My 86 Silverado Cummins Project

[BigHemi353]

Small update. Again, knocking out a lot of the little things that aren't very interesting. I hooked up my clutch hydraulics and found the clutch to be WAY to stiff. Lots of firewall flex even with the support rods/brackets that run from the pedal assembly. Did some research and found my problem. I installed my master cylinder(from a 1997 F-350) and bolted it directly to the firewall and welded a bracket to the pedal lower than the stock clutch rod pivot point. I wasnt getting enough leverage so I made a wedge that I bolted to the firewall that is exactly 15* which allowed me to use the stock pivot point on the pedal(had to make an extended clutch rod of course). Works perfectly now and feels like a stock clutch with little to no firewall flex.

picture of the wedge


Doors and fenders are painted


88-00 cab lights are wired and installed


Wheels and tires that I will be running until I figure out if i like them or not.


Hoping to have more pics up in the next 2 weeks with the truck's front end and doors on. Also hoping to have windows tinted and installed by then.

[pholliday1]

Can't wait for the test fire... Good Job!

[BigHemi353]

Finally got to light it up and drive it. Have some timing issues with the cummins but not going to worry about that for now. I'll take it and have it tuned before its on the road. It drives really nice and is pretty fun. Just trying to get the body all shimed up correctly and hopefully get back to working on the interior this week.

[81_Chevy]

where did u get them taillights at bighemi? i really like those, they look good on your truck!

[BigHemi353]

I bought them at a "4-Wheel Parts" Jamboree in Indianapolis about 4 years ago.  Fell in love with them since they kinda look like the 03-06 Silverado tail lights. I haven't been able to find them online at all.  They are smoked just a little but I'd like to smoke them a touch more. Im going to smoke every light on this truck except for the headlights.  I want a dark look for this truck lol

[cooleo1122]

mount a rod from the floor to the steering column bracket. i have a hydraulic clutch pedal mounted in my truck to the firewall had the same problem and did it. im putting an nv4500 in my truck witht he 350 belhousing on it all set.

[81_Chevy]

i think it would look good all smoked out, use this stuff called VHT nightshades, great stuff for smoking everything out. you could also put some LED white reverse lights in too. that would look really cool.

[BigHemi353]

mount a rod from the floor to the steering column bracket. i have a hydraulic clutch pedal mounted in my truck to the firewall had the same problem and did it. im putting an nv4500 in my truck witht he 350 belhousing on it all set.

I cant say I'm following you. I believe I have everything with clutch figured out. It seems to work perfect now with no firewall flex and its not too hard to push anymore. At least I hope I dont have anymore problems with it. It was a bear to get right!

[BigHemi353]

Finally got it on the road and let me tell you, its a blast! :peelout

[Captkaos]

Looks good, where is the video? 

[tex62]

thats awesome man. cool truck ! have been wanting to do something similar to my burb for a long time

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Sweet looking truck.

[cubicdollars]

Great progress:) I am suprised you had firewall flex, I used that same master cylinder, but I cut the rod and lengthened it by putting threads on both sides of the rod and adding threaded end to dial in the length , I also re drilled the clutch peddle so it wouldn't bind up.

None the less , your truck is looking great!!!

[BigHemi353]

I'll try and get a video up after wheat harvest is over but we're all pretty busy around here lately. Still need to tint the windows and finish my interior as well.

Cubicdollars: I was very surprised too. I tried to copy your set up exactly and for whatever reason the pedal was very stiff and the firewall had some flex.  Im not sure what I did different from you but the wedge I made fixed my issue. Regardless, I couldnt have figured it out without your advice!

I appreciate the compliments! Im just glad to actually enjoy it after 4 1/2 years of having it.  Dana 60 and 14bolt FF swap is in the works. I got the 77' 1 ton parts truck last weekend for $600.

[cubicdollars]

I am just happy you are getting it together !!!

great job:)