What to look for?

[AJ Johnson]

I am looking into a 1950 Dodge truck that is being sold cheap. It is about 2 1/2 hours away, so I would prefer not to waste the sellers time, or mine. I currently drive a 1954 Coronet.

What are the typical issues with a 1950 Dodge 1/2 ton truck? What would be considered a "red flag"?

My knowledge of the truck is pretty limited, and from what the current owner has said, so is his. He claims the motor was rebuilt, but the starter died and it hasn't been turned over in the last decade.

I assume that the motor is frozen up. If not, than that is a bonus. If so, I will probably fit a modern drivetrain.

Any comments would be appreciated.

AJ

[Merle Coggins]

AJ,

I agree with you on the engine. If it turns over, it's probably saveable. I'd be a bit pesimistic about that though. If it's down near the Gulf, don't you have a lot of salty air down around there? I gues it depends on where it's been stored. However,my truck engine was seized up tight when I got it, and was 1/2 dissasembled in the truck. (basket case) I was able to get it apart, send it out to a local machine shop for a .030" over bore job among other things, and had it back purring again for around $1500.

Also, if it's been sitting for a long time, it'll probably be needing brake work and the like. However, they are pretty simple beasts when it comes down to it. It'll probably share similar driveline components with your Coronet.

Have a good look at the body. You may not have the rusting problems down there that we have up here, but check it over none the less. Look at the bottoms of the doors, the back corners of the cab where the floor meets the cab shell, and the front fenders where they're rivited to the upper rear mount. These are, from my limited experience, the most likely rust problem areas. It's all repairable, except for the door bottoms, if you're even a little bit handy with a welder and body filler (or so I'm learning). And even the doors pop up on ebay from time to time.

I say go for it. It can't be all that bad.

Merle

[greg g]

Engines are strong and durable, will take a lot of abuse. Pull the plugs and see if it will turn over by turning the fan. If she moves, you should be good to go. Many times the biggest problem with an engine that has been sitting for a while is the the valves that are in the up position on the cam will stay that way. So you could have an engine that will only build compression on three or four cylinders. You can always try to start it by pulling it with another vehicle. This will usually get it going even on three cylinders. and some times the heat will freeup the stuck valves. Good Luck.

[AJ Johnson]

Thanks for the input. I am familiar with the brakes, just redid the front on the Coronet.

As for body work. I own a wire fed welder, but I haven't done any welding on body panels before. Can't say that I am much of a welder. I have been known to use Bondo from time to time.

I'll be sure to pull the plugs and see if I can get the motor to turn. The guy is only asking $500 for it & I have yet to see the truck. My expectations are pretty low.

AJ