New Ramp Truck Project

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

My car time has been pretty limited this past year.
Fending off inflation, injury, 2 terminally ill dogs, and ambulance chasers has been time consuming and stressful.
Most of that seems to be in the past (except the inflation) for the time being, so I'm hoping for a higher percentage of play time.

My trailer is getting pretty tired and was looking at an upgrade. The prices are staggering compared to my Big Tex I bought 25 years ago.
I decided to buy a ramp truck. I drove a total of 1700 miles looking for the right candidate. They were all much worse than advertised.
Even the "newly restored" crew cab that I went to see, still needed restored IMO. The thing is, all of them sold soon after I passed.

I finally stumbled upon this rig. The family has had it since 1994. I did pay too much for it, the widow who had it was "OPTIMISTIC" about the condition of the
"Beautiful Paint" under the vinyl wrap. However, it is the most rust free unrestored square body I've seen in a long time.
They only used it to tow wrecks from auction to their yard. (and go to church :-) )

1989 with reman 454, 4 speed, pw, pdl, and working AC.
I drove it home 140 miles with my wife's car loaded.
I tried to stay around 65 as there is no tach yet.

The short term plan is adding O/D, tach, and removing the vinyl wrap and sealing any bare metal found.
Front end and brake parts are in transit, and repair a leaky hydraulic cylinder.

Long term??? drivetrain swap, paint, ???

It's going to be nice not needing a trailer!

[silver_bullet]

If it doesn't look terrible, and patina is your thing, clean it, find a pinstriper, have it lettered (Dirty White Boy Garage, DWB for short) and satin cleared.... it looks like a perfect candidate! I like it! Doesn't American Power Train make a direct fit 5-speed transmission kit for replacing the transmission in that? other than that, a good old fashioned hop up is in order.... If you don't mind, I did a little homework for you to peruse: https://harristuning.com/Tbi/454-project-tow-beast/

[SuperBuickGuy]

I'd put a diesel in it and run the tires off. then I'd replace those tires, and run those tires off. After that, I'd put new tires on it and run it until I drop dead and my family sells it in the estate sale.

I'd also put working AC in it.

and I'd let the wrap and paint fall off of it, only making sure it's not rusting through....

fun part of all of that is when your family does sell it, they'll remark at how brilliant you were to get it so cheaply..... because by that time, it'll be worth a lot more.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

If it doesn't look terrible, and patina is your thing, clean it, find a pinstriper, have it lettered (Dirty White Boy Garage, DWB for short) and satin cleared.... it looks like a perfect candidate! I like it! Doesn't American Power Train make a direct fit 5-speed transmission kit for replacing the transmission in that? other than that, a good old fashioned hop up is in order.... If you don't mind, I did a little homework for you to peruse: https://harristuning.com/Tbi/454-project-tow-beast/

Thanks for the reading material. I certainly have not decided what will happen drivetrain wise. Yes American powertrain does have a direct fit option. I requested a quote, the reply was for a 4x4 rig, so I need to follow up. I have read that the early nv4500 will also fit the same hole in the floor.

I'd put a diesel in it and run the tires off. then I'd replace those tires, and run those tires off. After that, I'd put new tires on it and run it until I drop dead and my family sells it in the estate sale.

I'd also put working AC in it.

and I'd let the wrap and paint fall off of it, only making sure it's not rusting through....

fun part of all of that is when your family does sell it, they'll remark at how brilliant you were to get it so cheaply..... because by that time, it'll be worth a lot more.

The AC already works
I plan on applying rust inhibitor into the rockers cab corners and doors this week to slow down what I can't see yet....
The factory seams look exceptionally good for a square body.
The wrap on the roof and hood are borderline permeant due to sun bake cracks....and I hate the green. So it must go.
The diesel is a distinct possibility.
It runs darn good now, just no power. I'll be looking out for a doner for sure.
Mechanical bits first, but my 1000 mile round trip next month will be a great motivator to seek out MORE POWER for climbing these Appalachian Mountains at speed limit velocity.

[silver_bullet]

agreed on ditching the green.... i have had good results with a heat gun on adhesive removal... sorry about the link.... this should be the correct one: https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...d-kit-tr-4050/ I would stick with gas as John Q Public is hammering on diesels anymore and with it being gas, they'd normally overlook a noisy old truck that ain't smoking....

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Well, you can name it Kermit, and leave it green. Concerning gasoline to diesel conversion. Would it be less expensive to build a larger displacement big block with multi port efi? And a better transmission? Just curious...

Should be fun to watch either way.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

agreed on ditching the green.... i have had good results with a heat gun on adhesive removal... sorry about the link.... this should be the correct one: https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...d-kit-tr-4050/ I would stick with gas as John Q Public is hammering on diesels anymore and with it being gas, they'd normally overlook a noisy old truck that ain't smoking....

I'm too old and grumpy to give a crap about what John Q thinks about my cars or activities
I learned that from my grumpy dad and his downright pisses off dad LOL
I personally dislike the noise and smell of diesel, but they have some undeniable advantages. Luckily, she is useable as is, so there's no hurry to decide.

Well, you can name it Kermit, and leave it green. Concerning gasoline to diesel conversion. Would it be less expensive to build a larger displacement big block with multi port efi? And a better transmission? Just curious...

Should be fun to watch either way.

I suspect you are right, don't worry, I'll spend way too much time researching options.

[Russell]

I have never towed any heavy. The 12 valve Cummins I had didn't even know the fox on the trailer was behind it. The 6.0 LQ4 Chevy gets the job done it's no wear near as effort less. But for a tow pig that sits alot and someone that doesn't know how to work on diesel it works for me. I have always wanted a big block, they were king before turbo diesel. I look forward to hear how your trip goes.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

I have never towed any heavy. The 12 valve Cummins I had didn't even know the fox on the trailer was behind it. The 6.0 LQ4 Chevy gets the job done it's no wear near as effort less. But for a tow pig that sits alot and someone that doesn't know how to work on diesel it works for me. I have always wanted a big block, they were king before turbo diesel. I look forward to hear how your trip goes.

Thanks for the input. I have never owned a diesel, I but have driven a few.
The maintenance and how one tolerates sitting around are my main concerns.
I'm pretty sure a 6.0 would tow better than the stock tbi 454.
We will see what the universe sends my way.

How much trouble am I asking for with a diesel that might sit for 2-3 months and not get used?
My impression is more than with gasoline, but I've never owned one.

[Monster]

Yeah, the electric neon green gotta go, but now fire engine red?

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

Yeah, the electric neon green gotta go, but now fire engine red?

UGH! I don't love the red either.
Dammit man, this place is such a bad influence!


The first priority is steering, suspension, and brakes. Those parts don't arrive until Friday, so today is remove green day.

WISH ME LUCK on the roof

[silver_bullet]

Son (AMeanXtreme) has a 2500HD with an 8100 Vortec/Allison/4.11 and loves it.... Northern Iowa and he loves the fact that it has Diesel torque without the headaches of dealing with a diesel in the winter...

[SuperBuickGuy]

Thanks for the input. I have never owned a diesel, I but have driven a few.
The maintenance and how one tolerates sitting around are my main concerns.
I'm pretty sure a 6.0 would tow better than the stock tbi 454.
We will see what the universe sends my way.

How much trouble am I asking for with a diesel that might sit for 2-3 months and not get used?
My impression is more than with gasoline, but I've never owned one.

diesel sits far better then gas. Example, that blazer I'm working on, has about half a tank of fuel that was in it when the PO parked it.... that would be a decade (at least) old.

diesel also is more likely to be around for our entire lifetimes.

diesel gets about twice the mpg... proof? the motorhome I have gets 7 mpg towing my car trailer, my Suburban... 13. Truth be told, the 6.5 is faster - especially if there is stop and go.

personally, I'd find a 12v Cummins and turn it up. But your other options include a Duramax (which is a tall beast), or a 6.5 (which will cost less then the Cummins but never develop the steam). As a sidenote, I love the 6.5 and know those beasts very well - but would I inflict my love on someone else? no. Also, on a 4x4 short wheelbase, driveshaft length is a consideration along with the ability to easily install a/c...

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

UGH! I don't love the red either.
Dammit man, this place is such a bad influence!


The first priority is steering, suspension, and brakes. Those parts don't arrive until Friday, so today is remove green day.

WISH ME LUCK on the roof

But Kermit wants to stay green! Of course you can paint it brown. Mud colored brown. Saves on cleaning costs...

[Loren]

I gotta 7.3/Spicer that needs a home...

edit: And an IDI, same, which is unlikely to find any love anywhere.