bkahler

Good point. It'll be interesting to see how long the ones I have will last. They looked to be NOS so the rubber isn't as pliable as new rubber would be.

It turns out Bernbaum also has the B series pads as well. Apparently the gas pedal is expensive because these pads are only $32 plus $5 shipping. The auction does not specifically state two pads but it shows two and describes the auction as clutch and brake pedal pads. 1948-1953 Dodge Truck Brake & Clutch Rubber Pedal Pads

Not cheap is right. Even with the gas pedal the price still seems high. Surprisingly, I clicked to add them to my watch list because I wanted to look closer when I had more time and this morning the seller sent me an offer for $102.60. I guess the good news is at least they are available if you want to spend the money.

Those are close to what I'm looking for. Here's a picture of one of the two that were on my original bed sides. I'd love to find two matching hooks, or four that are close to matching. I don't think I've used the search term Rope Hook before, that seems to have opened up the results quite a bit. Thanks!

If the hooks are made properly they'll withstand a tremendous amount of pressure. I might be wrong in my terminology but I believe term forged hooks are what I'm looking for. Haha! A show pony from 15 feet, any closer and the flaws will start jumping out at you

I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your brother and your sister. Any form of cancer is just nasty, for all involved. Take care.

Los posted this photo a little while ago and I noticed that it had the bed hooks that I've been looking for. The only thing I've found that's even close is priced at $24 each which I think is a tad over priced. Would any of you know where to find this style of hook for a price that won't break the bank?

I vaguely remember seeing some numbers on the inside of the pads, unfortunately I didn't right them down and there's no way I'm going to remove one to find out

Congratulations! Buying a new (to you) used vehicle is always a step into the unknown. From your pictures and personal observations I think you did just fine. You may have paid more than you really wanted to but not having to deal with panel repairs is where a lot of money gets spent. DCM Classics sells rear bumper but they are only listed up to 1953. Maybe with some research you can find out what the differences might be between 53 and 54. It could be just something to do with how it mounts to the frame. Take the ignition switch to a good lock smith and that will solve your key problem and if ignition switch is original to the truck then it should work for the door key. I think Los nailed it on the license plate light. It looks like the brackets are still there to hold the plate as well so that's a bonus. I'm looking forward to watching your rejuvenation thread

Yep, rubber pedal pads I don't know if anyone is reproducing them. Back in 2008 while I was working in Pasadena I went to a car show/swap meet in Fullerton CA and actually found a few items worth picking up. Most notably were the pedal pads at $5 each. I believe they were a NOS item but I don't know what specific vehicle they were for. I do know the matched the pedal shape on my truck perfectly so they may have been intended for the B series. I'm glad I found them as I didn't care for the slippery surface of the metal pedal pad.

I've been steadily plugging away on the truck, getting a lot of small odds and ends taken care of. None of them are really picture worthy, just things that need to be done. Simple things like bleeding the brakes, connecting the tail light wires, fabricating the anti-squeak gaskets for rear fenders to running boards, painting the fender mounting hardware, installing the clutch and brake pedal rubber foot pads, and added a keeper pin to the spare tire rear hanger bolt. Tomorrow I may try and install the rear fenders. We'll see....

The tail light is not original which doesn't surprise me, nor is the bracket. I would consider the tail light to be small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. The carburetor should be correct. The heaters were typically dealer installed items, at least they were for the B series and I would imagine the same for the C series. This is a tail light from a B series truck. Same carburetor on my truck although your's is likely a different version.

I bought my 51 B3B when I was visiting Idaho in 1996. From what I was told they don't salt the roads in the winter and my truck had only surface rust. I didn't have to do any rust repair on the truck. Dents and dings, yep, it had lots of those Finding a rust free truck is worth the additional initial investment.

It does not appear to have the spare tire carrier, however DCM Classics also reproduces those as well.

Ok, looking closer at that rusted piece of metal, I believe its the battery box. Fortunately battery boxes are being reproduced, at least for the B series and I'd bet it's probably the same box on the C series. I believe that would explain all the rust as well, battery acid Just checked, battery boxes area available. DCM Classics Battery Box