The chronicles of Lou, '70 F350 dually Cummins project

[fordhillbilly]

I have never even thought of modifying the gauge cluster like that, good thinking!

[Ranchero50]

Yep. That's the part where I try to keep it looking stock while being so much better than stock. I did find a 3 guage pack with the mechanical oil pressure and water temp but chose to not install them because I didn't want the unshielded water temp running back there with all the exposed terminals. If Sunpro made an electronic kit I would buy it.

[Ranchero50]

Just a short update. Last week I picked up a power window / door lock set up off a 90 ish F-150. Not sure when I'll get it installed but it's on the shelf waiting patiently.

[Ranchero50]

So, a short seven months later and the truck is still doing good old truck stuff. Mostly it sits, and waits but when we go, it's ready. Cold starting hasn't been an issue, sitting out front on the street for weeks at a time hasn't either. Currently it's been my dog's favorite (or least favorite depending on how curvy the road is) ride because he knows when we go in the truck that there's a walk in it for him. Put 40 miles on it today running up into PA to a junk yard and then back to the C+O canal for a walk.

Only gripe is I wish it had cruise control for the interstates and maybe cleaner windows.

[hfdco4]

Glad to hear it still keeps you happy!

[Ranchero50]

Indeed. It's a fun truck to run just because there are no others around. Even the junk yard on the side of the mountain that used to have a bunch is pretty well cleared out. Kind of sad but it also makes me glad I scavenged so many parts back in the day. Needed to move it a couple minutes ago to put air in the wife's beater and noticed the odometer hit 76,000 miles yesterday. 12,000 miles since I got it on the road means it's probably due for another oil change.

[hfdco4]

Are you still machining parts sir? If so can you post some new pics?

[Ranchero50]

Cold New years day start up and go around the block. Did I mention it was cold out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5OZKt2GKPc&t=93s

[cdnwillyg]

Great looking truck Jamie, sure seems to run and drive nice as well. I did check to make sure you had all your parts that you make on your truck...and you did!
Neat video!

[Ranchero50]

Thanks. I need to do a video on the CNC stuff. I worked on the truck for 5 years before installing mine. Making them all the while.

[Manny]

Heck that old cummins sounds good. Old idi's are tough my brothers can throw a temper tantrum. Direct injection always has been a win on starting. Nice looking running flatbed.

[Ranchero50]

Thanks. Poor guy wouldn't fire off this morning as the injection pump leaks a little fuel when the tank is over 1/2 way and sucks air when it goes lower. I think I'm going to get one of the little Harbor Freight solar chargers for it to help keep the battery topped off. That and add some fuel and it should come back to life.

[Manny]

Thanks. Poor guy wouldn't fire off this morning as the injection pump leaks a little fuel when the tank is over 1/2 way and sucks air when it goes lower. I think I'm going to get one of the little Harbor Freight solar chargers for it to help keep the battery topped off. That and add some fuel and it should come back to life.

Whats getting your battery so bad?? Just one or two of them.

[Ranchero50]

Just one yellow top trying to crank a big diesel in sub freezing weather.

[Manny]

Just one yellow top trying to crank a big diesel in sub freezing weather.

Yellow tops are the best but yeah that's a lot to ask of one. Especially in the 0-10F range. My 7.3 in the cold can be a little onry with two group 65 motorcrafts.