66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid

[Free Candy Inside]

The 14 bolt that was in the C30 wasn’t wide enough and the tires hit the leaf springs so I swapped it out for a Dana 80 that’s 10” wider.

[Android04]

Looking good.

[Free Candy Inside]

Haven’t made much progress and behind on schedule. Got married and went on a 10 day honeymoon so that pretty much ate up the month of June. I started working on mounting the cab and came up with these bolt on cab mounts. Goal is to have the truck done in the next 2 weeks.

[Free Candy Inside]

Took a few minutes to tear down the front of the Cummins engine to check on the “killer dowl pin” that they use during assembly to align the front gear cover to the engine block. The dowl pin can come out and fall into the gear drive and ruin the whole motor. I found mine had backed out about 3/8” so it was well on its way to destruction. I knocked it back in and made a hold down tab for it so it won’t be an issue in the future.

[raidmagic]

Originally Posted by Free Candy Inside

Took a few minutes to tear down the front of the Cummins engine to check on the “killer dowl pin” that they use during assembly to align the front gear cover to the engine block. The dowl pin can come out and fall into the gear drive and ruin the whole motor. I found mine had backed out about 3/8” so it was well on its way to destruction. I knocked it back in and made a hold down tab for it so it won’t be an issue in the future.

Unbelievably stupid that they didn't do this at the factory. 1st time I heard about this I couldn't believe it and it still is a source of confusion.


Anyway love the truck. I am on the hunt for that grill I love that thing.

[66K20]

Neat build!

Will you go back to a flatbed?

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by 66K20

Neat build!

Will you go back to a flatbed?

Yes I plan on going back with the flatbed that was on it but I was planning on cutting it down to a 12' bed. The C30 frame wheelbase is 14" shorter than the C50 frame and I don't want the flatbed hanging way off the frame. Figured a 12' bed would make it easier to drive around also and get in and out of parking lots. I plan on driving this thing a bunch once its done.

[66WideinOhio]

I'm along for the show... LOOKS GREAT what You have done so far.

[SCOTI]

Just found this build & I'm joining the list & waiting for progress updates.
Cool truck.

[Dieselwrencher]

I like the color choice on the wheels! It really looks great. Yeah, the KDP issue can really ruin your wallet.

[Free Candy Inside]

Busted my ass last week trying to get it done for a local car show my friends and I put on. Didnt make it. Here’s how she sits now with all new front end parts, 3” drop spindles and 4” drop shackle kit. Can’t wait to get it done and drive this thing.

[Free Candy Inside]

Ended up with 833 cars, trucks,and bikes at the show. I took my panel and set up a booth to sell my metal stuff.

[Dieselwrencher]

The truck is looking sweet! I hate missing dead lines I set for myself too! 833, that is a huge show! Great work!

[Free Candy Inside]

After some very frustrating nights of trying to get it to start with no success I started over with the fuel system. I had swapped over the lines from the donor. Upon further checking I found a collapsed rubber line. I made new lines and it instantly started. Now I have to go through and cut up the donor truck harness and make it all work inside the truck. I generally like using the donor vehicle wiring harness, fuse box, etc during the swap to make life easy. Only have to wire up the lights and the ignition switch. I also made some gas tank hanger strap pieces.

[Free Candy Inside]

I am using the donor trucks plastic fuel tank as well. It tucks up under the cab partially and fits really well. I made some mounts for it.

[Free Candy Inside]

I got the rear end welded up. I then made a battery tray. Sorry the pic is terrible. I wanted to keep the battery close to the starter so I decided to mount it on the side of the frame next to the drivers side front cab mount. I needed it to be close to he body for ground clearance but that makes it hard to swap or install cables. I got creative and I made side matching plates that have a slot in them and allow the battery tray to slice down 4” since this plates are welded to the frame and not the tray. Install the battery then slide it up into place and lock it down with the 4 bolts that go through the side brackets and into the lower battery tray. Works out great.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Free Candy Inside

I got the rear end welded up. I then made a battery tray. Sorry the pic is terrible. I wanted to keep the battery close to the starter so I decided to mount it on the side of the frame next to the drivers side front cab mount. I needed it to be close to he body for ground clearance but that makes it hard to swap or install cables. I got creative and I made side matching plates that have a slot in them and allow the battery tray to slice down 4” since this plates are welded to the frame and not the tray. Install the battery then slide it up into place and lock it down with the 4 bolts that go through the side brackets and into the lower battery tray. Works out great.

Sounds similar to an install I did. I mounted/bolted side flanges to the frame that are drilled for 4x 3/8" fasteners. I made a battery 'tray' that secures the battery & slides up/into the flanges on the frame. I use 2x unthreaded pins to temp hold the batt/tray in place while installing 2x of the 3/8" retaining bolts, then pull the pins & put the other 2 bolts in place.

I can use a floor jack if @ home/the shop but it can also be removed as long as you can bench press the initial weight of the batt w/tray. I built it to allow service regardless of where it is. The battery also has the top + side terminals for easy-ish jump start connections. Cumbersome, but serviceable. Definitely cleaned up the engine compartment.

[hank scorpio]

That's REALLY rad!

[Dieselwrencher]

It's looking sweet!

[aggie91]

Man, this one has me really thinking of getting the C60 my cousin has at this shop...

[Free Candy Inside]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

It's looking sweet!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by hank scorpio

That's REALLY rad!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by aggie91

Man, this one has me really thinking of getting the C60 my cousin has at this shop...

Do it!

[Free Candy Inside]

Didn’t like how high and long the flatbed is so I decided to cut it up some.

[Free Candy Inside]

Cut about 3’ off the end of the flatbed and cut the frame rails down to get it to sit lower.

[Free Candy Inside]

Started making the notches to go around the wheels.

[mcnally351]

This build is awesome ! Great work