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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Diesel Engine Discussion => Engine/Drivetrain => Cummins Swaps => Topic started by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 06:50:10 pm

Title: 1HI4x4's Crew Cab Short Bed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 06:50:10 pm
I started a new thread due to the other one was fairly jumbled up. This is my 1991 CC 3500 project. here is the original piece.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 06:53:01 pm
Here is the blazer tank and the frame cut down.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 06:56:51 pm
Begining of paint.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 07:01:26 pm
Here it is tonight after some reassembly and some of the pinstripping done.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: exilous on May 18, 2009, 07:34:52 pm
Nice truck...what did you do with the blazer tank? did you put that in the truck?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 18, 2009, 08:35:13 pm
The blazer tank mounts behind the axle, here's a thread on how to do it.
Mine was a tad different due to the shocks on mine were inside the frame, one forwards and one back, so I had to move the mount for the one that was leaning to the back and just matched it up to the one going forward.


http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/blazertank.html
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: choptop on May 18, 2009, 09:35:25 pm
That looks awesome
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 19, 2009, 04:48:08 am
Thanks, I still have alot to put back together but it's starting to look like a truck again. I'll update when it's finished on the outside.

Interior is this winter.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 79K20 on May 19, 2009, 12:09:59 pm
That is a sharp looking truck.  Dig the fender paint and pinstriping!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 19, 2009, 02:42:08 pm
That is a sharp looking truck.  Dig the fender paint and pinstriping!



Thanks, I got the bumpers back on this afternoon, I should be able to get the last of the pinstriping done this evening then I will take a couple more pictures of it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: eventhorizon66 on May 19, 2009, 07:39:47 pm
Awesome, just awesome.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: oldwhity on May 19, 2009, 09:07:52 pm
Great lookin crew!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: ccz145a on May 19, 2009, 10:54:23 pm
It's great to get them back together. Even better when it looks awsome, too!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: oldyeller on May 20, 2009, 08:57:02 am
Amazing job.  Looks awesome.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: JRConnieK10 on May 20, 2009, 10:26:03 am
Nice, I like it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 26, 2009, 04:15:33 pm
Here is the finished piece. I still have chrome diff covers to install and then line-X the inside of the bed.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 26, 2009, 04:22:41 pm
This is the pinstriping and it goes all the way around the truck, unbroken.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Flamingbig10 on May 26, 2009, 08:36:54 pm
nice truck
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: cubicdollars on May 26, 2009, 08:44:00 pm
Great looking truck  ;)
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: redburban on May 27, 2009, 02:26:09 pm
great looking truck!! i love the paint job.  that is what i am wanting to do with my sub only black on top.  i have been looking all over for pics of.this paint job.  it looks killer.  great work.  thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: HAULIN IT on May 27, 2009, 04:53:24 pm
No one else mentioned it so I will. That is one heck of a weld job! Who ever did it needs a pat on the back. If it was you, pull your shoulder out doing it. Lorne
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on May 27, 2009, 05:35:20 pm
No one else mentioned it so I will. That is one heck of a weld job! Who ever did it needs a pat on the back. If it was you, pull your shoulder out doing it. Lorne





I cashed in a favor for the welding, good friend that welds for a living did it. He is used to working on much bigger things than my little truck. I did the the tank conversion, all the paint work including the pinstriping. I'm going to drive it this summer then tackle the interior this winter. I'm gathering parts now for the interior. So how bout those rear door panels Captn'. Thanks for all the kudos, there are alot of nice trucks on this site.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Captkaos on May 27, 2009, 05:54:46 pm
I should be test fitting the next set this weekend.  If you are going to target winter, I should have them worked out so they will bolt straight on for you.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Chevalade on August 29, 2009, 11:22:37 pm
Revival.....

Is that a glass hood or a steel? Looks like a 4". If it is a steelie, where did ya get it?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: dunedigger on August 30, 2009, 12:18:50 am
That truck is sick  :o  I like it a lot  ;D A friend of mine is doing a short box conversion right now.  Fun project.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on August 30, 2009, 06:07:42 am
Revival.....

Is that a glass hood or a steel? Looks like a 4". If it is a steelie, where did ya get it?






Actually it's a 5" molded to a stock hood.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Chevalade on August 30, 2009, 05:37:09 pm
Nice job on the hood. You need to post more pics of the truck, inside and out.....hehe.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on August 30, 2009, 07:08:19 pm
Inside is stock, I have bought a set of seats out of a newer Dodge Crew Cab, I'm going to gut the interior this winter and redo all of it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: emr_09 on September 01, 2009, 10:33:29 pm
Wow that looks great. I have been thinking of doing this project for a couple of years but in the process of doing my old high school truck right now. I want to do a 6cyl. cummins conversion with a 6 speed and use it to pull my other truck to shows. Good work man!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on September 02, 2009, 05:36:32 am
Wow that looks great. I have been thinking of doing this project for a couple of years but in the process of doing my old high school truck right now. I want to do a 6cyl. cummins conversion with a 6 speed and use it to pull my other truck to shows. Good work man!






I really looked hard at a 12 valve Cummins, by the time you buy all the adapters and brackets it just didn't make sense. So it will be getting either a 496 or 502 over the winter.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: devious on September 03, 2009, 01:48:47 pm
truck looks awsome man...and the pinstrippin is sweet...not many ppl pinstrip anymore

what your plans for the interior?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on September 03, 2009, 03:19:50 pm
Well the interior is partially finished, and may not get finished the way I wanted due to the rear door panels have become an issue. (seems Rod Doors is closed) anyway here it is with 2008 Dodge Crew Cab seats.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on November 11, 2009, 05:21:48 am
Couple more pictures of the seats. I had sold the old interior(door panels and all) but called the guy last night to tell him about the door panel issue.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: oldyeller on November 11, 2009, 01:39:56 pm
The seats look good in there.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Captkaos on November 11, 2009, 03:38:51 pm
Rod Doors have seemed to drop off the face of the earth.  I have called every number, fax, email etc with no response.  All numbers have disconnected.  If anything changes I will let you know.

Otherwise those look good.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: VileZambonie on November 11, 2009, 03:41:52 pm
What's your door panel issue? Truck looks great. Take some better pix of the new seats
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on November 11, 2009, 04:01:19 pm
What's your door panel issue? Truck looks great. Take some better pix of the new seats







I was wanting the Rod Door Panels for a crew cab, but just about the time I was ready to order them(last Thurs.) they fell off the face of the earth. Now their phones are disconnected and no way of contacting them. So I have 12 yards of fabric to match the seats, I will still do a head liner and I have all the Silverado trim pieces to go around the doors I will cover them, but I really had my heart set on a set of those aftermarket door panels. Oh well I'm sure someone will buy up all the stuff and have it back on the market.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: VileZambonie on November 11, 2009, 04:10:40 pm
My advice is to find a good interior upholsterer and go to them. They can custom make you panels like no other!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Blazin on November 12, 2009, 08:46:08 pm
Looks great, paint came out nice.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on December 05, 2009, 09:09:04 am
All right since the interior is currently on hold due to lack of door panels, I am starting on a new engine, I have purchased a 454 block, and it's in the machine shop now. I am boring it .060 and using a 4.250 Crank,(496 C.I.) 9.5 to 1 pistons and using what I call peanut heads(small chamber) The engine builder just completed one very similar and it made close to 500 horse and over 600 ft. lb. of torque, it was making the torque at below 2500 rpms, the dyno he was using doesn't register until 2500 r's. That's what I am looking for, is the torque. Haven't completly decided on cam yet other than it will be a roller, I'm staying with the 4L80E and don't want some big stall converter, the engine above made those numbers with an Eldebrock Dual plane and a Demon 750 Cfm.

I realize I will be needing a stand alone controller for the tranny, anyone done this? what options do I have? What works best? Have been reading about the painless wiring box.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Captkaos on December 05, 2009, 09:42:41 am
Talk to HAULIN IT, he is using one from Baumann Electronic Controls
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: VileZambonie on December 05, 2009, 12:55:41 pm
Do you already have the heads and pistons? If you are gonna stroke it I would opt for better breathing heads and make up for the CR with a domed piston personally.

As for the 4L80E

Transgo makes a full manual valve body to eliminate the electronic shifts.

Standalones:

http://www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com/transcontrol.php

http://www.becontrols.com/products/4L60Etcs.htm

http://www.hgmelectronics.com/products/compushift




Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: eventhorizon66 on December 05, 2009, 01:26:40 pm
As for the 4L80E

Transgo makes a full manual valve body to eliminate the electronic shifts.

I have thought about a full manual conversion for my 700R4, but what is it like living with a full manual shift auto on a daily basis?  Would it still be possible to get smooth light throttle upshifts?  Or are you going to be chirping the tires everywhere you go?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: VileZambonie on December 05, 2009, 01:32:37 pm
I wouldn't do it with the 700R4 unless you are just racing. Personally I've never done the conversion on the 4L80E so I don't know how it behaves. I am rebuilding the 4L80E that's going behing the big block for the blazer but I have to convert it to 4wd. I am using the factory computer and harness as they were paired already and will make a good cheap team.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on December 05, 2009, 01:55:38 pm
Do you already have the heads and pistons? If you are gonna stroke it I would opt for better breathing heads and make up for the CR with a domed piston personally.

As for the 4L80E

Transgo makes a full manual valve body to eliminate the electronic shifts.

Standalones:

http://www.powertraincontrolsolutions.com/transcontrol.php

http://www.becontrols.com/products/4L60Etcs.htm

http://www.hgmelectronics.com/products/compushift














I do have the heads already, these same heads made the 600Ft.lbs. + I described above, like I said I'm all about the torque #'s on this build. I don't have the pistons yet, but was wanting to keep the compression down to were pump gas isn't a problem. I do drive it long distancess with the boat in tow. I don't know about full manual VB, I really like to put it in D and steer. I'll read up on your controllers.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: JJAB on December 09, 2009, 02:30:42 pm
I am about to begin a project similar to yours. I have purchased a 1985 crew cab long wheel base. How did you go about shortening the frame to accomodate the short wheel base bed? I have come across an article in the "Mike Pickup Garage", but I would like to know how you did it. Also, my truck is equipped with dual 20 gallon tanks. Will I be able to retain those or will I have to put short wheel base tanks in? Thanks!

Your truck is nice and representative of a lot of hard work on your part!!!Looks Good.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Captkaos on December 09, 2009, 02:36:39 pm
You need shorter tanks from a pickup.

Basically like this:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7334.0 OR
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/lwb_to_swb.htm

If you have a SWB bed, just mount it to the frame (cutting the rear 6" off) and you can tell where to cut it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on December 09, 2009, 04:25:42 pm
If you look back on page 1 you will see a picture of the cut. You need to take 14" out of the frame and about 6" off the back of the frame, shorten the rear shaft, drop the mid shaft bearing about 3", and put a zig and a zag in the brake line to shorten it. I didn't use the side mounted tanks at all, I converted my truck to a Blazer/Suburban tank mounted between the rails in the rear. Mine is a 25 gallon but there are 40 gallon tanks available. My fuel fill is now inside the bed on the inner fender, used a generic radiator hose to route it up there. If you do the Bazer tank, you will have to relocate the passenger side shock to be like the drivers side(both leaning to the front). Took one afternoon to relocate the tank, and about 3 hours to cut down the frame.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: SmokeShow on February 22, 2010, 11:32:08 am
Wow, didn't realize you put the truck together yourself, I thought, for some reason, that you had bought it that way.  We have got to meet up sometime. Don't worry, I'll bring the towel to wipe up the drool. :D

I'm REALLY digging the dodge seats!  Got any pics of how they mount to the floor?


I'm gonna try my best to get the seats from my 06 extra cab 3500 donor truck in there, even the back seat mounted to the back wall.


I thought Garrick told me you were thinking of a Cummins.  Too bad you changed your mind on that.  An ol' torque big block gasser will suffice I suppose. j/k



C-ya bud
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on February 23, 2010, 05:25:14 am
The front seats were very easy, 15 minutes and in. The back one was a bear to say the least, but I was determined and it works like it should. The bottom comes up to create alot of storage if needed. I was going to the the Cummins swap, but after figuring on the cash and keeping my Auto OD(electronic), I(Butch Smith) could build a 600 ft. lbs.+ BB for a little less cash so that's why the gasser. I truely wanted to do a Caterpillar conversion but that was completely out of logic $$$$. Come by anytime, or wave me down in town. I'm pretty proud of it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Captkaos on February 23, 2010, 09:30:59 am
Come by anytime, or wave me down in town. I'm pretty proud of it.
And you should be...
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: SmokeShow on February 23, 2010, 10:05:56 am
Yeah, I've only seen it around I think once... where abouts on Tyrone do you live?  I'm out that way pretty much every weekend as that's how I go to Lexington from the L'burg.

AH yes, the cat.  I forgot about that.  I think I remember you posting about that somewhere, now that you mention it.


Have you seen Garrick's yellow truck?  It is as nice a square body as I have ever laid eyes on.  The paint job is dang near flawless (PO was a auto body man by trade IIRC).  So sharp and full of GM big block!



C-ya bud
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on February 23, 2010, 12:50:08 pm
I live on Lock Rd. before you get to Tyrone, Can't miss it Gambrel roof on the house and a garage that looks like a gas station behind it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: Got Smoke? on March 06, 2010, 06:41:54 pm
Wow I thought you bought that beauty that way as well!!! :o

You definately have a right to be proud of that truck! ;D
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: SmokeShow on March 06, 2010, 10:34:30 pm
I live on Lock Rd. before you get to Tyrone, Can't miss it Gambrel roof on the house and a garage that looks like a gas station behind it.

Hey!  I seen you out riding in the truck today... You crossed 127 in front of me onto 151.  I tried my best to catch up but I was just too many vehicles back by them time I got the green to turn.  I seen you turn at Hadawreck but by the time I got there and ran up the road a bit, you were no where to be found.

Truck looked good!


oh, and do you have a grandson (sry, don't know your age)?  If so, my wife thinks he might be in one of her classes up at the middle school.  She's student teaching up there this winter.  Think his name is Clay??  She showed him pics of my truck and said his granddad has one that looks just like it.  That could mean anything but his last name sounded familiar and maybe this is why (though I can't remember what Garrick said yours is now - memory sucks sometimes)


C-ya bud
Title: Re: Crew Cab Short Bed Project
Post by: 1HI4x4 on March 07, 2010, 05:10:10 am
I was headed out to my Brother-in-Laws, he is building a new house off of Puckett Rd.

I'm old enough to be a grandfather although I have a son that's 10 and a daughter that is 1.

Steve Lyons is my name. Sorry I missed ya today.
Title: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on July 30, 2010, 02:48:45 pm
I just bought a 1991.5(intercooled) Dodge Cummins 2wd. It has the A518 Automatic in it, 93,000 original miles, I plan on converting my NP205 to a divorced setup and using the Cummins/Auto from the donor. No electrics to fool with other than the Alt. and Fuel shutoff. I will be using the Dodge A/C compressor(changing the lines), and I will have to install a vacuum pump for A/C controls. Should get the donor home tomorrow. How about a hugger orange Cummins?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on July 31, 2010, 11:17:59 am
Here are the pictures of the donor.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: nucknoel89 on July 31, 2010, 11:46:07 am
Boy those old Dodges were butt-ugly ha ha.  Good luck with your swap!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on July 31, 2010, 01:04:42 pm
Boy those old Dodges were butt-ugly ha ha.  Good luck with your swap!





Absolutely.............
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: BigHemi353 on July 31, 2010, 03:57:25 pm
Boy those old Dodges were butt-ugly ha ha. 


well, makes you feel less bad when your hacking it for parts lol good luck and i'll be following this!!!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: BigMac on August 01, 2010, 12:56:25 pm
You know the Cummins has a vacuum pump on it?
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on August 01, 2010, 04:22:32 pm
You know the Cummins has a vacuum pump on it?





I found that today while spraying WD-40 on everything I think needs to be taken loose. I was going to call a few people tommorrow to see if it would handle what I need to do with it.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: BigMac on August 01, 2010, 11:50:22 pm
Cool. Keep www.genosgarage.com in mind for any of your 12V needs... great folks, great service.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on August 07, 2010, 08:39:24 am
Well I got the 12 Valve out this morning, let's just say it was a very tight fit.

Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 84chevysilverado on August 07, 2010, 09:07:05 am
wow il def be whatchin this project there is a guy in the same town as me with an 87 reg long box 4wd with a 2 stroke detrioit in it it hauls and screams also has a 10 speed in it lol
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: Canadian 4X4 on August 07, 2010, 09:32:00 am
where you from 84 chevy? i would love to see that truck!
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: Koots on August 08, 2010, 03:58:46 am
where you from 84 chevy? i would love to see that truck!


Me too  :D

Also in to follow this thread, this has been something i've been considering for my K5.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: SmokeShow on August 11, 2010, 03:23:58 pm
Awesome!! I had heard you finally decided to do it!! Sure beats the big block IMO! ;)
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: Captkaos on October 04, 2010, 04:31:52 pm
Should this get merged with this thread?
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12224.45
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on October 04, 2010, 07:18:27 pm
Should this get merged with this thread?
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12224.45





I think that would be fine if you need to. Thanks
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: Captkaos on October 04, 2010, 10:15:11 pm
Just wanted to keep the thread going.  Any updates?  If you document the changes I will move this one to the projects side.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on October 05, 2010, 06:02:10 am
Still in Parts gathering mode right now, hopefully I'll get started in the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Crew Cab Shortbed Cummins
Post by: 1HI4x4 on October 10, 2010, 08:01:59 pm
Well the TBI started acting a little wierd yesterday(bad idle) so the truck is backed into the garage and parts will start flying this week. I'm still waiting on delivery of the divorced NP205, but it should get here before I need it.
Title: Re: 1HI4x4's Crew Cab Short Bed Cummins
Post by: Got Smoke? on December 30, 2010, 08:44:16 pm
Updates? ???
Title: Re: 1HI4x4's Crew Cab Short Bed Cummins
Post by: SmokeShow on December 31, 2010, 10:34:06 pm
I seen him driving it the other day but I didn't see any smoke following him. ;)


It was posted for sale somewhere but I can't remember where now.