New to me m59 dump truck...

[maddawg308]

This resto is gonna be good - subscribed!

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

I didn't realize the bows were stored in that manner, many thanks!

Well technically they aren't, at least I've never seen them stored there on a dump truck. That's just an idea I had, I've got quite a few of the short metal uprights I could use and that seemed like a good place to store them (and keep from damaging them).

The tailgate on that GMC looks in okay shape. I got no way of getting it here if you were of a mind to sell it. It's a lot better shape than mine.

The GMC tailgate is pretty straight but looks to be getting a little crusty at the welds/seams. I would like to keep it with the bed at least until I figure out what I'll do with the whole bed setup, but I'll let you know first if I decide to sell it. Another m59 owner mentioned to me that he knew where NOS tailgates were, maybe he'll chime in or I can ask if he'd be willing to let you know if there is an extra he doesn't need. I'm sure SS members could get one moved across the country pretty easily.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

The m215 is being taken apart. The bed and tailgate are pretty rusty, it's too bad it was left full of dirt and trash for who knows how long - it probably would have been pretty decent. Still the subframe assembly looks pretty good, might be nice if I need spare parts.

 

[Another Ahab]

The rigs look great.

I see your maples are coming in gang-busters. Do you do any sugaring on your trees up there?

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

The rigs look great.

I see your maples are coming in gang-busters. Do you do any sugaring on your trees up there?

Nope. Not a big maple syrup fan.
More m215 work done. Hoping to get back to working on the m59 now.

 

[hndrsonj]

The GMC tailgate is pretty straight but looks to be getting a little crusty at the welds/seams. I would like to keep it with the bed at least until I figure out what I'll do with the whole bed setup, but I'll let you know first if I decide to sell it. Another m59 owner mentioned to me that he knew where NOS tailgates were, maybe he'll chime in or I can ask if he'd be willing to let you know if there is an extra he doesn't need. I'm sure SS members could get one moved across the country pretty easily.

Memphis had some, they are sold out.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Today we changed the lower radiator hose and installed what I think is a good alternator on the m59.

Bolted on the passenger side fender. Then started it up and drove it out back so the subframe could be lifted up with the forklift, as the wood spacers need to be a little shorter for the bolt holes to line up.

An original board is on top, with one of the newer ones I had on the bottom.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

The running board at the top is from a short wheelbase truck (m275a2 tractor). The one below is from an m35a2. Both are driver's side. There are differences in the brace underneath and the inside lip. Both will need to be cut up for a regular running board to fit on a SWB truck. Holes will also need to be drilled to bolt on the small shield that is specific to the trucks with the long driver's side tank.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Since it rained all day we took a look at cutting up some m35a2 bows to fit the narrow dump bed.
First we cut up a junk wooden bow to find the right length

Metal bow:

Ready to weld the joint

The difference

The set of 4 on the truck

It looks like an m35a2 cover will work fine with a little bit of modification at the front.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Test fitting some more body panels today.

Yes everything should be relatively the same but since everything's off a different truck things need a little tweaking to sit right.
Truck 1: cab
Truck 2: hood
Truck 3 driver's door
Truck 4 passenger door/grille/driver's fender
Truck 5 Headlight doors/side panels
Truck 6 West coast mirrors
...and a new passenger fender

I'm using the old style headlight doors that can be rotated for high or low headlights. I think 1966 was the last year for those. Since they're off the non-winch tractor I'll need to find the rubber isolators since they all broke.

 

[Jakelc15]

Looks like it fits quite well. Nice job.

It could have ended up like this!

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Torched out the remains of the rivets for the forward subframe mounts, they were half removed already (by the previous owner I'm guessing since he had the bed on his other truck). Replaced with bolts. Planed the boards and reinstalled them and then bolted the bed assembly down. Can't wait to get the PTO so I can test the function of the dump bed.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

Started cutting the broken tarp hooks and old patches off the bed. The passenger door rot has been fixed and it's on the truck, could use a little adjustment. Got a new plastic battery box set to go, and I straightened out the replacement running boards and modified the driver's side board to fit correctly on the shorter truck. Those are ready for some non-slip coating. The previous owner removed the PTO off his other truck so it looks like I'll be able to install that pretty soon.

 

[Another Ahab]

Excellent progress, Evil Dr. Porkchop, and super pics of the details. Thanks, Brother!

 

[texas30cal]

Looking good, it will soon be whole once again!

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

It's interesting that's there is some blue on the PTO. The window frames and at least one of the original headlight doors were strata blue.

 

[rustystud]

View attachment 681883
It's interesting that's there is some blue on the PTO. The window frames and at least one of the original headlight doors were strata blue.

Probably an "Air-Force" deuce. My 1952 REO M35 was that color too.

 

[jeffhuey1n]

I've got blue parts in various places.

 

[Jakelc15]

I've got blue parts in various places.

It happens to the best of us!