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FINALLY - My 1948 B-1-D Build Thread, 33 Years Later


billrigsby

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I just got back 260 slides from 1987-1988 (roughly) that were digitized, so I can start my build thread.

 

First, Sherman, set the WABAC machine to 1987, Omo Ranch (Mount Aukum), CA

This is where my sister and brother-in-law were care taking a ranch owned by his dad.

I am yet to determine the exact location, but eventually may find that, basically we are here.....

1243029467_TruckLocation.JPG.ad2bd015a7c3020493c9c94901973626.JPG

 

 

.....and I spy a truck, not just any truck, this thing has a 'hell-of-a' long bed, bubble fenders, bullet holes, a birdbath for a roof and potential!

I have never been one to find a project that had a ding here or there, or an engine with a miss, no I go into full rescue mode.

So after long negotiations over several, and I mean SEVERAL rum and cokes, for $25 I am the proud owner of a 1948 Dodge 1 Ton (B-1-D 126).....

276527074_1BillofSale.jpg.f15e3ba371f4a12a1fae2d1c87e69fb4.jpg

 

 

.....Whatever That Is, What the hell did I just do, At least it is not a tattoo!

 

 

Well this is her, in all her Original Glory.....

00000000_img_0000_1600x1066.JPG.234785a8bf451dcdc91e24dc270943a7.JPG

 

00000001_img_0001_1600x1066.JPG.39ef80ccc3a1b84b3b5e9165f6cbfaef.JPG

 

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After the engine removal, even the hood ornament has bullet holes!

00000003_img_0003_1600x1066.JPG.c3227973800e7ad5c304b10d7529ba76.JPG

 

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TO BE CONTINUED.....

 

 

 

Edited by billrigsby
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This thread makes me happy, I thought I was the only one over the 30yr mark on my truck build. 

Go Bill go

 

BTW, I have that same gas cap on one of my trucks.  ?

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22 hours ago, Brent B3B said:

This thread makes me happy, I thought I was the only one over the 30yr mark on my truck build. 

Go Bill go

 

BTW, I have that same gas cap on one of my trucks.  ?

 

And I thought my current 24 years was absurd, you guys are making me feel almost normal..... :)

 

 

Edited by bkahler
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3 hours ago, JBNeal said:

that dot matrix bill of sale is divine...that's right up there with a carbon copy typed pink slip...kudos for persevering ?

 

Haha, can you say

Okidata Microline,

Those were the days dial up and DM printers.

 

BTW, this is the last vehicle I own

that I actually have a 'pink slip' for.

20200727_155925.jpg.537485e4c41ef533b6aeaa749aeb7cd9.jpg

Edited by billrigsby
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YEP, She's toast.....

00000014_img_0014_1600x1066.JPG.86c4f61dcb4e7783a69a45b764d38eb5.JPG

 

00000016_img_0016_1600x1066.JPG.42b7c99829040719b81f35977bbd53ae.JPG

 

 

Pulling the engine, love those old Oak Trees.....

00000017_img_0017_1600x1066.JPG.4465c43d366d312e47bca016a1503872.JPG

 

00000018_img_0018_1600x1066.JPG.a2e3f4baaa5384a61757c183d48ebbaa.JPG

 

00000019_img_0019_1600x1066.JPG.35626a615ce17ea462f95ae659befa24.JPG

 

 

Good old tar top battery, minus a few caps, Still have it, not sure why, If it was in the engine compartment might restore it.....

00000048_img_0048_1600x1066.JPG.622821026802aa76dea1b2720ea4b4b5.JPG

 

 

Gauges have seen better days, as has most of this truck, 80 MPH on the Speedo? Downhill with a tailwind?.....

00000006_img_0006_1600x1066.JPG.211362f8e4d6a3ffae1544e128b72e1a.JPG

 

00000008_img_0008_1600x1066.JPG.a0c2807cd8de6d2731942e977acfc889.JPG

 

00000007_img_0007_1600x1066.JPG.22b6467662adea500b05788eb5a82818.JPG

 

Dismantled and repainted gauge housings.

00000084_img_0004_1600x1066.JPG.80bb804f2064e590e0478f970f14ba34.JPG

 

00000081_img_0001_1600x1066.JPG.94cf5b0d91f262b4024e7d3582f440b2.JPG

 

NOS gauges also, Reset the odometer to 0000.0, I am sure some bureaucrat will just love that!.....

00000080_img_0000_1600x1066.JPG.7475c2f99be9bf3907a6983e859d159c.JPG

 

00000185_img_0025_1600x1066.JPG.970f528db7f1fc6b58885ea45d577c59.JPG

 

Grabbed some black cardboard and re-did a new glove box.....

00000157_img_0077_1600x1066.JPG.846110393f3ae1f08c3f29478f556b57.JPG

 

 

An original headliner (not from my truck) in 'decent' shape

00000232_img_0072_1600x1066.JPG.9edfd4c14dff39a10a864fa655375d8a.JPG

 

00000233_img_0073_1600x1066.JPG.ab689ad517b60efa74bb3b6261c650ab.JPG

 

 

 

MORE TO COME.....

 

00000083_img_0003_1600x1066.JPG

Edited by billrigsby
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I bought that same Allstate battery new when I was 16 for my 51 Plymouth.

I sure was proud of it.

Love the pictures of pulling the drive train using the "OLD OAK TREE"..

Lucky L&I wasn't around?

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Or OSHA (had to Google L&I) ?

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  • billrigsby changed the title to FINALLY - My 1948 B-1-D Build Thread, 33 Years Later

Original wiring harness removed..... Recreated, using the correct cloth covered, color coded wire, but with a modern plastic sleeve.....

00000050_img_0050_799x1200.JPG.594f197c2008f95264c65b2d024a4789.JPG     1606295325_00000093_img_0013_799x1200A.jpg.480bf4830af7958ca523beff26118e70.jpg

 

00000091_img_0011_1600x1066.JPG.522b20ad21b7497c6797351b03b5ba54.JPG

 

00000089_img_0009_1600x1066.JPG.be95328ba82ff44b989bc8d35d0cf8f2.JPG

 

 

 

 

Edited by billrigsby
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Front axle repair, original spindles showed cracks when magnafluxed, so found another pair, checked out good.....

 

00000105_img_0025_1600x1066.JPG.b8b8cd3d6b5a51d9ad430a6b655b7de0.JPG

 

 

Primered and painted.....

00000107_img_0027_1600x1066.jpg.bb3f0ee5b0fc70ee0350841335bb66b0.jpg

00000108_img_0028_1600x1066.jpg.9c4cb30848065bf0ccc89710cf9cd6dd.jpg

 

 

All the other bits primered and painted, new king pins, bushings, seals, etc.....

(still missing one of the correct U-bolts!)

00000106_img_0026_1600x1066.jpg.6e79fb56e06ac1565a3bfec676fc90af.jpg

 

00000109_img_0029_1600x1066.JPG.370f50af3039a0913ba8a39aa9b76362.JPG

 

 

New wheel cylinders.....

00000110_img_0030_1600x1066.jpg.9431bdb553af982dc9066e95c49c4c54.jpg

 

 

Front axle reassembled.....

00000111_img_0031_1600x1066.jpg.fdc06612078165e436019c1648470203.jpg

 

 

Steering box and mount primered and painted.....

00000113_img_0033_1600x1066.JPG.1762c88a496a56678fd9fdacee0fb02c.JPG

 

 

 

Edited by billrigsby
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Rear axle repair, disassembled.....

00000116_img_0036_1600x1066.jpg.f8b035b67afce95ffc8b08f3d0d8f1f9.jpg

 

00000115_img_0035_1600x1066.JPG.f393b9f44013688e399d0f5e68962317.JPG

 

 

All the bits primered and painted, some of the new seals.....

A.jpg.4051f838065accddef0971f8fc53a702.jpg

 

00000117_img_0037_1600x1066.JPG.d7869dbfaf2f774ca87860a2c469419f.JPG

 

 

Ready to go back together.....

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New brake cylinders.....

00000119_img_0039_1600x1066.JPG.e53b75f984f0bafbada64a2c83c7adef.JPG

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Steering wheel restoration, as you can imagine or may have seen,

a forty year old steering wheel is usually in no shape for use, pits and cracks.

This was an invaluable resource to guide me through this process.....

1735046235_TheBIBLEtosteeringwheelrestoration.jpg.358b8d7f8592735e90f3d258c25c0a6a.jpg

1252492294_TheBIBLEtosteeringwheelrestoration1.jpg.d2cffa38af265820507351c00d32f477.jpg

 

 

Here, all the bad areas have been filed down to the metal steering wheel band.....

00000136_img_0056_1600x1066.JPG.e2b5204922f1e32c2ceeb11176aa821b.JPG

 

00000137_img_0057_1600x1066.JPG.999b619ac0b619c2eed33a1df32f50e0.JPG

 

 

Next, filled with PC-7® Paste Epoxy.....00000138_img_0058_1600x1066.JPG.fd5272631684187fb4726e33cc4bcd10.JPG

 

00000139_img_0059_1600x1066.JPG.2eb5ce284b3af2be9052fb5f3d6dafd1.JPG

 

 

After LOTS of sanding, refilling, sanding, did I mention LOTS of sanding, you have something worthy of primer.....

00000140_img_0060_1600x1066.JPG.0445d186cf1181901f1ad2a2d2e919be.JPG+

 

00000141_img_0061_1600x1066.JPG.5230785604f72fdc34f12525326e0cd0.JPG

 

00000142_img_0062_1600x1066.JPG.467a0ec4a5e1d2e0af4e8af5cc1c39e8.JPG

 

 

Managed to keep the part number intact, no cracks there fortunately.....

00000143_img_0063_1600x1066.JPG.01b0970294e90aed583030052cf8bb3a.JPG

 

 

Several coats of Gloss Black Imron, and wet sanding down to 1000 grit, you have a 'like new' steering wheel.....

00000148_img_0068_1600x1066.JPG.22601d78151ccbf117245384f395f4d4.JPG

 

 

Horn button installed and finished steering wheel.....

00000152_img_0072_1600x1066.JPG.c1ac22e0b036796c1d0e49ebfb001656.JPG

 

 

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13 minutes ago, billrigsby said:

Steering wheel restoration, as you can imagine or may have seen,

a forty year old steering wheel is usually in no shape for use, pits and cracks.

This was an invaluable resource to guide me through this process.....

1735046235_TheBIBLEtosteeringwheelrestoration.jpg.358b8d7f8592735e90f3d258c25c0a6a.jpg

1252492294_TheBIBLEtosteeringwheelrestoration1.jpg.d2cffa38af265820507351c00d32f477.jpg

 

 

Here, all the bad areas have been filed down to the metal steering wheel band.....

00000136_img_0056_1600x1066.JPG.e2b5204922f1e32c2ceeb11176aa821b.JPG

 

00000137_img_0057_1600x1066.JPG.999b619ac0b619c2eed33a1df32f50e0.JPG

 

 

Next, filled with PC-7® Paste Epoxy.....00000138_img_0058_1600x1066.JPG.fd5272631684187fb4726e33cc4bcd10.JPG

 

00000139_img_0059_1600x1066.JPG.2eb5ce284b3af2be9052fb5f3d6dafd1.JPG

 

 

After LOTS of sanding, refilling, sanding, did I mention LOTS of sanding, you have something worthy of primer.....

00000140_img_0060_1600x1066.JPG.0445d186cf1181901f1ad2a2d2e919be.JPG+

 

00000141_img_0061_1600x1066.JPG.5230785604f72fdc34f12525326e0cd0.JPG

 

00000142_img_0062_1600x1066.JPG.467a0ec4a5e1d2e0af4e8af5cc1c39e8.JPG

 

 

Managed to keep the part number intact, no cracks there fortunately.....

00000143_img_0063_1600x1066.JPG.01b0970294e90aed583030052cf8bb3a.JPG

 

 

Several coats of Gloss Black Imron, and wet sanding down to 1000 grit, you have a 'like new' steering wheel.....

00000148_img_0068_1600x1066.JPG.22601d78151ccbf117245384f395f4d4.JPG

 

 

Horn button installed and finished steering wheel.....

00000152_img_0072_1600x1066.JPG.c1ac22e0b036796c1d0e49ebfb001656.JPG

 

 

 

Great work Bill!  A good looking steering wheel really sets the tone for the cab.  

 

I should mention I don't like sanding so I took the lazy way out and found a NOS wheel :)

 

Brad

 

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I am also restoring a 1948 Dodge truck. My project has been parked in my garage for 25 years, waiting for me to have time and money to come together.  This is finally the year. I live in Southeast Alaska where it rains over 150 inches every year and we're right on the coast, making rust a real problem. Most of the body panels and cab are not painted on the inside and underside. I'm doing a combination mechanical repairs and rustoration, fortunately mine has a remanufactured engine and it runs. The brakes were toast, so I rebuilt with new. I also converted the front brakes to disc breaks and new master cylinder. 

I have torn it down to the frame and drive train. What's left is the stripped down cab and now I'm ready roll it back on the frame so I can get to the underside and frame underneath. I have been repairing the body  panels one at a time to fix the rust and damage , a lot of welding. I only have a oxyacetylene torch for cutting and welding and a whole collection of hammers and grinders. I'm about half done with the metal work.  

Good luck with yours

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YES!, another older project,

some of us thought we were the only ones with 'stalled' projects, Good Luck to you also.

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Time to tackle the frame, borrowed a 'big boy' compressor for the bead blasting, no way our 3.5 HP / 25 Gal Craftsman will be up to the challenge.....

00000124_img_0044_1600x1066.JPG.937019afe836c8c873c6577d8990f1f4.JPG

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Frame on it's cart.....

00000160_img_0000_1600x1066.JPG.c1f66f2bc9deb381734c23153cd3a2e6.JPG

 

 

Frame bead blasted.....

00000161_img_0001_1600x1066.JPG.20d88711f70806a21406dfb26caee5ed.JPG

 

 

Frame primered.....

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Frame painted.....

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Just a side note, all primered pieces were shot with Dupont DP40 Epoxy Primer and all gloss black were shot with Dupont Imron polyurethane-based enamel paint.

I know DP40 or 401 is not available anymore due to lead content, not sure if there is a viable alternative? Still have a half gallon, need to be sparing with that.

Not sure about the Imron.

 

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Springs are next, since I have the bead blaster at my disposal.....

00000126_img_0046_1600x1066.JPG.59e67bcc1fffee43aea9473608207621.JPG

 

 

Bead blasting, in hind-sight I probably should have dis-assembled them, too late now.....00000127_img_0047_1600x1066.JPG.22e165f9b98e9888e602b49fb0c5da17.JPG

 

 

Primered and painted.....

00000128_img_0048_1600x1066.JPG.c539d9e59c78df31f80412ba9f997af8.JPG

 

00000129_img_0049_1600x1066.JPG.c2099fd1d8e560617929c3fdd284ba9e.JPG

 

 

NOS Spring Bolts for the rear, pretty sure I found them for the front also, but can not find a photo, I think several photos are in limbo somewhere!.....

00000130_img_0050_1600x1066.JPG.8724b2f647e87f3c39c1cec2905efb94.JPG

 

 

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NOS Running Boards, not perfect, but 1000 times better than the stock ones, seems someone liked 'dragging' the old ones across trees and rocks.

00000154_img_0074_1600x1066.jpg.aa2862c0dc06b47c58c7841f58ff5b32.jpg

 

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00000156_img_0076_1600x1066.JPG.018e211afecd304097643b16122b048f.JPG

 

 

I got the NOS 81" Running Boards, T306 Engine, NOS Head, Heater for $300 and $235 Shipping.

 

Time to start the assembly....

00000167_img_0007_799x1200.JPG.b0d0a5d6daaf717f84e74dd86cd80b29.JPG

 

 

Axles in place (what is that thing on the wall to the left of the chassis?).....

00000168_img_0008_1600x1066.JPG.7a8750ed7c6a884c5fdd131f206b07cb.JPG

 

00000172_img_0012_1600x1066.JPG.8eb716fd942580e5978d1ce4fa19b87b.JPG

 

 

Brake and Fuel lines installed.....

00000175_img_0015_1600x1066.JPG.ac2e305e08fb19ac3f272a6f55e01c63.JPG

 

00000176_img_0016_1600x1066.JPG.74b8d13899840e7a7c9755ed7eecdac7.JPG

 

00000177_img_0017_1600x1066.JPG.c33a07e1f4192bd70a72d5a1464ddf68.JPG

 

 

We now have a rolling chassis, albeit, with out rubber.

00000179_img_0019_799x1200.JPG.292964afd75856594a62f31f91d3b5a4.JPG

 

 

 

 

Edited by billrigsby
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Turning our attention to the sheet metal now.....

00000094_img_0014_1600x1066.JPG.5656bc7df2020f775e94f7a6ed28227f.JPG

 

00000095_img_0015_1600x1066.JPG.e698043fe44ce1204d15541964236aee.JPG

 

 

This was scribbled on the left side of the engine bay, always wondered just what it was, should I duplicate it?

00000061_img_0061_1600x1066.JPG.06da510d4278b9f26f05bcce05ba9396.JPG

 

 

Towards the end of 1992, Mom and Dad were planning a trip to Arizona, and were nice enough to haul this rusty mess to

Redi-Strip for a non-acid dipping to get it ready for primer. I may have pleaded quite a bit, but what is a small trailer behind that Big-Ol van?

img407_462x600.jpg.e302f6f9a18c262f54bd7c9e158b9546.jpg

 

 

Saved quite a bit of time with the bead blaster, and clean up of all that media, here she is primered.....

00000225_img_0065_1600x1066.JPG.e4b291e4bcb94bcc07661211725e336c.JPG

 

00000226_img_0066_1600x1066.JPG.b4b82ef8a8463e6cf6e8c25e32350b45.JPG

 

00000228_img_0068_799x1200.JPG.64d2b7bae8726429ddabadbfa02ca68f.JPG     

 

00000229_img_0069_1600x1066.JPG.bcab0cb54f1434141f57ed5e7fbeef1e.JPG

 

00000227_img_0067_1600x1066.JPG+

 

 

Remember that 'bird bath' roof we had, it is taking shape.....00000230_img_0070_1600x1066.JPG.504922ddd238c5ba1cbf902e3c4e632d.JPG

Edited by billrigsby
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The rest of the sheet metal was next.....

00000184_img_0024_1600x1066.JPG.b2f8ea9d09de008a361cb00da036fc99.JPG

 

00000202_img_0042_1600x1066.JPG.22fdc3ca4566c7b47890bacb865bf9f7.JPG

 

00000203_img_0043_1600x1066.JPG.9a45216d51a4529e4670e5fda1944d2c.JPG

 

00000204_img_0044_1600x1066.JPG.41bc8d8d697bdca05e0a4fc0c4368885.JPG

 

00000205_img_0045_799x1200.JPG.c414ef2ae325680644729aa07a18d0d1.JPG

 

00000206_img_0046_1600x1066.JPG.964b6e0c51d3d9cceaa4d9bc01e0edbf.JPG

 

00000207_img_0047_1600x1066.JPG.ae051a36d937c12a906c7e1b4220bf24.JPG

 

00000209_img_0049_1600x1066.JPG.5bb372a405097031ccbb01149f35fdd4.JPG

 

00000208_img_0048_1600x1066.JPG.b329a552c96dc91c1069d541baf040e2.JPG

 

00000212_img_0052_1600x1066.JPG.5edc187a59f9a33f6484efb14334939b.JPG

 

00000213_img_0053_1600x1066.JPG.60599dfa6b3db990791e2873cc12972e.JPG

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A little repair work was needed on this fender, the standard 'rust-out' spot.....

00000244_img_0004_1600x1066.JPG.6d216f6c56f9e836e72a40f4b86b5841.JPG

 

00000245_img_0005_1600x1066.JPG.ca9972e871af9b1fbe196e649f766669.JPG

 

 

From a donor basket case fender.....

00000246_img_0006_1600x1066.JPG.a9e74607a886d55e6c8eecae3d2371a0.JPG

 

00000247_img_0007_1600x1066.JPG.388df5ed340437caeade9b03bc3e56b7.JPG

 

 

Cannot find photos of the end result?

 

A little lead work on the top of the fender.....

00000237_img_0077_1600x1066.JPG.cefc55d89b5d21e49c3facbed8025067.JPG

 

 

That's my spare front clip, ended up with quite a few spares!

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