09-27-2011, 08:06 PM | #1 |
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Location: Fruita, Colorado
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Propane anyone?
I'm just wondering if anyone has modified for propane instead of gasoline? I use my truck as a daily driver with my mowing company and I'm modifying my mowers for propane, and thought the truck could be done as well. I use A LOT of gas every month.
Truck has a 350 in it, edelbrock carb.
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1966 Chevy C-10 350 Engine 700R4 |
09-27-2011, 08:15 PM | #2 |
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Re: Propane anyone?
http://www.gotpropane.com/
google: propane conversion for more results... converting to propane - tech article - on a '66 C10 |
09-27-2011, 11:29 PM | #3 |
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Location: Fruita, Colorado
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Re: Propane anyone?
I googled and found the www.gotpropane.com as well. I was HOPING there was a cheaper option as their kit doesn't include a tank. I think it would be cool to have a dual fuel 66 long bed running around.
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1966 Chevy C-10 350 Engine 700R4 |
09-27-2011, 11:36 PM | #4 |
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Re: Propane anyone?
That's a dang nice idea.....
Get yer bumper sticker that says it all....... " This Truck Puns on Ropane " You'll be the envy of the trade.....
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Les Hunter '59 3803 someday to be 3853 '63 GMC K1000...351E, TH400 Daily '66 GMC 4000...351C, 5&2 |
09-28-2011, 09:27 AM | #5 |
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Re: Propane anyone?
I had a '72 truck on propane then when I replaced it with a '80 truck I moved the system to the '80. Drove it for 99,000 miles and loved it. Not sure what the rules are now, but back then a conversion kit was only about $400.00 tank and all. If I was doing it today, I would check with some farmers and collect the parts.
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09-28-2011, 09:31 AM | #6 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Propane anyone?
My dad had propane installed on his 66 several years ago. You need to factor in that since propane doesnt give as much power as gas does, your fuel mileage will be at least 75% of what you can get on gas, factor in the high cost of the changeover and the fact that propane really isnt that much cheaper than gas and also the huge tank you will need for the propane, it really isnt worth the whole mess.
When my dad first got it the propane was real cheap, this is why he did it, he could fill up for less than half what gas cost him. but times have changed. It is a conciderebly cleaner burn, but the costs really need to be factored in.
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 support our troops! |
09-28-2011, 10:45 AM | #7 |
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Re: Propane anyone?
Between my mowers and my truck i'm spending between 900 and 1100 a month on fuel, depending on the work. My payback, if cheaper, will be different than an average daily driver.
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1966 Chevy C-10 350 Engine 700R4 |
09-28-2011, 11:48 AM | #8 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Propane anyone?
Well around here propane goes for @ $2.70 per gal without tax. It is only $.30+ less that gas. if you only get 75% of the power/MPG from it.
I am not trying to discourage, just giving you my experience and also some facts. I hope you succeed in your need to cut fuel costs, however you decide to do it. here are some numbers.... if you get 12MPG now, you would get 9MPG with propane. If you spend $3.20 on ave for 1 gal gas, you will spend about $2.80 per gal on propane propane is 87.5% of the cost of gas. now using Propane you would spend ( using your numbers) between $787.50 and $962.50, or more if your truck was on propane. so with that information, you can decide what is best for you. Good luck!
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 support our troops! Last edited by Clyde65; 09-28-2011 at 11:54 AM. |
09-28-2011, 12:32 PM | #9 |
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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Re: Propane anyone?
Call Hank Hill with Strickland Propane....Hank sells propane and propane accessories....LOL!!!! Just kidding!!! My grandpa used to have his oil field truck to go work at the rigs in West Texas rigged up for propane. However, he did that because he could get all the propane he wanted for free. I am with Clyde on doing a cost benefit analysis. For the cash expenditure it may take you several months or even yrs to break even.
Just food for thought. |
09-28-2011, 01:14 PM | #10 |
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Location: Howell, MI
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Re: Propane anyone?
Don't forget the benefit you can take advantage of with LPG: About 110 octane.
If you have an engine that runs a higher compression ratio, you can get back nearly all the difference in energy density by operating at a higher efficiency and closer to MBT spark. |
09-28-2011, 02:31 PM | #11 |
1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 8,546
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Re: Propane anyone?
Oh, one more thing, in Texas there is a sticker you have to get for a propane converted vehicle, I am not sure what it costs but I am sure it is ridiculously high.
here is what Texas does... http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/fuels/lg.html
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Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 support our troops! |
09-28-2011, 03:04 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Propane anyone?
Quote:
Q
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