82-83 / 100
82 RenegadeMagazine.com
The main inspiration was Kris Barns’ rat rod. I have
always liked old rusty, patina style trucks. I figured
this build would be perfect for showing off how well
a diesel can run and look. My main hobby is do-
ing Cummins diesel conversions, but I have never
done an old hotrod before this one. We wanted the
body to look somewhat period correct, but also be
a functional, fast, drag truck.
The body and frame are 1935 International C1.
Frame has quarter elliptical front suspension, and
10” Z in the rear with drag style 4 link and coil
over rear shocks. The cab has been channeled
10” and bed shortened 16”
The engine is based off a 1996 Cummins. It has
an International cast block, Hamilton Cams af-
termarket cast race head, low compression
pistons, and custom ground cam with HD lift-
ers. Pushrods, springs and titanium retainers.
The injection pump is maxed out and runs a
“hold my beer” governor spring, which allows
the engine to turn 6k rpm. The compound
RenegadeMagazine.com 83
turbo system uses Borg Warner turbos, with the top
one being a 80mm billet, and the small one a 63mm
mounted on a custom stainless header. The engine
also has a 1000psi water injection system to keep the
intake air charge cool along with helping keep exhaust
temperature in check. The turbos are currently mak-
ing 95psi of boost.
Transmission is a 47re auto from a 96 dodge, full of
bullet parts, with a reverse manual valve body. It now
has 6 forward gears. Rear axle is a 9” ford, with 3.50
gears, spool and disc brakes. Rocket wheels on the
front, with Moroso drag tires, and weld wide 5 bead-
lock rears from a sprint car, with American racer dirt
track tires. The stock frame has been boxed in a few
important places, along with an 8-point roll cage for
strength. This project started as an all-original stock
truck, and took a few friends and me about 10 months
to complete.
Steve Avant