New to the forum

[Mike@DRH]

I was at the "Moper in the Park" show (in Farmington, MN) and had the opportunity to shake a few hands with some of you on this forum. I am happy to finally find an area with some info on the "Pilot House" trucks.

I have a 1953 1-ton dually grian truck with PTO driven dump body. I purchased it without knowing much at all about these trucks, and still don't know much but I'm hoping that will change now. I also just purchased a 1949 1-ton single rear wheel truck in need of restoration.

I have one question (at least for now). Do these trucks have matching numbers for engines and trannys, and if so, is it worth any more because of it?

What I would like to do is rebuild the engine out of the 49 and install it in my 53 so the truck won't be out of service for more time than it takes to swap the engine. If the numbers match the truck I won't do it this way.

Thanks if anyone has any input on this,

Mike

[Young Ed]

Mike the engine numbers have an engineering code above the generator. Check that. Thats the only real numbers matching piece. There is a date code too but most just go by the engine code. And yes to some collectors they are worth more with the proper engine. Where abouts in MN are you? I live in Columbia Heights but wasnt able to make it to the show. Im trying to make sure my plymouth will make it to WI in 2 weeks.

[Mike@DRH]

I am on a farm in rural Hastings, MN

I was planning on driving my truck to the show but the way it's geared I would need to leave on Thursday to get there by Saturday. It's not that bad really but it is geared pretty low. About 45 MPH and it sounds like it's wound pretty tight.

I did drive it to the Hastings car show on Saturday night. It's crazy how big the Hastings show is now. Tons of cars and people.

Thanks for the reply.

Mike

[Young Ed]

Ive never made it to that show but its on my to do list. I'll have to coordinate with you when I go.

[Bob_Koch]

Just want to say welcome to the group, Mike. Glad you found us.

[buds truck]

Ditto on the welcome. You have found a great wealth of information in this group. These guys never cease to amaze me with what they know and are willing to share. Post some pics of your trucks when you can. We all would like to see them. Bud

[Mike@DRH]

Bob,

I see your from Santa Rosa. My mom moved back to MN from Cotati a couple years ago. Her husband, my stepdad, was the sales manager for 101 Intnl in Santa Rosa.

Got to spend some time out there, nice area.

[MBF]

Mike-welcome to the forum. I too have a 1 ton stake and share your pain with the speed limitations. You may want to check your speedo with a newer vehicle. I thought mine was running about 40, but she's actually closer to 47 mph according to my wife's car which means I can run 50 comfortably! I'm running a 4/3 rear ratio and I gotta tell ya, when I take it to cruise ins it gets a lot of attention. Its usually the only PH there. Coming home on back roads running 40-45 on a cool summer night makes for a nice relaxing ride. Got any pictures you can post? Mike F

[coW52Dodge]

Welcome, Mike! Name is Rem and I have a 52 1/2 ton. I'm relatively new here as well.

This is the place for PH trucks - lots of good stuff here.

[Bob_Koch]

Your folks gave up beautiful Cotati for MN?. Know exactly where Internation101 is on the freeway.

Edited June 4, 2009 by Bob_Koch

[Mike@DRH]

Here's a picture of the 52 1-ton, the everyday driver (not really, it's to slow). I sure get alot of people telling me I'm number one.

I'll post a picture of the 49 soon.

[Aaron]

That's a sharp 1 ton!

[buds truck]

nice truck!!!

[Jim Gaspard]

Swe-e-e-e-t B3D truck! Great looking exterior. Sheet metal and paint look to be in perfect shape. Fine pinstriping on the grill pieces, chrome Job Rated badge fits the year. What's the history on the truck, and what does the interior look like. You'll find a wealth of information on Pilothouses from this forum, and occasionally the car guys cross over with good Mopar information. Some members own both Mopar trucks and cars.

Jim in Dallas

[Reg Evans]

Nice truck Mike! Welcome to the forum. I had a 1 ton years ago and found the tallest tires I could for the rear. This change made about a 10% difference in the top speed.

Your earlier post said it was a 53. Either way ,if it's a 52 or 53 the original engine number should start with T306.

[Mike@DRH]

I'm not sure why I keep calling it a 53, it is a 52.

The only histoy I know about it is that it was originally from North Dakota. That origanal owner died or lost the farm so it came to the Hastings area to a "next of kin" farm. The new owners didn't need another truck so it sat for several years in the barn. The guy I got it from was a contractor doing some repair on the barn, saw it, made an offer, purchased it and restored it to what it is now.

It still needs some work. Headliner, kick panels and door panels should all be replaced. Wiring is a mess, it all works but looks terrible. Engine is weak on oil pressure. I own an engine machine shop and do that type of work all day every day so I can get the engine done up.

The 1949 I purchased from the original owners son. He has many stories of riding in it when he was a child to going on his first date to the drive in with it. He's just not a car guy and would rather sell it to someone that will restore it.

[DanOlson]

Welcome Mike,

I have a 53 3/4 ton and am down in Rochester. I've heard great things about the Hastings drive in and plan on taking the drive up sometime.

Dan

[Mike@DRH]

I really enjoy the show in Hastings. If you've never been you should really come see it, even if you don't bring an old car come as a spectator and check it out.

The only requirement to "drive" into the downtown area is that your vehicle be 1976 or older. Anyone can walk in. It starts at 5:00 PM but if you don't get a spot by 3:00 PM you probably won't be parking on main street (actually 2nd St.). By 9:00 PM people start pulling out and by 10:00 PM most everybody is gone.

I always try to get a spot just to the west of the highway 61 bridge in front of Hudson Sprayer Co. They have a nice lawn and some trees in case you would need some shade. I'm always the only Dodge truck and sometimes the only truck period.

The show is every other Saturday Night thru Oct 3rd. May 30th was the first show.

I won't be at the next car show (June 13th). I run some races on the local asphalt tracks and will be racing at Elko Speedway on that night. I hate it when I have two things on the same night.

Mike

[Young Ed]

That would be fun. I doubt I'd be able to get there by 3 unless I ditch the g/f. I'd want to drive either my car or the pickup. Wouldn't be as fun without

[Merle Coggins]

There was a cruise going from the show to the Hastings cruise night, but Dennis and I decided not to go. We figured it would be a zoo there. I did go through Hastings on my way home on Sunday afternoon. It was on my way to Eau Claire for the evening.

Nice lookin' truck. Sorry I missed you at the show.

Merle

[moxieforme2]

For any help or assistance, I find these guys the greatest for help. No question about it! I find it relaxing to go through the forum- after I remove the grease from working on my truck and learning new things. Wish I lived closer to you guys, does not seem too many PH trucks on the forum in my area (Virginia Beach, VA). I am also new to this site. I have a B1D Express I got 1-1/2 months ago. It's down to the frame already.

[Mike@DRH]

Is there any published info on model numbers and history of these trucks?

Untill I found this site I didn't know that I had a B3D.

[48Dodger]

Hey Mike,

Glad to see you here! If you haven't found it already, there is a link in the tool bar at the top of everypage. "Visit DPETCA". When you get there, click on the "Pilothouse House Knowlegde" button and you'll find different info on the trucks. By the way, nice ride.

48D