1971 Dodge L700

[Chuck Most]

Pierce Brothers Fabrication in Sickles, Michigan, is known for many things. Orange Dodge trucks and Cummins 6BT swaps. While this Cummins swapped Dodge is not orange, it serves as a test subject and demonstrator for a typical Pierce Brothers swap.

 

Starting with a forlorn 1971 L700, the brothers swapped in a 6BT and 47RH automatic transmission. The hubs and brakes were upgraded with late model Freightliner parts, and the old cast iron wheels were then replaced with Alcoa aluminum wheels and modern radial tires.

 

The brothers left the exterior exactly how they found it, aside from adding their logos to the doors, Cummins decals, and newer mud flaps.

 

The story is much the same inside, although the sears were recovered in blue and white material. Even the aftermarket cassette deck sound system and aftermarket air conditioner were left in place. And yes, it all still works.

 

Model is a Lindberg kit set up on Moebius wheels and tires. Iceman Collections supplied the Cummins 6BT and a Revell Sidewinder supplied the 47RH. My spares box provided the doodads found throughout. Paint is some matte aqua I had handy. It's going to need some touchup on the hinges but overall I'm happy with it, despite the fact that I've only ever successfully gotten the doors to open on one of these once. This wasn't the one. ? 

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[Jim B]

Nice looking Dodge.

[Street Rod]

Cool truck! I’m digging the Cummins swap.

[leafsprings]

Great way to get an old classic back on today's roads, modern powertrain and modern wheels, nice conversion work!

[bondo bill]

I like the subtle patina

[ChrisR]

Very nice!

[slusher]

Awesome Dodge!

[ewetwo]

That is nicely done.

[Dutzie]

Nice!