OZ van

[Tony WestOZ]

Thought you guys might like this.

1955-57 Australian Dodge van.

[Tony WestOZ]

I would not mind what its towing either.

[Reg Evans]

Nice van Tony. I didn't realize that a 54-56 grill shell would bolt to the 48-53 front fenders. I like the mid 30's artillary wheels too .....or maybe they are the same rims as on the trailer. Hey...the doors have the crease extending all the way back like the 48-50 US models.

[Tony WestOZ]

Nice van Tony. I didn't realize that a 54-56 grill shell would bolt to the 48-53 front fenders. I like the mid 30's artillary wheels too .....or maybe they are the same rims as on the trailer. Hey...the doors have the crease extending all the way back like the 48-50 US models.

Reg I don’t think the US 54-56 grills would bolt up to a US 48-53, but in Australia things were slightly different.

The only major differences between 1950 and 1962 models were that the front window became one piece in 55 and the grills were changed in 55,58,60.

True, these changes were influenced by the changes in US models but through out the Australian Pilot-house series the other panels and bodywork remained unchanged.

Note below the big upgrades we got in 1960. Twin headlights, (reminiscent of the US 58 model), and the worst grill I have ever seen. I don’t know were they got the idea for this grill from but to me it just looks wrong.

[PatS....]

Tony, looks like sunvisors were very popular. Were there alot of domestic makers of the visors?

Seems like they and the bush bar are on quite a few Aussie vehicles.

[IanT_Qld]

Tony,

That badge (Rams head inside a black circle) on the 1960 pannel, do you (or anyone else) know what year they first appear on Dodges? Originally there was not one on my 52 but there is now, wondering which time period/model it comes from.

Not sure about the domestic makers of the visor, but without aircon in the 50s trucks any shade helps, and bush bars would be popular and still are, for scrub, roos and sheep, not so good for cattle.

[Tony WestOZ]

Pat,

I do not know how many domestic makers there were but Chrysler Australia does list sunvisors in their truck parts manuals as an optional extra. I assume the cars had them as an option as well.

Ian,

That style of badge started in Australia on the 55 models. They were standard fitment, with the large one on top of the hood becoming the optional extra.

[Tony WestOZ]

PS

Ian, sometime after xmas I would like to get some measurments off you of the sunvisor on your truck. I have never been able to find one(without having to buy the rest of the truck) so I shall have to look at making one for mine.

[Tony WestOZ]

PPS

Reg, yes the rims on the truck are the same as the ones on the trailer.

Standard Ford rims here, they bolt straight on.

[IanT_Qld]

PS

Ian, sometime after xmas I would like to get some measurments off you of the sunvisor on your truck. I have never been able to find one(without having to buy the rest of the truck) so I shall have to look at making one for mine.

No probs, after Christmas I can take detailed Photos of the Visor as well as the measurements.

The optional one on the bonnet is the one I was interested in.

[Ken_Hart]

So it looks like to get a nice visor , we must look in the land of OZ. the one of the white panel is a perfect size for my project.

I love the green panel and what it is towing.. pure nostalgic looking.. one of the nicest looking combos i have seen

thank you sharing

P.S. Did the US made a one piece windshield that will fit a 48-50 cab.