And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

So, I've done it again. I've got way too dep into my ambition. It all started when I got a pm from padresag about a pair of doors and frames from a Stagecoach Conversions truck. Then it got emphasized when I found a 64 big window SWB for $400 on craigslist. Now I'm building my dream truck. Unfortunately I think the build will turn into a nighmare. However, here's the build plan:

Drivetrain:
Cummins 4bt
Holset HY35W Turbo
+40hp injectors
Modded injection pump
Power at about 200hp/450ft.lb
Dodge NV4500 5 speed manual w/ od
Dana 60 w/ 3.54 posi

Body/frame:
Front of 64 small window cab
Stageway rear doors and frames
Back of big window cab
short wide bed
60-61 or 63 grill
frame will be built out of 2 frames. The front half of one will be cut behind the cab and the other will be cut behind the cab. The two "halves" will be joined using a tongue and grove type joint and then boxed.

Other:
first will be built w/ drop spindles and 4" rear drop coils, eventualy I'l be able to afford air ride, then it'll be as low as it will go W/o notching (I just don't like Notches)
8 lugs all around
83 front discs
thick front sway bar


Soo what do you all think?

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

More Pics:

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

guessing this is a typo??
wouldn't accomplish anything

sounds very cool
I can't wait for progress:metal:

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Sounds like you've got a plan :thumbs:

And looks like you have enough parts too. Having the Stageway doors and frames should take a lot of the headache out of it. Keep us up to date with pics ;)

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

From the look of the fender in back this one was a Suburban. All 4 doors will function on this build then correct? You figure the diesel has the torque to deliver the motive power with 3.54 gears plus od in the transmission?

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

[QUOTE=justcuz;3211498]From the look of the fender in back this one was a Suburban. All 4 doors will function on this build then correct? You figure the diesel has the torque to deliver the motive power with 3.54 gears plus od in the transmission?[/QUOTE

they were out of an ambulance
ron

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

good luck. keep us posted with progress pics

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

OOPS!
One behind, One in front.......Drunk posting, it happens :lol:

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

All 4 doors will function, I may also put in some one peice windows. The 4bt will have plenty of torque for the gear set and od. I actually chose to use the D60 for the available gears.

NV4500 gear ratios:
First Gear 5.61
Second Gear 3.04
Third Gear 1.67
Fourth Gear 1.00
Fifth Gear 0.73
Reverse 5.04

So with the low first gear the 3.54 gears are a good match. Plus for optimum efficiency on the highway I want to be at about 1800-2100 rpm.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Sounds cool to me!!!! Cant wait to see what it all looks like. Sounds like you better stock up on some sawzall blades:D.....post some pics as you make progress.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Dude, Sounz way kewl! Good luck with this!

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

OMG... this is going to be sick!

Best of luck on the build!

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Can't wait to see this project get off the ground. Crew Cabs old and new are the hot trend for this era.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

killer !you got plenty of parts and looks like a nice big window s/b :metal:get rockin dude!

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Thanks for all the encouragement guys. I can't wait to get this thing together. I've always had a thing for doing something different. I think I've found it in this build. I'm also stretching the limits of my abilities. I have never doen anything even close to this. Don't get me wrong, I bought my first car (73 Valiant) in a junkyard, worked on it for a weekend and drove it home sunday night, so I can fix thngs. However, I've never built a frame, or a cab, or done alot of body work, but I guess there's always got to be a first time!


Now I think my plan of attack is going to be to build the cab first and then build the frame so that the cab fits on it. Any suggestions?

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

That sounds like a good idea....cab first. Since you've never built a frame or much body work, have you done much welding before? Welding frames are a lot different than sheetmetal. Not to discourage you, but if you aren't totally sure of your welding abilities on a frame, don't be afraid to seek a little help from a professional. It would suck to have a frame come apart going down the road. If I was closer I would give you a hand.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

I've doen stick and mig welding on the thick stuck, the sheet metal worries me more. I just need to buy my own welder and do some practice on all the trash I have hanging around...like the cats....

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Sounds cool man...way cooler than the Burban blowing smoke idear !!:lol:

That'll be sick.....GET ON IT !!!

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

When it comes to welding sheet metal I like to use .023-.024 wire but .030 works good too. If you try using .035 you might have some difficulties. When welding sheetmetal do a series of tacks and skip around. It takes a while that way, but in the end it's less than trying to straighten out all the warpage from too much heat.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Thanks for the advice, captianfab, I need all the help I can get!

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

Anytime :)

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

So, I was looking over my pics of the doors last night and contemplating ideas, when I realized that it looks like the doors I am using to put this thing together are longer than those on dino's and 64crewcab20's rigs. The difference is that these doors are the same length as the front doors and have a squared off dummy front window. Where as the doors on their trucks are cut down and only use a standard door window. I also noticed it looks like the hinges will be insidethe body, instead of popping out the side.

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

YOUR CATS CAN WELD!!!

:lol:

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

No, but they can be welded!:lol::lol:

Re: And so it begins 64 Crewcab SWB Build w/ Cummins Power
 

kewl. I wanna see this one done. You have a huge headstart on ghe crewcab part. Do you have any pics of the inside of the sides, or any that show just how they reworked the doors. Where did they cut, how did they piece it together?
Eric