Desotodav

I'm not sure what your problem is there Mike. I would run a test light on that section of wiring to see where your power is making it to. I joined the wires for each side of my front and rear in my truck. I had the problem of often forgetting that my indicators were on so I installed an indicator warning light like Bob and now I know when they're working because the green LED light in my speedo face flashes at me. The Instrument fella that I use had a good time installing my light. He lathed down a 3mm LED bulb to flush-mount it in a 1mm hole that he made in my speedo face (just below the '40'). I didn't know that he was going to that extent - but he enjoys a good challenge. It came out looking nice too. Desotodav

Joe, see how you get on for the E-brake spring - otherwise I may be able to help you. I just had some stainless steel E-brake springs made and sent for ggdad1951's truck. It would appear that the dimensions are slightly different between the truck and car, but otherwise they look to be the same sort of set-up. I would just need detailed photographs and dimensions of your springs to pass onto my Spring Maker. All of the various truck springs that I have had made to date have come in at less than $10 each. Postage to USA has varied (depending on the weight of the article sent) between $10 and $25. Photos attached are of the truck E-brake springs recently made/sent, and of the truck E-brake set-up from the parts manual. PM me if I can assist you. Desotodav

I read through this old thread with great interest as I have just removed the carburettor from my truck with a view to running a kit through it. It would appear that my carburettor lists a different set of numbers to Ian's though. Now that you're back on-line again Ian, how did you go with the carby kit that you were chasing? Does anybody out there have any listing for my carburettor which might make my finding a kit easier? It appears to read 6F2 DTF2 (see photos). Desotodav

There is a nice original inside mirror on Epay for those that are interested...http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/47-48-49-50-51-52-53-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-DESOTO-MIRROR-NEW-/250903938964?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6b0a4794#ht_500wt_1413 . Desotodav

I thought about buying it before the price started to soar. I wasn't sure whether I'd be bidding against you though Ian. Still, probably not too badly priced for a truck with good compression and re-done brakes. Always room here for another truck or 2!!! Desotodav

Reg, this truck sold for $4120 this morning in Oz.... Desotodav

Great looking project Richard. I was driven to my truck for the same reason, because it was a little unusual and that it wasn't a Ford or Chev. Although in saying that, my Brother-in-law has some really nice old Ford trucks in our shed for restoration - to each his own! You are certainly in the right place to find great advice on your project. Congratulations on owning the vehicle for so long and keeping it in such a good state of repair. Good luck with the project and keep us posted. Desotodav

Good luck with straightening the front bumper Kevin. I had mine in a 20 tonne press to straighten it but it kept springing back. We found that it was made from spring steel. We ended up cutting a slice in it and welding it whilst it was still in the press. It came out alright in the end though. Desotodav

Thanks Ian, and Aussiedodgegirl. I'm glad that I have even inspired you to make your first post Jainee!!! I'm back at the Upholsterer's on Monday to finish off a couple of things and then we're getting close to done. I look forward to seeing how your truck turns out Aussiedodgegirl. Desotodav

What a great car, and also a great article Rodney. Thanks for sharing. I particularly liked the comment made on the fact that "Studebaker owners usually had more than one, and were not mainstream people". I can relate that comment to a number of Mopar owners that I know (including myself)! I had a lot of the mechanical work for my 52 Desoto truck completed by a Studebaker enthusiast. I think I even ended up with a Studebaker second gear syncro ring in the gearbox from memory. Well done mate. Desotodav

I attended the Chrysler Expo 2011 show today at Mt Gravatt (about 12km south Brisbane) Australia and thought that others might be interested in some vehicle photos that I had my daughter take - see link... http://s1095.photobucket.com/albums/i464/desotodav/Chrysler%20Expo%202011/ . The judges were kind enough to issue me the award for 'top pickup' for my blue coloured 52 Desoto truck (photo attached) Yeh I know that it's a clock with a backwards photo of the 'Little Red Express' truck attached - but I appreciate the award just the same. My mate that I was there with was issued with the 'best streetrod' award for his gold coloured 29 Dodge delivery van. It was a fun but exhausting day with bright sunshine, high winds and large dust clouds caused by the recently top-soiled field. There were not too many older vehicles in attendance, but I think that my daughter did a pretty good job of photographing the ones of most interest. Desotodav

Welcome to the forum highspeed from one of the Oz members. Looks like you've got a bit of work ahead of you - but a good starting base. I'm sure that most of us started in a similar position. Enjoy the wealth of knowledge from this site, and be sure to keep us posted on your progress. Desotodav

I'm not sure if the material that they used in your part of the world was the same as here in Oz. Here's a couple of photos of original seats that might help you out... Desotodav

I came across this info about running in engines recently http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm . This guys ideas seems somewhat controversial and I'm not sure that I'm sold on them. He uses motorcycle motors as examples, but says that the same principles apply for vehicle engines. The idea of running an engine hard from rebuild does not sit comfortably with me - but to each his own! Desotodav

Don, I would have identified that key as the one for the for the clutch pedal shaft from side of the gearbox. I agree with Reg on the rear axle key - it's definitely not that one. Desotodav

Looks something like the buck that this young fella sh!t back in October 2007. Those typo's can be nasty sometimes! Desotodav

Welcome to the forum Wilf. I'm running the original T307 motor in my 52 truck. Not all trucks had vent windows - use the search function from the menu bar to learn more. The truck wire diagram should be fine for you. Nice looking truck by the way. Good job on getting it running so easily. Desotodav

How about these ones... In my opinion, these are the best coupe trucks that I have seen to date. I reckon that they are both a real credit to the owner's. I have seen panel trucks over here, but the one on Epay looks different. It is listed as a mini-panel, which I thought was a little strange. I have a 56'ish (108E) panel with side windows sitting in the paddock. It's a bit battered and I haven't decided what I'll do with it yet. Desotodav p.s.. that truck of yours looks alright too Reg!

They are a nice looking truck (the Coupe). Mine is looking a little battered at present, but sitting in the shed (along with the 55 Desoto) high and dry and awaiting restoration. Desotodav

I sand blasted my regulators and latches and had them plated. I would imagine that a good coat of paint will prevent them from rusting in your case. The moving parts may scratch some of that paint off though - but how much moisture do you expect to get there in the future? Be careful if you plate them, as I found that the process made the spring material brittle causing mine to snap. Desotodav

I found this one a little more interesting... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dodge-Ram-Panelvan-RHD-Mini-Truck-Custom-Sled-Potential-Valiant-Pickup-/180727602586?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item2a14345d9a#ht_716wt_1139 . An original right hand drive US mini-postal van? Desotodav

I was looking at that one on Epay last night. The asking price seems to be what people are paying for them over here at present. It is located about 1/2 hour from my place. I am suspicious that that new silver paint job is hiding a multitude of sins though! Desotodav

I used the same 'oomph' method as Mark. I picked up something for you today Mark. I'll email you in the morning (10:30pm here now). Looks like yours will be the same as Dodgeb4ya's only stainless! Desotodav

Great photos. Thanks for sharing. What a worthy cause. Our National Police Remembrance day is September 29 here in Oz. The high level public support that we receive is always encouraging. Desotodav

The plastic sleeves came from a friend of mine that makes aluminium trays (beds in your language) for Oz utes (pickups). They are used in the hinge system that allows the sides of the trays to be removed. I recalled getting a couple of these sleeves a while ago for my tray sides. I started messing around with my truck hood latches the other day and thought that the sleeves would make them more solid, and as it turned out they were almost a perfect fit! They come ready made with the "finished looking bushing at the end of the sleeve". I would imagine that they would be available in other parts of the world. I don't reckon that they would be too pricey either. I can send some better photos with dimensions if you require. I am certainly happy with they way they turned out on my truck. Desotodav