kb6 owner / restoration


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Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 3

Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:32 am

Post Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:17 pm

kb6 owner / restoration

Hello,

My son and I are doing a frame up restoration on a kb6. I started posting photo's on my website at: http://www.tremel.net in my "shop" section.

The plan is to keep the truck close to original as possible, but we are swapping the engine out for a cummins bt6, which I currently have. I know many have done this before and I started talking to some folks, but could use all the help I can get as I start to tackle this project.

We currently have the truck completely stripped down to the frame. Being winter, it's time to just stay warm in my heated shop and work on body work as small items.

I have a spare K7 truck that I'm using as a doner for parts which really helps.

I'm located in southwestern, PA and always interested in seeing other truck builds to get some ideas.

--Bill

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 5170

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:28 pm

Location: Lyman, IA

Post Fri Jan 03, 2020 6:46 pm

Re: kb6 owner / restoration

Check the operating Of the Cummins Vs the BLD. You might need a aux trans to get the road speed/ engine speed you want. Most K-6 and -7 have a engine speed of around 29-3000 around 45-50 MPH

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 3

Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:32 am

Post Tue Jan 07, 2020 9:37 am

Re: kb6 owner / restoration

Thanks and yes, I'm looking to swap engine and transmission with hopes to doing little fab work other than engine mounts. Also talking to others, reinforcing the frame around the engine compartment is highly recommended.

The good news is that someone has already swapped out the vacuum two speed activator with an electric one.

Right now, we have the cab off and I'm just focusing on doing a ton of bodywork / metal work. Thanks for the input.

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 5170

Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:28 pm

Location: Lyman, IA

Post Tue Jan 07, 2020 10:15 am

Re: kb6 owner / restoration

If the rear is stock, I doubt you'll get the RPM/Road speed you want with a single transmission regardless of if it has O/D or not. Many K-6 and -7 had an O/D trans to begin with. You'll either need a rear swap or an aux trans along with the O/D in a main trans to get the speed/ RPM where it would be comfortable on today's hiways.

Rookie
Rookie

Posts: 1

Joined: Sat Feb 22, 2020 2:27 pm

Post Sun Feb 23, 2020 12:18 pm

Re: kb6 owner / restoration

Hi
Just joined OLDIHC yesterday and noticed you are doing what i just finished.
I just finished my KBS6 rebuild last May. Your truck looks much much better than mine did, here is some information that my be helpful for a BT6 swap, I used 1990 12 valve BT6 you will need water inlet, outlet, alternator bracket and ac bracket.(I live in Nevada AC is a must) I got mine off the farm tractor BT6 I think is was a 80's Massy
I used a eaton fuller FSO 6406 6 speed over drive trans, Rockwell #13,000 rear with 3.31 ratio I can do 75 mph @ 2200 rpm, 65 @ about 1900 rpm
My original frame was no good, my neighbor had a 57 L160 with a like new frame. I used a Isuzu #8000 front axle
I have disc brakes front and rear.
I do not know how to attach photos but I can email some to you.

Good luck
Gale

Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee

Posts: 8937

Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:45 pm

Location: Canada's left Coast

Post Sun Feb 23, 2020 12:34 pm

Re: kb6 owner / restoration

Is that big flywheel on a Fairbanks gas engine?
You seem to have a good plan for your Old IHC. Have fun with it.
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have
Thinking risks being controversial and possibly being offensive

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