1967 C-50 Dump truck Project

[71'tahoe]

Hey Guys,
I'm starting a working project. A 1967 Chevrolet C50 dump truck.
I bought this truck a week ago and have been planning the build. It has a inline 6 that I believe is a 235? Some one with more knowledge can clarify. It has a 4 speed transmission and a twin cylinder hoist. The bed is 14' long and works great.

My loose plans are:

1. Find a set of workable front inner and outer fenders. Mine have about 3 gallons of filler holding them together.

2. Find repair panels for the cab if not replace the cab. The roof needs a lot of work. I may find an old cab and cut the roof off and swap it on this cab.

3. Find a newer C/50,60,70 truck and get the front and rear axles as of right now I cant find brakes for this truck and I like the idea of disc brakes.

I will be measuring the mounting points on a 90's Top Kick/Kodiak soon to see if they will swap.

I know from working in a shop where we built dump trucks that the frames widths are mostly 34'' wide.

4. Eventually add a 12 valve Cummins engine and at least an Eaton 5 or 6 speed. I'm trying to avoid running an air system for brakes or transmission which is why I want the smaller Eaton transmission.

5. Add power steering and Hydroboost to the truck for ease of driving and stopping.

Again this is where I want to find a lat 70's/early 80's C/50,60,70 truck or the 90's Top Kick/Kodiak truck to use for the parts.

6. Redo the interior with A/C and a modern sound system. Nothing crazy but something I can listen to while driving.

This truck will be used around the farm and possibly hauling stone and other aggregates for a local quarry and co-op.

This is a working project meaning I'm planning to use it as I work on it. So the progress my take a while. I don't have a set completion date.

[67_C-30]

Nice dumper! Unless it’s been changed, it should be a 292, not a 235. An 90’s era NV4500 5 speed probably wouldn’t be a bad choice for the transmission either. You can add a PTO to those they are plentiful.

[71'tahoe]

67 C-30
Thanks!
I wasn't sure which engine it had but was told a 235. I'll grab some photos later.
I have thought about an NV4500. They are good transmissions.
As a matter of fact I have a 67'C-20 factory dually that I am getting ready to install a 6.0L LS engine with a GM NV4500.

[67_C-30]

I had a C-50 wrecker years ago when I used to salvage cars/trucks. It was a very reliable old truck. Mine had the Midland power brake system, and was terribly hard to get parts for. I would recommend the hydroboost setup. I put one on my '67 C-30 when I put the diesel it in it, and it works great. You can see what I had to do to install it in my build thread below. It should be the same for your truck.

This was mine.

[LockDoc]

Welcome to the board!

Look around your area for the old grain trucks for parts. They are plentiful and cheap here in Iowa so should be there too, in certain areas.

I will move your thread to the "Heavy Haulers" forum where the C40,50,60 trucks are discussed.

I edited your post and removed the WTB indication. You have to be a Premium member to post a WTB and it has to be posted in the classified forums. If you click on the word "Subscribe" in the menu bar above it will explain the different subscription options.

Thanks,
LockDoc

[71'tahoe]

LocDoc,
Yeah I noticed I couldn't post a WTB. Couldn't figure out why but figured since I let my Gold Vendor expire,That was the reason.
Also every thing around here is rotted or the owner wont sell for a decent price.

67_C-30
Your issue with the Midland brake system is exactly why I planned on the hydroboost. I just found an 81' Top Kick with a hydroboost brake system,4-Wheel disc brakes,Eaton 6 speed,3116 Cat turbo diesel,and 22.5" hub pilot wheels. So I may go look at it next week. They want about $2500 for the truck.

[71'tahoe]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

I had a C-50 wrecker years ago when I used to salvage cars/trucks. It was a very reliable old truck. Mine had the Midland power brake system, and was terribly hard to get parts for. I would recommend the hydroboost setup. I put one on my '67 C-30 when I put the diesel it in it, and it works great. You can see what I had to do to install it in my build thread below. It should be the same for your truck.

This was mine.

Thanks for the info. I like that tow truck!

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Right, should be a 292. Post a picture of the Engine when you get a chance and we can tell for sure.

Truck looks pretty good in the pictures.

[71'tahoe]

C10 - C90 Bill,
Thanks! Ill grab some photos later today. Besides a exhaust flange leaking where the manifold meets the exhaust pipe It runs great.

[71'tahoe]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to post photos but it keeps saying there are cookies attached to my computer and its not secure. Is there something I can do to prevent this from happening again?

[71'tahoe]

[71'tahoe]

[C10 - C90 Bill]

It's a 292 for sure. It's got the tall Side Covers on it.

Bill

[1976gmc20]

This truck will be used around the farm and possibly hauling stone and other aggregates for a local quarry and co-op.

Other than possibly the brakes, what's wrong with it for that purpose as is?

If you're going to make that many changes, seems like you would be better starting with a newer truck, since there won't be much of the original truck left.

But Achhh! I would love to drop a good running 292 into my C-20!

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

I would love to drop a good running 292 into my C-20!

I had a 292-6 in my '64 C-30. I wouldn't have wanted any other engine in there other than that 292. Ran great, good economy and plenty of torque.

[71'tahoe]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

I had a 292-6 in my '64 C-30. I wouldn't have wanted any other engine in there other than that 292. Ran great, good economy and plenty of torque.

I plan to keep this engine in the truck as long as possible. I need to find an exhaust manifold or see how the cast steel will hold up to welding. It has a split in it and has a pretty bad exhaust leak. Truck runs fairly well. I'd also like to do an electronic ignition upgrade to away with the points. I like modern conveniences and don't want to get stranded. I've already started working on some of the hooky wiring that has been added to the truck over the years.

[71'tahoe]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Other than possibly the brakes, what's wrong with it for that purpose as is?

If you're going to make that many changes, seems like you would be better starting with a newer truck, since there won't be much of the original truck left.

But Achhh! I would love to drop a good running 292 into my C-20!

Basically the brakes, no power steering, cracked manifold and super low gear coupled with the hard to find repair parts for the two speed rear axle. Also it has 20" wheels and I'm not sure if I can even find a decent radial 9.00/20 tire. I still need to make sure they are not split rims also. Since it has a smaller 10 lug bolt pattern I'm not sure what my options are as far as replacement/Upgraded wheels are.

If I could find drums and related brake parts, I'd consider fixing and using whats there.

So that's why I'm considering the different suspension, drive line, brakes, and steering upgrades.

My thought process is in line of some of the other projects I've have. Upgrades to suspension, brakes, drive line usually makes a vehicle safer and more enjoyable.

I bought the truck to use as a working project. Just as the LS swaps are common upgrades in 1/2-1 ton trucks I figure small diesel engine would be kinda neat in a classic truck.


I'm always open to hear what other people have as far as places to find parts or upgrades.

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by 71'tahoe

Basically the brakes, no power steering, cracked manifold and super low gear coupled with the hard to find repair parts for the two speed rear axle. Also it has 20" wheels and I'm not sure if I can even find a decent radial 9.00/20 tire. I still need to make sure they are not split rims also. Since it has a smaller 10 lug bolt pattern I'm not sure what my options are as far as replacement/Upgraded wheels are.

If I could find drums and related brake parts, I'd consider fixing and using whats there.

So that's why I'm considering the different suspension, drive line, brakes, and steering upgrades.

My thought process is in line of some of the other projects I've have. Upgrades to suspension, brakes, drive line usually makes a vehicle safer and more enjoyable.

I bought the truck to use as a working project. Just as the LS swaps are common upgrades in 1/2-1 ton trucks I figure small diesel engine would be kinda neat in a classic truck.


I'm always open to hear what other people have as far as places to find parts or upgrades.

Okay, well ...

Low gears are good in a truck. I drove a 1965 with a 305 V6 for years.

I don't know about 20" tires these days. They were common in the 1980s and I bought used school bus tires. I changed my own split rims and never had a problem. You do have to know what you're doing.

Does it need brakes? I never had to replace mine even hauling logs in the mountains (those low gears again). But I did have trouble with the boost system and no parts for that even 35 years ago.

What's wrong with the suspension ??? It's a TRUCK.

So you're going to change suspension, drive line, brakes, steering, engine, transmission, cab and front clip. But you're keeping the frame. Wouldn't it be easier just to put the lift and bed on another truck?

[71'tahoe]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Okay, well ...

Low gears are good in a truck. I drove a 1965 with a 305 V6 for years.

I don't know about 20" tires these days. They were common in the 1980s and I bought used school bus tires. I changed my own split rims and never had a problem. You do have to know what you're doing.

Does it need brakes? I never had to replace mine even hauling logs in the mountains (those low gears again). But I did have trouble with the boost system and no parts for that even 35 years ago.

What's wrong with the suspension ??? It's a TRUCK.

So you're going to change suspension, drive line, brakes, steering, engine, transmission, cab and front clip. But you're keeping the frame. Wouldn't it be easier just to put the lift and bed on another truck?

I agree with low gears! My 1992 Peterbilt 379 has 3:90's and a 9 speed. I mainly haul grain with it so pulling out of some of these midwest fields loaded to the max, I fully understand low gears.

I have a good friend who owns a tire shop and i'm going to have her look for tires. The ones on it are not bad per say but they are really old and I have experienced blow outs on steer axles and drive axles..Neither one are fun or safe.

Brakes seem soft. I'm going to take the wheels off soon and try to remove the drums and inspect them. I know it has two wheel cylinders per side. I'm not sure if I'll be able to even find rebuild kits for them. I believe I do have a bad line/leak somewhere. I plan to do a hydro boost swap soon to do away with the single pot master cylinder and vacuum booster. I'm basically planning for the worse, that's all.

The suspension I have a couple rusted U-bolts which are no issue but the one rear axle saddle is rusted in two. Ill post photos tomorrow.

I was talking with a friend today and I believe my new plan is to find a Top Kick/Kodiak that has similar length and do a cab and bed swap. I still plan to work the truck in it's current condition pending I find no real issues with the brakes and I can find a axle U-bolt saddle.

Lastly the main reason I bought the truck is because it's an old 1967 dump truck, I do not want to loose that part of the build. Sure I could just go buy a small dump truck and keep moving but it wouldn't be as cool as a 1967 C50 dump truck. I know to some it may not make a lick of sense but to me to be able to build a cool old usable dump that I can enter into the local car show or draw attention to my shop..why not?

[Airdirect]

I have had good success with ordering brake parts from Rock Auto online. All the parts I have ordered have been good quality.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by 71'tahoe

I agree with low gears! My 1992 Peterbilt 379 has 3:90's and a 9 speed. I mainly haul grain with it so pulling out of some of these midwest fields loaded to the max, I fully understand low gears.

I have a good friend who owns a tire shop and i'm going to have her look for tires. The ones on it are not bad per say but they are really old and I have experienced blow outs on steer axles and drive axles..Neither one are fun or safe.

Brakes seem soft. I'm going to take the wheels off soon and try to remove the drums and inspect them. I know it has two wheel cylinders per side. I'm not sure if I'll be able to even find rebuild kits for them. I believe I do have a bad line/leak somewhere. I plan to do a hydro boost swap soon to do away with the single pot master cylinder and vacuum booster. I'm basically planning for the worse, that's all.

The suspension I have a couple rusted U-bolts which are no issue but the one rear axle saddle is rusted in two. Ill post photos tomorrow.

I was talking with a friend today and I believe my new plan is to find a Top Kick/Kodiak that has similar length and do a cab and bed swap. I still plan to work the truck in it's current condition pending I find no real issues with the brakes and I can find a axle U-bolt saddle.

Lastly the main reason I bought the truck is because it's an old 1967 dump truck, I do not want to loose that part of the build. Sure I could just go buy a small dump truck and keep moving but it wouldn't be as cool as a 1967 C50 dump truck. I know to some it may not make a lick of sense but to me to be able to build a cool old usable dump that I can enter into the local car show or draw attention to my shop..why not?

That’s why this hobby is so cool. It ain’t gotta make sense!

[C10 - C90 Bill]

If you can't find a new Exhaust Manifold anywhere, you should be able to find a good used one easy enough. If I remember correctly, they are all the same, 230, 250 and 292's, but I would verify that to be sure. Not including the Integrals.

I've never had a problem with Points, but may do like to upgrade, although I hear that they are not perfect as well. If you decide to keep the Points, go with a new high quality set along with a new Condenser and check the Gap at every oil change.

[71'tahoe]

Originally Posted by C10 - C90 Bill

If you can't find a new Exhaust Manifold anywhere, you should be able to find a good used one easy enough. If I remember correctly, they are all the same, 230, 250 and 292's, but I would verify that to be sure. Not including the Integrals.

I've never had a problem with Points, but may do like to upgrade, although I hear that they are not perfect as well. If you decide to keep the Points, go with a new high quality set along with a new Condenser and check the Gap at every oil change.

From what I've read so far is the C10/20/30 manifolds all have an angled dump where the C50/60/70 are straight down. I've done my fair share of welding so I may try to stick weld it with a high nickle rod. of course I'll do all the normal steps involved with cast iron welding.

I also just read several forums about doing an HEI distributor swap. So that will be one the list of things to do this week.

Right now I'm most concerned with the brakes. I will be searching diligently this week for drums. I believe I can send out the shoes and have them relined. Then there is the wheel cylinders. I'd sure like to do a modern disc swap with a hydro-boost.

[Airdirect]

Can your drums be turned? I would expect you can get the local NAPA store to send off your shoes to get them relined.

[71'tahoe]

I'm going to try and pull the brakes apart this week and check them for thickness.
I agree that I hope my local Napa (who I deal with almost every day) can send my shoes out to get them relined.