Food Truck Build

I found a 1950 Custom Step Van in town for dirt cheap, solid chassis, and really neat looking. Very tempted to buy it for a food truck endeavor. I thought I should consult the HAMBers first.



I'm more of an auto-body guy, that's where you all come in. Would the 235 Straight 6 be able to tow the food truck without any problems? Or should I look into doing an engine swap?

 

As they say in Australia, "She's pretty big job..."

 

How about following the rules and post a introduction? HRP

 

What size is/was the orignal power plant and how much weight will you be adding to the interior/kitchen??

 

Can't wait to see what happens to this. And an introduction would be a good idea.

 

Sorry about the introduction thing, my iPhone decided that it didn't want to post in the intro.

 

I don't know what tranny lies beneath this behemoth, I'm going to go take a closer look tomorrow.

 

Seems to me, that as a delivery truck, it would be fully capable of hauling heavy things. It may not have much power, but its probably geared really high. I wouldn't want to take it on the interstate for too long.

I can't imagine that adding taco (or gyro, or sammich) fixin's would hinder the old' girl too much. She won't be getting anywhere quick though...

 

That torquey engine will pull whatever you throw at it.

 

It'll mainly be for Downtown Austin, I don't see too many road trips with it. So hopefully this big gal can handle everything and the kitchen sink (I just had to.) thrown at it when the time comes.

Hopefully I can give ya'll some updates soon.

 

I'm picking you will find all your answers here ...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=282902

 

The RustyBurger

The RustyTaco

Seriously I would consult the Health Department to see what
standards for food preparation or sales you have to meet before
you buy this .......

Project




Jim

 

Just from experience in food delivery. Now that Wonder Bread is done, you might be able to grab one of their trucks cheap. Try to get a Cummins 4 cylinder drivetrain. As stated, these won't go fast (ours went 55-60, that's it) but they are economical and reliable.

Cosmo

 

More likely a 261 than a 235. Transmission a 4 speed with a super low 1 st. and a 1 to 1 high gear. Rear end gears around 4.56 or 5.13. It would tote what ever you could put in it or hook to it as long as you went fairly slow and could keep gas in it.

 

I look forward to watching your build and good luck.