The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Diesel in a 1956???? am I nuts?

I was pleased to find this site, I own a 56 6500 series Cab & Chassis. The truck is in near perfect shape with 10k original on the odometer.
I know this might sound crazy, and I am...but I am looking to convert this truck to a diesel powered, highway hauling, Classic Truck. I want to do it up right..so braking, rear axle ratio, and transmission is very important to me. Has anyone ever attempted such an act? I do not want to destroy the overall integrity of the truck, but rather "modernize" the brakes, gear change out if possible? I know I can always pluck the Cab off and custom fit to a modern chassis...but is there alternatives to get this truck to higher levels of performance and drivability utilizing that wonderful classic framework?

Welcome to the Stovebolt!

Most anything is possible with enough time and money. I've seen diesel powered classic trucks, but haven't built one myself. I know a lot of guys consider it.

What's the tonnage rating on a 6500, about 2 1/2 tons or so? I believe the running gear from a single-screw road tractor, engine, transmission, axles, air brakes, etc., should fit pretty well. Find an older Mack, Freightliner, Peterbilt, or such, buy the whole rig, and transplant the power train. That project should keep you out of the local beer joint for several months!
Jerry

Most modern diesels are a bit long to try to stuff in your old truck. A international 444E is a V8 might fit. That is the same thing to what the F**D super duty used for years, not sure if they still do. As far as the brakes and stuff go, it all on how much do you want to do. You can bolt on you cab to a modern frame, or swap over to your frame. The only thing you need for an older engines is one wire with power to make it run. The newer ones need that funny looking box called a computer.

Thanks for the replys! My truck actually has a GVWR of 18,000 lbs. So the Bigger tractor stuff might be a bit much...but taking that theory to a "smaller" truck is what I have been dabbling in. I haven't thought much about the newer diesels being a bit to long....it seems that the V's would make more sense. But then again I'm wondering if any of this makes sense LOL. Anyways, I am trying to make the right choice first as buying almost any low milieage diesel/tranny etc. seem to be expensive. I will keep you posted as to my choice of powerplants...you indeed wont see me at the local bar anytime soon...well, then again this may drive me to drinking!!!!! Happy Truckin'

My father in law has a dually truck that used to carry an on-site cement machine. The front looks like a large version of the 67-72 chevy pickups. It's got a Detroit diesel in it. I wonder if something like that would fit the bill. I have no idea what the dimensions are or need to be. Maybe this gives you an idea for another creative look at the project.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

Maybe you can find a truck that you can take for a spin to see how it runs. Go to some used truck dealers and take a few out to see what they do. I drove a GMC topkick for over a year. What a dog that was. It had a 3116 cat with a 6 speed trans.

Wasn't there a factory model with a Detroit 471 around that time?

Don't some of those UPS or FED-EX trucks run 4 cylinder diesels in them? I wonder where them old trucks go when their service is done? I saw a 1 ton dually Stude with an Isuzu diesel and drivetrain that trucked right along. There's lots of options out there,
Scott

Detroit did have a 471. They put them in everything, trucks, equipment and I think boats to. The problem with them is they like to leak oil and the exhaust is very loud. Never done anything with the stuff from Japan. Theres alot of them out there. It all depends on what you want to do with the old girl. If your not going to haul with it or at least light stuff, you can get a way with a smaller engine. If it is going to be a work truck, you want to set it up right. There is nothing worse than building a truck like that and it ends up not doing what you want.

I will look into the detroit history and applications etc. I do indeed intend to haul with the truck. The loads I pull are typically
8k - 12k....so the truck should be fine in size but your indeed right...I don't want it wrong or underpowered. The truck is also a promo for my business "American Class Enterprises"...so I love the american made cast and bolts so I guess that totally rules out the import stuff LOL...Have a great weekend guys! I'm off to NC with another load and will be back Monday night!
'Till then keep them clutches cool!!!

Plenty of big GMCs had diesels long before '56.

YES! I think your NUTS! I have a couple of pix of a Ford one-ton I saw at a show with a Cummins 4cyl from some sort of delivery van truck. Was small, yet looked good in truck. Might be able to find one of those around cheap, rarely see those old delivery vans sell very high. As to the ones in Jap trucks, they usually run high. One brand that would be cheap for whole truck is Iveco. They had good engines, but rest of truck and wiring/brakes were bad. I see them around for $2000 or less at times. They still run, just brakes shot or such. They had Fiat engines in them, about size of Chevy six. ONe other thing on those delivery trucks is the engine and trans mounts are easy to switch to other frames, as they generally set on frame tops and Hang off them, rather than hold up from underneath.

Diesels were available in that time frame 471 detroits maybe not sure when they came out with the 53 series but the 71 series was popular thru the late seventys when the 92 series night mares showed up

I've been looking at the SD22 and SD25 nissan diesel engine as a possible swap... anyone know a good resource for finding out more about these?

-Mike R.

I´m going to put a 1981 volvo td40 engine in mine,4 liters nice engine whith wide power band,136hp,´bout the same size as the 216.

I would avoid the 4 cyl datsun/nissan diesels,even the sd27 that came in 95 is tired as xxxx!
I know izusu has a 4cyl 3,3 litre in some mid 80´s trucks that´s strong and reliable.

Sounds like a great project. Diesel is the only way to truck. Don,t use the Cummins 4 cyl . its gutless & vibrates. The Iveco G.L. referred to is good & you can by the whole trucks real cheap but parts are scarce & very expensive. The Jap. Engines are good but the transmissions are weak & parts are extreamly expensive (auto & manual). I would look at the Ford & IHC medium duties. They have a staight 6 used in many garbage trucks that is real good.

A trick engine that comes to mind is the 453T. 4 cylinders (short) 53 cubic inches per cylinder, turbocharger, tons of torque, good overall performer.

1936 GMC with 5 cylinder Benz diesel motor and Auto trans. listed on Ebay until Feb. 15 I'll try to link it here but have not done that before. Search "1936 GMC". 1936 GMC

Jim D.

The Ford pickups still use a Ford-ized Intl V-8 diesel, but International shrunk the motor to 365 cubic inches, and Ford followed suit. I've driven the new Ford Version in an F550 towtruck and it was a rocket (325 horsepower and 560 ft lb torque) but it blew turbos like gum bubbles. I've heard of other powerstroke drivers with similar complaints. The cat 3116 is a dog, the newer 3126 and C7 have computer controlled throttles and are much peppier for the same power rating. What about a Cummins 5.9 from a Dodge Ram? It'll preserve the Inline-6 heritage of the truck, and they use it in medium-duty applications as well as Dodge P/U's. Same with the Chevy/GMC duramax, although it's a V-8.

I forgot about the CAT 3208. They dont make it anymore and it's hard or impossible to rebuild, but it's a 10.4L V-8 (for your length problem) and it's buttery smooth with a very V-8ish sound compared to the Ford/IHC diesels. Nobody is gonna like that idea but I have a 3208 fetish so I thought I'd throw it out there.

How about this one:
Detroit Diesel with Clark 5-speed.
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