Couldn't NOT buy it...

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vntned

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So I went to see a Mopar buddy about some Jheads for cheap. Then when I got there, things got more complicated. Bought the heads for $200 with Crane roller rockers and ended up buying the car for $250, minus the drivetrain.

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Yep. '53 Cranbrook. Solid as hell too! I wish my '64 Dart was this good when I got it! My friend has a '33 Dodge 5 window with a hopped up flatty six, and he wants the drivetrain out of the '53 for it as a spare. I figured a mild 318/904 would make it a great cruiser.
 
You're gonna have to sweet talk bustyratrod, I believe he's got a firepower hemi that would go great with that car
 
Definitely a solid car. Have fun with it.
 
I grew up with its cousin. Family had a 53 Dodge Meadowbrook and 53 Dodge p/u. I drove them both at a young age
 
Man that thing is super cool. Remember though, that was the "small" car back then. LOL
 
That is awesome I love it!! Something like that is what I want for my next project. I love 50s iron!
 
Since I sold my '51 Business coupe a few years ago, I've been wanting to get back into some older iron. Haven't really been hunting, as I don't really need the project. This one, however, had such a low entry fee. I just couldn't turn down the opportunity.
 
I know its not a mopar but i have been eye balling this beauty for about three years its setting in a field full of junk at my neighbors property. I keep wanting to ask him to sell it but i keep backing out. One day its gonna be gone and im gonna regret not asking. But at the same time I really cant afford to tackle a project like that right now. But dang she would be a sight for sore eyes restored to her former glory.

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Excellent deal! You definitely need a sb or bb swap. I put a 440 in my 55. I don’t know if the 53 is similar underneath, I suspect that it is.

Rustyhope sells disc brake conversions that use a volare rotor and gm metric caliper, a Ford Explorer 8.8 is the right width ( both of these are in mine). I have also seen Dakota, volare and (gasp, don’t do it) gm car front clips grafted into these cars.
 
So I got my '53 to my buddies shop yesterday! It's very straight and solid and the underside is cherry. Apparently it's been sitting in a warehouse, then barn, since 1983!

Spent a few minutes with a rag and some broke cleen. Looks like I'll be able to save the lettering!

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vntned said:
So I got my '53 to my buddies shop yesterday! It's very straight and solid and the underside is cherry. Apparently it's been sitting in a warehouse, then barn, since 1983!

Spent a few minutes with a rag and some broke cleen. Looks like I'll be able to save the lettering!

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Awesome! I love old signage on cars. Wondered about the lighter paint, now I know! I'm gonna have to ask that guy near me about his 50's era Dodge, and see if it's for sale.
 
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Sweet! A blank canvas to work with. Really neat car and the old lettering makes it even more cool!
 
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