to add an automatic transmission as the old school manual shift is a bare. I haven't driven a beast like this since I was a kid. Are there any beefy Auto transmission options out there? Eventually, I will replace the engine as well but not near term.

Tires/wheels- Tire costs are expensive as they are 9.00 R 20 which don't appear to be too popular anymore. Wheels are split wheel which require tubes. Am I better off replacing these wheels in the long run or keeping them? I'm not up on the reliability of these (I have heard of widowmaker wheels and hopefully I don't have those type of wheels).

Brakes are standard hydraulic type brakes. Any upgrade option aside from the expensive air brake route?

Power steering- any simple options to add power steering? Can I buy a pump that mounts to base of steering shaft? I have seem after market RAM assist units but not sure how they work.

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions at once.

 

What C series is it. Dont think I ever came upon a C cab with a small block
more like a 302 or 332 Y block. The automatic was Transamatic (spelling) with is a six speed Allison. Power steering is a little complicated on these, better
off finding a set up in a junk yard they are out there- any year C cab unit
will fit. Wheels what kind of hubs? most are 20" Daytons where as you can
but 22.5 tubless anywhere. Or disk rims on the light trucks like C600 or
something. My ole brains telling me I think widowmakers were already
phased out by then...And then If your in the C800 C900s can be had with
10 lug disk rims -dont know what you have.......as you said "expensive
air brakes" you got that one backwards= juice brakes are the expensive
worthless ones.

 

I'm not sure which model I have. Challenge is the title says 1958 Seagrave as it is an old fire truck. I plan to take the ladder off and make it a car hauler. (yes I know it's a shame to do that). Tried to decipher VIN and only got partial information. Here's some pics of it along with pics of wheels.

 

Those are side ring, Dayton demountables. Not widow makers. Tube type. You can if you wish, as Big Job said, substitute tubeless 22.5" outer rims in place of the 20s. They bolt right up, but have special balancing techniques. Easier service, more plentiful tire choices. Stu

 

Thanks for heads up on balancing. I understand those wheels are almost impossible to balance. I just called a shop and they recommended adding a weighted bag they sell for the steerable tires.

 

Ah the picture clears a lot up. What you have is a C800 or C900- I say
C900 due to the front axle (the heaviest one). I give 100% its got
a 332 Y Lincoln with a 5 speed Clark trans. Or being 1958 Its possible
it may have the new 401 /534's which are quite massive.. Yesterday I took a
look at my power steering just to (update my brain). Quite simple
set up; all of it is a bolt on, bolted on the left frame rail. No creeper
involved. Again, It never ceases to amaze me why in hell, citys and
towns spec a truck of this caliper with out air brakes & power steering
just for the sake of budget, like buying a new Caddy or Lincoln without
A/C power windows and seats??

This weeks juice brake epesode. Wife smashed another fender in
Wallyworld light pole; brake pedal went to the floor? Rotted brake line in a
5yr old Escourt? I know women aint truckers but what if it was a baby
carriage. Heres ours C900

 

it is definitely a Y block. I would say most likely a 332HD.

Any pics you can post of power steering set up? I need to call around to Big truck junkyards and it would help if I could see what they look like.

 

I wish I could give you a pic but this new PC will not load my camera..
as I said its a real simple bolt on system. I think you will have to fab up
a pump bracket cause the 332Y bracket will be a hard to find item. And most
later C models have power steering.
sam

 

1957/63 Ford truck parts catalog lists the 292 for 1957/63 C500/700. 302/332 Lincoln derived Y blocks listed for 1957/63 C700/900.

So, there's 3 possible engine sizes for a C700. 312's were only installed in Passenger Cars.

The only 4 speed available was the Warner T-98, it does not have O/D

OP: Your truck is registered by its specific VIN .. the engine code is the 4th digit, post what it is.

 

The 4th digit of VIN is the letter- F.

Found an old parts book. That would be a 332 engine correct?

First three letters of VIN are C82 which would be a C800

 

1958/59: F = 332 4V / C82 = C800 Tilt Cab, 9,000 lbs. front axle capacity with hydraulic brakes.

 

To the OP, how soon are you wanting to be using this truck?

I really love the looks of that truck, If you are not in a hurry you might keep your eyes open for a newer parts truck. even if you find one with higher miles there are many part like brackets that more miles don't matter on.

And I agree with the other poster that Air Brakes are the way to go if you get that option. That is why I was recommending the part truck idea.
I'd look for one with close to the same weight rating on the axles.
Who know s you might just find one with air brakes the wheels and tires you want.

My 94 F700 has the standard frame with and I swapped a air ride axle and suspension from a Freightliner 120 OTR tractor under it and it drive so nicer now. It looks factory if you didn't know F-700 truck didn't come with air ride in 1994.
That is just an example of what can be done.