New member M-135 CDN build

[cruiseroftheland]

Hello everyone,
I recently acquired a 1956 M-135 CDN.
For all those purists, you might want to look away, as this will not be a restoration

The engine and transmission were no longer original. It had a massive GMC V6, 432 cu.in. and some kind of GMC manual transmission, but they were never finished. It was not a running project, but overall it looked good. The previous owner passed away and lived up by Horsefly/Williams Lake area. He built the engine for the truck, so I'm hoping the rest of the components are in good condition (like brakes, wheel bearings, etc) if it warranted such investment.

Mine goal is significantly different. The body is ok, but missing a few things and has some dents. The box is in good condition. I will not be keeping the cab, so if anyone needs parts, let me know. I will keep the box, but not for the truck. I have a 4 yard, 3 way dump box (currently on my farm Dodge) and I have a different cab (1st gen Dodge D250 extra cab).

I live in a very rural area east of 100 Mile House, BC and need the truck for the property. I have a 1992 12V 5.9L Cummins in good condition out of my current farm truck. Since the M-135 has a divorced transfer case I will be doing a full swap and since I want to be able to have low gears still, I chose a commercial truck transmission with overdrive.
I was able to find a low kilometer Eaton Road Ranger RTO - 16908LL with an SAE #1 bellhousing (which I might have to change to an SAE #2)
The Eaton has a low, low gear of 14.56:1 and an overdrive of 0.74:1, so I should be able to go over 100km/hr on the highway while still having good crawl gears. It's massive . It's 2 feet wide by 3ft long and barely fits.

The plan is to strip the frame and start by locating the engine and transmission correctly, and once that is all fabricated, I'll be locating the cab. I will be transferring most of the M-135 controls for the PTO and transfer case to the new cab, as well as the information decals.
I'll need to find a different steering box that I can mount ahead of the front axle. I'll need to find a brake master that will work with the system, likely a hydroboost one from the limited research I've done. I will have on board air in the truck, and I might do that with a York compressor or an electric one. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know.

Once I have a chance to dig into the truck I'll be scouring the forum for part numbers for brake components, u-joints, bearings, etc.

Eventually the goal will be to put a small Hiab crane on it as well. This will be the main farm truck for getting firewood, moving dirt, towing, pulling a large hay/horse trailer, etc.
I live off grid and am slowly building up a homestead. I've been off-roading Land Cruiser trucks for over 20 years, so this will be a fun upgrade.

For those in Canada, to be able to drive this truck, did you need to get a Class 3 driver's license since it's tandem axle?

Thanks
Mat

 

[m1010plowboy]

For those in Canada, to be able to drive this truck, did you need to get a Class 3 driver's license since it's tandem axle?

Thanks
Mat

Welcome into the extra axle world and the green MV platform for truck building. Please grab pics of that current engine. Sounds like an ambitious start for someone.


Your build description sounds awesome. The rules over the last 10 years don't appear to be much different but it's best if the BC transportation fellas answer that current class 3 question. Our MVPA consultant, ex-RCMP said we should have a class 3. The BC fine for improper license is $276.00 and they'd likely jam a fella up with heavy wrecker towing fees, storage......all the nasty things that might cost more than a class 3 course. Class 3 training seems excessive to drive a 6 wheel pick-up around......unless it's hauling heavy on public roads...... https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/fines-points-offences

24(1)

No driver's licence/wrong class

$276

BC has done some odd things with various MV restrictions so please keep us informed on how things go for you. Getting your 1956 GMC truck registered shouldn't be a problem in Canada......it just shouldn't....but some folks are still having to battle. ICBC should also make life easy when insuring a 1956 GMC. It seems like mentioning ex-military gets some green loving/hating folks all bound up. They love being green but hate things that were green. Definitely should be doing that confirmation on insuring the 1956 GMC before going through all the work. So far, we have a Duramax and Cummins G749 insured and registered in Alberta so it has been done.

Since you're in BC and surrounded by G749 gurus, say hello to Stan, Lyle and Section 8 while you're part hunting. If you drag that M135 around on a trailer long enough in 100 Mile House, you will soon be followed by a fella on a motor bike.....but don't worry, it'll just be Stan chasing a deuce. We'll get you guys hooked up.

Your truck's delivery date is 2 days before my beloved M135 George, 16/3/56. We can now find out how many deuces were built between March 14th and 16, 1956. It takes an army to raise a deuce.



Do you want a stretched frame to fit the crane? This M135 had 3 feet added so it's not a collectible for me. The cab and engine are already gone and it's ready for a cummins. We can chat.

 

[cruiseroftheland]

Welcome into the extra axle world and the green MV platform for truck building. Please grab pics of that current engine. Sounds like an ambitious start for someone.


Your build description sounds awesome. The rules over the last 10 years don't appear to be much different but it's best if the BC transportation fellas answer that current class 3 question. Our MVPA consultant, ex-RCMP said we should have a class 3. The BC fine for improper license is $276.00 and they'd likely jam a fella up with heavy wrecker towing fees, storage......all the nasty things that might cost more than a class 3 course. Class 3 training seems excessive to drive a 6 wheel pick-up around......unless it's hauling heavy on public roads...... https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/tickets/fines-points-offences

24(1)

No driver's licence/wrong class

$276

BC has done some odd things with various MV restrictions so please keep us informed on how things go for you. Getting your 1956 GMC truck registered shouldn't be a problem in Canada......it just shouldn't....but some folks are still having to battle. ICBC should also make life easy when insuring a 1956 GMC. It seems like mentioning ex-military gets some green loving/hating folks all bound up. They love being green but hate things that were green. Definitely should be doing that confirmation on insuring the 1956 GMC before going through all the work. So far, we have a Duramax and Cummins G749 insured and registered in Alberta so it has been done.

Since you're in BC and surrounded by G749 gurus, say hello to Stan, Lyle and Section 8 while you're part hunting. If you drag that M135 around on a trailer long enough in 100 Mile House, you will soon be followed by a fella on a motor bike.....but don't worry, it'll just be Stan chasing a deuce. We'll get you guys hooked up.

Your truck's delivery date is 2 days before my beloved M135 George, 16/3/56. We can now find out how many deuces were built between March 14th and 16, 1956. It takes an army to raise a deuce.

View attachment 935001

Do you want a stretched frame to fit the crane? This M135 had 3 feet added so it's not a collectible for me. The cab and engine are already gone and it's ready for a cummins. We can chat.

View attachment 934999View attachment 935000

I might have an additionally tough time getting mine registered because the previous owner passed away and they didn't have the registration for it ....so I have a few extra hoops to jump through. However, on the plus side, it has an expired commercial vehicle inspection and an old license plate, so it had been registered for on road use in the past at some point.

I'm sure dealing with ICBC will be as pain free and simple as always .....so not in the least.

Truck will likely be parked till I finish the build and get it all registered as well as the right license. I'll likely run into the proper crowd once it's hauling building materials from the local hardware store.


As much as I am not a fan of modifying rare vehicles that are pretty original ....this one cost me nothing. Literally got it for the cost of the engine I sold out of it. I have to tear into the differentials to see the condition of all the key components and see what it will need. A longer frame is a bit nicer for a Hiab crane, but it's also harder to fit on trails.
Also noticed you are in Edmonton ....and would need to haul it over.


Thanks!