617 into a 53 F100: Update
 

I've now had my project on the road for about 3 weeks. The 617 is a perfect match to the truck. It has plenty of pep, isn't quite as loud as I expected in the cab and fuel economy looks to be what I expected. When I filled the tank, I had been 254 miles and it held 10.1 gallons for an average of 25.1 MPG. I am using the 126 speedo mounted into the original gauge cluster and it is within 1 MPH at 60, so the odometer should be very close.We have been to 2 local car shows with it and people love it, the concept of a MB diesel in an effie just blows them away. Looks like I'll drive it this summer and then decide this fall whether to keep it as is or tear it back apart for final body work and paint.
This was an unexpected surprise yesterday, we won a 3rd place trophy out of 6 trucks in the class.

Here's a pic of the speedo,

Paint a vintage looking logo on the door and drive it like it is! Too cool!

Very cool truck. Congratulations on the excellent results.

tom W

+1 Total rat rod

Love the truck, and would love to hear it run in a youtube! Ahhhhh, keep working on that instrument cluster.....;)

Now that is cool, congrats on the trophy. this can be badged as a F-617 kraut stroke.

Charlie ☺

Great work. love it. I assume you kept the German tranny?

Yep, still running the 722.303 trans.
And yes, I know the instruments need a little more attention. I plan to install a set of aftermarket gauges eventually, but the funds for them are still lacking and I was wanting to follow the local show circuit this summer. This has been a 5 year, on and off project that occupies my spare time, which there is actually very little of. It has a Lincoln Town Car front frame clip, Ford Ranger rear springs and the rear-end is from the Town Car. The ride and handling are great! Hopefully this fall and winter I will be able to finish the body work and paint it, but for now I'm having a ball driving it:D
Jeff

Very cool truck and idea...

Could you please take some pictues of the motor and post them??

Thanks Doc.

Nice.
 

The three pointed star in that Effie's grill makes it look like something from Hanomag.

Here's a few pics of the engine compartment and others of the truck build can be seen at http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=308002&albumid=19458

Very very nice.

Tom W

The air cleaner housing is rusted to match. I love it!

Very cool i might have to do something like that!