FARM FRESH 1969 359 PROJECT

Is this what you're shooting for? Seen this one in Red Deer, AB truck show in 2014

 

Subscribed for when I have Wi-Fi, and can view all the pics.

 

While I'm not really a fan of resto-mods, I'd have to say, better that than it sitting in a field. Good heavens, you didn't say it had a "fuel converter" motor ( converts diesel fuel into noise), that would be the 1st thing to go. Btw, you are right, old Detroits never had a lot of oil pressure at idle, which is why, when parked, you always stepped them up to 1,000, at least. I believe that frame has been repaired, as I had a friend with an aluminum frame 359, and the frame rail cracked twice and they put a "V" patch on it like that. It will be fine for just motoring around, I suggest a V-12 Allison, if you are going the resto-mod route. And go with the single axle, just more civilized. Good luck.

 

I suppose the Detroit is ok for the "wow" factor, but if you had to spend any time sitting behind one, grossing 73,280 lbs., (like I have) I'm sure you'd change your tune. 2 cycle Detroit's were very popular years ago. Every old timer spent at least some time behind one. I was always a BC Cummins guy, all my trucks had BC Cummins, including my '72, 359 in my avatar. Had good luck and made money with them. Detroit's, not so much. Never owned a truck with one, but had friend's that did, and they were always fixing them. I'd at least go with the V-12 Detroit, or " the Buzzin' Dozen" as they were called. Seen some really cool older tractors made into rat-rods. Now that is pretty cool to me.

 

I Like It!!
Everytime you fire it up, you smile like a little kid, don't you!

Personally, open (especially front) wheels are a headache on many levels especially if your gonna drive it much. IMO Keep the fenders, tall rubber, and duals...

Did I mention I Like It...

 

Single rear axle, with the tallest rubber you can find. Z the frame like your lady said, big dual stacks, and Rat Fink decals on the doors. I'd leave the paint blemishes, just polish up the good parts. Texas bumper about 2-3" off the ground would be sexy. I'd do a diamond plate aluminum flatbed instead of fenders, with a cutout for the fifth wheel, and bolt the largest Reese hitch between the frame rails you can find, behind a flip-up license plate. ( just in case you ever want to pull anything )