Eastwood youtube videos of 1950 PH truck...

[Merle Coggins]

I also agree that the cab looks high in the rear. Maybe it's an optical illusion, the rear of the frame is up on jack stands.

On the bed... I would recommend finding a 3/4 ton bed, which would be longer and slightly wider. The added 8 inches in length is mostly in the front on the 3/4 ton truck beds and would probably come out just about right.

Merle

[IronTrap]

Thanks for the input guys, those pics were still with things on jackstands and not 100% level bedwise. Today I got some more brackets added for the bed to sit at about the height it should be to match the top of the sides with the bottom/middle of the doorhandle approximately. The cab and front end were mounted/spaced to have a slight rake to them for visual reasons.. maybe that is throwing people off? It is a very slight rake though..

With a metal break it shouldn't be too hard to replicate the embossed panels. Getting everything fit up straight will be just as hard! Again as Merle mentioned, (and it's the same with a lot of long beds over time), it seems the added length in "long bed" trucks is added to the front of the bed. We are also using this project to show how to use some of our products, so it is a great chance to make the panels from scratch, then to search out a new bed. I like the challenge and I assure I have a vision where it may not be to everyone's liking.. but it won't be tacky or anything. Remember the truck will be low and on large wheels, which will drastically change the overall look of the truck.

Thanks for watching. Here are a few outside pics I took today with the bed sitting a little better, we still need to center it on the chassis from left to right, but the height of the bed is about right. Discussion and friendly opinions are definitely welcomed, thanks for watching

-Matt

http://blog.eastwood.com/50-dodge-project/sitting-outside/

[ggdad1951]

Thanks for the input guys, those pics were still with things on jackstands and not 100% level bedwise. Today I got some more brackets added for the bed to sit at about the height it should be to match the top of the sides with the bottom/middle of the doorhandle approximately. The cab and front end were mounted/spaced to have a slight rake to them for visual reasons.. maybe that is throwing people off? It is a very slight rake though..

With a metal break it shouldn't be too hard to replicate the embossed panels. Getting everything fit up straight will be just as hard! Again as Merle mentioned, (and it's the same with a lot of long beds over time), it seems the added length in "long bed" trucks is added to the front of the bed. We are also using this project to show how to use some of our products, so it is a great chance to make the panels from scratch, then to search out a new bed. I like the challenge and I assure I have a vision where it may not be to everyone's liking.. but it won't be tacky or anything. Remember the truck will be low and on large wheels, which will drastically change the overall look of the truck.

Thanks for watching. Here are a few outside pics I took today with the bed sitting a little better, we still need to center it on the chassis from left to right, but the height of the bed is about right. Discussion and friendly opinions are definitely welcomed, thanks for watching

-Matt

look at my truck here, it has the 9' bed, maybe that will help you decide where to stretch it. Just go get your panel stretcher and you should be set!

[Dave72dt]

Looks better from the side but it still has that lean in the cab. Angling the front of the bed when you stretch it?

[buds truck]

I'm liking it. here is a pic of mine just for giggles. This is on the Dakota frame, sorry for the crummy pic.

[48Dodger]

Is that a factory, or vintage aftermarket, tire carrier I'm seeing on Matt's truck? Don't think I've seen one quite like that......

DIBS!!! If matt doesn't want it....lol

48D

[48Dodger]

I'm liking it. here is a pic of mine just for giggles. This is on the Dakota frame, sorry for the crummy pic.

Hey Bud! With the new diggs, it must time to be thinkin about your truck again.

48D

Edited December 1, 2011 by 48dodger

[buds truck]

Hey Bud! With the new diggs, it must time to be thinkin about your truck again.

48D

yup, just got the acreage winterized, now in the process of getting all the moving boxes unloaded and out of the garage. The shop will have to wait till next spring, so I will just work out of the attached garage for now. Cripes, its cold over here.... hahahahaha

[mikesinky]

i like it that he is just giving some recognition to the dodge. he could have been like most and just picked a chevy or ford and had everything he needed in a lmc book. i used some of eastwoods products when i did mine and liked them alot i still order stuff from them. getting ready to order a welder when i get my new garage built soon. i would put the wood floor in though it would look better in my opinion.

[IronTrap]

Is that a factory, or vintage aftermarket, tire carrier I'm seeing on Matt's truck? Don't think I've seen one quite like that......

DIBS!!! If matt doesn't want it....lol

48D

I actually removed that last night. From all I can tell it is a period aftermarket piece as the original chassis still had the spare under the rear of the chassis.. guess the original owner needed 2 spares just in case

Send me a PM I'd get rid of it for a few bucks plus shipping if you can find a use for it

I'm liking it. here is a pic of mine just for giggles. This is on the Dakota frame, sorry for the crummy pic.

I think I may have spotted pics of yours on the HAMB or something before, definitely liking that! Do have a build on here where I can follow as you dig back into it?

Looks better from the side but it still has that lean in the cab. Angling the front of the bed when you stretch it?

Yea the entire body will have a slight rake to it, so the bed follows suit. I'll post some cut shots later today, I spent a little time last night cutting it apart.

A shot before I left for the evening:

[48Dodger]

You can find old threads and posts by the member, under the members name.

1. left click member name

2. a menu drops

3. choose "view public profile"

4. under tabs that start with "vistor messages", choose "statistics"

5. under "Total posts" click the blue highlighted "find all threads started by ***"

6. the new window displays all threads created by that member.

48D

Edited December 2, 2011 by 48dodger

[IronTrap]

Quick update blog post and video from late last week. Just got the word we are going to be using the truck for a February cover shot for the Eastwood catalog, so we are going to be repairing the lower door skins for the feature on the cover, as well as the doing some video to show the process. Should be fun. Stay tuned!

http://blog.eastwood.com/50-dodge-project/cutting-bed/

-Matt/EW

[Dan Babb]

Very cool work Matt.

You mention big tires. Throw a hemi in there while you're at it.

[IronTrap]

Very cool work Matt.

You mention big tires. Throw a hemi in there while you're at it.

Wish I could afford that! This time around it is a budget build.. so a :gasp: SBC engine will be used in the s10 chassis... don't hate me!

All last week and early this week we have been picking away at the rebuild of the lower door skins. Man were they bad! We are filming a Tech video for the process and also the door/truck will be featured on our February catalog cover! Here are a few of the progress pics so far below. A full tech article and video to come in the next few weeks

http://blog.eastwood.com/50-dodge-project/lower-door-skin-restoration/

Edited December 12, 2011 by saddest6day66

[Dave72dt]

The original doors had a slight bow out at the bottom, about 1/4 inch over the entire length. Also a support on the inside hinge side that followed down across the bottom and was spotted to the bottom.

[48Dodger]

Hope they pass all the parts onto other truck owners.

Why do I get the feeling they won't? Seem like the right thing to do, but I guess I just see them tossing the stuff out.

48D

Ok...I said this before Matt started posting....so forgive my pessimism. lol.

I recieved a nice box of steel with gifts.....Thank you Matt.

48D

[Dan Babb]

Nice bonus with the bracket.

I just got an eastwood mig175 welder from my wife for the holiday...really like it.

[buds truck]

very nice Tim, and very generous Matt! It is good to see that the parts will be recycled to people who appreciate them.

Matt, when I get re-started on my project, I will post the progress as it comes.

[IronTrap]

Sorry guys, it's been a while since I logged on here!

Little update on the truck in my last few blog posts. I am currently working on putting the front suspension with air ride back together as we speak. Should be working on building the new running boards for the truck in the coming weeks. Found a (I know you guys hate it) 400 SBC to drop in the truck.. so that's what's cooking in the fire right now!

http://blog.eastwood.com/category/50-dodge-project/

Some recent pics that I haven't posted yet on the blog for the new stance up front..

Also I have been scouting out future projects.. and remembered I knew where this one was sitting. From my research it seems to be a 50-51-ish Plymouth Concord "Fastback" .. I tried searching around on these forums.. but I couldn't find much info/discussion about them.. anyone able to point me in the right direction?

This one if I get it will stay much more pure than the Pilot House. Dodge powered, original chassis, etc. I just plan to chop the top and smooth things a bit... Figure it's better becoming a custom than sitting and rotting away like it is!

Cheers,

Matt

Edited April 27, 2012 by saddest6day66

[Young Ed]

From the back bumper its a 50. The 51 didn't have that rib on the bottom. Fairly unique body style and I've heard the shorter wheelbase chassis which it has rides better than the longer sedans.

[48Dodger]

Been following the build on your blog Matt.....I can understand the time it takes to document/research a project like yours. To make the videos, research the parts, find the direction of the build, blog it and read through the threads here and elsewhere.....must take a toll. lol. Thanks too, for the updates here, where your PH Truck friends can help keep you honest. I mean, a 400 ci Chevby? Matt, your working to many hours....maybe if you pace yourself...go drive a new 2012 Challenger.....smoke the tires of a 05' Viper powered SRT Truck....do donuts in a 440 powered Dart GTS....maybe crush the pedal of a HP 383, HP 360, or 4bbl 318, or a ripped L6 with dual B+B carbs....maybe you'll be able to see the light and find your inner mopar...lol. No issues here....just couldn't let you slide without a dig.

48D

[1952B3b23]

Hey Matt,

Awesome project, I like its new lowered stance a lot i think it looks great. Im really interested in how you're going to make new running boards from scratch, can you take good notes cause im thinking of doing the same. My problem is i don't have an old set to help go by since my truck was missing them and not to many fancy metal working tools. I do have an Eastwood Mig 135 and Versa Cut plasma cutter that work great.

Keep on Truckin'

-Chris

[IronTrap]

Ha always happy to exchange friendly banter, I know it is a bit sacrilegious.. but I am spread a bit thin with other projects right now and can't afford the $$$ one of those engines would cost me.. It does take a toll and is a bit frustrating sometimes having to stop along the way or wait for time to photograph and video each step rather than just digging in and busting out work!

I'll be doing a DIY/Tech article and video on how we make the new running boards. I think I have a process sorted to make some steps that will be close to the originals, but with a custom flare. The key is making the "skeleton" framework with some round steel bar stock that has an O.D. that matches the radius on the outermost edge of the running boards. From there I'll make frame work for the top, then form the "skin" of the step in two pieces. One for the top with bead rolling in it (haven't decided if I want to go custom or stay true to the original beads), and then one piece for the side "skirt" portion of the running boards.

My running boards are good for bases if anyone wanted them for copying to make their own, or if they wanted to try and save these.. but they are pretty beat up and rusty! I'd take a couple bucks or trade for a couple cans of Arnold Palmer Tea (my weakness!). I would prefer not to ship them, but if anyone is local enough and wants to swing by the shop here at Eastwood and grab them, welcome to!

I'm currently waiting on 2 poly Prothane bushings to be replaced since they were formed incorrectly and are too small for the control arms I was rebuilding Once I get those in next week I will have the suspension all back together and will be able to air it up to roll around the shop. Then I can remove the 6cyl, clean the chassis up front and paint and detail those bits in anticipation for the new lump.

Thanks for watching everyone, I really hope to have it moving under its own power this summer!

Edited May 3, 2012 by saddest6day66

[1952B3b23]

Well i definitely appreciate the DIY videos and tech articles that you put out. I love metal fabrication and welding so i try to do as much as i can with the limited amount of fab tools i have. I've been brain storming ideas on how to make the running boards but thats been put on hold since my new bed has just come in. I'll be looking forward to see more on your blog about the old PH. Keep up the good work.

[IronTrap]

Thanks glad you guys can appreciate the work I'm putting into this even if it isn't for the purists out there!

I've been busy and we are working on updating the blog and Youtube channel with what I've gotten done.

Here is the first video for the suspension removal. The rest of the videos should be up shortly!

We had a cruise-in at Eastwood headquarters last Friday and I busted my bum to get the framework for the new running boards built. Remember these won't be exact replicas.. but should help give you guys some ideas what you could do with basic materials. This is again a preview for you guys only.. won't be live on the site or Youtube for a little while..

First I started with 1/2" round bar stock as the radius best matched the radius of the edge of the OE running boards and bent 2 pieces to make the radius for the corners. I then welded the pieces all together to make the framework. My running boards are just a tad taller than the stock pieces.. but hard to tell what they should have been since the OE ones were tweaked up so badly

Then I welded in 1"x1" box tubing to for frame work that will be under the top of the running boards. I want to be able to actually stand on these, so I made them flush with the top of the skeleton so the sheet metal can be supported by it.

And a few pics from when we rolled it out for display at the cruise in. It's the first time I've been able to see it outside of the garage in a while. It's starting to look like a truck sorta again!

Edited May 24, 2012 by saddest6day66