1950s Powerwagon conversion

[carisu]

Anyone ever put a 4 cylinder (or any other cummins for that matter) in a vintage power wagon? I have a 1956 (i think) that I can restore sometime and I think it'd be sweet to have a cummins in it. Pics and video would be great. I'll start it with this video I found of a 5. 9L conversion. Only bad thing about a 6 cylinder is that you have to move the firewall back significantly. For those of you who know how small the cab is already, it's not a good thing.



YouTube - 1958 Dodge Power Wagon with Cummins Turbo Diesel

 

[EDankievitch]

Awesome project it's one that I'd like to tackle someday. Post lots of pics as you go along. There was a 1930's International in Diesel power mag that had the 4 cyl 4. 9 Cummins the project worked. I think the engine package came out of a UPS truck?/

 

[carisu]

Yeah, whenever i do get around to it I'll be sure to document the process very well. I'm kind of old fashoned when it comes to restorations and might not be able to talk myself out of putting the origional motor in it. I have to complete motors to work with.



It would be nice though to put an all new drivetrain in it so i could go more than 50mph at WOT!



I have heard the the ups/bread trucks are a good source of used 4 cylinder cummins.

 

[Simplysmn]

It can be done a buddy of mine has a M37 with a small block dodge in it everything he did is bolt in so if he want's to restore it it's pretty simple to unbolt it it's even got power steering and run's down the road at 65 nicely

 

[carisu]

So i suppose to do that I would have to put in the new motor, new transmission, and new front and rear axles? What are people using for trannys and axles? Do the manuals out of the bread trucks work? Are they 4 speeds?

 

[Simplysmn]

I know on the M37 he is running stock axles just changed the gear's but he also has big tires on it that help's . I would say the axles would hold up but the biggest thing you will have to worry about is stopping power the old power wagon's are drum at all 4 corner's my buddy adapted disk on his thou for the front

 

[dodgenstein]

Look for posts by WM-300, as I recall, he converted some PW's and a Townwagon to 4BT Cummins power.

 

[DVolk]

Either Deisel Word Mag or Diesel Power Mag has a 41 or so Dodge power waggon with a

Gen 1 cummins 6bt in it

 

[ETavernier]

Carisu,

Paul , of NY is the man to connect with. He's put 3. 9's into a 1968 Danish Dodge Powerwagon, a M37, A ~1960 W300 Powerwagon, and the above mentioned Carryall.

He's a GREAT guy and will spend hours walking you through every step... from what to look for in a takeout engine to rebuilding a turbo, transmission/transfer case selection, hydroboost power brakes, powersteering, bushing replacement,etc, etc, etc.

In addition he has documented all of the above for us all to share!

Eddie

ps Paul's web pages: Albums By Power Wagon - ImageEvent

 

[carisu]

Well, I certainly appreciate all of these replies. It's encouraging that several people have done this before. I've restored 7 tractors and I'm pretty good with wrenches, welder, etc. but as far as how to match engine, transmission, axles, and wheels I'm about as much of a rookie as you can be. I'm sure if I can find the right people to help me out I can make it happen.



Now I'm pumped to get the funding and time to start this project. I'm still young so this will be a long term project. I may even start by restoring it to stock and then retrofit the new drivetrain when I get the money.



Thanks again for all of your replies!

 

[carisu]

Carisu,
Paul, of NY is the man to connect with. He's put 3. 9's into a 1968 Danish Dodge Powerwagon, a M37, A ~1960 W300 Powerwagon, and the above mentioned Carryall.
He's a GREAT guy and will spend hours walking you through every step... from what to look for in a takeout engine to rebuilding a turbo, transmission/transfer case selection, hydroboost power brakes, powersteering, bushing replacement,etc, etc, etc.
In addition he has documented all of the above for us all to share!
Eddie
ps Paul's web pages: Albums By Power Wagon - ImageEvent

Wow, he looks like a great resource. thanks!

 

['strokeThis_'07]

I always thought a nice early PW with a ~700hp 4bt would be awesome. Red with black fenders/boards.

 

[AzCattle]

Yes, I have a 51 flat fender power wagon that I put a 4BTAA in. It runs great. Not a race car but will drive up the side of an oak tree if you let it. I used the original transmission and rebuilt it from the frame up. Thats when trucks were trucks. I can drag some pictures together if you would like. Gunmetal grey paint with the black fenders.

 

['strokeThis_'07]

Yes, I have a 51 flat fender power wagon that I put a 4BTAA in. It runs great. Not a race car but will drive up the side of an oak tree if you let it. I used the original transmission and rebuilt it from the frame up. Thats when trucks were trucks. I can drag some pictures together if you would like. Gunmetal grey paint with the black fenders.

Of course!

 

[carisu]

Yes, I have a 51 flat fender power wagon that I put a 4BTAA in. It runs great. Not a race car but will drive up the side of an oak tree if you let it. I used the original transmission and rebuilt it from the frame up. Thats when trucks were trucks. I can drag some pictures together if you would like. Gunmetal grey paint with the black fenders.

Cool, so at least to start I wouldn't need a new transmission or gears to put the 4BT in? What kind of ground speeds are you seeing in high gear? I would think the 4bt would turn slower than the origional flathead six. I guess i could change the gearing in the rear to help that. How bad was it to match the 4bt to the origional transmission.



I'm pretty sure I'm going to paint mine red with black fenders. As i understand it, origionally they only came in red and black and green and black. Of course its up to the restorer what colors you want to use.



I'd like to put a receiver hitch on mine too eventually so I can pull a trailer with an antique tractor on it to some local shows.

 

[gtoli]

Yes, I have a 51 flat fender power wagon that I put a 4BTAA in. It runs great. Not a race car but will drive up the side of an oak tree if you let it. I used the original transmission and rebuilt it from the frame up. Thats when trucks were trucks. I can drag some pictures together if you would like. Gunmetal grey paint with the black fenders.

Yes, please.

 

[AzCattle]

will do... I'll get some later today...

 

[AzCattle]

I have a couple when it was being put together. I took it down to the frame and started from scratch. Will get some of the completed truck later today.

 

[carisu]

So Azcattle, This really interests me now that you basically did a direct engine swap. Did it take any frame modification (other than mounting) or firewall modification. Radiator modification or origional radiator? What did you have to do to match the motor output to the transfer case? What does the AA mean in 4BTAA? Where did you get your motor? Thanks for the pics and we'd love to see more if you have them!

 

[AzCattle]

Here are some more... .