The 1947 Dodge Build

On another thread about NOS 65 Candy canes being so expensive brings to mind about certain vendors thinking their stuff is made of gold. On my 47 the trim holding the two hood halves together is made of stamped steel then chrome plated. Mine has numerous pits and was painted over. I see the people who took over when Frank Mitchell died continued his legacy of thinking parts are made of gold. They have a NOS center hood trim on eBay described as “NOS but needing to be rechromed for a show car” for a measely $399.00 plus shipping.

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A fellow FABO member and close friend put me in touch with a guy who has a pretty nice 47 Dodge that got creamed with a tree.

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I contacted him and gave him a list of stuff I was looking for including the trim for the hood. He said this car had for the hood a hand fabricated stainless steel a PO had done and I could have it for $30! I looked at it and can’t tell the difference between mine in the picture on my phone and the one he has! Hmmm $30 or $399! I think we’ll go for the $30 stainless steel trim that will never pit or need rechroming!
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Also bought from him the rear door handles which are in much better shape than my totally pitted handles, the driver’s fender trim which I was missing and the trunk lid which included the license plate light housing and handle, brake light assembly and DODGE emblem.

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I won’t be using the brake light, bezel and DODGE script as I have a NOS one for a D25 (Canadian model) which I like better!
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And also got a pair of correct headlight trim rings

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Also picked up a pair of rocker panel trim, of which one was NOS and the other one excellent used. He also GAVE me a spare grill in outstanding shape and a nice passenger fender and a few other trinkets. Christmas in April!
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Good for you and your build. There is so many parts out there that people want to get rid of. A friend of mine bought a 1960 Valiant. The seller told him he had an extra door to go with it. He got two wagon loads of extra parts!! Even some NOS mouldings!

It's really facinating to follow your build Don. I miss working on older cars. It's way much easier. It's the hunt for parts that takes time!