Crewman58

Hi whtbaron, Thanks for the comment. My ute still has the engine and gearbox in it, so finding the right one won't be an issue. I am on a big learning curve with these old trucks, and have found the members on this site are only too willing to help, encourage and give advice. I will be hauling the Dodge out of the paddock next week (where it has been for decades), so the full extent of the project will be revealed. On first inspection it seems very solid, but a good look at the the front of the chassis when we get it out of the grass will tell all. Good luck with your Speedster project. Cheers.

Hi 48D, Thanks for the welcome. Yes, it will be a challenge to get it back on the road, but one that I am looking forward to. We have given ourselves 12 months to have it done. I will probably have to buy a donor truck, as I think it will save time and money in the search for parts. Early days, but enthusiasm is up. Cheers, Jim.

Hi DJ194950, Thanks for the comment. My son wants to leave the paint/metal patina pretty much as is, and after looking at a few photos of another '52 Dodge with the same weathering I did not take too much convincing. A couple of spots of rust under the tray/tub will be replaced and the surface rust scale will be treated on the hood and guards/fenders, and a few of the larger dents will be pulled. In essence it will have a Rat Rod look. Keeping the flathead and 3 speed and all the original running gear. All glass apart from the quarter glass is still in the car. Priorities are the front axle and steering, then give the engine a birthday, buy some missing bits (grille bars, headlight assemblies and badges etc..) and then try and fire it up. I am a pretty handy "backyard mechanic" and have a Mechanic (Son) and a Coach Builder (Son in Law) on tap, so any repairs that are needed will be at a minimum cost (Beer). A new tailgate will need to be made, so the English Wheel expert can show me how good he is. My darling Wife is on the team as well, so it looks like I have it snookered. Cheers, Jim.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I hope the photo uploads work. My Dad used this ute in his mechanic business in the 60's and sold it in 1970 when we moved away. The Dodge had received numerous coats of paint by my young brother towards the end of the 60's, (Chinese Red applied with a 2 inch brush and purple from a pressure pack to name a couple). Most of the layers of paint have weathered away, which may be the reason that the sheet metal is in such good condition. Lots of surface rust and dents, but very sound metal all round. There is still evidence of the STP stickers that we applied as kids back then, the exterior ones have faded to a shadow on the paintwork, but the ones in the cab are still in full colour. The motor, box and drivetrain are all still there along with most of the bolt on accessories such as Starter motor, Generator etc.. It will be a pretty big project, and that shows on my bearded son's face in one of the photos, but he is as keen as I am to breath life back into "The Dodge". Thanks for sharing the excitement with me, and I look forward to more discussion as we go about the search for parts in the coming months. Cheers, Jim.

I have just found my late Dad's 1952 DG1 ute in a paddock 44 years after he sold it. I plan on getting it going again, but the complete front "I" beam axle, steering, springs and brakes are missing. My question is...are there any other axle assemblies interchangeable with this ute. I can get an axle from a AB120 International, or one from a AT-4 truck, but I am not sure if they will be totally compatible. It appears that the chassis widths are the same because the distance between the axle/spring centre bolt holes are in line with the chassis. The kingpin/spindle may be higher (meaning the ute would be lower) but this won't be a concern. Has anyone used either of these axles in a half ton ute before? Thanks in advance for your help.