1953 Big Pickup Project

[Yukon 400]

Here's my project, it began with having quite a few Cummins motors laying around and now knowing what to do with them. This time it seems to make more sense that it would be easier to follow the smog laws for Vegas and not have to worry or sneak by, and I really like the rounded look of these AD trucks so that was it to stuff a diesel in one.

After looking around this truck in California seemed to be a starting point, been sitting out in a field for many years, not running, but mostly complete trucks, and with some air in the tires could roll.



So head out there on a weekend ant take a look at it, seemed ok, but the owner could not locate the title, going back home empty and begin to wait for the owner. Finally a month later in the end of July I was notified that the title was obtained and the truck could be picked up.

Loaded on the trailer, and on the way home we go. Stopped to recheck the load, the heavy steel plate flat bed deck did not make the load distribution very favorable for easy towing.



There's a grin for a new lease on life.

[Yukon 400]

After a few thorough washes she cleaned up pretty nicely for her age.













This is where I began thinking about what to do with it so, the concept of making a heavy duty pickup came to mind. I remember a few years ago seeing the Dodge BFT concept truck stuck, so I would do something similar in an older version.



The plan is to put a Cummins 5.9 Diesel in backed with a 6 speed transmission, run some super single rears and some skinny 22.5's up front, and top off the back side with a fiberglass bed with contour lines similar to the cab.

[Yukon 400]

I was surprised at how little it takes to make the old 235 to run again, applied some power and poured some gas down the carb and it stumbled. Tried it a few more times and finally the motor came alive. So went a head and put in a electric fuel pump as the old one was seized and 6 volts, added an alternator and did the 12 volt conversion. After that, the old motor started on the first try every time and drove pretty well besides the very low gearing.



Purchased an alternator bracket, not even close to fitting.



Alternator bracket from scrap, after buying a $60 one that did not fit



No more generator, and leaving the charger on the battery.



Modern day 31/24 battery tray

[Yukon 400]

Took the flat bed off and cleaned off more dirt from the frame





At this point I purchased a transmission from Florida, and not knowing it would take three months for a shipment to arrive through Uship, an older sibling was also purchased



Seems to have lived a rougher life, but still ok for the age, this is to have something to measure off and use as a reference once the surgery begins.

[Yukon 400]

With my transmission finally here after going and picking it my self, I drove her in the back yard this weekend and the surgery has began.



235 and 4 speed comes out, amazed as how it still runs so smoothly for it's age and being neglected for many years.





Here goes a Cummins and 6 speed, too bad these did not come factory this way.





Fits pretty well without a radiator, guess that's going to be relocated somewhere else.




Hood height seems to be ok, a standard tailpipe is going to be used, no stack though the hood.



Some metal work might be required...

[mknittle]

That's going to be cool!!

[OrrieG]

Not an AD but here is some inspiration, a truck my friend in Oregon built. It used a BB 90's 4wd chassis and alcoa rims.

[Yukon 400]

OrrieG - Your friend had a neat looking truck there. Do you knowif he's usin adapters or something to change he bolt pattern, it only looks like 4 fasteners on the inside.

I have ran into some problems with stockton for some custom wheels, now trying to find some some small 10 lug 22.5's that would have come on the TF trucks.

[mknittle]

I like the idea of a big pickup! there some coes around here that would have looked much better as big pickups than trying to make them into regular pickups.If that makes scense!

[Yukon 400]

I know what you mean, when the little 26 or 28" tires are tucked into a wheel well that was for an 36-40" tire and sucked in close to the frame. It does not look proportional to me, but if the owner likes that look than I guess that's all that matters.

Been through the process of thinking about just slapping the body on a 3/4 ton ram, but decided to use the original chassis for the longer frame and to keep the medium duty look.
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[Yukon 400]

This week I finally got a set of wheels for the truck, here are some pictures.







So far it seems to clear all steering and suspension parts, but a test with some rubber is still needed. Still undecided on what is the maximum size of tire that will fit without any rubbing on springs and the fender.





Some 385/65/22.5's will providing traction on the rears.





After all the fitment checks are done the wheels will be sent out for coating.

[elpound]

Those wheels look great! Did you have them made?

[Russell Ashley]

Last post before today was four years ago. I wonder if the truck ever got finished.

[elpound]

Would be cool if he got it finished.