No doubt, swaps are a popular upgrade for a lot of enthusiasts who have an affinity for the different and unique. However, when you’re a tried and true truck guy, the average small- or big-block engine just won’t suffice. Everyday, enthusiasts are raising the bar. Whether it’s a twin-turbo setup, late-model engine swap or domestic power stuffed into an import for drifting – it’s all about being different.
Being different is also all about the true spirit of hot rodding. And, when it comes to the hot rodding spirit, this die-hard truck owner wasn’t going to let anything get in his way. If you weren’t aware, all 3600 ’57 Chevy pickups were built as long-flat beds for hauling heavier loads. Beginning with a ’57 3600 Series chassis and body, this hot rodder made quick work of what was once the longbed and shortened it up for a cleaner stance.
To accommodate the dual rear tires, the stock fenders were also chopped down the center and widened by 5 inches. Up front, the bumper was yanked from a 2009 Jeep Rubicon, which hides the Turbonetics intercooler behind the custom grill. Why an intercooler you ask? Well, if the title didn’t give it away, this custom ’57 pickup is sporting a unique swap under the hood.
Diesel engines are nothing new and recently, they’ve been gaining in popularity among late-model tuners and enthusiasts. To prove the uniqueness of a late-model diesel swap, a complete LB7 6.6 Liter Duramax diesel, complete with the Allison transmission was swapped into this ’57s frame. Talk about a super-hauler, right?
What’s more, the truck was outfitted with one-piece windows to eliminate the small, vents and a late-model dash that remains fully functional, complete with the digital style rearview mirror. The bed, too, was customized with a tailored pine floor and Cherry finish and a smoothie tailgate. Of course, no bed would be complete without a custom smoothie tailgate and LED strap brakelights. To finish the build, the truck was skinned with Summit Racing’s Hot Rod Flat Black paint for a killer appearance.