How about a 52 Chevy Dually 4x4 Welding rig?

admin

I've been thinking about starting another project when I get up to Montana this summer. I found this puppy for sale on craigslist. I have been looking around, finding lots of parts, been thinking about what I could put together with it. What I am envisioning is a fuel injected big block, NV4500 with a 205 or dana 300 and a Dana 44 and a Dana 60 up front and a P30 14 bolt out back. I was thinking some twinkie truck 19.5's and one of these puppies on the back on a custom made welding bed. I have several options I am considering, one is taking a 88-98 1 ton dually that already has the 5 speed and 454 then sectioning the cab from the 52 over the floor and firewall from the 88-98Another is simply just moving everything over to the 52 and building new spring hangars and what not to make everything fit. I had also thought about seeing what it would take to make a 12 valve Cummins fit, These old trucks I know the hoods are fairly long, it might squeeze in. I don't know anyone who has done it so far. Right now this is all just food for thought, it would be a neat build if I built it. Thought you guys might get a kick out of looking at it.72 Chevy Cummins Project94 3500HD Welding Rig build Sold NOV 2011
Reply:i would go with a strait axle one ton front end.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by Dualiei would go with a strait axle one ton front end.
Reply:If it was me I'd see if the track widths are close enough that the front wheels of the newer truck sit under the fenders ok. If that works out I'd do a cab swap, setting the older cab on the newer frame, fabbing up a set of cab mounts to make it fit. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to channel the floor, too.Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:Originally Posted by app-ironworksllcIf it was me I'd see if the track widths are close enough that the front wheels of the newer truck sit under the fenders ok. If that works out I'd do a cab swap, setting the older cab on the newer frame, fabbing up a set of cab mounts to make it fit. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to channel the floor, too.
Reply:Originally Posted by app-ironworksllcIf it was me I'd see if the track widths are close enough that the front wheels of the newer truck sit under the fenders ok. If that works out I'd do a cab swap, setting the older cab on the newer frame, fabbing up a set of cab mounts to make it fit. I wouldn't be surprised if you have to channel the floor, too.
Reply:A frame swap would be the best option in my opinion, modern drive train,modern brakes, suspension parts are easily available. I would consider a diesel engine though, that big gas engine is going to suck up allot of fuel... not to mention there's no comparison for torque unless you plan on running a turbo.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I've been working on a 1945 GMC doing the same thing putting it on a 1985 chevy c-30 4x4 frame. Everything is very easy, but be ready to make changes to the floor board and maybe the firewall. It's at my shop, so if I can get down there I will post some pics.
Reply:That would be cool. My 1st truck was a '51 Chevy. Always liked the look of those.
Reply:Originally Posted by DemonSpeederA frame swap would be the best option in my opinion, modern drive train,modern brakes, suspension parts are easily available. I would consider a diesel engine though, that big gas engine is going to suck up allot of fuel... not to mention there's no comparison for torque unless you plan on running a turbo.
Reply:I'd love to see this project Mr. Beast! Gonna go stock up on popcorn! http://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastDropping the 52 cab over the 86 frame would not be too bad of a deal, the 86 and the 52 both have a 34" wide frame if I am not mistaken. Although the 52 is a straight frame if memory serves.
Reply:Were doing a 52 chevy to S-10 frame right now at the body shop ..But it will be lowered and has a chop top and suicide doors   http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=190231But i'm on a job of my own at the moment doing another two race tracks But you just have to cut off the cab mounts and relocate them and mod the radiator mounts all body panels are available from several retro outfits Here is a guy who does custom swaps and shows how some of it is donehttp://www.yarilswork.com/live/And i know this is not what you have in mind but the relocating the mounts and some of it will be the sameLast edited by killdozerd11; 03-27-2013 at 12:04 PM.Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by app-ironworksllcSo to make sure I'm on the same page.start with:88-98 1 ton big block 4x4, 5 speedD60 front with the correct side drop. (hopefully king pin, non-disconnect style)Corp 14 bolt rear.50's cab.then perform:SAS the 88-98 with the d60swap in the 14bolt (Isn't that what the 88-98 ton 4x came with, if so, or a d60, leave it?)regear to matchswap cab.do all that other nit picky stuff that takes way longer than you thought.pour some paintand:Drive the snot out of a sweet rig.Yeah the big block is a gas hog, but (especially if you've been a good chevy-boy and collected spares) way cheaper to build/repair and plumb than the Cummins.Besides if it's your welding rig it should be making $$$ when you're riding, not costing, so build the fuel costs into your hourly numbers and ride.
Reply:Looking forward to seeing itBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:I really wanna see this build.  I've got a 1987 chevy 4x4 with dana 60 and 14 bolt and love it.  Thing I would do on this truck is find a 1973-87 single wheel 1 ton preferbly a cucv, the army trucks, it'll have a dana 60 and 14 bolt and will have 4.10s or 4.56's already in it with a gov lok locker in the back, and it'll have a 205 t-case as well usually.  Take that frame shorten it up and drop that body on it.  I don't know if you'd get a 6bt cummins under the 52 hood.  I've done some research into putting one in my 87 and you have to put a body lift on to get it in there.  Do some research on the 4bt cummins same motor 2 less cylinders, not a lot of power stock but you can get up to 500 hp out of it I beleive.  Just keep the pics coming and the build updated wish I had documented and been able to share my builds.
Reply:Do it like this with a DetroitOr thisDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:That sounds WICKED man! I would do a 4 banger cummins in that thing! Just upgrade mildly on injectors and a better air filter for the power of a 6 cylinder. Maybe bigger turbo. Keep us posted brother!!!
Reply:as big of a fan as i am of the big block Chevy (and small block for that matter) the days of carburetors rat motors are OVER!    FLAT OVER.      I can honestly say i don't think i would build another project that was carburettors.    If anything i would look into putting a fully fuel injected 6.0L Chevy gas motor in it.   Seeing as your swapping it into an older truck you wouldn't have to worry about any of the emissions garbage.   I just bought a 2001 silverado 2500 with 6.0L gas plant and a 4spd auto the rest of the truck is a giant pile of crap but its a pretty damn potent runner.     it will roast both rear tires from a standing start on dry pavement, no brakes needed.but the i have seen 4-53's swapped into damn near every body style chevy made.   Not once have i ever not thought the swap was cool as hell.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:If it were mine-- I would find a first Generation Cummins pickup-- swap the cab onto that frame then build your bed, interior, etc.... First Generation 89-93 Dodge Cummins are my personal favorite truck of all time... No computers, no wires, no B.S. ... simplicity at its finest, reliability is off the charts, milage is better than most computerized trucks... besides, the simplicity would complement the body, as well as the kick-*** old Lincoln!! The first step to having everything you want is to want everything you have.
Reply:Awesome rig! I'm looking to "go big" now for our camping/off-road rig. Right now we have a 90 F350 dually, 460efi, ZF-5sp, and we are right on the edge of its abilities. I will be watching for your build.HF 180 amp/240 volt Mig (cap mod)1987 Harley FLHTP (project)1990 F350 XLT Lariat S/C dually1990 S&S 11SC Cabover Camper2011 Ford Ranger S/C XLT