What Have I gotten Into?!

[bobaloo11]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Bob, I'm really new here, but not to working on older Mopars. This is the "oldest" project I've had tho. It's my 1950 B2C 116. Never had to deal with generators... or 6v systems. I'm not going for a show car, but would like a dependable pleasure/summer daily driver. The more I look at it, the more frightened I get ! Well its pretty solid. Any input as to where to start?

Fuel system? Electrical? Motor starts when primed with fuel but doesn't continue running. So what is the best order to work on it? Mechanical then the body... glass etc; Or Vice versa. Ideas anyone?

Glad to be here,

Bob

[48Dodger]

Glad to have you here! You'll like this site, and you'll get a bunch of advice on which way to go with your truck. There's a few daily drivers that are in the works right now with reccent posts as well as some creative projects with nice fabrications. I would reccommend two right now; pflaming and buds truck . Go to thier profile page and click "find all threads started by.." and enjoy the progress of thier trucks. Otherwise use the "search button to find threads that are more to your need. The "visit DPETCA" page(link is top of this page) has a button labeled "pilot's knowledge" in the lower left corner. You'll find a bunch a good stuff there too. Great looking truck Bobaloo.

48D

[brian hood]

Start with a plan. It's easier when you dont go in 500 different directions. How deep of a resto do you want? If you are going to do lots of body work, you might want to wait till last so you dont scratch or nick fresh paint. Good luck and welcome.

[Merle Coggins]

I would suggest starting with the engine. Get 'er running good. You'll probably have to clean out the fuel tank and make sure you've got a good flow of fuel to the pump. Also, check the rubber hose that connects to the fuel pump. These have a tendency to deteriorate. You can check the pump itself by connecting it up to an alternative fuel source and see if it pumps when the engine is cranking. If not, replace it too. It sounds like if you can get gas up to the carb it'll run. Then just clean it up, tune it up, and that project is done.

Now get brakes on it. Even if they work a little, go over the entire brake system to ensure that all is healthy. The truck won't last very long if it won't stop.

Once those two tasks are finished, it can be a driving, work in progress. At that point you can work on getting the interior cleaned up and comfortable again. Then make the outside pretty again.

Oh, and welcome to our great forum. You won't find a better bunch of guys. There's a lot of knowledge and willingness to help out.

Merle

[Frank Elder]

Solve your drivetrain problems, move on to the electrical so as not to burn it down...then do as you please! Just my 2 cents.

[MBF]

Getting it running is half the fun, and AHHHHH that feeling when she lights off for the first time and stays running. You may want to try another source of gas (boat gas tank etc) to avoid whatever has accumulated in the tank under the cab from being drawn into the system. I'd strongly suggest that you have some type of battery disconnect installed while you're sorting out your electrical problems. I can help with the generator problem when you get that far-been there and done that! Even have a couple lying around. Take lots of pictures-I wish I had done that when I first started. Good luck. Mike

[buds truck]

good start to a great truck! my 2 cents.... get her running, clean the gas tank, go for the brakes, after that, drive her (or him) and start fixing the rest a step at a time. I also like the thought of making a list so you don't get overwhelmed. You could not have picked a better site to be on. these guys are AWESOME. Bud

[pflaming]

I started by cleaning everything I could. If you can get to a steam cleaner, give that body a 200% steam job. I would then wash it down with soap and water then lacquer cleaner, inside and out. Then you will be working with clean parts. I then removed the front fenders, what a difference that makes, easy to do.

Finally, but a large bag of medium size zip lock bags and small pieces of paper. Every time you remove an item place ALL bolts, washers, spacers, etc in a bag and put a clean, clearly written note in that bag. Number the bags in progression you removed the part / assembly.

I am on a tight budget so I have gone after the things that cost the least, things that take sweat equity, that kept me very busy, kept the project progressing and little money spent.

Now all my effort and money is targeted to get it running. Do not be afraid to ask a question, but you can save a lot of time by going to the search choice and start reading. That was a big help for me and remains so. I have a file on "'52 Dodge". If I am working on the firing system, I open a document and I copy and paste as I read. Save the document, edit it for the main points, save it again, then print it out and take it to the shop. Will save your enormous amouts of time.

Good luck, you just started your day the correct way, with Pilot-house people. The two attachments show before and after, many other progress pictures are in my profile.

PF

[Reg Evans]

Welcome Bob, After you get her running and stopping reliably a new set of radial tires will make a big difference in handling. Also the tallest radial tire you can find will help in the trucks cruising speed.

[pflaming]

Was looking at your back fenders, was wondering what that would look like on my truck, I kindof like the look. Have also wondered what the truck would look like if the front fender moldings were also painted black.

Was also looking at your paint. I think if you would thorougly clean that paint (lacquer thinner) then very lightly wet/sand it with 600 or higher grit paper you might find a very bright red hiding undereneigth all that oxidation. I used 200 and 400 grit, not knowing higher numbers existed and I took off a lot more paint than I should have.

[stevenelle]

Bob,

You will get a great deal of good advice on this forum. These guys have helped me through dozens of problems and answered many stupid questions, but they never made me feel stupid. I have been driving my 1950 on daily basis now for 3 years thanks to the forum.

As far as priorities go: for me the engine was the fun work and the most gratifying. The brake work was not fun at all. Tedious, time consuming and frustrating in some ways. Get those brakes working good is a pretty high priority. The wiring can also be somewhat challenging - watch out for those smoking wires.

Best wishes with your truck.

[bobaloo11]

Wow, alot of great info and even some hope! I'll probably start with motor and brakes. Yep, Stop & Go.

Question about this old flathead motor. Is it known for long life or should I plan on a total rebuild even if I getting smooth & clean? Can it be a trusted motor? I'll rebuild it if I have to but, funds are limited. I'm sure I'm gonna need a pretty complete brake job.

I do feel I need to ask Pflaming a question. I don't really see any difference between my fenders and yours, but the length of the box.

[Young Ed]

I think he missed a letter in his sentence. He was noticing a color difference and wondering what his truck would look like with black fenders.

[Merle Coggins]

When you get the engine running, and it runs good without excessive smoke or blowby, I'd say run it. These are pretty tough engines, but you don't know how it was taken care of in it's previous life. While you're working on it, do a compression test. This will help you know the health of the engine.

Merle

[bobaloo11]

Thanks for all the input. The compression test is a definite must. I have a gauge so that's no problem. I even have one of those contraptions called a timing light! I haven't needed it in quite a while, but I'm glad I didn't sell it at a garage sale!

Did quite a bit of Mopar engine rebuilds in my time but they were of the "modern type" 440, 340 etc. The closest thing I've come to a flathead said Briggs & Stratton on the top of it. Not intimidated. Just cautious.

Thanks again.

[carl b51]

Bob the life of a flat head is near forever or real close , if it runs smooth and don't smoke RUN IT. As for the compression test if you use a screw in gauge look and make sure the tip does not hit the valves when you turn it over. Always good to see another truck saved. Good Luck Carl

[Merle Coggins]

Good point Carl. I was going to mention that too, but forgot to add it. There isn't much clearance between the spark plugs and the valves. Some compression testers have a longer threaded end that could come in contact with the valve when it opens. If this happens, you could damage the valve, but most importantly you'll damage the end of your tool and you won't be able to remove it without removing the head and grinding the end of the tool off.

Just be sure your compression tester tool isn't any longer, in the thread area, than your spark plugs and you'll be fine.

Merle

[coW52Dodge]

I'd get it running and stopping reliably and then roll it around for a bit before you tear into it. In other words, enjoy it first and then do the work.

The other way, immediately tearing into it, is more difficult to do mentally (ask me now I know).

Edit: Congrats on the score. That'll be a nice project.

[woodscavenger]

Get your brakes working (at least your E-brake) that way when you get it started you wont be tempted to drive around thinking you'll keep it low and slow. After the brakes then see what your engine is about and go from there.

[Merle Coggins]

...The other way, immediately tearing into it, is more difficult to do mentally (ask me now I know).

I don't have to ask. My engine was seized up tight and was partially disassembled when I got it, so I had no choice but to pull it and see if I could rebuild it (and I did). From that point I started pulling more apart until I had a bare frame. Than came the reassembly.... It's a huge commitment once you get to that point. but I loved every minute of it.

You can see how my project progressed on the DPETCA gallery page. http://dodgepilothouseclub.org/gallery/v/mac2026/

Merle

[bobaloo11]

Beautiful truck, Merle. I admired it a few days ago on that site.

[coW52Dodge]

I don't have to ask. My engine was seized up tight and was partially disassembled when I got it, so I had no choice but to pull it and see if I could rebuild it (and I did). From that point I started pulling more apart until I had a bare frame. Than came the reassembly.... It's a huge commitment once you get to that point. but I loved every minute of it.

You can see how my project progressed on the DPETCA gallery page. http://dodgepilothouseclub.org/gallery/v/mac2026/

Merle

That's a great looking truck. Really nice job.

I've come across your pictures before and lifted one to put on my digital picture frame to use as inspiration: That green color/black colorsheme is what I'd like to go for as well.

My adventures with vintage cars have thus far been limited to VW bugs. I have one totally apart in the garage that I tinker with. I'm very much jonesing wanting to drive it around again but it will likely not be this year yet - hence my comment about enjoying it first. Fall in love with the vehicle first so you have motivation to finish the project when you do start tearing into it.