NEED Help-Info on upgrading Whole truck

[bigsmel53]

New to this game and forums. I found a 53 4B dodge at a gaurage sell and brought it home for a new project. Finding out what a chore it is going to be. So I need HELP with where the heck to find parts to upgrade the Brakes to Disc with out cutting the frame and adding a different ft clip. I wish to use/retain the straight axle for hte build. So I need help with what parts that will fit and how/where to. Relocating the brake master cylinder to the fire wall. Plan to use a GM power train.

I also need help in finding all the glass for it along with all the weatherstripping,seals, body mounts and so forth for the cab. SO far my research on the web has had limited results.

I am in need of a rt window channel for a one piece window . Glass to regulator/channel. Mine is missing. I was lead to this forum for all my needs on this truck. Many thanks Bigsmel

[pflaming]

Welcome, this is home base. I have been watching this forum now for about three years and still consider myself a rookie but I am nearing a completion of a 'cleanup' rebuild of my 1/2 ton truck.

My first suggestion is that you learn how to use the "search" feature of this forum: put in 'disc' or 'window' or 'engine' or 'clip' and just start reading. Second: look at the 'links directory' for vendors, some are better than others, you will like some that others do not like so much, just like all other businesses; finally ask guestions for the things you cannot find and you will get alot of help, quickly.

The above is what I eventually did. I asked questions first but should have read the search posts instead, many have very helpful pictures. Good luck, it's a journey but a great one.

[Dan Babb]

Welcome.

Cool to find a truck ata garage sale.

There's a lot of great info here. The Search Function is your friend.

There's a guy who sells a disc brake conversion kit if you want to keep the front axle. You can also look up Volare Swap to get info on how to swap in a whole new front suspension.

Guys have also swapped the transmission to a T5 - you can find info on that too.

I'll be doing a drivetrain swap on my truck (engine, trans, driveshaft, rear end) and will also do a disc brake swap. I think the Volare swap is more than I want to undertake ( limited tools and skills ).

[Merle Coggins]

Welcome to our little world. I must say that I don't like the GM powertrain idea, but it's your truck, not mine, so do what you wish. I really enjoy driving around with my rebuild flattie.

Window glass - any local auto glass company should be able to cut them to size. All glass except for the curved corner windows are flat laminated glass.

Window molding - I used Steele Rubber. It's a bit more expensive than others, but I believe it is the best out there. https://secure.steelerubber.com/homeframes.html

Window channels - These parts will have to come from a donor truck. E-bay is your home shopping network. Or maybe someone here has extra parts. Check the parts for sale or parts wanted boards associated with this forum.

Disc brake conversion - Check with Rusty Hope (Olddaddy on this forum) for a kit to install disc brakes on your stock spindles. I just installed his kit on my truck and couldn't be happier, even with the stock master cylinder. http://www.rustyhope.com/mopardiscbrakes.html

Other parts - As was mentioned, check the links section. Roberts Motor Parts and Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts are probably the most common suppliers of parts from older Mopars, but there are others too. Also, many mechanical parts are readily available at your local Napa, O'Rielly's, Auto Zone, etc.

Merle

[austinsailor]

If you need the curved glass let me know today - tomorrow I'll bein the boondocks of minnisota at a guy's place getting parts and he has a pair I can get. But he has no cell coverage or email back there!

Gene g.

[carls 49]

hi bigsmel and welcome. good to have you here.

[4852dodge]

Welcome to the forum. There are many here to answer your questions, don't be afraid to ask. Where are you located??

Edited June 15, 2010 by 4852dodge
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[grey beard]

Big,

If'n ya want a truck what'cha can pick up a catalog and order any part you want/need, sell yer Dodge and buy a Chebbie or Ferd. They're like that. Dodges ain't.

Dodge trucks are a little less common and are a lot more difficult to find parts for. Most of us who have spent time with them have come to enjoy and accept the fact that the hunt is part of the old truck adventure. My truck is finished, and there are parts on it from many states and from many forum members who have been helpful - either in steering me to good source vendors or in offering parts I need that they have extras of. It's sort of a fraternity. If this idea appeals to you, welcome aboard.

My next suggestion is that you take a few minutres and fill out yer profile, so we can see where all'y'all are from and what you do, etc. Then, if you are serious about restoring the truck, spend about fifty bucks and buy repro shop and parts manuals. Thjese two books will get used more often than you might imagine.

Remember, we're all here for you. Post your questions and problems as you progress through things, and you may be amazed at the help you find here.

One last thought. Go to the Pilothouse.com home page of this web site and read over the Pilot's Knowledge, Tech Tips, and all the other goodies available to you for helping you get smarter about Dodge trucks. Lastly, if you're really serious aboutr learnng all this stuff, do what I did and read all the old forum threads from the last several years. There's lots'a chatter and foolishness there, along with some amazng information.

Good Luck. Welcome Aboard, Pilot!

[norrism1]

bigsmel53,

Number one thing to do before starting rebuild. PICTURES and then more Pictures. Nothing worse than picking up a part and wondering "Now what is it and where the hell did this part go too!??? When removing parts or hardware take the pistures of how it looked BEFORE removing (and that is at all angles).

Norris

[HanksB3B]

Hank

[bigsmel53]

Many many thanks for all who replyed. Being new to Dodge am excited on this build. Feel it is going to be a COOL ride when finished. Many interior trim pieces missing so having pictures to go by would help putting it all back together to look OEM best I can. Put add in local paper for parts so will be interesting to see what comes out of the wood work. This is not be my first build but the first Dodge. Again Many Thanks to all who have replyed. Bigsmel