52' Pilot House Frame up

[RonaldC]

1st let me say I am die hard Mopar fan. Grandfather drove Fury's for ever, could still pick out the sound of it starting when i was a kid.

 

So a couple years back a guy owed me some money and asked if I would trade out the debt for an old truck. Told him not really interested, rather have cash instead of a project someone else started.

 

And then he dropped the bomb shell, "Its an old Dodge 1/2 ton...." he says.

 

So here is my question, I now have this 52' in my garage with no motor, front end, interior, and in about 15 pc. I have pretty well decided I want it to be 50's Hot Rod meets modern comforts. Being that I am almost an equally big Harley Davidson fan, I want to go back with low (not crazy low though), chrome, and a mainly black paint scheme with some subtle, not bright but more burnt, orange accents. That said, I need some advice on both the front and rear end.

 

Looking at possibly a 383cu, at least a 360cu, and want to make sure both components will handle the torque and weight appropriately. 

 

My son has an extra torsion bar-"K" front end from his 73' dart swinger he is building up. Would this be a good fit or do I need to lean towards the Volarie front end? Or are they one in the same?

 

I think the truck can turn out to be a total thrill for the wife and I to drive on weekends as well as something the grand kids would totally dig going to get ice cream in. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

[Dave72dt]

Must be the season or year for engine and diff swaps.    There's a search button in the upper right corner that should direct you to a bunch of engine and diff swaps that have been discussed and ongoing in the last several months and are full of information, as well as a Volare swap that's been done several years ago.  Best way to know if that k member will fit is to get the tape measure out.  Your choices on diffs will depend on what's up front for power and how you intend to drive it.

 

I know there's a truck being done right now in anniversary black and gold Harley colors and another bike themed truck also.

 

Welcome to the forum an d post up some build pics as you go.

[Plymouthy Adams]

most folks would be looking to the later k-member and torsion bar over the earlier style (non traverse) as the very rear tie bar was a bolt in item..74 and later b-bodies

[ggdad1951]

welcome...pictures!

[RodFru2u]

Great sounding project, Welcome to the Forum.