Questions on 54 C-1 truck project

[888]

I am sensing a trend here, haha. 

 

The big reason I would not buy the truck is because it seems like finding parts for an early C is a bit of a scavenger hunt.  There are things like leaf spring bushings for a D series still available on Rock Auto but not much for a C. 

 

I believe the sheet metal will need to be perfect with no filler or bubbling anywhere because it seems I won't be able to find anything to replace whatever may need attention. 

 

Fair concerns or not?

[bkahler]

39 minutes ago, 888 said:

I am sensing a trend here, haha. 

 

Well, this is a Dodge Truck forum....

 

39 minutes ago, 888 said:

The big reason I would not buy the truck is because it seems like finding parts for an early C is a bit of a scavenger hunt.  There are things like leaf spring bushings for a D series still available on Rock Auto but not much for a C. 

 

I believe the sheet metal will need to be perfect with no filler or bubbling anywhere because it seems I won't be able to find anything to replace whatever may need attention. 

 

Fair concerns or not?

 

Yep, probably fair concerns. 

 

But, pretty much anything can be achieved with perseverance.  Parts can be found if you look hard enough.  I've been amazed at what I was able to find on ebay and other odd sources over the years.  NOS steering wheel, NOS floor mat, NOS switches, good condition parts, etc and the list goes on.  It all depends on what you prefer more, a bland old car or a rare and unique truck

 

 

 

[888]

Yes, I would expect people on here to favor the truck over a Chevy, for sure. 

 

I'm usually more of a truck guy and a Mopar guy but a buddy at work had a 54 we went to lunch in occasionally and I liked it pretty well, which is why I thought about this one. 

 

Good to know you've had success finding what you need over the years.  Hopefully the truck checks out well and part supply isn't something I have to worry about soon. 

 

Still waiting on confirmation there will be someone there today as promised so I can have a look.   As mentioned, I'mgoing back to work monday, asked to come out of retirement and help on some projects that aren't going well.  I'm walking into a buzzsaw there so if I can't get this done this week, it probably won't happen for a few years till these projects are complete. 

 

Not a reason to make a rash decision but it sure is nice being able to see vehicles in person versus trying to blow up photos so I'm trying to take advantage of it while I can. 

 

Thanks for the response!

 

 

 

[JBNeal]

From what I've seen, C-1 mechanical and electrical parts carry over from B-4 and C-3 and into the late 50s.  The biggest parts of concern are the windshield and its gasket...I have not researched this in depth, but as it was less than 2 yrs in production, that might be a problem.

[Young Ed]

Yes the truck parts are going to be harder to find than the Chevy but that doesn't mean they're impossible. That would include sheet metal and mechanical stuff.

[888]

Thanks for the responses.  I was able to see the truck this morning and it's all metal, no bondo I could find.  One on a lower fender that is starting to blister and lose some paint.  They could not find the key and thought it was back in Dayton at the owner's house so they are going to lay hands on that and let me know when they find it.  Rather than type much more, I'll just load photos and see what you guys think. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[888]

More

[888]

last bunch

[888]

Forgot these two:

[B1B Keven]

That's a hell of a nice C series!

[B1B Keven]

Just a quick poke around.

 

https://www.steelerubber.com/search?year=1954&make=dodge&model=c-series&style=2-door-pickup-6-5-foot-bed

[JBNeal]

Looks like an older restoration...might not be a bad investment

[888]

1 minute ago, JBNeal said:

Looks like an older restoration...might not be a bad investment

Yes, that's what I was thinking, not sure when I'll find another one someplace close enough to see in person.  It seems really solid, I can't find bondo anywhere with a magnet and it looks really straight sheet metal wise.

 

The only significant rust I found was underneath on this brace, not sure how big of a deal this is.  It's really packed in there so it's hard to get to it but the more I look at the photos, the better I like it. 

 

I did learn that a guy came up from North Carolina while I was on vacation and said he wants both so I may have to move quickly.  I guess the ice storm that is supposed to hit today made him wait.

 

The seller couldn't find the key and had to leave to look at another property so we really didn't get a chance to finish talking.  I am supposed to hear from him tonight on whether or not they found the key, I may just offer to bring a deposit to them tomorrow to hold it till they can find the key.

[bkahler]

That crossmember is the only thing I saw as well.  The two options are repair the existing one or worst case is you find a frame somewhere and remove the piece you need. 

 

I wouldn't worry about the key.  A locksmith can make one easy enough. That's what I had to do.  Less than $10.

 

Sometimes you just have to make a decision and go

 

 

[bkahler]

Ok, looking closer at that rusted piece of metal, I believe its the battery box.  Fortunately battery boxes are being reproduced, at least for the B series and I'd bet it's probably the same box on the C series.  I believe that would explain all the rust as well, battery acid

 

Just checked, battery boxes area available.

 

DCM Classics Battery Box

 

Edited yesterday at 01:32 AM by bkahler

[JBNeal]

hmmm...all of a sudden there is another possible buyer...that sounds like a salesman tactic to hasten some cash in hand...they better produce a key AND a valid title if they want my $$$ before I'd make an offer...

[Los_Control]

9 minutes ago, JBNeal said:

hmmm...all of a sudden there is another possible buyer...that sounds like a salesman tactic to hasten some cash in hand...they better produce a key AND a valid title if they want my $$$ before I'd make an offer...

Agreed with that ... I'm still hesitant because of the price. It looks like a great truck that was a older paint job, upholstery was recovered. The wiring has been changed and modified over the years ... wiring looks like it was patched up at different times as needed .... not one consistent style of wire through out .... how much was changed, how much is still original?

What condition is the king pins and steering box?

 

IIRC, there were 2 trucks for sale. One was $7500 other $9500 .... this truck is the $9500. .... I'm thinking the way it sits .... maybe $6K

Without hearing the engine run and how much smoke it produces .... does it steer satisfactorily, does the brakes work fair.

How does the clutch work and transmission shift?

 

I fully expect the tires will need to be replaced .... flat spots from sitting and age.

The tank will need to be dropped and cleaned .... hopefully not replaced.

Brakes will need work, possibly just replace hydraulics but maybe more.

Remove drive line and clean/grease the u-joints .... the undercarriage looks OK, has not seen any maintenance in years.

 

IMHO, if all this work was done to the truck and it functions as it should and it looks like it does .... $9500 would be a top price for it.

The owner has researched top price and is asking it .... but he wants the buyer to do the work to put it in top condition.

These Dodges do not hold the same value as a Ford or Chebby and are not as popular.

 

Maybe I'm wrong on the value .... just depends what the buyer is willing to pay.

[ggdad1951]

Looks pretty dang solid.  A few wanky things on it but all doable.  I do appreciate the B series hood ornament!  Honestly, if the body is in that good of shape 6k might be a bit low, knowing all the rest is (relatively) replaced/fixed.  If it runs the price goes up.

[888]

Thanks for the responses and guidance. 

 

Good to know on the battery box, I was wondering why there was rust in that area when everything else looked good.  Made me wonder what else might be rusted that was hiding somewhere. 

 

Also noted about the other buyer suddenly entering the picture.  They've cleared out another 10 cars in the week I was on vacation so they are moving them out, that's for sure.  Whether that's a bargaining ploy or not, hard to say. 

 

I will ask today about the key, he said he has a title, and I will need to see the title before going further.  As mentioned previously, $10 for a key is not going to be a dealbreaker but I will ask them to swap the switch from the other truck or hotwire it so I can hear it run. 

 

Regarding price and condition....yes, this is the $9,500 truck and everything Los Control mentioned are valid points to think about, for sure.  It has been sitting for years which is probably why it's still as good as it is but it means more work. 

 

Here's what I'm thinking right or wrong....maybe you guys have had better luck finding these than I have but this is the first time I've seen ANY vehicle around here older than 1980 that wasn't a recent fresh paint "restoration" that I tend to run away from, a bondo bucket like the D100 in Tennessee, or some combination of both.   A remote/sight unseen purchase that has never worked out well for me so those are out as well.  

 

At least this is all original metal as best I can tell and right here where I can see it for myself.  Being in the rust belt, I tend to look at wiring and mechanicals as something I'm willing to fix if the sheet metal is right and I like the vehicle.  

 

Is it overpriced?  Possibly, but if the chances of me finding another one this straight tucked away in the basement of an abandoned school an hour away are slim to none, maybe I'm willing to pay for it versus chase something else I may or may not find for a long time.  If I like it well enough to keep it, the investment is worth it to me. 

 

I will see if they found the key and go from there, will report back one way or another. 

 

Thanks again for the feedback, it's all much appreciated. 

[ggdad1951]

Yah, show up with cash in hand, set the anchor low and see where you might land.  If 9.5k is to high be willing to walk away.  I was looking at a 50's Power Wagon a few years back...ok shape, but WAY, WAY more issues than this C series...went with 10K cash, started at 6k (my local PW expert said no more then 8.5) and he said 20k firm.....I walked away...the truck is still sitting there but he "knows what it's worth".  Don't regret one second of the driving around and attempt.  You will find out of the second buyer is real I bet if you play it right.

[888]

Thanks for the response.   I plan on taking some cash with me and see how things work out, assuming they find the keys.  

 

I would "like" your response (and the others before it) but apparently I've exceeded my amount of reactions for today and I get an error message when trying

[Young Ed]

I do agree with some of your points. Metal repair and body work are the most expensive parts especially if you can't DIY. Buy the best truck you can afford. Hopefully they'll make it run and you can strike a deal. If they can't find the key or it won't start use that as a negotiation point

[Los_Control]

I was looking at this photo

To me that looks like a happy tail pipe .... just a hint of brown on the inside   I bet the engine will run decent, although it might not start right up without fussing with it.

The body looks extremely good .... living in the rust belt it looks miraculously good.

The rest of it is a fun DIY stuff you can take care of.

[bkahler]

It does not appear to have the spare tire carrier, however DCM Classics also reproduces those as well.

[888]

I sent a message to the guy fielding the calls for the owner on car sales and he didn't know if the owner had found the key or not.  

 

They didn't work today because of the icy roads in the area, it's probably an hour and a half of back roads to get from where they live to the school.  It's 25 degrees and snowing sideways due to the 25 mph winds after freezing rain last night so I get why they might not make the trip.   

 

I told him I was interested enough to buy the truck but would like to have a key and hear it run, no reply as of yet but the guy was getting texts constantly while I was with him yesterday.  Apparently he fixes up all of the owner's properties as well as selling of his cars, plus drives him around everywhere because his eyesight is going bad.  

 

Anyway, we'll see where it goes from here.  If it was meant to be, it will happen.