Cummins Powered 1957 Chevy Truck!!!

[ambryatim]

Ok, so my project is taking a TOTALLY different turn. I have not worked on it much in the past 2 or so years. But, I came across a steal of a deal on a 2002 HO 24V Cummins. So, I have to rebuild the engine...no biggie really and I have a NV4500 to go with it. I will fill you in on the story later, but I have a couple concerns that I was needing input on.

Ok, so I have installed a sub-frame from a 78 Trans AM, now this car came with the 6.6L and larger sway bar. I plan on plating the cross-member on the sub-frame and also boxing the frame, at least to the back of the cab and installing a trailing arm style suspension. I am just wondering if the TA sub-frame ball joints, control arm bushings etc will hold the weight.

I have found a good deal on a 66 rolling truck chassis, but I know the front track width will be an issue, but it could possibly be an option. I want to keep the truck 2wd and do not want the nose of the truck to high.

Thanks for looking and the input.

[6BT 56]

Sounds like fun to me. There tight but not rocket science to fit in there. Dieselwrencher has a cummins in his vette. So far so good he says. Looking forward to hearing more abt your build.

[ambryatim]

Thanks 6BT 56.....what were some of the biggest challenges you encountered while doing your conversion??

[6BT 56]

It was fairly simple . But then I tried to keep it that way . Engine is bone stock . Mine will power up and run with one wire . Yours will need a bit more work . There is a guy on here cos 399 maby ??? He just put your Same eng in his 91 k30. He should have some good insight on the electrical . My eng went in with no cutting of tin . I'm not running the I/c tho. I had to remove the Factory fan . I put a electric pusher in front of rad . My rad is junk . Just put in in for mock up , testing and it just never came out . Lol. It still never hints of over heating , maby creeps up just a bit in a long Mcdonalds drive thru but not much . These engines move tons of water when there running . Check out Luther's build in the 55 57 truck section . I think it's under 55 napco clone . He went the other route and set the eng back a lot but has his stock fan and his I/c in place . A good comparison to eyeball both of our builds . Any other questions ask away , that's why we're all here .

[Dieselwrencher]

I'd think the front suspension would hold it alright. My Vette has been together for 7 years and was raced for 3 consistant and has been driven on the street too. I've noticed no issues with the front suspension at all. I did set the engine back and is 4" behind the engine cross member on it though. I was trying to help weight transfer with that.

[II_Slow]

Still plugging away on my Cummins-powered 55. Mechanically, it's pretty much done, just putting back all of the sheetmetal I cut out of the floor and firewall, and doing the rust repairs (cab corners and rockers pluse some rot in the door opening and beneath the hinge). No suspension issues on mine, I did a frame swap to a Ram 2500 (thinking the engine and transmission would use the factory mounts on the frame and cross member). The older trucks are a lot shorter between the front cross member and bumper, so I had to set the engine way back in the frame to make room for the radiator, condenser, and intercooler. I would think the 60's would have similar issues, just not as bad.

[lower50's]

Sounds like a cool build. My diesel is on an s10 front end we will see.

[ambryatim]

Originally Posted by lower50's

Sounds like a cool build. My diesel is on an s10 front end we will see.

Cool build. I am in the process of making engine mounts, but I also recently purchased a 1995 Dodge 2500 4x4 12v Cummins that I am working on too.

Hope to be back on the 57 soon.

[6BT 56]

Thro up some pics some time . We always like those . What's up with the 95 dodge ? Thos are fun trucks as well.

[ambryatim]

The 95 (2500 4x4 Reg Cab) I picked up for $1500. It would not shift out of 1st. So, before I bought it I checked everything over all the fluids were good, fuel smelled good. To top it off, it had been sitting for 6 or so years. I put 2 batteries in it and she cranked right up.





Its rough but the engine is in VERY good shape...even at 412K miles. The issue with the trans was the the guy who rebuilt it 6 years ago (roughly 3000miles) cranked up the line pressure and it broke the 1-2 apply lever. Ordered a billet apply lever, installed a shift kit, new seals and drain plug on tranny pan (47RH).

The lifter (side cover) gasket was cracked and leaking. Installed new front and rear main seals, timed pump to 15.5* (its a California Emissions Engine) and will be doing a valve adjustment this weekend.

[6BT 56]

Looks like a great find to me. The int could maby use a vacuume . Lol. It's almost impossible to find anything like that up here any more . Our trucks just rot away to dam fast . Even my 2005 3500 needs rockers and cab corners now. What's the plans for it ?

[ambryatim]

Should have mentioned, the first two photos are actually video links of it starting up.

Plans.....well, it will be used around the house as a work truck/haul truck. If my 13 year old son has anything to do with it...it would be his...we will see...

But, don't think the thought has not crossed my mind to put the 57 body on that chassis. But, the 57 is more for fun than work and the 24V Cummins and NV4500 will be fun for sure.

[6BT 56]

My 16 year old seems to be putting dibs on all my stuff. My k20 and my 1 st gen ram . Too bad you can't actually afford to insure them in anything nice these days . My 1 st gen may be good to hand down . But I was hoping to make it a winter beater as my k20 although ugly is too nice to expose to any more winters.

[Dieselwrencher]

Ambryatim, nice score on the Dodge. These trucks are still bringing pretty darn good money around here. And they are rusty, have high miles, and are worked over.

[ambryatim]

Sorry, it's been a crazy 3 months. Long story short....we ended up moving and buying a house at the beginning of this month. So, that has eatin' up a lot of my time. Once I get situated, I will post up some pics. And on a sad note, I might have to sell the ol' dodge. ��