47-55.1 1950 Chevy 3100 Ramp Bed 1-ton

[awhite4557]

After I installed the stacks, all I could see in the mirrors was the stacks. So I installed a new set of West Coast chrome mirrors. I also installed a new skull and piston shift knob. I bought a 4 row aluminum radiator with shroud and fan and a Vintage Air A/C-more preparation for the cummins install. I also took the Beast with the 65 on back and towed the 71 C-10 on the car trailer to a car show this weekend. The Beast pulled both trucks with ease. Should be a walk in the park after the Cummins gets installed. I took 1st place in the wrecker category.

[awhite4557]

I started the cummins swap. The front clip, bumper and motor and transmission were removed. I ordered a set of motor mounts from GMCuminsconversions.com. I have a FASS fuel system, 4 row aluminumn radiator with shroud and fan, vintage air-conditioner and the necessary glow shift gauges for the cummins.

[dsraven]

how much do you think the wheels will stick out past the fenders?

[vintovka]

Was the firewall previously recessed and will it be enough for the longer Cummins? I really wanted to put one in my build below but the guys around here did not want to tackle the firewall modifications. FWIW i have a 2004.5 Ram 2500 and the HO engine delivers a consistent 21-24 MPG with more than enough power for all my needs. Yours may do even better with the manual. Keep us posted.

[Matt_50]

That truck looks awesome! I can't believe I haven't seen it around town yet.

[awhite4557]

Originally Posted by dsraven

how much do you think the wheels will stick out past the fenders?

dsraven If your referring to the front wheels, the tires are pretty much flush with the fender.

[awhite4557]

Originally Posted by vintovka

Was the firewall previously recessed and will it be enough for the longer Cummins? I really wanted to put one in my build below but the guys around here did not want to tackle the firewall modifications. FWIW i have a 2004.5 Ram 2500 and the HO engine delivers a consistent 21-24 MPG with more than enough power for all my needs. Yours may do even better with the manual. Keep us posted.

vintovka I haven't had time to test fit the engine yet but from previous measurements, I will have to recess the firewall 4-6 inches in order to get enough clearance for the radiator to mount like it should. I just got my motor mounts in today and will test fit as soon as I am able.

[awhite4557]

I got some extra time and stripped and cleaned the engine. I installed the engine to test fit. I am going to have to cut the firewall to set the engine back where it needs to go to have enough room for the radiator to fit properly.

[vintovka]

Will be looking forward to seeing your mods. BTW my cummins is now delivering up to 28 HWY and 25 in town. Your Manual should exceed that. I really wish i could have put one in my AD.

[awhite4557]

I started working on the wrecker again. We cut the firewall and set the engine in where it looked and fit best. It looks like the engine will be recessed about 3 inches into the cab. So we'll have to recess the firewall. I pulled cab and installed a serpentine setup from CVF Racing on the engine. We set the engine back in and bolted it up using the original perches and transmission mount.

[awhite4557]

I removed the fuel tank and cut a hole in the top to accept the FASS fuel system pick up/return fittings. After the FASS system was installed I re-installed the tank and installed the FASS fuel pump on the inside of the frame rail beside the tank. I ran the new fuel line up to the engine injector pump and connected the return from the engine back to the tank.

[awhite4557]

I purchased a new 4 inch turbowcharger down pipe and a few fittings for the exhaust. After they were cut, fitted and welded together, I painted them with high heat paint and installed them with the 5 inch stacks I had previously installed,

[awhite4557]

I stripped the cab down on the firewall area and removed everything from inside the cab. We removed the firewall to prepare to install the 4 inch recessed firewall I bought from Direct Metal with their full floor kit. I bought new cab corners and kick panels as well and removed the vent on the passenger side since I will be installing vintage air.

[awhite4557]

I wired the engine control module for stand alone operation using the ECM. I won't need the PCM since I am using Dakota Digital instrumentation. This engine has been sitting for about 7 years. We bled the air out of the injectors and fired it up. It took several tries before the air was out of the injectors but it fire right up and ran great. I later installed a temporary radiator and let it run for a while to make sure the fuel system didn't have any leaks. The twin stacks sound awesome without mufflers.

Here is a link to the video of the engine running. https://www.facebook.com/WestTexasSt...5715195360286/

[winslowgoodwin]

Any progress?

Very nice truck!

[dsraven]

just seen this, wonder if you plan to do some cross dimension checks on the firewall opeing. thats a big hole so without any cross bracing there is room for movement and it could easily get out of square.

[awhite4557]

Originally Posted by dsraven

just seen this, wonder if you plan to do some cross dimension checks on the firewall opening. that's a big hole so without any cross bracing there is room for movement and it could easily get out of square.

Yes we did place bracing in the cab to support it. I have since had the cab painted and all body work on the cab, fenders, hood and doors are complete. I am working on the bed and have to sandblast it and paint it prior to installing the cab and the body panels. Due to foreseeable problems that were run into during the core support and radiator install, I decided to ditch the cummins and go with a 6.2 LS.

When I get a chance, I'll post updated pics.

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by awhite4557

Yes we did place bracing in the cab to support it. I have since had the cab painted and all body work on the cab, fenders, hood and doors are complete. I am working on the bed and have to sandblast it and paint it prior to installing the cab and the body panels. Due to foreseeable problems that were run into during the core support and radiator install, I decided to ditch the cummins and go with a 6.2 LS.

When I get a chance, I'll post updated pics.

Heck even my plans for a 5.9 cummins in my 54 died with he tape measure.

[dsraven]

i could see why you ditched the big diesel, the cabs are tight enough so by the time you cut away firewall and floor space you don't have much foot room left for pedals and comfort. cool idea though. maybe a diesel swap in a dimensionally bigger truck would be something to think about when you get this one done.
keep posting up pics, it's cool to see how you tackle stuff.