Help Needed - What year ??

[MATT47025]

So I am going Tuesday to look at and possibly purchase the truck in the attached photos.

The owner says its a '50 and is titled as a '50 But I think is later than that. The rear fenders look different

than the earlier models and its also a column shift. I don't have any more photos I just am trying to

find out as much as I can before I look at it.

 

I would appreciate your info.

Thanks.

 

 

 

[pflaming]

I think it is a '53. The dash is NOT 5O/51. The rear fenders with that dash say '53.

[Brent B3B]

Matt, did you bail on the last "50"? Does this one run?

[The Oil Soup]

Mine is a 53 titled/registered as a 52. Those are definitely 53 rear fenders and dash. Should say B4B on the ID plate (driver's door jamb).

[B1B Keven]

That dash and rear fenders make a '53.

[MATT47025]

Hey Guys

Thanks for all your input. Brent to answer your question I have not decided on which truck I want. The blue 50 that I posted earlier needs a lot of work and doesn't run however the motor is not stuck. Then I ran across this '53 for a reasonable price and it appears to be a survivor.

[Brent B3B]

Gotcha, based on that if it was me I would decide what i want the end result to be... If I was going for custom I would grab the 50. (Looks like a lot of work anyway) If I was staying stock or close grab the 53 (from the photos looks like a great start) but of course it also depends on that little time, money and skill thing :^) good luck

[The Oil Soup]

I vote for the 53

[MATT47025]

Thanks guys

 

Its so hard to find these vintage trucks. Seems like no one want to sell and if they do they want more than top dollar for them.

I am a purest so it has to be bone stock for me. It pains me to see that old '50 rotting away in that field. They are asking 2000

for the 50 that is in rough shape. That may sound high to some but in my area there isn't much to choose from.

What do you guys think the 53 should bring?? I know its hard to tell from three photos.

The owner says the 53 has an older repaint from years ago and needs front brake work.

[Jeff Balazs]

Matt;

If you want bone stock then it would probably be best to start with the least molested truck you can locate. This can be tough but they are out there. The 53 might fall into that category?......but it is a little hard to tell from those 3 photos. A while back I looked at a very clean rust free and original runner. It was nice and would have made a wonderful true patina driver without too much work. The asking price was around $8000 and I think $7000 cash would have bought it. Was it worth it? In my mind knowing how much time, money and effort goes into bringing a basket case back to life......yes. We don't have much to go on but that 53 might be a deal at $3 to $4K. It all depends on the over all condition and how complete it really is.

If you are pretty much set on a Dodge then you may want to pick up a copy of the book on B series trucks by Don Bunn.

 

Hope this helps, Jeff

[MATT47025]

Hey Jeff

 

If I end up with the truck on Tuesday i'll look into getting a copy. The owner is asking 4200 for the 53 and don't think he is going to budge on the price.

Its about a 3 and a half our drive from me so me and my dad are renting a tow dolly and getting up early on Tuesday with hopes its a keeper.

[Jeff Balazs]

Matt;

It looks nice in the photos......can you get any more before you drive up?

Does it run? If you buy it post plenty of photos and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Best advice I can give you for a stock truck is get the manuals and stay involved on this site.

 

Jeff

[Phil363]

You have found some nice ones near your your location if you can drive to them. 

 

My 52 dodge was really a 5(plus) range vehicle.  Looked good but had more isses then the sellers photos indicated. 

 

Just to keep it simple I would go for the 53 ... based upon the photos that the seller provided.  Thankfully you can do a visual inspection when you get there.  Prices I would pay would be based upon the overall condition and the 53 looks like a CAT 4 to me .. but a good overall visual inspection could change that.

 

1953-54 1/2-Ton, 108" wb

 

PU CAT 6: $840; CAT 5: $2,520; CAT 4: $4,200; CAT 3: $9,450; CAT 2: $14,700; CAT 1: $21,000

 

Panel 760 2,280 3,800 8,550 13,300 19,000

 

1953-54 1/2-Ton, 116" wb

 

PU 830;  2,500;  4,160;  9,360 14,560 20,800

 

1953-54 3/4-Ton, 116" wb

 

PU 820 2,470 4,120 9,270 14,420 20,600

 

Platform 740 2,220 3,700 8,330 12,950 18,500

 

Stake 740 2,220 3,700 8,330 12,950 18,500

 

NOTE: Add 3 percent for Fluid Drive. Add 10 percent for V-8. Add 5 percent for automatic transmission.

 

Note:  These numbers are from the Old cars guide price guide I mentioned in the post of the 1950 Dodge you were looking at.

 

 

Phil

Edited December 15, 2014 by Phil363

[Jeff Balazs]

Did you get it?

[MATT47025]

I bought the blue truck. The 53 (green) one I looked at it. It had some real body issues. cab mounts were rusted through. Back panel of bed was missing. 

Glass broken out of both passenger and driver side. So I went with the blue 49 or 50 whichever it is.