Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

I got the rear end welded up. I then made a battery tray. Sorry the pic is terrible. I wanted to keep the battery close to the starter so I decided to mount it on the side of the frame next to the drivers side front cab mount. I needed it to be close to he body for ground clearance but that makes it hard to swap or install cables. I got creative and I made side matching plates that have a slot in them and allow the battery tray to slice down 4” since this plates are welded to the frame and not the tray. Install the battery then slide it up into place and lock it down with the 4 bolts that go through the side brackets and into the lower battery tray. Works out great.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Sounds similar to an install I did. I mounted/bolted side flanges to the frame that are drilled for 4x 3/8" fasteners. I made a battery 'tray' that secures the battery & slides up/into the flanges on the frame. I use 2x unthreaded pins to temp hold the batt/tray in place while installing 2x of the 3/8" retaining bolts, then pull the pins & put the other 2 bolts in place.

I can use a floor jack if @ home/the shop but it can also be removed as long as you can bench press the initial weight of the batt w/tray. I built it to allow service regardless of where it is. The battery also has the top + side terminals for easy-ish jump start connections. Cumbersome, but serviceable. Definitely cleaned up the engine compartment.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Haven’t had as much time to work on the truck as I’d like. Been busy with metal orders and now I’m back to school teaching. Decided I needed an evening to unwind and work on the truck. Knocked out my center console with a Lokar shifter and some cup holders. Also got the rear end spring perches welded up and some shock mounts finished. I’m down to electrical and some other smaller items.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Got some time to make some radiator fan mounts.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Was a great day. Rigged some electrical stuff and managed to drive the truck out of the barn. I even gave it a bath!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Super stoked on how this build is turning out!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

That's REALLY rad!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

It's looking sweet!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Man, this one has me really thinking of getting the C60 my cousin has at this shop...

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Thanks!

Thanks!

Do it!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Didn’t like how high and long the flatbed is so I decided to cut it up some.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Cut about 3’ off the end of the flatbed and cut the frame rails down to get it to sit lower.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Started making the notches to go around the wheels.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

This build is awesome ! Great work

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Slow progress. Teaching and my metal business got in the way the past couple of weeks. Combine that with a no start issue and I kept putting off working on the truck. This is my first diesel so I’m still trying to figure it out. I had a fuel issue so I replaced some lines and the lift pump. Still couldn’t get it to run. I kept trying to bleed the fuel system and continuously got air. Turns out while working on the flatbed the other day I disconnected the feed line at the sending unit and didn’t get it all the way clipped in. Once I finally found that and got it fully clipped on the truck fired right up. I then went on to work on the flatbed and got it mounted. Have a little more work to do to it then I’ll be ready for the wood and hopefully start driving it.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Man, this is cool.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

liking the stance ....

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Messing with some wood for it. Trying to decide how I want to do it.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

This is a really cool truck! Keep up the good work!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Welded up some plate on the rear of the frame for the hitch. Also made a rear light bracket with a recessed license plate frame. Overall I need this to be done and out of my shop before thanksgiving so I can get ready for the Christmas rush of metal orders.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

A little more progress on the flatbed. Hoping to have it done by the end of the weekend.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Wow!! Badass truck!

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

What are you using for your wood (type, dimensions, planned finish)?

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

1.5” oak rough cut I bought off of an Amish guy. Wasn’t planning on planing it down, was probably just going to leave it rough cut.

Re: 66 C50 Cummins build aka Big Stupid
 

Have most of the wood cut down to size. Have to rip a few boards and then the wood should be finished.