You all know by now that I have a thing for step vans, despite them being very hard to identify. There were/are quite a few manufacturers of these boxes, which sat on the chassis of the usual Big Four. One of you will know what exactly SoCalMetro shot and posted here. But what really caught my eye was the padlocked access door to check the oil and water.
Did someone once tamper with its bodily fluids? A bit hard to imagine, but then these trucks tend to often hang out in rough neighborhoods, where someone might just want to suck out a few quarts of oil.
The van is a Grumman-Olson Kurbside based on a chevy frame. My dad has one that he rescued from a junkyard and got the 6 unstuck. This one is a little strange in that it has a blocked off driver door
The sealed panel on the driver’s side is actually a pretty common feature intended to keep the driver from stepping or falling into traffic. I have seen a lot of bakery vans with that set up.
Defeats Rusky plots to pollute it precious and natural bodily fluids.
If you shoot that lock off you’re going to have to answer to the Grumman-Olson Kurbside company.
Fluoridation Mandrake……
If that IS your real name…
Is the battery behind that door? My dad use to have a cable lock on the F-100 hood because he had his battery stolen a couple times.
I don’t think so.
But I had the same problem with my F100; I wrap a little chain around the battery itself, making sure it doesn’t get near the positive terminal.
The auto parts warehouse I used to drive for in the’80s had three Chevy P30s.
No fence on the parking lot, so we physically removed the batteries at the end of the day. I bought my own 8 MM wrench, which made dealing with the side terminal connections a breeze!
or maybe you can unlock something else from there? Like the right door?
I’ve always liked stepvans. I’m particularly interested in the engine and transmissions that power the vehicles. I think most today are powered by diesel engines, either 2.8 litres or 3.9 litres, depending on the size and payload expected of them.
What do you suppose those two hooks are for that are on the LH side roof above the drip rail? I was initially thinking awning/tarp, but that doesn’t make any sense.
Ladder hooks, perhaps? They look a little small, but maybe it was for one specific ladder.
When I was a young’n UPS had a fleet of those vans. Remember them well.
After having the retaining bolt taken from my trailer hitch when I was in the park walking my dog (first day of spring break) I don’t think you can be too careful. The ball had almost vibrated out by the time I got home and noticed it.
I share everyones enthusiasm for the old straight six/3 speed step van. Had a 59 Intl. in the business space next to mine several years ago. Perfect rolling signboard because it was a real attraction. You couldn’t not look at it.
I have a 1952 Chevy Grunnan bodied Double Duti.
I have had it since 1972, it is currently on the road. My version, has the extended body lenght, duel rear wheels, 1 1/2 ton capacity, with Hydo Vac assisted massive drum breaks. The engine is a No insert / full babbit rod, 216 cu in chevy engine, with a huge 4 speed stick, First gear is for ripping tree trunks out of the ground. The two rear doors are double hinged, so they fold right along the side of the body.
Wish I had the optional two speed rear end.
I once drove it from long Island New York, to Yardly Penn. There I loaded a complete dismantled 1939 Plymouth body into the truck, and towed the chassis behind it, and drove it all home.
One hell of a great truck.
Anyone know where I can get the front corner curved glass?
The access panel with the pad lock, on the original site photo is just to acess the Radiator cap.
Hi Robert,
you indrested to sell this truck?
thank you so much !
Sergey,
Sorry, but I ready have promised to leave it to my son, since i bought it back in 72, and he was born in 1980, so it’s been around all of his entire life,
But, I sure hope you find another one for your self,
as they are great Trucks,
Regards,
Rob
I have a Grumman just like this. Mine’s a 1964 Ford P350 Kurb-Side. (the last year they made this body style). It has a Ford 223 straight six with a four speed manual trans & 104″ wheelbase. No driver’s door on mine either.
But what’s really interesting is it has the exact same loops welded to the top of the front bumper. I’ve never seen another one like it until now. Maybe they were from the same fleet. Do you know where this photo was taken?
Does anyone know what this grummen is doing on a dodge chassis with a 440
What is it worth