Something different - what would you do to this truck?

[funbnme]

Just got a new project I'll be working on. I'm probably going to keep this as a cheap project...it's in pretty good shape and really just needs some TLC.

But...what would you do to this truck?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSCF0680-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSCF0681-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/09/DSCF0682-1.jpg

It's a 53 Dodge B3 Pilothouse.
Motor is a flathead 6 with a 3 speed on the tree.

If anyone knows of any good truck sites, please let me know.

[Damn True]

Neat truck!

I would find a wrecked 3/4-ton diesel and put that body on the modern chassis.

[Memphis]

Bag it.

[Ash]

Awesome project. Haven't found any Turbo examples of that engine, and not sure what C.I. yours is, but here's a centrifugal supercharged 308 Flathead 6 in a Hudson Hornet...not a whole lot of info on the page.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fastandfuriousperformance.com/projects/hudson/supercharger-piping.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fastandfuriousperformance.com/index.php%3Fcategory%3D1&usg=__SlDBylelHa-fpWPe1qjjdZPreNE=&h=750&w=1000&sz=277&hl=en&start=37&um=1&tbnid=VpmNU4vQdj8nJM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsupercharged%2Bdodge%2Bflathead%2B6%2 6ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D 1

[BonzoHansen]

To go against the grain, I'd be really tempted to leave it as is.

[nowukno]

To go against the grain, I'd be really tempted to leave it as is.
2 X's

[Paul_J]

3 X's

[cheapthrillz]

4 X's but go with a cherry bed or similar. They're gorgeous.

[George]

Viper V10 and 6 speed or at least a 440 and 4 speed....

[Patrick]

Leave it. Drive it.

[Roger M]

Leave it. Drive it.


That's what I would do as well, although I might be tempted to bag it for a change of pace once in a while.

Cool truck.

[LateNight72]

leave it. Drive it.
+ 1

[jackfrost]

drive it! hell yeah!

[Ash]

I agree to keep the engine, but some period correct aftermarket parts wouldn't hurt. Some of the Exhaust and intake manifolds for that engine are nice.

[Ron L]

That looks like it's in really nice shape and would clean up just fine with very little work. I'd leave it alone too or stick to bolt-on creature comforts that's easily returned to stock if need be, e.g. throttle body EFI, sound system, 12v conversion? etc. I see a nice spot for an in-dash GPS:)

[dadto2jays]

I would lower it...paint the wheels add some white walls and drive the hell out of it!!!!

[jaybee]

Having grown up in farm country I have a liking for old trucks, but they're pretty limited in stock form. Slow, hard to steer, very limited handling, and the brakes are awful. If you plan to put almost no mileage on it leave it like it is, it's incredibly nostalgic. If you want to actually drive it I say Mopar 383 or 440 power, ifs, and bags all around would sure help the ride.

[PT Sportwagon]

Really too nice an original to rod or cut up.

Tim

[69496]

i would keep it all stock except for bagging it to get the stance

[funbnme]

For now, I will be leaving it as is. I'm just looking for ideas for down the road. Bags sound like a pretty cool idea, but out of my price range for this ride.

It's got leafs in front & back, so not sure how easy it would be to lower it up front. I doubt Hotchkis or GW make 2" drop springs for this ride.

I paid $2,100 for it, so for under $5,000 total, I can get a short list of things done on it and have a pretty cool low-budget driver. Plus, one day when I trade in my 05 Ram, I will still have a truck for times when it's needed.

[PT_79_TA_461]

To go against the grain, I'd be really tempted to leave it as is.

X5 same....Or

twin turbo SRT4 engine .....????

[Memphis]

The hamb could probably be a good source of info. Is that a straight axle?

[IrvJr]

I would lower it...paint the wheels add some white walls and drive the hell out of it!!!!


My thoughts exactly!

[bobbaganoosh]

I'd build it gasser style with a period motor, like a blown 392 Hemi or injected SBC (or a 409 would be cool too)

[MCMLXIX]

Lift it a few inches and put a little larger/wider tire under it... try and have the factory wheels widened to keep the stock look w/ hub caps...

[MonzaRacer]

How about up grade brakes, just normal stuff not big race stuff,think newer wheels but keep dog dishes, think air over leaf, remove all but couple leafs to get low, then add in the air over leaf kits.
If its stock, heck maybe think some newer up grades like better charging system, better lights, see if suspension and steering are tight and solid.
Maybe hid e some tunes from an Ipod.
To me on the cheap I would buy some 2x3 .125 square tube steel and build a new frame add in some decent handling suspension, say front frame off chevelle or Camaro sub, use cool ride and a simple parallel 4 like from air ride and air bags in back. Use lots of salvage yard parts and keep it simple, maybe even dig up a slant six auto combo and clifford it up or small turbo. Dont mod the body to decrease value, if you need to mod fenders or such hit swap meets.
It can be sweet and cheap just use your brain and ask questions.
I have never built a car and had more than $1000 in driveline/suspension except when I had to get loans to buy the cars.
Heck ia dont expect to get more than $1000 in my Caprice at first, butI still have most of the big parts needed.