Cummins in forties lead sled?

[thejeepdude]

Does anyone know where I can find info about putting a 12V in something like a 47 Merc or other "long bulbous hooded" vehicle that would appear stock and be a great 26mpg smokin sleeper? I'm trying to decide what my first project car will be once I get my garage/shop built. I don't really care about collectability, just something perhaps "gangster" looking in the late 30's to early 50's timeframe to turn into an affordable and unique diesel hotrod. The most important criteria would be making the engine fit without having to do any serious engine compartment work. Ideas?

 

[MickeyMiller]

thejeepdude,

Back in the '70s I had a '48 Packard 180 two door. This thing road and handled surprising well and the 356 cu in straight 8 weighed just about as much as a Cummins 12V. There would be room to spare in the engine compartment and the engine is set so far back that the '48 had 50/50 weight distribution.



Good luck!

Mickey

 

[thejeepdude]

Hmm. . that sounds like it might have potential! I'll have to take a look on the web and see what they're going for. What about parts, though? I would imagine they would be a little harder to source that a GM/Ford?

 

[MickeyMiller]

thejeepdude,

Packard parts are getting scarce, but for your project you only really need a shell. The hot rod industry has everything else you may need. I just finished a job in Montana and I saw a half dozen Packards sitting in peoples yards... . of course, I tend to spot Packards.



The frame on these is a big C-channel... you could box it but flex is NOT a problem. On my '48, you could remove any wheel and the brake drum would not touch the ground! I guess I could have driven it as a 3-wheeler... .



By the way, hold out for a 180, not the shorter wb 120. You might be able to fit a Cummins in a 120 but the longer hood of the 180 will really stand out.

Mickey

 

[TKingsbury]

There was a guy a while back in the 1st gen forum who said he's putting one in a Hudson Hornet. Sounds way cool. I told him to post here when he started, maybe he'll chime in.

Travis. .

 

[EarlKann]

an affordable and unique diesel hotrod.

How about a truck??? Hotrod trucks are getting really popular aound SoCal.

 

[Stomp]

TKingsbury

If you check out this thread you will see a Hudson Hornet with the Cummins in it. It might be the same one as you are talking about Travis. It's on the first page just scroll down and you will see it.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130130



Stomp

 

[Paychk]

Earl



That would be too cool!

 

[TKingsbury]

Hey Stomp, that's pretty cool. I don't know if that's the guy or not, it sounded like he was in the planning stages at the time.

Travis. .

 

[michigandon]

I think a kickass idea would be a 4BT... bucket! If you fellas catch my drift.



Whaddyall think?



Don

 

[MMeier]

If you check out this thread you will see a Hudson Hornet with the Cummins in it. It might be the same one as you are talking about Travis. It's on the first page just scroll down and you will see it.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130130



Stomp

That car is great !!

 

[IRNGOAT]

How about a 1968 checker with a 4bt ,six speed and an exhaust brake . Give it to your'e kid on his sixteenth birthday and he could drive it his whole life.

 

[Willys]

How bout a '28 Ford Roadster?



http://www.malloracing.com/

 

[AKAMAC]

I know of a S-8 suicide coupe for sale. The conversion would be so cool. I belive the owner was looking at 13k for an offer. Body was nice and tight.

Buddy bought a 29 chevy coupe from him.

I could get his # if you like. Mike

 

[DavidGardner]

48 thru 53 buick. They had long straight 8ts in them and were very heavy and beefy cars. Just a thought.



Dave G.

 

[thejeepdude]

How bout a '28 Ford Roadster?



http://www.malloracing.com/

Cool, but not realistic for my purpose. Not much of that car is '28 ford roadster... custom chassis, body, etc.



Dave, thanks for the suggestion on the 48-53 buicks... I'll have to see what's out there.

 

[Don in Missouri]

In 1935, Cummins put a Diesel in an Auburn Phaeton to promote their enignes. It would be pricey to reproduce that car. A sedan, especially a six-cylinder model, might be affordable, but still not cheap.