1958 M56B1 Build and Use: A Story

I am giving this truck a new thread, as it is has been ID’d and I am now starting to give it a direction.

1958 M56B1 original drivetrain, with winch, spotlight, hardtop (off of something), earlier M37 bed.

My wife and teenagers want to use it for parades, events, and occasional drive to school/work (5 minute rides each). It is in our garage in Northern Wisconsin, so winter use will be limited by who will brave cold with me.

I have ordered Trailworthy Fab recentered 12-bolt rims (flat black on olive drab powder coat) with 37x12.5 Goodyear MTs. No photos yet, but I will do before, after, and side-by-side photos when they arrive.

Taking to a local shop today for split exhaust (2nd dump off the heat exchanger). Will start with dual stacks and no mufflers, but will add mufflers if it is too loud.

The current exhaust exits exits right on passengers and must be changed (Mama’s order). Stacks are limited to cab height to fit in the garage. I will add rain flappers, because it just isn’t a tractor in my mind without them. Not sure if both exhausts will come out on the passenger side or if I will cross one over to driver side for aesthetic balance

Task List: Tires and rims balanced and mounted upon arrival, split exhaust and stacks underway , Selectro locking hubs ordered. Engine flush and all new fluids, new spider harness for under dash (previous owner disconnected due to deteriorating wires).

Then my kids and I will start cleaning up the body as we use. Basically replacing any missing bolts, tightening up anything (hardtop missing some bolts). Then slowly repaint with spray cans while enjoying for the summer...