48 Dodge truck restore

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Tbatch

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We recently bought a 48 Pilothouse B3,my 14 year old daughter and I are planning on restoring it to close to original as we can. She would love to make it her first vehicle? It seems that part for this vintage are hard to find? My plan is to take it down to the frame media blast and bring it back up. I'm looking for all the help I can, I'm a first time restorer.
 

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Welcome, cool project.

I would certainly consider bypassing the original brake system and upgrade it to something more modern.
 
Flat-head 6 in it? MAYBE a flat-head 4 even, I'm not sure but I don't think the early Polys were in those trucks, BUT I could be wrong..... Looks to be in pretty good shape tho!
 
Welcome and good looking truck.
Duel wheels, good hauler, parts are still available.
Keep in mind the original style steering and brakes are horrible, top speed will be around 50 mph, even when rebuilt.
I would put the body on a modern chassis, but it requires alot of fabrication.
 
I am building a rat rod truck with that same cab. First advice I have is, buy an extra pair of the corner windows now while you can still find them. I have an extra pair for mine stashed in the spare bedroom closet.

Other than those, the rest of the glass is flat and easy to have duplicated if you need it.

There are sellers on Ebay that sell weatherstrip, but JC Whitney is the absolute best place for that. They sell it in bulk and all you have to do is match up the profile.

I did however, find the one piece windshield gasket on Ebay. If you pay much over 100 bucks for one, they saw you comin.
 
Your first consideration is what do you want/expect the truck to be when you get finished.
Certainly using the stock chassis will be cheaper and easier than any other choice. But will it accomplish what you want?
Changing out the rear is pretty basic and retaining duel wheels is not a big deal although keeping the originals MIGHT be.

Changing the front over to a truck independent/type suspension can be a challenge but doable just the same. Bear in mind that keeping like wheels fore and aft needs to be a part of the choosing of donor parts. as well as track width.

Most every part you want is available for the engine and chassis including the brakes. But if you want to change gears the original parts may not allow for that. The straight axle will never drive like anything late model, or feel safe at common speeds of today.
but the brakes won't be OK at those speeds either. But if you keep the stock flat head six you won't have to worry about going that fast.

The parts that are not available are body/interior parts.
Changing the complete chassis over to a later model one will require the use of a tape measure and an open mind, particularly the possibility of relocating the engine to fit in the tight compartment you have to work with, and wheelbase/track width.
Of course you'll have to build body mounts and a plethora of other details.
There is far to much to cover it all here but I hope this gives you an idea of where you're going and how to get there.
Good luck with your project.. enjoy the journey.
 
Nice truck!

If it were the generation before that, I could point you at a good site (we're in the midst of a '46 Dodge pickup project), but I checked and they don't have anything for the pilothouse era trucks.

Maybe you can get some leads on parts, etc. from one of these sites?

http://dodgepilothouseclub.org/dodge/dodge.htm

http://p15-d24.com/forum/6-mopar-flathead-truck-forum/

http://www.fortrucksonly.com/truckforum/forums/classic-dodge-trucks-pre-1981.15/

http://fordodgetrucksonly.forumotion.com/f1-pilot-house-dodge-pickups

http://oldpickupparts.com
 
Upgrading the brakes does sound like a good idea. I've been thinking about power brakes or maybe a michanical advantage system. Independent front suspension would be awesome, if there is a style that could be bolted on so I could keep the original frame. Thanks for the sites for info I will definitely check them out. I was told that the flat 6 ran good from the previous owner, but I will check it out for myself soon. Thank for the help all. I really appreciate it!
 
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