I'm looking to purchase a 1956 T800. Owner believes it is a former fire truck. He says the VIN matches the title, however the year on the title is stated as 1959. Also, I'm curious to know if the auxiliary transmission for this year T800 is typically a 3 speed with 2 underdrives and a main, or 4 speed with 2 underdrives, a main and an OD. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I do not have info on trucks from that year.
That has the '56 look. A '59 looks very different.

https://vintagecarbrochures.com/coll...=9729309507628

If it has a Lincoln Y-block, parts are mighty scarce.

 

I believe it has the 332 Lincoln engine, as the owner says it is "very big, like a big block." I'm going to look it over in a few days.

 

Nice find! Top of the '56 food chain!, Much rarer than a F 600. Assuming it has air brakes? Dual rear drive or tag? Take a photo of the warranty tag rivited to left door jamb. Rear axle ratio 8.60 or 7.80 option. MD 5 speed standard, HD 5 speed option. 3 speed aux. were 1.27 under, direct and .85 over or 2.0 under, direct and 73 overdrive option Would make a great show truck. The 56 model year had an extended run in South America, I believe up to '62, many equipped with Perkins diesels.

 

It is a dual drive w/air brakes. I'll be getting the warranty tag info shortly. I wish it were a '55 C800 dual drive instead. But, hey.

 

Good bones! Looks like it has the heavy duty 11K front axle also. IMO, the '56 always had more eye appeal than the '53-'55, not to mention many improvements, especially the 12 volt system.

 

 

Is this correct?
1956 T800
332 2V 178HP@3600RM
45000 GVWR, WB 192"
5Speed w/3Speed(2 under + direct)
Not sure on color code. Read "H" is Platinum Gray.
What is M 07M7227613?

 

It is the top of the line GVW at 45000. Engine is the K code 332 178 hp with 2 barrel carb, the reason it does not have the hood scoop. The 4 barrel S code version was good at 200 hp with hood scoop and dual exhaust. Came from the factory with the heavy duty 5 speed, the 3 speed auxiliary could have been installed afterwards. With the 8.60 ratio, hopefully you have the .73 instead of the .85. The model number on box will tell. H code is where manufactured, built in Detroit, Michigan. Color code is M which is Yellow, the color I see under the floor mat in photo on post # 7. The number after H are the consecutive unit number, beginning 10001, so it must be one of the 79117 built in '56. Unfortunately someone repainted the truck red and painted over the id plate, the M 07M7227613 is stamped in the production code area. This T 800 is definately worth saving, hard to find! Here is a photo of a lighter duty '56 T series with the tag not repainted.

 

Ratios??

 

1.27 under, direct, .85 over

 

​​​​​​
Truck appears to have gotten a FE upgrade in the 60's. What HP/Torque inputs can this box handle??

 

More likely, an FT upgrade, 330, 361, 391. For a tandem, hopefully its a 391. The aux. box can easily handle a 391's hp and torq. Replace the 5 spd HD with a 5 spd HD Overdrive, combined with the overdrive in the aux. box, and you will have a double overdrive set up to bring down those 8.60 rears ( assuming it will be retired from hauling heavy loads and becoming a show truck cruiser ).

 

So... Did you buy it?

 

X2! A year ago. If not, is there a contact? The natives are getting restless.