New to forum, 56 C3?

[jeds56PU]

Hello, my name is Ed.  I'm resurrecting a project truck my son purchased back in high school (2002).  Well, as these father/son projects can go, the old man was left holding the bag when the younger half lost interest.  Needless to say, I've been storing the dismantled truck for a lot of years, and have finally decided to get it back together and on the road. The body is very clean, with only a small bit of rust on the running boards. The 270 motor was completely rebuilt with new pistons, etc..  I'll post more pics soon.   I'm hopeful that I can use your guys expertise on this project to guide me through putting this thing back together and steering me toward some sources for buying parts.   I believe the truck is a 3/4 ton, by the second set of rear leaf springs.  Does that make it a "C-3"?  I absolutely DESTROYED the steering wheel after many attempts to get it off gracefully.... Finally got it off, and managed to not hurt the splined shaft.  I'm finding it impossible to locate a "correct" steering wheel. Would like to at least get close to the same "look" with another wheel.  I'm not sure if a chev or ford wheel would work, or if there is an acceptable aftermarket wheel out there?  Any guidance on that would be greatly appreciated!   I've just applied epoxy primer/sealer to the newly blasted frame, and am prepping it for final paint (POR-15).  New brake lines/wiring will be the next order of business to get the frame restoration completed.  Thanks in advance for your advice/guidance, and hopefully I'll be able to contribute to someone else's build in the future!  -Ed

[Reg Evans]

Welcome to the forum.  Nice project there !

According to this vin decoder, and if your vin number starts with an 8 you do have a 3/4 ton.

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/decode.php

[jeds56PU]

Thanks Reg!  Does that translate to a C3 then?

[Reg Evans]

25 minutes ago, jeds56PU said:

Thanks Reg!  Does that translate to a C3 then?

Serial Number	84660547
Year	1956
Make	Dodge
Model	C-3-C8, C-4-C
Engine	270 V8
Wheelbase	116
Rating	3/4 Ton
Engineering Code	VT436
Plant	Detroit, Michigan
Build Number	547

[jeds56PU]

Thanks again Reg, didn't realize the decode contained that info as well.  Very cool!

[Reg Evans]

You are welcome .  Keep those progress photos coming !

[John Rogers]

Welcome to the forum. Thats a great project, Im looking forward to seeing it as it progresses. 

            John

[Merle Coggins]

Welcome, and good luck with your project.

How can this be both a C-3-C and a C-4-C?

By the way...jeds56PU, the second C is what designates a 3/4 ton truck. The 3 and 4 designate model generation/year.

[ggdad1951]

Welcome!  Keep the pictures coming!

[48Dodger]

Love the use of the engine lift on the frame...looks like it worked like a charm!

48D

[jeds56PU]

Thanks for the welcome fellas!  48dodger, yeah the hoist worked out pretty slick to be able to get to all areas to coat the frame.  Working on a better ventilation system for my $200 paint booth  before I put on the paint coat. My first system was grossly inefficient!   Just waiting on a few ducting pieces to come in, and I'll be set!  I'll try to keep up with posting some photos as I go through each stage.  I'm sure they will accompany a lot of questions for you guys as well!    Thanks again for the warm welcome!  -Ed

[jeds56PU]

Hello, does anyone recognize this poverty cap as being correct for a 56 'C3?  These came on the truck with 15 X 6 wheels.  Been trying to locate a 5th for the spare.  These are painted, and not stainless.  Thanks, Ed

[55 Fargo]

Well not sure 55/56 C series hub caps, at least nothing I recognize..is the chrome stripped off and the cap painted?

[jeds56PU]

Could be?  All four however look to be just plain steel and painted.  There are a few on ebay with the same finish... calling them 58/59's's... then there are a couple that are stainless  ranging from 55-59....  so just want to make sure that I get what is correct for the truck.... Thanks for your response!

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/182117046487?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1958-59-Dodge-Hubcap-Wheelcover-Dogdish-Poverty-Cap/182313420279?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3Dd2d14ddf982b47fc84d4632e2ea3debe%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D182117046487

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400177223112?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1955-Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler-Hubcap-Dogdish-Poverty-Cap-Mopar/132007325142?_trksid=p2055119.c100022.m2048&_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122153519%26meid%3Df2724a0e89f44aaaa0737d832f4b659f%26pid%3D100022%26

[55 Fargo]

Not sure, was the outer chrome skin removed, was it plated , then at some point blasted and painted to deal with rust issues?

I think the pic I posted sure looks like yours...

[55 Fargo]

At any rate if they are in decent shape, could be replated/skinned, check with Roberts for the outer skins. If not maybe bead blast and powder coat?

[jeds56PU]

Yes, thanks!  If they are correct for the year, I would just blast them and paint with the same silver finish...  My research so far is leading me to think they made both a stainless, and a regular steel painted version.  Now I just need to find a couple pics of '56 with the same caps to help solidify that they are correct for the year, or someone that has some kind of documentation which shows what came on these trucks in 56     All four are in great shape with no dings, so hopeful that I just buy another to match once I find that they are correct.