cobaltboatfan Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 Bought a truck off e-bay, titled as a 1954, S/N is 85328826. Looks like it should be a 53 B-3, 108" WB, NOT a 1954. I've got the body off, glass and wiring harness removed. Ready to have the body soda blasted and mount her up on the 98 Dakota frame. My 440/727 combo is in the garage waiting to be mated up! Any advice will be welcomed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 That is for sure a 54 or early 55. Since the title says 54 I would bet thats what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gaspard Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 Good find. Welcome to the forum. Based on the the front grill style it is not a B3, but a B4 - 1/2 ton low bed delux five window cab. Manufacturing of the B4 started in late 1953. If you want to narrow it down, look for the serial number tag on the driver side post between the two door hinges, or the serial number is stamped on the side of left front frame just behind the left front wheel. A little steel wool will remove rust or paint and reveal the number. From that number you can find the approximate manufacture date, factory, model and year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 nice truck. I have my 53 cab on a 91 dakota frame, not a hard swap considering. good luck and welcome. Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobaltboatfan Posted December 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 nice truck. I have my 53 cab on a 91 dakota frame, not a hard swap considering. good luck and welcome. Bud Bud, Can you share any info on your swap? I'm really a rookie at this. I understand that the Dakota frames are pretty much the same from 97 - 2004? How did you determine the spots for the cab mounts? Did you fabricate the brackets you used? Lots more questions where those came from! Thanks, Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48Dodger Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Hey Cobaltboatfan, Left Click on the members name Left click the "view public profile" button Left click "statistics" Choose "all posts by...." or "all threads by..." and look through the Thread titles. The thread titles will all have the member name under it (in other words they wrote it) The posts will be listed with the comment the member made on other members threads. Also use the "Search" button to find threads related to your entry. Looks like you have a great project there....welcome to the forum! 48D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldmopar Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Serial # decodes as Serial Number 85328826 Year 1954 Make Dodge Model C-1-B Engine 217.76 or 230 Flathead Six Wheelbase 108,116 Rating 1/2 Ton Engineering Code T334 Plant Los Angeles, California Build Number 826 dodge Truck vin/ Serial # decode Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobaltboatfan Posted December 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Serial # decodes asSerial Number 85328826 Year 1954 Make Dodge Model C-1-B Engine 217.76 or 230 Flathead Six Wheelbase 108,116 Rating 1/2 Ton Engineering Code T334 Plant Los Angeles, California Build Number 826 dodge Truck vin/ Serial # decode OLDMOPAR, You are indeed the master, a veritable fount of knowledge and unsurpassed wisdom. (In other words, thanks!) Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Hey Cobaltboatfan,Left Click on the members name Left click the "view public profile" button Left click "statistics" Choose "all posts by...." or "all threads by..." and look through the Thread titles. The thread titles will all have the member name under it (in other words they wrote it) The posts will be listed with the comment the member made on other members threads. Also use the "Search" button to find threads related to your entry. Looks like you have a great project there....welcome to the forum! 48D Yeah, what he said. If you can't find the posts or threads, let me know and I will get them to you. Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobaltboatfan Posted December 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Yeah, what he said. If you can't find the posts or threads, let me know and I will get them to you. Bud Bud, I looked through several pages of your posts and couldn't find what I was looking for (you are indeed a prolific poster!) I'm looking for info on the frame swap for my 54 to a Dakota frame. Cab mount design/fabrication info, location of cab mounts, and same info for motor mounts. Any pics would be especially helpful! I appreciate the extra time and effort to answer my e-mail. Thanks! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fernando Mendes Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Dodge 1955 red:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Good example of the early C series vs the later. That red one is the late 55/56 C series with the wrap around windshield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gaspard Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 This all brings up a good question. I always thought there was a B4 Pilothouse which was a late 53 model of the B3 cab, frame, etc. The new C series in 54 changed the grill, front windshield (single glass), dash and rear fenders. I believe a V-8 was also offered for the first time. My question: Is there a B4 model, and how as it different from the B3? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 The last year of the pilot house got the new style rear fenders as seen on these C series trucks. I suspect that would be the B4 you mention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Yes, the '53 model year is a B4 series truck. (B1='48&'49, B2='50, B3='51&'52, B4='53) There were some minor trim changes and the bed changed to the square type fenders. '54 was the start of the "C" series trucks. Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 And 54 was the first year that a V8 was offered. A 241 c.i. Poly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Reg did the bigger trucks come with the hemi version? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fernando Mendes Posted December 2, 2009 Report Share Posted December 2, 2009 Dodge 1960/62 is similar drawning this window(?) as 1948/54,but 1955/57 is different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albolton Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 (edited) Im glad to see another C on here Very nice truck, I saw that one on ebay, looks like a great base...Ive had a couple of 54s and I love them...good luck Edited December 3, 2009 by albolton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fernando Mendes Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have in my archives one beautifull early 1954 green&black,but it exceeds the pixels to put the pic.It's a shame!.:mad:How can I do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyhewy Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have 1956 C low side with 230 flathead six. Just started working on it . Little by little:o "Hewy" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fernando Mendes Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 1954 Fire Truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobaltboatfan Posted December 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Im glad to see another C on here Very nice truck, I saw that one on ebay, looks like a great base...Ive had a couple of 54s and I love them...good luck albolton, NICE TRUCK!! I'll show my ignorance but since I know very liitle about this era of Mopars, what year is your truck? Looks like you spent a lot of time on her and it has many features I'd like to incorporate into my build. Thanks for replying, Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reg Evans Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Reg did the bigger trucks come with the hemi version? I think so Ed. I saw a similar vintage school bus with a small hemi in it once. Shoulda grabbed it too but only the 47 1/2 ton with a transplanted hemi followed me home. Maybe DodgeB4ya knows ????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Reg I need to see this one. I didnt know you had a hemi powered 47. What size hemi? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.