Fourth owner of a 1953 B4B needs sage advice

[TrampSteer]

Well I finally did something I've wanted to do for thirty years and got me that old truck. I am super excited and more than a little overwhelmed at how much I've had to learn. I've read a lot of the forums here and there is so much knowledge and information I thought I would reach out for your opinions instead of blindly going off into the wilderness.

 

It is a closely original '53 if you don't count the '54 bed and rear fenders, and the lowering. The engine and drive train are stock and its still running 6 volt with all the requisite parts. It's a running operating daily driver at this time. Really, I could just get in it (as soon as it gets here) and drive it.

 

I would like to take it to work everyday on the highway at 70mph (so cal drivers will run me down at 55) instead of threading city streets. I'm also city-bound and have to have a garage rented or the work done so labor costs need to be minimized, meaning I don't want to change any single part more than once. To me that means I need to really plan smartly.  I'm also looking toward stringing tasks out over the long term just to manage cash flow.

 

So I start seeing issues of how to do this, hence my call for your knowledge and opinion. 

 

• The rear end is a 4.10 from what I can tell. Are there options for overdrive? Cheap replacements? I've heard that a Bronco might work.
• Or I could replace the leaky rear brake cylinders (I have the parts but not the puller) and change the gearing maybe.
• Then  my mechanic keeps saying it should have new brake lines and a $500 dual master cylinder. I like the one post about a Plymouth Valient MC for $17 instead, but I'm not convinced I need it to begin with. I WOULD need it if I changed the rear end - loosing the parking brake that is currently on the drive shaft in all likelihood.
• If I am going to do 70mph in a truck designed for 45mph, should I just go to disk brakes and start replacing everything underneath? Would it ride like a crazy death train at that speed regardless?

 

So, my head is swimming.

Really, any opinion at all is a help.

Thanks in advance

Mike

 

I threw up a quick album if you care to review it. These are the ones from the seller. Truck isn't even here yet 

http://p15-d24.com/gallery/album/229-53-b1/

 

UPDATE:
Well, I finally got it here and can read vin tag. It is a B4B (so I changed the title above). Also, I noted that half of the Fulton visor is missing from the trip down, there are no brakes at all, the right rear hub wheel are shot and need replacement and the last four feet of the frame are off in all three dimensions. Maybe four dimensions. (sigh). Plymouthy Adams kinda nailed it in that regard.  Part of the journey I guess.

 

I still get excited when I see her and if other good people can shake off a garage fire I'm inspired to step up. Think I'll flip out that rear end after all. 3:55? 3.73? Hmm ... still swimming but learning a lot. Thanks all.

  Edited March 9, 2014 by TrampSteer

[41/53dodges]

That truck should readily do better than 45, try this calculator:

http://www.teammfactory.com/gear-calculator

My truck has all 3 mods below, Ive hit 80 without any issues, and that's before an overdrive. The key to high speed is nice tight steering, good tires, good shocks, and brakes in good shape.

As for making it go faster in general, you have 3 options.

1: overdrive transmission, a T-5 out of an S10 is the ticket. There are threads all over for that, and it is so worth it just for the improved shifting.

2: rear axle swaps, a jeep cherokee swap is very common. 3.55 ratio is good, all that needs doing is welding on new perches.

3: tires! probably the easiest, I'm running 215/85r16 radials, some people even run 235/85r16. It's a huge jump over the old bias ply, both in speed and handling.

 

The search function is your friend here, all of these topics are pretty well documented if you hunt long enough. As for the T5, just search overdrive. The search function doesnt like things less than 3 letters

Don't be afraid to ask questions!

-Josh

[Jerry Roberts]

 Welcome aboard . Nice looking truck , someone has been taking good care of it . The parking brake drum is mounted on the rear of the transmission so you don't loose it if you change the driveshaft . Some of the guys have used 3.53 ? gears from a mopar car and taller tires  to get better highway speed . I use a 2.94 rear end from a Dakota and 28 inch diameter tires and that works fine for me to cruse at 70 mph , with a new driveshaft .  

[deathbound]

Good looking truck. If you need the puller for the rear drums &/or the Ammco 1750 brake tool, let me know, I'm in Long Beach. If you need brake work done, I've had CH Topping in Long Beach do some work for me....highly recommend them & they're familiar with the older cars/trucks (ask for Vince).

[The Oil Soup]

The rear fenders are correct for a '53 but I'm not sure about the bed. If you swap a cherokee rear end you gain the larger drum brakes or disc brakes and parking brake, also use the cherokee master cylinder for a modern split system. Rusty Hope for disc brake conversion up front. http://rustyhope.com/site/ List the tire/wheel size when you can. Gary

[RodFru2u]

That's a great looking truck you got, I say drive it for a while. Enjoy it and then maybe try and improve it for yourself and your use. Either way Welcome to the Best source of information on the Web for these trucks, Nice to see a few more down here in Southern California.

[Plymouthy Adams]

sage advice as fourth owner....yes...take a deep breath and remember that there was three prior owners working on this car plus whatever amount of shops they may have carried it to for repair......be prepared to be surprised at times...

[TrampSteer]

Wow - talk about hitting the jackpot. What a wealth of information already. Love this site!

 

Thanks all of you.

Edited February 28, 2014 by TrampSteer

[ggdad1951]

welcome...cool truck!

[48Dodger]

Drive up the valley to Clements ,Ca and meet a bunch of forum members and some of thier Pilot-House Trucks.

You'll learn a lot in a very short time and maybe make a few good friends.

 

7th Annual Clements Tailgate BBQ

 

6th BBQ

 

48D

[Jeff Balazs]

Oh boy.... another Pilothouse in the OC.

If you need a place to work on it I have a small warehouse in Irvine that is available from time to time for a few days. Weekends?

 

I would suggest you drive it a bit to figure out what it is going to need to be a daily driver in our part of the world.

I did a Grand Cherokee rear axle swap to get 3.55 and rear disc's. Added front discs and a Cherokee M/C. 3 point seat belts and improved the night time visibility with better lighting. I have even added a third brake light to the rear window using a 6V LED from a Model A site. Once you have driven here for a while you will know for certain what needs the most attention.

 

Have fun with it, Jeff

[TrampSteer]

Thanks for making me feel at home. Just wish it would get here already.