Rescued Holmes 440 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rotaxx · 01-20-2014, 07:54 PM

There's been a few good threads about tow and ramp trucks. I just rescued this 1970 C30 Holmes 440 tow truck. I think it's an original - the VIN tag has a GVW of 14000 pounds. It has a cool jump box under the hood - looks to be period correct, but I really don't know anything about it. The truck doesn't look like it was beat on or overworked - but that's pretty much the end of the good news. Nothing works at the moment. The engine doesn't run, and the trans seems to be locked up, and in gear - which makes for interesting loading and really interesting unloading.

Did we ever start up a tow truck club? Sure would like to hear what everyone thinks. Especially your thoughts the stuck 4 speed with PTO, which I really would like to get working again.

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tommys72 · 01-20-2014, 08:19 PM

I don't have any answers for you. .. but it's a cool truck

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 01-20-2014, 08:59 PM

Disconnect the driveline at the U-Joints. Then you can freewheel it onto the flatbed.

**Richardwa** · 01-20-2014, 09:13 PM

I had a 61 Chev with a froze 4 speed, a lot of penetrating oil around the base of the shifter and a few good solid smacks against the shifter got it to pop loose.
Seems the top end just dried out from sitting for 12 years or so

Nice truck, would like to find one like that around here!

Rotaxx · 01-20-2014, 09:20 PM

68Orange Sunshine,

That would have been the smart thing to do. I figured the wheels/brakes were dragging, so I winched it up onto the trailer. Then winched it back down off the trailer. About halfway down I thought to check the engine, and sure enough the belts and everything were turning as the truck was backing off.

So if the trans is stuck in a forward gear, and the truck was going backwards - i guess the engine was spinning in reverse direction?

Hope I didn't break anything.

Rotaxx · 01-20-2014, 09:25 PM

Richardwa,

Thanks for the tip, I will try that first, before anything more drastic (and expensive). Hope fully I can save the trans, I'm not looking forward to finding another one with a working PTO. Luckily I have a spare running 350 I can drop in to replace the non-runner if I can't bring it back to life.

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-20-2014, 09:56 PM

Did you try pushing in the clutch?

Rotaxx · 01-20-2014, 10:02 PM

Good question. Yes - tried pushing in the clutch, and it did go in and felt like the right amount of resistance. Even with the clutch in, the shifter wouldn't move. I should add that when I first went to move the truck I tried to put it in neutral - shifter wouldn't budge.

**Joesjunk** · 01-20-2014, 10:10 PM

cool truck!

**allchevy58** · 01-21-2014, 01:10 AM

Drain transmission oil, take gear shifter and top of trans off and fill with diesel. Let it seat a couple of days and try to rotate. After you get it to free up, drain and refill with diesel one more time, let it seat a couple more days, rotating so all bearings and gears get lubricated. Flush with diesel till clean and refill with oil.

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-21-2014, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotaxx

Good question. Yes - tried pushing in the clutch, and it did go in and felt like the right amount of resistance. Even with the clutch in, the shifter wouldn't move. I should add that when I first went to move the truck I tried to put it in neutral - shifter wouldn't budge.

Hmmm...Just trying to narrow it down to a stuck clutch or stuck trans... Would the truck "freewheel" when the clutch was pushed in? I have had a few stuck clutches in my day but never a stuck trans.

hamjet · 01-21-2014, 08:14 AM

Might just be linkage problem. can you get it in neutral by moving the linkage on the tranny itself? OOPS, just noticed its a 4 speed, probably a top loader.....

Rotaxx · 01-21-2014, 08:57 AM

Hamjet - I will check out the linkage, that's a good point. For some reason I was thinking this would be a top-loader trans like a 465.

WIDESIDE72 - I had the same thought. I was never able to get the truck to move with the clutch in, and couldn't decidedly rule that out as an issue. It's also possible that everything is locked up - clutch, linkage, and trans.

Does anyone know what kind of transmissions GM put in these tow trucks?

AllChevy58 - sounds like you've done this once or twice. Thanks for the recommendation. If all else fails, hopefully this will work.

BugzC10 · 01-21-2014, 09:18 AM

I would Drop the drive shaft to move it around. If you can get the nuts.

**special-K** · 01-21-2014, 10:43 AM

Welcome to the tow truck club!...from a former owner

Pull the PTO and have a look-see. What position do you think the shifter is in? Could be an issue with the PTO,especially if it seems to be in neutral position. It could be some bonehead put it in (or tried) gear with PTO engaged.

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-21-2014, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Welcome to the tow truck club!...from a former owner

Pull the PTO and have a look-see. What position do you think the shifter is in? Could be an issue with the PTO,especially if it seems to be in neutral position. It could be some bonehead put it in (or tried) gear with PTO engaged.

If the engine wont move independently with the clutch pedal pushed in then you have a stuck clutch.

**WIDESIDE72** · 01-21-2014, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotaxx

Hamjet - I will check out the linkage, that's a good point. For some reason I was thinking this would be a top-loader trans like a 465.

WIDESIDE72 - I had the same thought. I was never able to get the truck to move with the clutch in, and couldn't decidedly rule that out as an issue. It's also possible that everything is locked up - clutch, linkage, and trans.

Does anyone know what kind of transmissions GM put in these tow trucks?

AllChevy58 - sounds like you've done this once or twice. Thanks for the recommendation. If all else fails, hopefully this will work.

A one ton had an sm420 til mid 70's i believe then sm465. Whatever the case it is a top loader worh no external linkage like a GM car/ light truck trans.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 01-21-2014, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

A one ton had an sm420 til mid 70's i believe then sm465. Whatever the case it is a top loader worh no external linkage like a GM car/ light truck trans.

'68 was the first year for the SM465 on the main lines. Perhaps, since they probably still had a bunch, they might've put the lower-geared 420s in the bigger rigs [C/30s]. I heard GMC and the Canadian lines used the 420s past '68. But usually 1968 is the model year for the transmission design change.
Not calling anyone a liar.

Rotaxx · 01-21-2014, 05:44 PM

Well at least that's good news - if the trans is toast and it's a sm465, I have a spare that I know is good.

Hopefully the PTO survived. I'd like to get everything working again, just as it was originally.

Rotaxx · 01-21-2014, 10:05 PM

The SM420 vs SM465 discussion has been helpful. Apparently the 420 only has PTO access on the driver's side, while the 465 has PTO access on both sides.

The tow truck's PTO shaft that runs the Holmes winch is on the passenger side, so I think that rules out the 420, and makes it likely the SM465 is in there.

I checked my good spare, and turns out it's a 420, and it won't work on the tow truck.

Next step: remove the driveshaft (BugzC10 and 68OrangeSunshine) to move it closer to the garage.

Then begin allchevy58's diesel spa treatment.

Thanks again for all the help.

1972RedNeck · 01-21-2014, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

I have had a few stuck clutches in my day but never a stuck trans.

Just this spring I had a seized up SM420. You don't want to know how I got it loose though.

**70cst** · 01-22-2014, 01:05 AM

Hey Rotaxx ...

to the forums and

from Ohio ...

as that is one

ride

As far as "Tow" Truck Club ...

I will ask.

frank69 · 01-22-2014, 01:42 AM

I would be interested in a tow truck club I've got a 71 with a 440 just painted the bed and boom last week, getting ready to paint cab should be done in about a month i'll post some pics if I ever figure out how to do it

**70cst** · 01-22-2014, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotaxx

There's been a few good threads about tow and ramp trucks. I just rescued this 1970 C30 Holmes 440 tow truck. I think it's an original - the VIN tag has a GVW of 14000 pounds. It has a cool jump box under the hood - looks to be period correct, but I really don't know anything about it. The truck doesn't look like it was beat on or overworked - but that's pretty much the end of the good news. Nothing works at the moment. The engine doesn't run, and the trans seems to be locked up, and in gear - which makes for interesting loading and really interesting unloading.

Did we ever start up a tow truck club? Sure would like to hear what everyone thinks. Especially your thoughts the stuck 4 speed with PTO, which I really would like to get working again.

Thanks in advance.Attachment 1203222

Attachment 1203223

Attachment 1203225

Heavy Haulers .... there seems to be various threads on Tow Trucks there ...

elf w/capital T · 01-22-2014, 03:28 AM

damn! thats sweet!!!!

01-20-2014, 07:54 PM	#1
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Rescued Holmes 440 There's been a few good threads about tow and ramp trucks. I just rescued this 1970 C30 Holmes 440 tow truck. I think it's an original - the VIN tag has a GVW of 14000 pounds. It has a cool jump box under the hood - looks to be period correct, but I really don't know anything about it. The truck doesn't look like it was beat on or overworked - but that's pretty much the end of the good news. Nothing works at the moment. The engine doesn't run, and the trans seems to be locked up, and in gear - which makes for interesting loading and really interesting unloading. Did we ever start up a tow truck club? Sure would like to hear what everyone thinks. Especially your thoughts the stuck 4 speed with PTO, which I really would like to get working again. Thanks in advance. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-20-2014, 08:19 PM	#2
tommys72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: springfield mo Posts: 3,075	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 I don't have any answers for you. .. but it's a cool truck __________________ United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son

01-20-2014, 08:59 PM	#3
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,215	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Disconnect the driveline at the U-Joints. Then you can freewheel it onto the flatbed. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

01-20-2014, 09:13 PM	#4
Richardwa Active Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Selah Wa Posts: 153	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 I had a 61 Chev with a froze 4 speed, a lot of penetrating oil around the base of the shifter and a few good solid smacks against the shifter got it to pop loose. Seems the top end just dried out from sitting for 12 years or so Nice truck, would like to find one like that around here!

01-20-2014, 09:20 PM	#5
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 68Orange Sunshine, That would have been the smart thing to do. I figured the wheels/brakes were dragging, so I winched it up onto the trailer. Then winched it back down off the trailer. About halfway down I thought to check the engine, and sure enough the belts and everything were turning as the truck was backing off. So if the trans is stuck in a forward gear, and the truck was going backwards - i guess the engine was spinning in reverse direction? Hope I didn't break anything. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-20-2014, 09:25 PM	#6
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Richardwa, Thanks for the tip, I will try that first, before anything more drastic (and expensive). Hope fully I can save the trans, I'm not looking forward to finding another one with a working PTO. Luckily I have a spare running 350 I can drop in to replace the non-runner if I can't bring it back to life. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-20-2014, 09:56 PM	#7
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,494	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Did you try pushing in the clutch?

01-20-2014, 10:02 PM	#8
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Good question. Yes - tried pushing in the clutch, and it did go in and felt like the right amount of resistance. Even with the clutch in, the shifter wouldn't move. I should add that when I first went to move the truck I tried to put it in neutral - shifter wouldn't budge. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-20-2014, 10:10 PM	#9
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,693	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 cool truck! __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

01-21-2014, 01:10 AM	#10
allchevy58 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Reno, Nv. Posts: 1,431	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Drain transmission oil, take gear shifter and top of trans off and fill with diesel. Let it seat a couple of days and try to rotate. After you get it to free up, drain and refill with diesel one more time, let it seat a couple more days, rotating so all bearings and gears get lubricated. Flush with diesel till clean and refill with oil. __________________ 1927 Willy's Knight 24,000 original miles, 1958 Impala 283/Powerglide, 1964 C-30 383/4 speed, 1971 Monte Carlo 350/350, 1972 GMC K2500 350/350, 1976 Chev. K10 350/350, 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ Duramax/Allison, 2006 Chev. Silverado K3500 LBZ Duramax/Allison

01-21-2014, 08:14 AM	#12
hamjet Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Westerlo, New York Posts: 1,325	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Might just be linkage problem. can you get it in neutral by moving the linkage on the tranny itself? OOPS, just noticed its a 4 speed, probably a top loader..... __________________ Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB.

01-21-2014, 08:57 AM	#13
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Hamjet - I will check out the linkage, that's a good point. For some reason I was thinking this would be a top-loader trans like a 465. WIDESIDE72 - I had the same thought. I was never able to get the truck to move with the clutch in, and couldn't decidedly rule that out as an issue. It's also possible that everything is locked up - clutch, linkage, and trans. Does anyone know what kind of transmissions GM put in these tow trucks? AllChevy58 - sounds like you've done this once or twice. Thanks for the recommendation. If all else fails, hopefully this will work. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-21-2014, 09:18 AM	#14
BugzC10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Green Valley Arizona Posts: 1,351	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 I would Drop the drive shaft to move it around. If you can get the nuts. __________________ 1970 C10 Short Stepper with 71/72 front clip.

01-21-2014, 10:43 AM	#15
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Welcome to the tow truck club!...from a former owner Pull the PTO and have a look-see. What position do you think the shifter is in? Could be an issue with the PTO,especially if it seems to be in neutral position. It could be some bonehead put it in (or tried) gear with PTO engaged. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-21-2014, 05:44 PM	#19
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Well at least that's good news - if the trans is toast and it's a sm465, I have a spare that I know is good. Hopefully the PTO survived. I'd like to get everything working again, just as it was originally. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440



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01-21-2014, 10:05 PM	#20
Rotaxx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spotsylvania, Virginia Posts: 46	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 The SM420 vs SM465 discussion has been helpful. Apparently the 420 only has PTO access on the driver's side, while the 465 has PTO access on both sides. The tow truck's PTO shaft that runs the Holmes winch is on the passenger side, so I think that rules out the 420, and makes it likely the SM465 is in there. I checked my good spare, and turns out it's a 420, and it won't work on the tow truck. Next step: remove the driveshaft (BugzC10 and 68OrangeSunshine) to move it closer to the garage. Then begin allchevy58's diesel spa treatment. Thanks again for all the help. __________________ Bill 1972 GMC Suburban 3/4 Ton 1970 C30 Holmes 440

01-22-2014, 01:05 AM	#22
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 Hey Rotaxx ... to the forums and from Ohio ... as that is one ride As far as "Tow" Truck Club ... I will ask. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

01-22-2014, 01:42 AM	#23
frank69 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Laughlin,Nv Posts: 141	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 I would be interested in a tow truck club I've got a 71 with a 440 just painted the bed and boom last week, getting ready to paint cab should be done in about a month i'll post some pics if I ever figure out how to do it

01-22-2014, 03:28 AM	#25
elf w/capital T Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 993	Re: Rescued Holmes 440 damn! thats sweet!!!!

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