TravisL17

Let's all share some pictures of the first drive of 2021! I know some are well into the driving season, but those of us in the snow/salt belt are just getting our cars out. Today I took the family out for the first drive of 2021. It was a nice 30 mile test drive after completely rewiring the car and taking care of a bunch of maintenance items. In a few weeks we will be taking a trip to Galena Illinois with it.

You are correct about not having any accessories like radio or heater. The firewall still has the block off plates for the heater and controls. So does the firewall pad. It currently has a driver and passenger sunvisor. The PO put stone shields on it and other aftermarket accessories. The thing that baffled me for a bit was the VAC BSTR in the open field towards the bottom. Right away my mind went to power brakes, which this car doesn't have. Then I realized that the car originally had vacuum wipers and VAC BSTR may refer to the fuel pump/vac pump that it probably had on it. Im just happy to have found the sheet. I like the history of cars as much or more that the cars sometimes.

While putting my interior back in after re-wiring and minor floor repair, I found this tucked into a coil spring in the seat back of my rear seat. The serial number matches the number on the drivers door plate, so I'm certain it's for my car. Am I correct is saying that my car originally came with no options other than a horn ring and 1 sun visor? Anyone able to decode some of the not so obvious info? I appreciate any insight. Also, my thumb is covering it up, but there's an X under accessory group 1.

Thanks again for taking time to stop by. I learned a ton from you, it's much appreciated. I'm excited to start working on it, should be within a month or so. You can count on me using your restored truck as a reference! And yes, it's crazy how small the world really is!

I just found a write up for rod length. Interesting stuff. https://www.chevyhardcore.com/tech-stories/stroker-engines-long-short-connecting-rod-length/#:~:text=A shorter rod will decrease,degrees before and after TDC.

This is just me guessing...is the rod shorter on the 230 to provide clearance between the rod and the bottom of the cylinder wall when the piston is at the half way point in the stroke. With a shorter rod, you move the piston further down in the bore, providing more clearance between the rod and cylinder wall when the piston is at the half way point of the stroke. I can see it in my head, but not sure if it's making sense when I put it into words.

I also recommend Fluke. They are expensure for average use, but they are accurate and trustworthy. I've had mine for almost 20 years and it has never let me down. I've worn out a few sets of leads, but the meter has been flawless.

Dirty little secret......my buddies 96 Chevy pulled the trailer that got my Dodges home. And my 96 GMC pulled both of them off the trailer! Please don't hate me ?

A disease with only one known cure, more of the disease!

It belongs to a friend of mine. I'm providing storage for him for the winter. His truck and trailer were utilized in bringing these two Dodges to their new home. Tomorrow we're off to Fargo to get a 36 Ford truck that belonged to his Grandfather and then his uncle. That'll get parked in front of the 56 until he has room in his shop to get it running. He's a big time early Ford and Tri Five guy. Somehow we get along great. ?

It's awesome that you drive your car in the winter! Keep it up!

I wish! The Coronet a ways off from running. I was told it last ran and drove in 2000. Currently has no water pump on it. Front floors are thoroughly ventilated. I likely won't try to get it driving. Once I finish some projects on my Meadowbrook it'll be time to get the 1 ton going.

I finally brought this Coronet home today. I came with my Meadowbrook I purchased a couple years ago. She's pretty rough, but an excellent parts car to have on hand. The 51 Dodge 1-ton came home with me on Monday. My wife asked how many more cars I'll be bringing home this week. I told her this should be it (cuz tomorrow is a new week!?)

I'm in the same situation as you. Looking for recommendations on tires. I plan to keep the heavy drive lug type tires on the rear and more of a straight tread on the front, mostly because I like the way it looks. I plan to do my tires myself. Call around to truck or equipment shops if you want to find someone to tackle your split rims.

I was able to make it to the car wash today and get all the salt spray and dust washed off it. Then brought it home and got the left rear brake free. I spent some time looking things over. It's a 4 speed (from what I gather from the forum it's non synchro) with fluid drive. Engine serial number matches up to what should be in the truck, 230cid. After that we drug it off the trailer and tucked into the pole barn where it will stay until I'm done with some projects on my 50 Meadowbrook. Not sure why the picture loaded upside down, don't know how to fix it.

Well, it's going to have stay on the trailer another day or two. With schedules (pesky gainful employment), time is a bit short right now. I want to rinse the 300 miles of salty road spray off it at the car wash, but the warm weather has everyone flocking to the carwashes. Waiting will work out well since it will allow the roads to dry up. In the meantime, here's another pic of it. Makes that 1 ton Chev look little! (with some help from the proper perspective) A game of patience now.

That's the plan. Make it safe and reliable to drive and let it be what it is, a 70 year old farm truck.

Not yet, but I'm sure it will.

I bought it! After a minor accident at the gas station first thing this morning, icy roads, 600+ miles and 15 hours later, I got myself a 51 Dodge 1 ton. It's currently still on the trailer at a friend's house, too tired to deal with it tonight in the cold and dark. She's got a few unexpected issues, but the price was right and the truck is awesome. We got a lot of looks and thumbs up on the way home with it. I'm looking forward to warmer temps and getting to know this thing better. For now, here's a couple pics from today.

ggdad1951, how wide is your 51 1 ton? I can't find any specs for dimensions. I'm tying to make sure it will fit on the trailer I'm going to use. Disregard, I found a spec page that answers all my questions.

I'm north of the metro a bit. Isanti would be the closest to Andover that I'd be traveling. If it works out, you're more than welcome to take a look at it!

I am not aware of that, but I'm ok with it as I have driven non syncro trucks before. Thanks for the heads up!

I'm waiting to hear back from seller for some additional pics and if he has a title. I'm thinking a road trip next weekend may be in order to get this thing. I'll keep you guys updated with what I find out. Thank you all again for the input, I appreciate it!

All great insight, thanks! Thanks for the heads up of the WB and trailer length. I did notice the horns look different compared to what I've seen in other pictures. I've asked for a pics of the rust areas that you guys mentioned and also asked about title. I'm a mechanic by trade, so repairs and rebuilds don't bother me. However, rust repair and body work is my nemesis. I. HATE. IT. My plan is to get it running and driving reliably and safely, leave the paint and body alone and drive it. Let it be what it is, a 70 year old truck! Really hoping to bring this thing home.

Looking at pictures of other trucks, I really like the look of the longer bed. How do you tell between 3/4 and 1 ton on these trucks?