help identify year and other details

[Lee Exline]

I recieved this picture from a collector in Africa that found the truck in the middle of the karoo desert in So. Africa. And is working on getting it running again.

Since this is a Detroit built model it would have been built on the Dodge assembly line and would have the same model series numbers as the Dodge trucks.

I have asked for pictures of the truck and will post them when I get them. I am sure some of you guys will be able to decifer this vin plate without any book help and my garage is darned cold right now! The S on the begining is probably the Desoto series ID?

[Merle Coggins]

I would have to guess, but I wonder if the "C1" relates to the "C" models ('54-'56)? But I'm quite sure the "108" refers to the wheel base length.

I look forward to seeing pics of it.

Merle

[Young Ed]

I think C1 was the 54 and early 55 models. Then the C2 came out with the wrap around front windshield.

[townwagon]

Because it is a very early serial number.

That would be the flat(er) windshield style C1 series, as opposed to the curved windshield C3.

It should look like this truck:

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/1602/2898415260010957762S600x600Q85.jpg

That is a neat tag, I have never seen a Desoto tag before. As the car guys will know S = Desoto, so the S-C1 is a Desoto C1.

As a Detroit built truck it should be much like the trucks here in the US, but there may have been changes for export.

I think I have an export parts book for the C1 series if he needs anything.

Eric

[PatS....]

The serial number fits a 1954 Canadian built Dodge FC-1-B, T334-108-116 (second line from top)

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide1920-57/slide028.html

Model Number fits 1951/1952 Canadian Built DeSoto Truck, SC-1, T-307-108 (Lines 3 &4 from the bottom)

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide1920-57/slide033.html

[Lee Exline]

Here is a picture!

I have asked for more including the bed and tailgate since the bed looks like it was replaced?

Note the right hand drive and Desoto hubcaps.

[Lee Exline]

The serial number fits a 1954 Canadian built Dodge FC-1-B, T334-108-116 (second line from top)

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide1920-57/slide028.html

Model Number fits 1951/1952 Canadian Built DeSoto Truck, SC-1, T-307-108 (Lines 3 &4 from the bottom)

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/partspages/SerialNumberGuide1920-57/slide033.html

Would it say Chrysler Detroit if it was made in Canada?

I would not think so but you never know?

[PatS....]

Would it say Chrysler Detroit if it was made in Canada?

I would not think so but you never know?

Lee, I have no idea...just reported what was in the book. Possibly was built in Canada FOR Chrysler Detroit?

The model number and serial don't match up in this book anyway, so it's a mystery.

Maybe Bill Watson has the correct info?

Neat looking truck though and glad it's not going to the crusher. I would love to have a DeSoto truck like that over here

[townwagon]

That was a cab chassis truck when it was shipped, as it has the short under cab only running boards. All the factory built pickups that I have even seen got running boards that went from the back of the front fender to front of the rear fender.

Eric

[Reg Evans]

The cab looks like a 54 American Dodge with those one year badges under each headlights and the nearly flat windshield. Interesting bed with the rounded front corners.

[Olddaddy]

I am pretty sure that bed was used on export models. I've seen them on other trucks from Australia as well. It is a 54 cab for sure.

[Paul Beard]

According to weight rating it is a 1/2 ton truck.

[tinlizzy]

Gosh live and learn. I never knew there was such a thing as a Desoto truck.

I know Chrysler did make a plymouth truck as I seen one once upon a time.

Just goes to show you you are never too old to learn some thing new.

Have a good turkey day.

tinlizzy

[Lee Exline]

Gosh live and learn. I never knew there was such a thing as a Desoto truck.

I know Chrysler did make a plymouth truck as I seen one once upon a time.

Just goes to show you you are never too old to learn some thing new.

Have a good turkey day.

tinlizzy

Not just trucks!

There are lots of variables.

Here is mine!

It was made in Australia. Passenger car based truck!

[Tony WestOZ]

That rear body on the South African truck is different to anything in Australia.

The rounded lines look similar to the Australian ute, but the Australian ute the sides join the cab.

Below is an Australian 55 to 57 Express bodied 108 where the rear pickup bed is seperate to the cab.

The one piece windscreen and the 2 bar grill are copied from the US 54 C1, but the rest is still pure Pilothouse.

Another place you will find right hand drive versions of the US C series trucks is New Zealand.