My Project

[ssdodge51]

I haven't posted for a while since I am a Dodge/GM social outcast but here are a few photos of my continuing effort. I have a plate I made that matches the rest of the aluminum on the dash for the small gauges, I just haven't installed it yet. I put the controls for the A/C and Heat in the original holes in the center of the dash and made an aluminum plate like the ones I have for the gauges. I am also using relays for high load stuff instead of running through the ignition switch. There is a small amount of amps going through the switch. I used LED's I bought for turn signals and High Beam.

Edited December 18, 2010 by ssdodge51

[John Mathias]

nice looking work Steve.

[Dan Babb]

Looks good and keep posting updates.

With your speedo, did you mount the gauge under the glass? I was thinking about doing mine like that (but I'm getting a 5" gauge). I haven't ordered my gauges yet, so I'm up in the air a bit on how I'm going to mount them.

[ssdodge51]

No I didn't, it wouldn't fit unless I recessed the instrument a 1/2" or so. I am going to mount the tach on the other side.

5 inch would be better, I already had the gauges and didn't want to spend the $$$$ for the big gauges. I am trying to keep the overall cost as low as possible. As I stated in earlier post, I had/have most of the high dollar stuff from previous projects. No reason to "re-spend" money if I can use what I have. My big expense has been heating and air, the shifter, some cables, cruise control and wiper motor conversion.

Edited December 19, 2010 by ssdodge51

[jamesadams]

I haven't posted for a while since I am a Dodge/GM social outcast :eek

Don't worry about that. I'm over at Pocahontas Arkansas, about 2 hours from you. My 9-year old and i got our 48 cab in the shop today and on a dolly. Man was he excited. I am doing this project so maybe he can learn how a truck goes together. I am considering keeping the straight axle, but afraid of how it will handle. As far as engines, i have a straight six chevy and a v6 ford laying around that has been considered. Did you use a rusty hope brake conversion?

[ssdodge51]

Before I took mine apart it was original and I drove it for about 6 months. Even worn out, the truck drove good with no bump steer or shimmy. I do have radial tires on it which I'm sure helps. I used the brake kit from Rusty and put the calipers on the rear and used streetrod brake lines instead of what he calls for in his kit. Here are some photos of the booster, pedal and master cylinder. They are from a 78 Chevy pickup and easy to install. It doesn't look like it from the photo but there is about an inch of clearance between the pedal and column.

I actually don't worry about being an outcast, I saved a Dodge pickup from the salvage yard and with the hood closed nobody will know what V-8 is in it anyway!

You can see the front brake system in this link: http://img27.imageshack.us/g/img0247wm.jpg/

Edited December 19, 2010 by ssdodge51

[jamesadams]

I have a 80 model chevy parts truck with the same setup, but would like to retain the petal thru the floor if i could. Thanks for the advice on driving,i have never drove one before. I just want a neat cruiser that will run with traffic,stop well, be rock solid reliable, and doing it on a budget,and build it with my son.

[ssdodge51]

I suppose there are a number of ways to tackle the brake system I wanted an easy to maintain system with easy to find parts. There is no question that the only thing left original on my truck is the frame, springs, front axle/steering and body. It has a Jeep rear end with 3:55 gears. Except for body parts I can buy almost anything I need at any local autoparts place.

[Dave72dt]

I suppose there are a number of ways to tackle the brake system I wanted an easy to maintain system with easy to find parts. There is no question that the only thing left original on my truck is the frame, springs, front axle/steering and body. It has a Jeep rear end with 3:55 gears. Except for body parts I can buy almost anything I need at any local autoparts place.

Yours is way more stock than mine. I also plan on driving it a lot when completed so reliabilty and parts availabilty was and is a concern. Very few parts on mine aren't commonly available.

[smallblockjunkie]

The only thing stock on mine is the cab nose and frame and that is only the frame rail. Everything else is changed

[Dave72dt]

I'm down to the front bed panel, tailgate and rear fenders although they all will see some repair work. Frame, while mostly there, has had pieces cut off, added onto, boxed, C notched, crossmembers removed, others added in. Even my radiator support bracket has had a change or two. Some of the changes are pretty easy for died -in- the- wool experts to find. Others may need to be pointed out. Still looks like a Pilothouse though.

[ssdodge51]

Yeah I am looking for a driver, not a show truck. Most of the bling on mine is just stuff I already had. I know the Dodge's don't/won't bring what a Ford or Chevy will so I decided to keep the overall cost as low as possible. My motivation on my Dodge is that "I got the only one" here in town!

I don't want or plan to sell it but if I need to I don't want to lose a ton of money.

[318Pilothouse]

Did you have those plastic plates made that cover the original gauge holes or did you find them somewhere.......... I like what you did with the gauges can you offer any help or advice on it? Thanks

[ssdodge51]

I think I am answering your question but I am not sure. The panels are made out of aluminum not plastic, you just can't tell by the photo. The speedometer is mounted using a couple of .032 aluminum plates that I just cut to fit the inside diameter of the outer speedometer chrome molding. I just simply cut a holes to fit the speedometer and led lights for turn signals. I only had .032 aluminum but it would be easier if you had something a little thicker. The A/C vents are mounted in two right side lower blanking plates (1) I already had and (1) I got off of Ebay. I am going to mount my tach on the speaker side of the dash the same way I did the speedometer. I hope that answers your questions if not just email me and I will give you my phone number. I actually used my vibrating sander with a piece of scotchbrite pad on it. When it was the way I wanted it, I sprayed it with some semi-gloss clear.

Steve

Edited December 27, 2010 by ssdodge51

[Juday1951]

Very cool! I just read the entire thread and I'm impressed. Sounds like a fun project!

[ssdodge51]

I started my Dodgeolet yesterday for the first time. Whoa baby!, it sure sounds good going through those big pipes and dual flowmasters. Can't wait to finish the cab so I can drive it!!!!!!:D:D

[ssdodge51]

Although I shouldn't have I couldn't resist driving my truck down the back road today.

I really wanted to check out the brakes more than anything. I am really pleased with the way it will stop with the front disc, power booster and jeep rear end with modern drums/shoes. It appears all the work was worth it.

[buds truck]

the first drive is always the sweetest. pictures, we need more pictures...