Introduction!!

[ScubaEsteban]

So I bought a "53" Dodge 1/2 ton S/N 82254693.  So it turns out that it's a 51 B3B.  

 

I have it up on the lift at my mechanic, and I can't find too much wrong with it.  Just the tranny seal and rear pinion seal.  And some other minor squaks.  The frame is still surprisingly solid with just surface rust.  It's the original 37k mile motor, runs right with good compression and my wrench doesn't think its ever been out.  We are converting the points to electronic ignition and the brakes to a dual master cylinder.  I want to drive her and enjoy her.  Home Depot and Lowes shopping trips are doing to be fun!

 

The only body issue is the bottom of both doors are shot.  I'm thinking of the best way to take care of that.  I may have some donor door available on eBay. The bed wood has to be redone (ez peasy).  Otherwise just a lousy paint job and since minor dings.

 

I'm trying to decide if I should take the rear end and front off this winter and really clean everything up and nip the rust in the bud now.  Question, how heavy is the cab? My garage space is tight will be interesting to get it up and off the frame.

 

Not sure on the paint, as to how old it is.  From what I see this is not an original color from what I can find in the literature.  Any advice or tips will always be welcome.

 

Anyway I wanted to introduce myself and I appreciate all the valuable resources you have all posted here. I've been restoring/returning old motorcycles back to life and this my first car.  I'm quite excited to have some fun, make mistakes, and learn.

 

 

[Jim Roach]

Welcome to the group. Nice looking truck. Looks like you have a good start. Many of the guys here have almost total wrecks to start with. Great bunch of guys in the group. For the most part everyone is very positive and helpful. If you plan on upgrading the master cylinder, go all the way and do a front disc brake conversion. Check out “Rusty Hope”. He has a nice setup and well engineered. He will provide you with all the information you need for the conversion. Good luck and send more pictures, we love pictures. Also, remember, the only dumb question is the one you dont ask. 

[ggdad1951]

Welcome!  Yah the doors on these boys tend to get the rust monster at the bottom.  Depending on your skills and or depth of pocket, fixing the current doors is the best bet IMO, as even donor doors run the risk of rust waiting to pop thru.

[ScubaEsteban]

20 hours ago, Jim Roach said:

Welcome to the group. Nice looking truck. Looks like you have a good start. Many of the guys here have almost total wrecks to start with. Great bunch of guys in the group. For the most part everyone is very positive and helpful. If you plan on upgrading the master cylinder, go all the way and do a front disc brake conversion. Check out “Rusty Hope”. He has a nice setup and well engineered. He will provide you with all the information you need for the conversion. Good luck and send more pictures, we love pictures. Also, remember, the only dumb question is the one you dont ask. 

Thanks Jim,

 

I am going to have a fun winter ahead getting her all cleaned up.

[ScubaEsteban]

10 hours ago, ggdad1951 said:

Welcome!  Yah the doors on these boys tend to get the rust monster at the bottom.  Depending on your skills and or depth of pocket, fixing the current doors is the best bet IMO, as even donor doors run the risk of rust waiting to pop thru.

GG.. yeah.. I am going to look at the doors real close tomorrow and how bad it is.  I have done some simple patches in my past, but my metal work and welding skills are childish at best... but I can learn ? 

 

Has anyone had any good luck with the master coat product for the underbody on the surface rust.  Was thinking of using their phosphoric acid metal prep and rust remover, rust sealer and AG111.  I've used the other brands on my motorcycles with various success.  Probably use eastwood internal frame coating for anything I can't get to, although once i get the rear off and front fenders and such I am pretty sure access to everything is fairly straight forward.  

 

 

[JBNeal]

additional information - parts manual

[ScubaEsteban]

So....  My mechanic and I have been going though her really closely...  Mechanically she is very sound...  We've only noted 6 aftermarket non stock items..  

 

Generator, floor shift, radio (Motorola) guages, and some other minor things...  Otherwise she seems to a 37k mile survivor... with some minor fixes.. 

 

So I'm at the decision point for the winter...  and maybe some could chime in...

 

The doors will need major repair..  I was going to have them dipped and I think DCM had the skin repair pieces to make the job easier that I can do the work..  I'm not the best metal fab guy but have excellent resources.  

 

The bed has to be redone..  and I got to pull the engine and do the seals and gaskets.  So might as well take care of the body work up front and get that all fixed.  

 

Than the cab...  It's in pretty good shape..  I have a feeling there is some hidden rot up around the wheel wells..  there's some "guck"  plastered in there ..  I'm going to raise the cab off the frame so I can paint the frame and treat the surface rust and make everything look pretty. 

 

So now I'm at the point, do I just have the cab dipped along with the rest of the fenders and bed sides...  I do want to paint her and bring her to a stock color..  and with my motorcycles it's always been a do it right or don't do it at work my restorations....

 

Decisions??‍♂️