That would be an interesting combo. I'd have to say that the Viper V-10 would probably be a better choice for a street rod though (as much as I hate to support Chrysler). Viper V-10, with matching 6-speed manual. That would be a serious grocery getter. Maybe a full tube chassis with 4 link rear, and Art Morrison IFS. A nice Strange 9" out back, with a killer set of M/T's. set it about 2" off the ground at the front bumper, and 4" at the rear. Dual 3.5" exhaust with some F/M 40 or 50 series mufflers. A 100 to 150 shot of spray. Maybe a couple of 250# concrete blocks in the rear corners for rear end weight, or a serious rear wing. Paint it all subdued colors, like a nice dark purple or blue, or black with body color bumpers and grille. Tintied windows, power everything. 4 whel disk brakes, 18" wheels up front, and 20's in the rear. Lots of stuff. That would be trick!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Looks like you've put a lot of thought into that. I like the way you think.

 

Just some rambling thoughts that started escaping through my fingers. For me, it depends on the truck. If the truck is in good original condition, then I will return it to stock, as concours as possible. If it comes my way with no motor, no tranny, and needs a lot work, then it will most likely end some wild custom monster with too much power, and not enough tire tread left on it to be legal. For example: My F-800 is going way custom. Transplanted onto a newer semi frame, with a CAT diesel. My dad's 55, will 100% original. We did a 53 F-100 that had a flip nose, and a K code Mustang 289 and a stout little C-4. It ended up with bald tires. My fire truck will go as original as possible, and I really like to go concours quality restoration to her, that depends on how easily I will be able to restore her fire apparatus though. The truck part will be easy to keep original, but I am not so sure for the apparatus, especially since I do want to make her 100% functional (a '53 Ford fire truck watering a block party, that would be cool). Any how, I grew up outside of Reno, and used to make daily trips to the Summit Racing store in Sparks. You wanna talk about drewling, the store makes the catalog look like childs play.

 

Mines not done yet, but ti's the only Olds 455 I've heard of yet in a 53 (F350)

Test fitting a core about 8 months ago.

 

Phil, there is plenty of room up in front of the radiator. I'll bet you could use the cummins and move the radiator forward and not have to cut the firewall.

I'm contemplating trying to find room in my 59 Dodge D100 for the cummins...It would make for one mean truck!

Bobby

 

bobbytnm,
That's a good idea; but, that's where the turbocharger intercooler and A/C condenser are going. To fit those two and the radiator in front of the engine, I'll probably end up fabricating a new support. That support also ties the whole front of the body together as the inner fender panels and front fender support brackets bolt to it as well. That U-shaped monster only bolts to the frame in the middle. That whole mounting will take quite a bit of thought, imagination and planning. But, that is what makes hot rodding fun, right?

Phil

 

Phil,
I hear ya. I made my own radiator mount. I chose a radiator out of a mid 70's dodge truck as it had the inlets and outlets where I needed. I used some 3/16x3 flat bar and bent it to fit between the fenders. I punched some slotted holes to replicate the original fender mounting holes. I added some more flat bar perpindicular to the sides for strenght and as mounting flanges for the radiator. It all worked out pretty well.

My big Caddy engine makes tons of torque at low rpms (I think its 365 ft lbs at 2600rpm) and is pretty efficient if you can keep your foot out of it. I still plan on using my truck as a truck but I doubt I'll be pulling the family travel trailer down the highway with it (I can't squeeze 5 people into the cab)

Take lots of pics of your truck, it sounds like a cool project
Bobby