-43 Diamond T Pickup

1943 Other Makes Description:

Engine: 350 cubic inch V8
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Gear Ratio: 2.73
Wheelbase: 128 inches
Wheels: 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps
Tires: Front: 225/75/15, Rear: 235/75/15 Goodyear www radial
350 cubic inch V8 that fits so neatly in the Diamond T offering a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor on an aluminum intake, a few splashes of chrome and billet aluminum for show, and as much OEM componentry as possible to make it easy to maintain. HEI ignition, for example, lights the fires and there's a giant radiator up front with a big electric fan that ensures the small block never gets fussy. There's also a vacuum power assist for the brakes with a color-matched unit on the firewall, so the brakes feel natural and service access remains quite good. It starts easily, idles well, and cruises down the highway at 75 MPH with ease, A/C blowing cold.
Part of its competence comes from the late-70s Firebird subframe that was grafted onto the T's original truck chassis, adding power steering and front disc brakes. The transformation was seamless with appropriate reinforcements as needed. The Diamond T's perimeter frame with X-bracing was so beefy that it didn't need any help, although custom cross-members were installed to support the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and late-model leaf springs for the GM 10-bolt rear end. Ride quality is excellent—this is no bare-bones pickup any more—and from behind the wheel it feels quite modern and agile.