Convert Old Truck

[BRodri]

Hey, I'm thinking about buying an old 1969 Chevy 2500 4x4 pickup. it has a five speed standard tranny and is in horrible condition. just really want to use it for a hunting/fun rig. do you think it would be possible to convert this over to cng. it has a 350 small block of course. and i am not to sure about emissions controls i don't believe it would since it has been a farm truck it's whole life. i'd be buying this truck for under 1k. if you think it can be converted how much would it cost. Tom fell free to answer this one. I always like hearing from you. and also if i ordered two fully composite tanks from lincoln composites through you, would it be any cheaper than if i did it myself.

[larrycng]

Re: Convert Old Truck

Farm truck is not exempted from Federal emission regulations -- No dealer, I know of has ever sold a farm truck. I've seen that come through on Calif. SMOG as reason for "missing, modified, or disconnected". Air injection pumps (SMOG pumps) and retarded timing were the big things. Some vehicles also had deceleration controls to retard timing or redirect air pump flow. Of course everything had a PCV valve, and most were closed systems.

The 68 model was first year nation wide exhaust emission certification. You need to check and "Emission Application Guide" to see if the '69 truck had any required emission systems. Some of the 3/4 ton PUs were exempt for a year or two. If I remember correctly the cut point was either 6,000 or 8,000 GVWR. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating was the controlling factor (Not the vehicle weight -- just wanted to clear).

Larrycng

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

well i got underneath the truck and there wasn't any kingd of emissions thing under there. and the pipes are all original. so the exhaust hasn't been modified. you can tell because of all the rust holes. this truck would easily be in the 8000 class it has the 14 bolt rearend. way to heavy for any other class. so if i get this converted how much do you think it could cost anything over 3k and i'm out because that is just rediculous. i'll just go with propane if necessary. i know dirty word but it has to be cheaper to convert to.

[larrycng]

Re: Convert Old Truck

Sounds like you have a possible canidate. If the truck has a full floating rear axle (one that you can remove the axle shaft without taking the wheels and drums off) its probably a 3/4 ton truck.

I don't go into pricing, however propane would be cheaper than CNG just because of the tank cost.

I like most alternate fuels and proplusion systems

good luck

larrycng

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

thank you for your help. i figured i should just stay with the local posting because i have all the help i need in my local area anyways.

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

One more question. should i go dedicated on LPG or should i make it bi-fuel. i am going to use this truck mainly off-road. and could flip this truck so i'd feel safer with it being dedicated on LPG. but bi-fuel wouldn't have to worry about running out of fuel. and if i do go dedicated how big of a tank should i get and from what manufacturer? also where would be a good mounting location?

[larrycng]

Re: Convert Old Truck

Bifuel would give you more range and would and flexibility. You should not have any problem, but you may need to find a way to mechanically raise the air valve on the mixer (if you use that type of mixer lp or ng) to prevent the carburetor from flooding out.

As big a tank as you can, probably 80 or 100 gal (16- 20" diameter) mounted in the front of the bed just behind the cab. Manchester tank is an old company that has about anything you want. The other would be Sliger (not sure of the spelling).

My truck runs bifuel '97 F-250, 460 cid, SEFI, tied into OBD II. And I tow a 10,000 5th wheel with no problem other than 5.8 mpg (which is not bad since my fuel cost per mile is about 60 to 65% of gasoline and 75% is break even) I've paid for the conversion several times over in the last 10 years. I was doing real good for a while $2.50 for Lp vs $4.25 for gasoline -- now gas is down to $3.50 up here.

Hope this helps.

Larrycng (and lpg)

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

also do you think it would be worth my time to supercharge it or turbo it? i'm going to have to change the heads for sure. it burned leaded gas for most it's life. just wondering if it could give me any extra benefits.if i do this where should i go for parts and how big?

[larrycng]

Re: Convert Old Truck

Don't take offense, but from the description of the truck in your first post, I would't go there. Where did you get the 5 speed?

Larrycng

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

i don't know where they got the five speed but it seems to be in good shape i think they did it so that they could have a real low first gear. also do you think i should go with some new heads or scrapyard heads? if new what kind would work best with the propane compression ratio?

[BRodri]

Re: Convert Old Truck

I think i'm going to put vortec heads onto the engine in this truck. do you think there will be any problems in doing this? will i have to reroute any sort of cooling lines? is there more than .05 lift on the cam? how can i check this out before i invest any money into it?