Deep Paint/Chopped Top/Custom Wood Bed/Airbag Suspension/383ci V8

1949 Dodge Pickup

The B-series pickup trucks were sold from 1948 to 1953. They replaced the prewar Dodge truck and were replaced by the Dodge C series in 1954. The B-series trucks came in several different variants. The B1-B were ½-ton trucks standard with a 95 hp flathead-straight-six engine.

For consignment a mid restoration vehicle that has all the exterior work performed and buttoned up but will need the finish off on the interior. A new 383ci V8 Mopar engine, bagged and slammed suspension, a chopped top and some snazzy 15-inch shiny wheels. This project can be an easy handoff for the future buyer to complete. Not unlike a running play from Bob Griese to Kick or Csonka that ends in SCORE!

Exterior
Lets' take the original Dodge pickup and chop the top 2 inches. Then we are going to smooth over any faults and remediate any rust there may be invading any steel and clean it up. How about fabricating a new rear roll pan to incorporate the exhaust that the new 383ci Dodge engine will create and shave the rear bumper. Then after all this custom bodywork, bathe it in Dodge Inferno Red that is miles deep. Re-chrome a few trim bars upfront on the grille, re-chrome the window surround for the front split windshield, add on some nifty bullet style taillight casings that hang from either side, smooth over the running boards, redux the bed in IPE hardwood using the sapwood and heartwood for added effect then polish that to perfection. Add on some nifty 50's wheel coverings and wrap them in black wall rubber keeping the size down to 205/75R15 and slam the suspension. That will be one cool creation, and it is right here in our hallowed halls, ripe like a shiny apple for the picking!

Interior
How about using the Inferno Red to coat the dash, move the instruments to the center panel and give them some shiny chrome bezels, add in some power windows, (switches and wiring installed but sans regulators, motors and glass), within all red painted doors. Also front the dash with a wild half rimmed wood and remainder black padded leather and chromed rally steering wheel, add in some billet styled pedals and then…HAULT! This beauty will need some door panels, a new bench and carpeting with some headliner and interior vertical surface lining and the interior will be complete, on a build that is already awesome! Think of all the possibilities for this restoration-modded iconic white hat pickup.

Drivetrain
Flipping the center hinged hood reveals the beautiful machined and polished creation in the form of a 383ci V8. It has Edelbrock aluminum heads, and Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, and throw on some dual Edelbrock 4-barrel carbs to feed this hungry and beautiful mill. Meanwhile make sure all surfaces are polished or left as is on the casting texture, add in some yellow high voltage wiring, a new radiator and all polished brake reservoir and a polished firewall and we have machine eye candy under this awesome hood. Oh, and don't forget the 5-speed manual Richmond tranny strapped to the back of this gorgeous mill.

Undercarriage
Independent airbags suspension is on front, and a 4 link with airbags is on back so one can adjust the ride height to low and slow or nearly normal for the high-speed cruise. Dual Flowmaster exhaust snakes its way past a solid black shiny frame, and a Dana 60 rear pumpkin. Also note all the new electrics for the airbags neatly installed and near perfect body hangers seen in the running board area. The underside of the IPE looks fab as well within the black field. Also noted are front disc brakes and rear drums all power now!

Drive-Ability
This truck fires up with a low roar, and is ready to take off to the test track. Here it performed well with good handling, airbags infinitely variable, and smooth shifting. All was working that was installed. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em and it definitely does!

Plenty of WOW factor with the paint, and body mods very tastefully done to preserve the original Dodge boys look, but yet a modern touch. The slamming of the air bag suspension is awesome, and the mechanicals and drivetrain are near perfect on looks and working ability to prove; this truck forward. Just a few areas to be left to the new owner to utilize their creative license, but be warned, the standards set on this resto are very high, so put your creative cap on straight and finish it off for a real showpiece, right in your driveway. What say you Mr. White Hat resto-mod trucker??!