There's a cheap old D100 for sale here locally that is actually pretty clean that I'm looking at but before I buy it I'd like to figure out some parts sources and google isn't really coming up with a whole lot. Is there any resource like an LMC truck is for Ford's for these older Dodge trucks or is it as miserable as it seems trying to track down parts? Thanks in advance!
It depends on what you're looking for. There really isn't a "one stop shop" kind of place for the old Dodge's. Some stuff is pretty easy to find, like if you have a step side bed the parts for the '58 are pretty much identical to the parts for an '84 (when they discontinued the step side). The rear fenders, for example, are identical from '53 all the way to '84. Other stuff is not so easy to find, like patch panels for the cabs, fenders etc. They just aren't made, you'll have to find a donor or make your own. Mechanical parts are pretty easy to find, since you probably have a flathead 230 or a poly/hemi, which were pretty widely used for a long time. Here are a few places that have parts- Mostly geared to power wagons, but there's a lot of overlap, lots of good parts, lots of mechanical/engine parts http://www.vintagepowerwagons.com/ For bed parts, tailgates, fenders, wood etc... http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com/ http://www.mar-k.com/ Mostly geared to older cars, but a decent amount of truck parts http://www.oldmoparts.com/Default.htm http://www.robertsmotorparts.com/index.html For brake upgrades you can check at Rusty Hope or Scarebird, both are members here. For 218/230 L6 flathead parts you can check at Egge, Stovebolt, Edgy, or even at RockAuto and Napa for some stuff. If you're lucky enough to get a poly or hemi, you can check with 73RR, a member on here for parts and adaptors. The old Dodge trucks are developing more of a following recently, but unlike the Ford's and Chevy's there still isn't a ton of aftermarket support. The biggest hole in support though is body parts. Most of the mechanical parts- drivetrain related parts etc, can be found because they were common to cars, industrial and marine engines for a lot of years. If the truck is in good shape, it'd be well worth picking up!
I didn't check your links but I just bought a Town Wagon. Thankfully it's mostly complete and not a lot of rust. But it would be nice to have a source for rubber parts and such.
Thanks a ton moparmonkey! I think I'm going to go ahead and pull the trigger on this thing, it's $900 and I'll be driving it home so worst case scenario I should be able to get my money back out of it. It's got the 230 flat head and was originally a 3 on the tree but has at some point been converted over to a NP 4 spd. Luckily the thing has basically zero rust and is surprisingly straight. Bad thing is that it's got a flatbed but I think I can make it presentable with minimal effort. I'll probably swing by and buy the thing tomorrow.
Best bet for rubber parts is probably directly from Steele Rubber http://www.steelerubber.com/ Although Vintage power wagons and Roberts both carry rubber parts also. $900? That's pretty good if you can drive it home! The 230 flat head is pretty easy to find parts for, since it came in everything and didn't change much. The 230 started production in '42 and ran until 1960. I think they moved a water jacket in '50, so the head gasket changed, but that was it. There's actually a decent amount of speed equipment for them too, although, its a relative term. HP numbers aren't all the impressive, but they're torque monsters. And the bed is probably the easiest thing to remedy. Reproduction beds are available, and as I mentioned before you can pull the bed off an '84 Dodge stepside and use it, they really didn't change much from '53 on. So in addition to the repro parts you might even get lucky and find something at the local wrecker.
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