[Phil Waterman]

Stony

Looks like you may have what all CMP collectors dream of finding a CGT Chevrolet Gun Tractor. Gear ratio information is easy to find in the manuals 7.16 to 1. But before you decided to convert your find into something else you might want to explore its value restored to original condition as a CGT. I think you may discover that it will have more value going that route particularly if you have the necessary talents to reproduce or acquire the rear body.

Concerning repowering the truck with a diesel this has been done many many times. Though you may find that keeping to the straight Chevy 6 maybe a practical approach, if you can find a Chevy 261 cu.in. 58-62 you will have the basis of a very powerful engine, stock the 261 puts out about twice the HP and Torque of the original engine, mild modifications will push the 261 much further.

The gearing of the truck and the 261 power band are a good match. I think you will find that 60 mph will be about the practical top speed for the 101 in wheel base no mater what engine or gearing above that speed the drive train will get very busy and unhappy. Also the short wheel base makes the truck exceedingly squirrelly I have a C60S with a 134 inch wheelbase basically the same truck but longer with the 261 engine and it will easily go faster than 60 but you don't want to be in it.

As to being rock crawlers or off road vehicles, CMPs are basically at home off road. Stock a CGT can climb a 64% grade fully loaded, so basically anything you can get traction on it will climb.

Cheers Phil

PS just looked through your web site looks like you have the talents to produce a copy of the original body, neat stuff.