66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

So I had a 62 C50 2 years ago that I wanted to build to be a hauler/pulled but decided it needed way too much work so I decided to sell it. Within a year pics pop of of Dino's C50 which is basically what I was going to build. So it's been killing me. I live near Dayton Ohio and although there are a lot of farms around there aren't many of these trucks (I was only looking for a 60-66).

I ended up finding this 66 C50 locally. It has 30k original miles on a 292 with 4spd. It does not have the 2speed rear end. The previous owners paid $6,600 for it in 2003 and then recently put all new wheels (no more 2 piece) and tires, new brakes all the way around, a brake booster, new starter, and battery. The E-brake quit working so they decided to sell it. I snagged it for $1000 and drove it home. Worst part of the truck is the front cab mounts are shot so I'll be doing those and some floor work.

I'd like to lower the truck or possibly lay it on the ground. I have a 92 chevy short bus that I can use for a donor. I measured wheel width and they are pretty much identical. Doing a quick measurement it looks like the frame widths are basically the same also (I'll have to check more closely later). So now the debate is swap the cab onto the short bus frame or swap the front suspension over from the bus to the 66. Biggest issue for me currently is that the bus has 10 lug 16" wheels. I can't run that small of wheels on the 66 so I kind of want to figure that out first!

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

I hate how some of the pics post sideways or upside down. Sorry, I just upload them from my phone.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Here's a pic of it next to my 63 panel that lays door.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Another attempt to get a straight pic.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Used the C50 to haul some sand to a piece of water I have access to.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

I nephews loved it.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

They got in on the sand action.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

End result! She hauled 3.5 tons the first trip and 4.5 tons the second trip. Been a lot cooler if it was still a dump bed. Lol.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Man, I love it the way it is! Awesome deal on that one...

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

awesome!

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

I hope when i got back to Utah I hope i can fine one of them really miss not being around them old trucks.A c50 or c60 would do

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Finally started working on the truck. Tore it down.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Starting swapping axles from a 92 Chevy G30 short is I had. Added some 22” Alcoa’s on it.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Overall I’d like this truck to sit fairly low,I may even bag it, and I decided that it was going to be easier to do a cab swap onto a C30 frame than it would be to cut up the original frame. I picked up a 78 C30 frame for $300

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Im in to see this .

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Got the cab mounts fixed and the cab swapped to the 78 C30 frame. That lowered the body around 6”. Pics are of the truck without the 1000lb Cummins that’s going to go in it.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Started working on making some engine mounts. Made from .5” and .25” steel. The Cnc plasma table makes easy work out of it.

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

Need to make a transmission mount and finish welding the engine mounts but it’s mainly mounted. 1000lb Cummins squatted the front end 1.5”. That should put my side steps around 6.75” from the ground before the 3” drop spindles I need to install. Hoping to upgrade the wheels to 24’s or at least getting a bigger profile tire. 35 series looks too rubber bandish

Re: 66 C50 aka Big Orange
 

I’ve kind of abandoned this thread and have been posting my progress here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=764215