55dodgec3

Good luck with your 55. I have a 55 myself, its totally dismantled now, doing the bodywork now.

Will a C model box fit, I have a used one Im not going to use

Whats wrong with ur side panels, cant they be repaired?

Hey Albolton, did u ever get that 9" rear and 4 link in? How much of a difference in handling and traction is there?

I have used the steel tubing you get at auto parts stores, bend, flare, and fit them, then take em back off, scuff em with 220 paper and clear them. Looks good, and somewhat helps keeping the lines from rusting.

I double check EVERYTHING, TWICE. I'd rather be anal about little things, then get suprized. That being said, I've missed some things even doing that! It happens! And I've been a mechanic or bodyman ALL my life.

I may be interested if I know the condition of the block and heads..I understand it needs a rebuilding

We were at a car show today at Dick's Classic garage in San Marcos Tx. While we were there, we when thru his museum of classic cars. I spotted this 48-49 B series truck, sorry the pictures aren't the best, but check it out!

A grand for a 354 isn't that high, at least here in Texas. There was a lad down here that had a 354, and a 392. He got 4500 for both of em!!

Gonna check it out , thanks

Mike, are u running a stock engine?

That plymouth NEEDS to be saved...It has project written all over it!

And I've driven mopars all my life....I've always known they are worth more!!!

Look what happened to the prices of mopar muscle cars...25 years ago, they were reasonable to buy...now..prices are sky high. And thats for rough cars! Jeff you have a good point, I think when everyone gets tired of seeing a sea of fords and chevies, dodge prices will jump alot!

Well, the frame is now in epoxy primer. After looking it over, I decided to Partially box it, meaning I'll box it up to where I can still get to the factory rivets holding the x-members. In case I ever have to repair a busted rivet. Check out how bad these pieces are!

Did you try a local body shop supply? Ask them if they carry..."J nuts". The problem is, these old dodge's use fine thread bolts everywhere, and probably you'll only find coarse thread J nuts. If you dont mind using coarse threads, might be the way to go.

When I got mine, the rear bumper was long gone, replaced with some steel tube...ugly,, I cut it off. Last time I was over at the yard, I saw 1 rear bumper, twisted like a pretzel!

Welcome, you'll find a lot of good info in this forum, and plenty of freindly people to share their know how and thoughts!

Well, I got the frame completely blasted, what a nightmare! So far, I don't see any cracks. One thing I did see now that its clean, is at the rear of the rear springs. The cast brackets riveted to the frame that the U shaped shackles go into are worn BAD! The shackles have worn thru these brackets, and the previous owners welded the brackets. I'll have to drill out the rivets and try to find replacements. I'll get it primed tomorrow, I have a 51 ford f100 in the shop now to get the wiring straightened out. I work on my dodge inbetween customer work. Thanks for the pictures and info guys! On those harbor freight engine stands, I have one. Its alrite, but i think they could be built better. I have a 273 short block on it now, with a complete engine on it, it spins way too hard. When I get another stand, I'll look at others first, just my thoughts

Hope thats the last of your bad weather.

Fatman, Helix, and one othe place make IFS kits for it. I got the frame blasted 3/4's of the way, what a nightmare of a job! Just gotta finish the back of the frame, then epoxy primer. I only found one crack so far, and that is in the bracket that holds the rear pin for the left front spring. I won't be using that soo, no problem. Spencer, after 8 years, did the frame hold up to that early hemi? Any cracking, bending, etc?

Thanks Dave...Anything else I should know?

Frank, Dr Mopar's yard is between San Marcos and Bastrop, off Hwy 21. John's salvage is over in Sequin...alot of old stuff there!

Dave, I've done engine swaps before...I even put a 318 in a dodge Colt. Never did suspension swaps, Mention whatever u want...I'm never too old to learn from others!!!! I've been a mechanic and or bodyman all my life, and still learn something new every day.

my 55 is a 3/4 ton and has 15" wheels. I have 3 good wheels, with the cap clips, but I'm still using them till the truck is done. I'd check junkyards, here in central texas, we have a yard with nothing but old stuff, If u need some , I'll look next time im over.