'56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Yeah so it is actually considered an "F-series" truck instead of a Low Cab Forward (due to being a GMC) but it is obviously more commonly known as a LCF.

I've had my eye on this jewel for going on three years now. Came across it on an old back road while test driving a repair on a truck I had made. Stopped and talked to the owner and he said he just sold it to some dude in Australia. :banghead:

I drove by it several times in the past couple of years, and it never left. Fast forward to the first week in December 2012. I recognized a car that he had on craigslist and called the number. He said the Australian never came through with the cash so i made him an offer and he took it.

I hooked up the trailer and had it home within a couple of hours:
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...80101616_n.jpg

It set in the shop for three weeks until I could get a handle on a frame. I always wanted a diesel hot rod (i'm kind of a cummins nut) so i finally laid my hands on a 02 dodge dually quadcab longbed 2wd frame. I threw in a 12 valve p-pumped cummins i had laying in my shop in it with a 47rh trans.

Started stripping the sheet metal off of the front of the truck so i could get the cab off:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...07519584_n.jpg

Kind of skipping a few steps here, didn't take the time to take a whole lot of pics:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...48893311_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...41112532_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...38719800_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...94550394_n.jpg

The majority of the engine is actually in the cab. 1 & 2 cylinders are under the hood and the other four are actually through the floor board.

I got all the sheet metal hung yesterday and worked on the steering column today. I'll try to take some more pics of the sheet metal mounts and steering linkage sometime. Up next is mounting the brake booster/master cylinder and building a new dog house.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I'm subscribing for this! Looks great so far. :metal:

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Nice project! Can't wait to see it.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

This truck not only is a big back glass cab, it also has the custom stainless, factory gmc radio and factory gmc deluxe heater controls. I've seen pics of a few 5 window task force gmc big trucks (which i'd really like to have!!!) But havent seen many straight big back F series trucks and none with the deluxe heater and factory radio.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

That looks like it is going together great and add me to the subscribed list.

Boy Howdy would I love to have that shop right now.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Thanks guys! I do love my shop, I'm very fortunate to be in a position to be able to have my name on the title.


Anyways the plan for the back half is a dump bed. I have the setup to run a pto off of a dodge automatic (dodge 23 spline np205 t-case with pto access due to the fact the 47rh has no pto plate) I have the transfer case and I have the pto pump for the 205, along with the bed and sissor lift.

I may just run it as a flat bed for now, with all i'll have to do later is slide in the hoist due to time constrant.

I want to keep it as ratty looking as possible but I'm not sold on the white looking paint. The interior is a two tone green, so would like to tie that into a patina look on the exterior. Any suggestions??

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Good to see another LCF saved.....looks like you are well on your way to a great truck.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I am liking this one, on board for more sweetness!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

nice find, nice save :D

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I'll get around to posting cab and grill support mounts one of these days, but for now i'll try to keep up with my daily progress

Yesterday and today I have messed around with the steering. I like the old school look, and despite my better judgement i'm going to stick with a non-tilt column. Besides that the stock steering wheel and hydromatic trans shifter adds to the look. Due to the severe steering shaft and u-joint angles I cut the stock shaft off flush with where it came through the floor. Then I cut off the end of a dodge column I had laying around and made it fit like this:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...49167154_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...36923213_n.jpg

I drilled a 1/4" hole throught it to accomidate a steel roll pin. Today i picked up a bearing that would center the steering rod inside the column tube. Local bearing shop didn't have one that would fit as luck would have it so i got the closest they had and made it fit:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...13260752_n.jpg

I beat the 1/4" roll pin in it, then a 3/16" in that and finally a 1/16" pin each inside of the other. I welded both ends of the hole then drilled a countersink hole 90* to that and burned it in hot.

I'm quite relieved that this will allow me to use the stock dodge steering shaft. I was dreading buying Borgeson double u-joints @ $150 apiece!!! It is at quite an angle, which I will take a pic of after I mount the cab for the last time. (still needs to come off for finish welding of cab mounts and I am going to build the trans)

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...51981482_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...95330889_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...15149363_n.jpg


mounted my brake booster tonight, in the process I also got the brake pedal piviot and fuel pedal mounted. Two for the price of one! ha. Brake pedal needs a little more travel so I will cut it and bend it up. The accelerator pedal is in the way of the steering column but that will be easily fixed.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I am so jealous of your great find! I am hopping on this rig build thread cause you got TONS of room. Plus a Cummins :-)
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Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...60720684_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...38719800_n.jpg

it looks much more apparent in a picture vs in person that if i do go with the regular pickup fender that it needs to be scooted back. However there is a meathod to my madness, the farther i scoot the fender back the more difficult the front of the fender is going to be to graft into one another.

Anyways what do yall think? new fender or oem?

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I like the pickup fender. Do you know what size tires you are going to run on the finished project? That would help determine the "look."

Bigger tires look good with a stock fender http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/..._outside31.JPG

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

your looking at them. 3rd gen dodge dually wheels with tires came in at $400 dollars. Couldnt justify $900 dollar adapters, $600 dollar steel wheels, $2100 dollars in tires for 22.5's. Plus the weight of one big wheel/tire is more than a set of duals that i am running now. I hate additional un-sprung weight.

I'm putting my savings towards trans parts and seat upholestry :D

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

If you run the smaller (smaller than Big Bertha anyway:lol:) tires, you end up with a more "hot rod" look, which I like. In that case, I like the fender mods you're working on.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Your truck is looking good. I really like what you're doing with the front fenders. Great idea!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Awesome project! The cab fit on that dodge chassis really nice! I think your truck would look cool painted and then sanded and flat cleared for your patina look. Keep up the great work!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Awesome build......subscribed!!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Subscribed. I want to see how this one turns out! Looks like you have a plan. These older LCF and COE trucks are so cool. Good Luck on the transformation.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Another big Cummins fan subscribed.
(I've got two Dodge Cummins)

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

nice work on the fender. is that just a truck fender cut in?

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...60720684_n.jpg

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

i think your shop has a little more ''stuff'' laying around than mine :D

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

You got it!
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Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...42255505_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...08504278_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...22246150_n.jpg

Much better i think!! still lack quite a bit of fine tuning in the front and especially by the step. Need to get these dialed in so I can pull the front sheet metal off so I can exchange the exhaust manifold with an industrial 5.9 manifold i robbed from a school bus. This will locate the turbo much closer to the block and underneith the 5th and 6th cylinders; allowing me to weld back in much of the passenger side floor board.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Another LCF build sweet.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

That fender looks just perfect for that! Great job!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Blackdiesel....I like what you did with the fender. If it was a chevy it would of been much harder with the split fender. I think it looks good even though I am a fan of the 22.5 wheels on these big old truck. I have a 56 gmc lcf in the waiting and I might go the same route with it. there are a lot more wheel options in an 8 bolt also. I got lucky and found a set of the 6 bolt 22.5 alcoa wheels.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Awesome work, that is no small task you have tackled! I wish I had a turbo to relocate!!!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Thanks guys! Yeah I'm suprised its turning out as well as it is.

Buggy 5872: dude, i went though your build a while back and holy cow! That truck is ridiculous! Absolutely amazing in that short time frame.
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Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

You have an awsome project going on. Looks good so far. I want to do a cab over with a cummins one day myself. Keep the pictures coming.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

no pics today guys, sorry! over the weekend I didn't get a whole lot done...

I got my drivers side front fender mocked up which allowed me to blow the front end sheet metal apart to get to the engine to work on a few things. I got my industrial manifold mounted up so i can start on my dog house. need to get the intake tubing mocked up too. still need to get far enough on the floor so i can pull the cab off and finish up a few details then i'll start bolting it down for good. i'll try to get some pics soon!

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

got the wastegate blocked off and the manifold bolted up. Then i clocked the turbo to make the oil drain face down and the compressor housing to route the intake piping. then started on the dog house.... which honestly isnt going as quickly or as easily as i had hoped. hope to finish roughing it in tomorrow.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...12242644_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...93805007_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...67652519_n.jpg

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Looks like fun! NOT!! :lol: Keep it up. :chevy: the end result will be worth it.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

What kind of room do you have for an intercooler? I may have a cheap option for you....................

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

I don't! But id LOVE to have one! ! Lemmie see what you got!
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Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Ok, I'll take a pic of one I have I think might work out for you. The intake and outlet are both at the top and point straight back.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Text it to me please. 8705777488
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Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Will do it in the morning.

Re: '56 GMC LCF Cummins Diesel
 

Dieselwrencher, Thanks for your pics and measurments. I don't think it would fit easily but after i get it on the road and depending on what my EGT's do, i may have to back up and get it from you.

Today I finished up my doghouse. I have far more time in it than i care to admit; especially for it to look so utilitarian. Maybe one day when I grow up I'll buy an english wheel and a planishing hammer. But for now I'm stuck with a high schoolers worst geometry homework assignment ever.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...40416030_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...35154070_n.jpg

Point being, its complete. That was my goal for today. Along with stitching up my front fenders. Which I almost completed too. I still lack the body line in the front, which I should be able to finish tomorrow.