Ok guys here is my plan, My grandpa gave me a 1955 chevy pickup about 2 years ago. I went and picked it up from his house monday to get it out of the weather. Right now I am just going to throw a 350 in it to get it moving but I will eventually get a older model cummins, Trans (Any idea guys?), some t-case but depends on trans. I have a DRW D70 for the back and a Heavy duty d44 (for now) for the front. I will get some pics in just a little while. This project will take awhile but it should be worth it in the end. If you guys have any ideas about it just let me know. Thanks Brandon B. This is the only pic I can find right now.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/Picture138.jpg

Whats up with your sig?
locked d35/8.8 and 33's

A locked d35 and an 8.8? Hows that possible?

Ok guys here is my plan, My grandpa gave me a 1955 chevy pickup about 2 years ago. I went and picked it up from his house monday to get it out of the weather. Right now I am just going to throw a 350 in it to get it moving but I will eventually get a older model cummins, Trans (Any idea guys?), some t-case but depends on trans. I have a DRW D70 for the back and a Heavy duty d44 (for now) for the front. I will get some pics in just a little while. This project will take awhile but it should be worth it in the end. If you guys have any ideas about it just let me know. Thanks Brandon B. This is the only pic I can find right now.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/Picture138.jpg

Only thing I have to offer is: there is NOTHING heavy duty about a D44. The 44 will be fine under the truck with the 350, but the weight of the Cummins will have it screaming for mercy.

Only thing I have to offer is: there is NOTHING heavy duty about a D44. The 44 will be fine under the truck with the 350, but the weight of the Cummins will have it screaming for mercy.

x2 I was about to say that, and as for trans keep simple nv4500, and as for the Cummins 94-98 ppump

kooters94yj- A TTB d35 and an 8.8.


Mechanos- OK thanks, If you noticed the (for now) part :). I also forgot to mention it will be getting a new frame , maybe a frame from a 4x4 dodge with all the drivetrain? I am still putting all this together.

southern k5-I am kinda looking to keep it auto. I have no Idea what trans will bolt up to the cummins. Maybe a 3spd with a gear vendor overdrive?

Muchly appreciated, Brandon B.

Is the frame and structure of the truck gonna support all that heavy equipment???

Seems you'd be better off staying with the 44 front, get a deal on a late model 5.3 or 5.7/tranny/computer set-up, and have something you can drive everyday and use to tow when you have to.....seems like the cummins swap is gonna be a ton of work and likely overkill for that truck....

EDIT, I see you just posted about the frame....good luck...

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3956.jpg

I think it will fit nicely in there. The main reason I don't want a 5.7 or 5.3 is because they are everywere. I want something different. Anyway here is one more pic of it.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3957.jpg

The worst rust spot is on the passenger floor board, other than a few little spots this thing should be a great start for a 16 year old.

dont ruin that truck dude.

Just get a complete late model frame and running gear from a 3/4 ton dodge. Then swap the body on to it. Shouldn't be to hard.

That would be easier than getting what you have to fit.

Just get a complete late model frame and running gear from a 3/4 ton dodge. Then swap the body on to it. Shouldn't be to hard.

That would be easier than getting what you have to fit.

X2.

That is the only thing logical to do if you want to stuff a CTD in there. That chassis is a terrible canidate for that much engine. And don't even think about using a D44 in the front as has already been mentioned. I think you should be doing a little more research about what a practical driveline would be for that truck for towing purposes before putting it under the knife. Otherwise you are going to end up with a weak ass abortion of an otherwise clean looking classic pickup that looks like it would be a great canidate for a resto instead of carving it up in attempt to turn it into something it is not.

X2.

That is the only thing logical to do if you want to stuff a CTD in there. That chassis is a terrible canidate for that much engine. And don't even think about using a D44 in the front as has already been mentioned. I think you should be doing a little more research about what a practical driveline would be for that truck for towing purposes before putting it under the knife. Otherwise you are going to end up with a weak ass abortion of an otherwise clean looking classic pickup that looks like it would be a great canidate for a resto instead of carving it up in attempt to turn it into something it is not.

Ok, I understand about the D44. I am still working on what I am going to do to it, but I am dead set on a cummins. I am not going to do a hack job on this thing, I am going to do it right so it looks good and performs right. I appreciate yalls input on this thing. The frame on it is pretty much flat, so a custom built frame would be so easy but I will probably get a late model frame to have the updated suspension. I'm going to get the 350 tomorrow after school so we will see. Thanks Brandon B.

My Buddy and I built a 55 into a wheeling truck.. the frame is crap and will not work for what you want. The best suggestion in this thread is what I would do too. Buy a complete truck with the Cummins you want and put your body on it. I wouldn't even waste my time with anything less. Ideally, I'd buy a Ford for the rest of hte driveline and put the Cummins in it then put the body on, but buying a dodge will be "ok" and be easier though..

keep us posted and good luck :)


:usa:

Plus, buying the complete donor truck will be cheaper. Not to mention it will all be there.

You can sell the body panels and recoup some of the cost of the swap.

Good luck

You've got a long way to go, hopefully you have deep pockets and lots of mechanical knowledge for a 16 year old...

I wanna see how it turns out

Take some measurements on Cummins powered trucks to see if your front tire will be in the right place in the wheel well once the cab is on. You might find the mid 90s trucks don't have the engine/suspension orientation you need to get your tires right and the engine in the bay correctly. You will most likely need to massage things a bit no matter how close it is, but I bet you find a 1st gen might fit the bill better.
Travis..
Almost forgot, just stuff a 350 in it, get it road worthy and drive it for a while. Don't start tearing it apart until you have a plan and a donor.

make it a 4BT 2wd

x2 I was about to say that, and as for trans keep simple nv4500, and as for the Cummins 94-98 ppump

i would go with a zf6 from a ford behind the 6bt, 1) they are more of a modern trans and hold up better to the power 2) the nv4500 is 1950 tech.... think about it

The truck originally came with a inline 6 so a 4bt would be small in there. I am pretty sure the inline 6 will fit in there nicely, and do what I need it to. I am going to get it running first and drive it while I work on the body. I will be saving up on for a doner frame drivetrain etc. I do believe I can do it, if I get into a bind I can get good ole pop to give me a hand.

copy cat....

betcha it didnt come with a 6 liter inline six that weighs 1100+ pounds :flipoff2:

Have seen a 6B on a stand, measured the engine compartment, etc? That is a long, tall, heavy sonofabitch..

Its a 1/2 ton truck, a 4BT will be fine ALA you dont tow heavy. If you insist on a 6B, take the advice of others. There are a LOT of people on this board who have a LOT of experience swapping, fabbing, transplanting, etc. Use their knowledge.

"Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others"

1100, pashaw. i scoff at your 1100.








detroit 6v53 = 1300+

i cont tell what condition your batter tray is in but i have a solid one you can have.

I do believe I can do it, if I get into a bind I can get good ole pop to give me a hand.

Don't get me (us) wrong, I want to see you do this, and do it right. I think most of the couch haulers on here are just scared a 16yo will out fab them and finish a tougher project faster than they could / have :D :laughing:


:usa:

First off, before people discredit that frame much, my 3200 was used to haul 150 bushels (9000#'s)of grain at a time, and up to 4 cows at a time. It was my grandpa's truck. Dad said if you let the clutch out too hard on a hill, you could tip it. It had worn through it's original set of overload spring stops on the frame, and was 3/4 of the way through the 1/2" plate stops that had been put on it.:laughing: It had no frame damage.

Second, although I'm not saying it can't be done (it has). I highly doubt a 6bt will fit very easily. Hell, a big block barely fits. Mine had less than 1/4" between the valve covers and firewall, and maybe 1/2" between the (short style) water pump pulley bolts and the radiator. Hacking the front fenders and fitting a wider, thinner radiator would help a little bit. The headers barely cleared the frame.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/DSC00225.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/DSC00351.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/DSC00404.jpg

I started mine on the original frame, then ended up swapping it to a '77 3/4ton 4x4 frame. I had to shorten the frame 11" or so, IIRC.

yeah but like i am finding out, a v motor doesnt fit the same as a inline.

does somebody ahave a front to rear measure ment on the 6bt? i can go measure my engine bay right now....

i would go with a zf6 from a ford behind the 6bt, 1) they are more of a modern trans and hold up better to the power 2) the nv4500 is 1950 tech.... think about it

Really, damn then all those sled pullers in the 2.8, 3.0, super comp classes must be retarted to throw almost between 1000-2000hp (depending on the class) and hook up to a 60k lbs sled with a 1950 tech tranny, they must be not have the knowledge as you. Do a little research before you sound like fucking dumbass. :shaking::shaking:

And to the orginal poster, I know its been said, but make sure you can even fit a 6bt under the hood, I can imagine it will get pretty tight. Thinking about it Id go with a ppumped 4bt, you can get 500hp out of them with a good fuel setup and the right turbo(s) fairly easy.

And to the orginal poster, I know its been said, but make sure you can even fit a 6bt under the hood, I can imagine it will get pretty tight. Thinking about it Id go with a ppumped 4bt, you can get 500hp out of them with a good fuel setup and the right turbo(s) fairly easy.

While the 4bt is a cool little powerplant and a good swap for many vehicles, I wouldn't want one for a tow rig.

yeah but like i am finding out, a v motor doesnt fit the same as a inline.

does somebody ahave a front to rear measure ment on the 6bt? i can go measure my engine bay right now....

rule of thumb i have heard is expect about a 36"x36"x36" cube... width may depend on turbo/acc mounting, but max width is probably about that. those dimensions should be pretty close maybe a hair over but you don't want to cut it too too close. figure 12-1400lbs in motor/acc alone too.

While the 4bt is a cool little powerplant and a good swap for many vehicles, I wouldn't want one for a tow rig.

4bt's are a pretty good motor for swaps, not as heavy as the 6bt, sound like a Cummins and get pretty decent mileage. in stock form the 4bt will tow too fantastic, a couple mods and it will be a pretty good motor as long as you don't tow too heavy. Some claim to tow 9k-12k with their 4bt. i've towed ~7k with a ~5k tow rig and it is fine til i hit a steep grade. this was non-intercooled so EGT's would skyrocket. not sure i will get to find out how it is with an intercooler, but i'd imagine it'd be a LOT better.

While the 4bt is a cool little powerplant and a good swap for many vehicles, I wouldn't want one for a tow rig.

Why's that? You could make enough power to tow just about anything you need to.

While the 4bt is a cool little powerplant and a good swap for many vehicles, I wouldn't want one for a tow rig.

Why's that? You could make enough power to tow just about anything you need to.

It's my personal opinion.... I wouldn't want one in a two rig. The old saying, "there's no replacement for displacement" sums it up. I'm not trying to convince you or anyone else it's a bad choice for a tow rig, I'm just saying I personally wouldn't want one.

The engine compartment is right at 39 inches from rad support to firewall. Well I didn't get my engine & trans b/c my grandpa went to laurel so maybe tomorrow. I have a friend working at an auction so he will keep an eye out for me.

Waste of a cool truck. It would be a much better street rod or resto.

Like others have said i would drop that body on a Dodge truck frame with an already existing drivetrain. As far as making room you should be able to modify the firewall to make room for the engine. IMO that truck would look great sitting on tall skinney tires with a stock look. It would be a great tow rig, get good fuel milage and you would be sticking with the straight six theme.

Waste of a cool truck. It would be a much better street rod or resto.

How am I wasting it? Because I am being different and not just restoring it and droping a 350 in it? Because it will be used instead of just sitting in the carport waiting for a carshow? It will be done right, It will look good and perform like I want it. If you can tell me how I'm going to ruin it then tell me and I will stop.

Old iron towrigs fully rawk, but this one is simply too complete to hack, in my opinion. All you are going to wind up using is the cab, and cabs can be had all day long. Find a cheap cab, a newer frame, and go to town if that is what floats your boat.

How am I wasting it? Because I am being different and not just restoring it and droping a 350 in it? Because it will be used instead of just sitting in the carport waiting for a carshow? It will be done right, It will look good and perform like I want it. If you can tell me how I'm going to ruin it then tell me and I will stop.

I agree, Ill be interested on how it goes, good luck:smokin:

i find itd be a waste to make in a street rod......we are offroaders (4x4?) not street ricers. i agree with a 4bt, would make an excellent engine and def. different then a 350

A 6.5TD will fit. :)

A Duramax will if you can do the electronics.

I don't know about some of you, but to me i much rather see it be a tow rig than having mustangII front under it. That is a true wast of one of these trucks. A gasser is different story, been working on a 53 f100 for 6 years.

Did I mention I freakin love my grandpa?


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3996.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3994.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3993.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3992.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3991.jpg

Just wait there is more.

Disc brake front conversion
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3990.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3987.jpg

Stuff for the front axle
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3989.jpg

Power steering conversion
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3988.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3986.jpg

Rear axle conversion
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3985.jpg

Steering column yep its a jeep column.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3983.jpg

I was wrong about the engine its a 305 with a 200r4. It will be ok for now.......
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3982.jpg


And the whole package deal
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/branman250cc/DSCF3980.jpg

You lucky bastid!

How am I wasting it? Because I am being different and not just restoring it and droping a 350 in it? Because it will be used instead of just sitting in the carport waiting for a carshow? It will be done right, It will look good and perform like I want it. If you can tell me how I'm going to ruin it then tell me and I will stop.

The point others are trying to make is that you will be cutting up a relatively complete and all original (looks that way) 55 pickup which is a rarity these days. While I'm not a purist per say, it does look like a great canidate for a resto - not dismemberment. Some of us think you would be WAY farther ahead to simply get a 55 Chevy cab and clip and put it on a 3/4 Dodge CTD if you were after a CTD powered diesel tow rig since the complete frame, powertrain and driveline that would be best suited for your needs is already there in one complete package. And this would preserve your complete 55 you have now. It looks like your grandfather already has a lot of good parts to rebuild the 55 - most of which would be worthless if you were going to turn it into 3/4 ton diesel truck.

If you are still set on trying to use the truck you have, I too, would consider a 4 BTA. It is almost 400 LBS lighter and will fit well under the hood. While it would not be my cup of tea (I would much prefer a 5.9 - average HP is way higher which makes for a much better performing tugger), it will get the job done and be a better match to the 55 frame and running gear.

I'm all for what others said, thats too sweet of a truck to hack up, restore it, it will look nicer and be worth alot more!

The 5.9 weighs about 1,100 pounds, and is 35x23x31 inches (length x width x height-not including the turbo), 3.9L four-cylinder weighs in at about 800 pounds, and is 30x23x31 inches.

Here are dimensions for the 4bt, I can't find the one of the 6bt, the only difference is about 6 inches of length.:
http://photos.imageevent.com/moosecreekmaple/oddsandends/websize/4bt%20size.jpg

More swap info:
http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/0905dp_cummins_diesel_engine_swap/index.html

You could find a cab and clip easily.... I still contend this to be a waste of a noce truck. If you want to something different, a pseudo-NAPCO with modern tech would be very cool.

Well I might piss some people off but it will get done. It might be awhile before the frame swap and all that but yes It will get a diesel. I have to get my wisdom teeth cut out tomorrow so I will be doing some serious web wheeling for alittle while, and during that time I will look up some info. I have been doing a little bit of sanding here and there while I wait for dad to get home from work, he will hopefully finish up on the bodywork on my ranger bed this week while I am down and then we can start on this. Well thanks for looking Brandon B.

Really, damn then all those sled pullers in the 2.8, 3.0, super comp classes must be retarted to throw almost between 1000-2000hp (depending on the class) and hook up to a 60k lbs sled with a 1950 tech tranny, they must be not have the knowledge as you. Do a little research before you sound like fucking dumbass. :shaking::shaking:ive done plenty of research you fawktard. how many zf6 do you hear failing?? not many compared to nv4500's. and those that pull with it do so because they have replaced every fawking part in the trans, so go sit on a pole :flipoff2:

ive done plenty of research you fawktard. how many zf6 do you hear failing?? not many compared to nv4500's. and those that pull with it do so because they have replaced every fawking part in the trans, so go sit on a pole :flipoff2:

Your right, my bad. Lets see the number of nv4500 compared to the number of zf6 out there sled pulling, probably 20-30:1 of course you are going to see more breakage on the nv4500, and by replacing every part you mean the input to 1 1/4 to 1 3/8, yep every fawking part in the tranny, right. Id also like to see how many Ford guys are running 1000+ hp threw there zf6, wait there's only maybe 2 or 3 people in the US with a 1000+ hp ford. :laughing: Fawktard

lol I love PBB there is always something to make you laugh. Percosets help out to make stuff funny. I'm feeling good right now so here is what I found http://gulfport.craigslist.org/pts/1152624329.html Whats the pros and cons on this truck? Its the non turbo engine right? How hard would it be to turbo it? How is it power wise? The only thing I don't like about it is the 5spd. I would probly swap out to an auto.

Im not a big diesel guy, not that I dont like them Im just iggnorant around them, but I have heard alot of praise about the old 7.3 and even more cussin about when Ford switched it. I dont think adding a turbo would take to much more than any Gasser motor. Use a stickshift though the towing is alot nicer when you can engine brake.


O ya BTW do the 7.3 swap, a cummins would make a better towing engine sure but Ford diesel in a classic chevy pickup oughtta make up for a few of the abominations street rodding nimrods do with classic Ford cars and GM boat anchors. What are your plans for the body? It would be nice to keep it as stock appearin as possible outside.

diesel engines dont engine brake/compression brake unless you install one. but a stick is typically more comfortable for towing if you dont mind rowing your own gears.

No wiring issues with the Cummins 12valve like the 7.3 Powerstroke which would be the only Navistar worth swapping.

O ya BTW do the 7.3 swap, a cummins would make a better towing engine sure but Ford diesel in a classic chevy pickup oughtta make up for a few of the abominations street rodding nimrods do with classic Ford cars and GM boat anchors. What are your plans for the body? It would be nice to keep it as stock appearin as possible outside.
(CAUTION):if anything I say doesn't make since im pretty messed up right now.

If I went with a stick I would probly go with a 6spd, my dad has a 97 PSD 7.3 with the 5spd & 4.10 gears and it never feels like you are in the right gear. As far as the body goes I have been throwing the idea around to do something with the stock green color, adding something to it though.

How is the engine power wise? I know my dads is ok(we added a bigger downpipe and a open exhaust) and its a little slow, It has plenty of pulling power just not much getty up. I would add an intercooler and a better turbo to this engine if I put on one.

Next thing is the wiring. How hard would wiring be? I can do some wiring but it isn't my favorite thing to do? I would deffintaly get dad to help me with it. The plus-side with this truck is its already 4x4 and has dana 60's.

Get a sticker on the back of the truck that says heartbeat with a pacemaker:laughing:.

EDIT: one more thing anyone that has a truck like this can you get a measurement on the frame width. Also how straight is the frame on this body style? The 55's frame is straight, I mean like really straight. I can probly compencate(SP???) for some bending in the frame but not alot. Thanks and much appreciate Brandon B.

Well I got a 350 for it. It is suppose to have around 325 to 350 horses, but my dad has a set of vortec heads (port and polished) and a 4 barrel edelbrock carb and a aluminum intake. I hope it adds a good bit more power but we will see. My cheeks are swolen right now and i'm in a good bit of pain (wisdom teeth). I also went and got the engine stand today to get it running next week hopefully. Well I will get a video clip and some pics when I feel better. Thanks Brandon B.

i have a 56 3200 that my dad started building into a street rod. it has a mustang II front clip.

i'm thinking about asking him if it would terribly hurt his feelings if i made it a 4x4 tow rig

Well I got a 350 for it. It is suppose to have around 325 to 350 horses, but my dad has a set of vortec heads (port and polished) and a 4 barrel edelbrock carb and a aluminum intake. I hope it adds a good bit more power but we will see. My cheeks are swolen right now and i'm in a good bit of pain (wisdom teeth). I also went and got the engine stand today to get it running next week hopefully. Well I will get a video clip and some pics when I feel better. Thanks Brandon B.

Boo, fawking gasser trash:rolleyes::flipoff2:

Boo, fawking gasser trash:rolleyes::flipoff2:


:flipoff2: Yea Yea well pay up for the diesel and I will get started. :D School is out in 2 weeks so I can go back to work and make some money to start buying stuff with. I haven't done a thing this week (being a panzy about this wisdom teeth crap), so I need to get back busy. I can't work to much before I get dizzy and have to take a break but I will try and get the 350 on the engine stand tomorrow and maybe get a clip of it running. I found this and I'm trying to talk dad into letting me bum some money off him but he isn't budging http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1990-Dodge-2500_W0QQitemZ250420961003QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Ca rs_Trucks?hash=item3a4e409eeb&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 . That has everything I need and want.

Thanks for looking Brandon B.:flipoff2:

Got the 350 on the engine stand.....It spun over so I will get the carb/fuel line and the radiator up tomorrow to run it. I deleted my pics of my camera so no pics today. Back to school tomorrow so I might get some stuff done after. Well thanks for looking Brandon B.