The details on me and the truck are below... I want to swap a 6 cylinder (not original) with either a small block V8 or better yet a larger V6 like a Vortec 4200
There are a lot of thoughts on this thus far.. please see details below.
Here's the deal :
I'm just getting started on my research for getting a half ton '42 chevy panel truck back on the road for use as a daily driver.
I also need it to occasonally haul my travel trailer a 22 foot vintage Curtis wright (about 3,000 lbs so fairly light)
So it needs some power, though only necessary for driving and towing, I'm NOT looking for crazy awesome power.
Also I need it asap as I have no wheels right now, luckily I live in San fran so I can often do without.That's the basics
The truck as it stands:
Seats replaced with bucket seat from 70's or 80's sports car
It has a running 1970's Mustang engine in it- master cylinder is bad. Presumalby the rear from the Mustang. This will be remeoved and sold for cash to put back in.
It has original leaf springs on the rear but not the accompanying original suspension. No shocks were ever added and the leaf springs have started to shift sideways slightly. We plan to fabricate some brackets or mounts to add in shocks and perhaps a package to stiffen/distribute the rear as it will be used as a tow vehicle. Obviously we'll be straightening the springs and getting them properly bolted in.
We also plan to replace or stiffen up the front end for better handling.
The Plan:
To outwardly keep the truck as original looking as possible, while giving me the power and handling for a daily driver:
Stiffen up the front end for better handling.
Replace engine ???
Replace auto transmission and rear end
Add shocks to rear
fabricate a mounting to the frame for a tow hitch to pull trailer
install disk brakes all around
power steering
tilt steering (for long drives this will be needed especially)
install a heat/AC/Defrost unit
Suggestions thus far:
A- a new 350 with auto trans perhaps an R4 tranny- giving me an overdrive and achieving better mileage. With this it has been also suggested to me that a 4.11 or some such lower geared rear ratio would be better. The best way to do this I am told is to keep it simple without a computer. I assume while this would be the most expensive of my options but it would yeild the most reliable towing vehicle and have the capability to suit my needs. I am told fuel injected is more $ but better for fuel consumpiton, I assume the increase in cost might even pay for itself over some years.
Replace steering wheel with a 69-71 tilt/telscoping steering wheel or some new similar unit.
B- get an 350 engine and trans from a 1968, 69,70, 71 or maybe 72 or 73 ruck chevy truck and presuameably the rear end as it will have the power I need and be far cheaper. The problem I guess is locating one and then getting something that may not have the longevity of a new engine as well as needing more maintenance and replaced/rebuilt sooner.
C- Get a donor chassis ..Like a Chevy s-10 and swap cabs... cutting away and modifying the s-10 to fit the Panel truck body needs. Benifitting fully from the suspension, PS, handling etc that is already there.
D- Use a new (if still available) or newish Vortec 4200 (or powerfull V6 of your suggestion) This offers near 291 HP... As I used to tow the trailer with a 2002 Chevy S-10 with a 4.3 V6 (only about 175 hp I think) I think this should suffice. While I was at my towing limit with the S-10 for GVW and towing capacity it worked fine... that's how I got the trailer from the East to West Coast as well as many other shorter trips. With a larger V6 and propperly matched drivetrain I think I'll be fine ...
Note the S-10 I had did not have a tow package.. the hitch, a trans cooler, and rear stiffening package were added on one at at time and improved towing greatly. She made it to the Black Rock City Nevada in the summer (Burning Man)from Philadelphia Pa with no issues.
Note I am not interested in the extra power... It would be nice if gas were cheap but its not... and I doubt ever will be again. This is my daily driver to be some economy needs to come into play.
If anyone has photos of successful mounts for under a panel or pickup, engine reenforments for adding the 350 or mounts for rear shocks or a tow hitch or info on such , I would love to see
photos can be sent to me directly at frockan@gmail.com
My background :
I'm an artist, I wont be doing these alterations to the truck as I dont have that knowledge myslef. (obviously)
I will be assisting to help save time and money. My mechanic is willing to do whatever I want but wants me to let him know in what direction we need to go, and do some of the initial research that he doesn't really have the time for right now. We both want to do this right the first time,
We plan to use Summit Racing for new parts as he likes their dealings and ample return policy.
Any and all feedback is most appreciated
Cheers
Jeremy
