The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts looking for a donor

I was given a 47 AC 524 GMC it is a really big truck, it is not in the best of shape and The cab may be the only usable part. My thought was to get a donor truck and put this cab on it. First I was thinking of getting a medium duty donor but then talked to a fellow who is using a 1 ton frame for a like conversion. Any and all thought are welcome. As of right now I do not have any specific plans on what I will do with it or use it for, just dreaming at this point. I would post pictures but photo bucket and I are not getting along. The fellow I was talking to was going to put larger wheels on his 1 ton to make it still lok like a big truck. Are there any issues using the large wheels on a 1 ton? Dave

There could possibly be issues with tire clearance unless the Big Bolt fenders were used also.

My plan was to use the entire cab fenders and grill. Dave

https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/school-bus-cat-diesel/6183716283.html





I started looking at school buses. Would like opinions good or bad about doing this swap. Above is an example of what I am looking at, shorter versions also. Dave

Have you measured the old truck yet?
How wide outside of front tire sidewalls now, and also width outside of front fenders.
How long is engine compartment from firewall to radiator? And or what engine is in it originally?
What size tires on it now and best guess at how tall might still fit fine?

The buss pictured likely has a CAT C7 which is inline 6 and from all I hear not very desirable, expensive and troublesome, or can be later. Or it may have a 3208 which is a V8, slightly better reputation but not by a lot, probably to wide to fit in engine compartment.

Start with measuring the truck and your best guess at what modern engine, front axle width, and wheels might fit, then hunt for chassis with those.

I was looking at school busses for my latest project and after looking at them decided not to go with one because they are designed to go about 65 mph max speed. They do not have a rear geared for they highway. I bought a 99 international 8100 for a donor. It cruised 80 mph on the way home and has a 9 speed, a/c ,cruise, air ride, and air brake. All the things you will not find in a school bus.

Good thoughts, thanks! Dave

Newer school busses around here do have air ride and air brakes, and modern electronic Allison automatics, with overdrive.
Rear gear ratios are available and pretty cheap and easy to exchange if necessary. At least for medium duty trucks and busses for the last 30 or more years. Older stuff like our antique trucks may not have better gear ratio choices, but newer stuff does for sure.

There is a group on facebook called "Killer One Tons and COEs" that has a huge member base and is very active. Most of the folks on there are into this sort of thing. I'd suggest joining that group and posting your query there. You'll get a ton of response, quick.

You might have to enhance your license with air brakes, which many of these trucks have.

Ed

Ed
It may be different in other states, but in Missouri, if you put historic plates on it, you do not have to have a CDL for air brakes.

Don