A reader directed me towards researching this early diesel pioneer.   

    Tony Capanna grew up during the first alternative energy era. My grandparents were from this time and that is probably where I get it from. During one of the great depressions (1929-1941) people didn't waste anything.

http://www.wilcap.com/webdoc7.html

Here is the website where you can read about early diesel swaps. 

I'll update this post when more information comes in.