I have been trying to find some information on a C700 that my family has had sitting for years and that I thought would be handy/cool fixed up and usable. It is a tractor-type unit rather than any of the other styles (box truck, fire apparatus, etc.) and I have been unable to find much information other than that it has (possibly) a 292 engine. I was hopeful that the VIN could be promising, but my research has not been very successful. I was wondering if anybody has any resources or would be of any help with this? I attached a photo of the only identification of any kind that I could locate, as well as the truck itself. The information plate is in the glovebox door of the truck. I appreciate any information whatsoever! Thank you!

 

That looks to be a very solid early C series. The 4 headlight setup was only done for a year or two I believe. That probably means it is a 58 or 59. Having said that, NumbersDummy is the real brains around here. He can decode the Vin number and can probably tell you what the guys who build it had for breakfast that morning.

If it is an early one, it's likely to be a Y block but may not be a 292 I'm not sure which ones were offered in the bigger trucks but I do know there were several displacements. I've got a soft spot for them, but not the most practical engine these days. (says the guy who is currently running a 534 SD engine for which everything is out of production).

I've got a 1963 C850 and a parts truck. I've been tinkering with mine for a couple of years now and here's a few things you probably want to know if you're serious about getting that old girl up and going.
#1 Don't mess with the shift linkage. Trust me on this. Oil it, grease it, hunt down parts and replace them if need be, but don't adjust it.
#2 Nobody reproduces anything specific for these trucks. There are some new old stock things, and If you're patient things do come up on ebay. I bought a low mile parts truck and have slowly been robbing bits and pieces off of it.
#3 Make sure those wheels aren't split hub, or lock ring. If they are, be very wary of messing with them.

These aren't the most practical trucks by 2020 standards but they have ton of character. Mine is not the best example but I've become unreasonably attached to it.

 

Your wheels are tube type, with lock ring demounting. Those are good wheels, just make sure whoever changes the tires has changed tube type wheels before.

If your truck has a Y block engine, according to what I have read it's either a 292 or 292HD. From what I read the Lincoln Y block was only in trucks that had 50 in the number, such as 750, 850, ect. I believe yours is a 1960 because of the Ford emblem on the front. Judging by the orange, it may have been an old Roadway Transportation truck. They had a gazillion of those C cab Fords for city work.


EDIT: It appears the engine that came in the truck was a 292 - 4V HD. I think the transmission decodes to a 4 speed.

 

Thanks for the help!

The shift linkage is actually something that caught my eye when I first took a look at this thing. What a lot of moving parts! I’m sure once a person knows the ins and outs it wouldn’t be too horrible. Diving into it blind would be a nightmare, I’m sure!

I did find out that the engine is indeed a 292. As for the split rims.. they’ll definitely be leaving as soon as I get a chance. There’s not many places that will handle them around here and even though I have dealt with them and have people who would help, it’s one of those things I’d just rather not do.

 

I like to call the gear selection on those trucks "wrap around shifting". The shifter will go around and around in any gear. Just point it in the direction of the gear you want and push.

The heavy duty W series cab over trucks had wrap around shifting also. First tractor-trailer I drove was a 1967 W9000 back in '76.