1956 Dodge Truck Build with OM617 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

charliebob · #1 12-12-2014, 11:51 AM

Some of you Benz diesel fanatics may be interested in my 1956 Dodge truck build … with OM617. It won’t be awesomely cool like T. Walgamuth’s 1939 Studebaker truck, but it should do as a shop truck.

Before

Custom build frame with Jaguar suspension.

I’m leaving the Dodge sheet metal in original patina, except for use of CLR on it. Current plan is to use the stock Mercedes instrument panel, inset in the Dodge dash. I may also convert it to a dash shifter for the AT. There were a couple of years (early 1960s) when Dodge trucks with AT had a dash shifter.

For now, the engine will remain stock, although I would like to replace it with an OM606 turbo some day.

Bob

mach4 · #2 12-12-2014, 12:07 PM

Very nice!

Now get that engine cleaned up like the frame

vstech · #3 12-12-2014, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Very nice!

Now get that engine cleaned up like the frame

+1!

wow, with that beauty, I'd want a pristine powerplant in it!

interzonearts · #4 12-12-2014, 12:43 PM

I didn't come to my favor forum to be called a fanatic. These are really great engines you know

Nice build.

JB3 · #5 12-12-2014, 01:07 PM

charliebob = new hero.

I hope you intend to continue to use the old dodge steel rims? to me the old trucks just don't look right with newer wheels on them, but of course its a personal decision

t walgamuth · #6 12-12-2014, 01:57 PM

Hey that's how I started out too wanting to use the patinaed original semi-rusty body, then it got into so much repair that it just wasn't that much to go ahead and paint it.

Yours looks better than mine did to start with too so more power to you! Your frame looks nothing short of awesome! That's not stock!

Great project!

(my stock wheels were too rusty to use, the center was very soft after the rust did its work, but I am sympathetic to the idea of using simple old school wheels and dog dish caps!)

Dan Stokes · #7 12-12-2014, 02:21 PM

Sweet old truck! The 617 should work well as a DD though stock it's not a ball of fire. I'm hoping mine makes more poop with the mods I've done.

NOT a fan of patina but to each his own. Mine is far from perfect (I keep finding small dents I missed) but will look pretty good going down the track. You really CAN do a decent OEM quality paint job in your home shop, and why does it need to be better than that?

Dan

OM617YOTA · #8 12-12-2014, 02:24 PM

Sweet truck! Looking forward to hearing how it drives.

sleepstar · #9 12-12-2014, 02:37 PM

i'd definitely detail that engine before you bolt it in

BillGrissom · #10 12-12-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliebob

... I may also convert it to a dash shifter for the AT. There were a couple of years (early 1960s) when Dodge trucks with AT had a dash shifter.
Bob

Do you mean the push-button shifter like in my 64 Valiant? Imperial Services sells a kit to convert the cable-shifter to actuate a later TorqueFlite lever shift, but pricey ($180). Looks like could fab anything yourself, so maybe use if for ideas. The M-B shifter is a lever, but rotates about a horizontal axis (Mopar's about vertical axis). At least both are on the driver's side, so the cable should reach.

Amazing work, especially the custom frame. The front strut suspension also looks non-Dodge truck. I am guessing you like the show WelderUp on Velocity where they do rat rods and monster diesels.

junqueyardjim · #11 12-12-2014, 03:31 PM

Have you considered going with a four speed manual? That would be more in keeping with a 56 Dodge truck. If you need transmission and clutch pieces, I could tell you where to find them. I think it is going to be a beautiful unit when done.

ROLLGUY · #12 12-12-2014, 05:13 PM

That frame is awesome! I like the patina of the old factory paint. These builds are exciting to watch and be a part of, even if only in cyberspace. Keep up the good work and please continue to post photos.......Rich

strelnik · #13 12-27-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junqueyardjim

Have you considered going with a four speed manual? That would be more in keeping with a 56 Dodge truck. If you need transmission and clutch pieces, I could tell you where to find them. I think it is going to be a beautiful unit when done.

Even though I have a lot of projects, I am contemplating installing an OM617 inside a DeSOto Suburban, probably a 1948, or possibly a 1951.

I might ask you about parts when the time comes. The stick shift does make it more authentic

Dan Stokes · #14 12-27-2014, 03:49 PM

Strelnik - Suggest you peruse my build thread on here. If you search for my name you'll find it - starts with "I'm Back....." but I never can remember the rest of my clever title.

I put an OM617 and 4 speed manual in a spot not designed for it ('86 S-10) and had to solve most of the issues one would find doing a non-traditional swap of this drive package. If I did it over again I could have avoided a ton of hassles if I knew then what I know now. It's 2 years later and I'm just now almost ready to fire that puppy up - probably just after the first of the year (I hope). So learn from my screw-ups!

Dan

charliebob · #15 12-27-2014, 04:33 PM

For the near future, I'm going with the automatic simply because I will likely be driving the truck in Atlanta stop and go traffic where continual clutching and shifting can be a real pain in the nether region (and the leg!).

Thanks for the offers of help, Dan and Strelnik. I may be calling on you in the future.

A Mercedes diesel in an old Desoto would be cool and likely one of a kind.