Hey all, I recently aquired a 37 Dodge P/U and am in the planning phase of the project. I'm not sure yet what theme to build it in, I want to raise the front end and build it g***er style, or keep it low and do a traditional early 50's/60's rod. I have a FORD 302 and C4 ready to go in the garage, but am wondering if that motor just wouldn't look right in there with the g***er theme since it didn't come around till the early-mid 60's. I would dress it up in vintage tunnel ram, 2x4s etc. I am trying to do this on a small budget(hahaha), but want it to be cool too. Would a SBC be better for it? I know an early hemi would be the ultimate, but don't have on lying around and they are not cheap. Any advice/comments are appreciated.
An SBC isn't going to do **** for that truck, it'll be just like every other car ever built. Ford started using the 260/289 in '64 (I believe) and that's when drag racing and "g***ers" were at their peak. G***ers aren't really a 50's thing. So dressed appropriately, your 302 will look just fine, and why not use what you got?
If you take the Cobra approach and install the 302 with some form of multi carb intake and Cobra valve covers, you'll be in good shape. Check out Doug Nash's Bronco from the mid sixties. Gl*** flip top, tube ch***is. If you go mopar, there was very little of the small mopar at the strip in the sixties. As another thought, you can always have the hood closed all the time and just have the rest period correct.
I'd vote for a Mopar Small, or big block, but since ya got the Ford, why shop for a Chevy just to be like EVERYBODY ELSE? LOVE those artillery wheels - they look kinda like MOPAR "ralley" rims!!! I would keep the trad look! the COBRA valve covers and etc. that someone suggested would give it the "WTF???" factor that I love when ya open the hood. Here's a couple of ideas. Keep us posted!!!
I think you answered your own question if your on a limited budget use what you got. When it is done if you are not satisfied save up for that hemi but enjoy driving it in the mean time.
use what you have. Dual carbs, and whatever else turns you on. New pins in the door hinges, oil the latches, and go!
I have a couple good donors for your truck.. Pm me if interested.. Desoto 276 hemi with adapter for 727 and the 727 trans....$1100.00 or 318 and 727 complete runner..Just pulled out of a scamp..$450.00 I have 1938 PLYMOUTH truck with the straight six.... I was gonna swap the 318 in but I ended up getting my straight 6 going. I plan to just put it around as a parts hauler now.. Maybe big mill swap later.. The 318 fits well in the engine bay...I am in Cali but there are always people heading your way.. EVILT
Late (1967-up) LA 273 or 318 Mopar engine backed by a Dakota five speed manual ****** hooked to a Chrysler 8.75" rear axle. Dress the motor any way you like, you CAN NOT make a 'mistake' with small block Chryslers...built "wrong" they still run great and you just can't kill 'em!
The 302 for sure, TRJ did an article on a dressed up one a few issues ago, would look perfect in a g***er OR sixties style cruiser. The cool thing is all the stuff you need to make it look traditional can be bought new. Their hearty little motors too, my 289 2-barrel with C4 moves like a son-of-a-*****.
Hi, Its your truck...make it suit you. The SBF if it is on hand may well be the cheap way to get the truck on the road. The SBF motors were out in '62 Fairlanes (221 ci). The "Poly" 318 motors look cool in old trucks too. Bill
What do you want to put in it. There were probably more than one g***er around with an SBF. You got one ready to go, it looks like a no brainer to me. Just don't garbage the little mjill up, keep it clean and simple.
last week there was a 50,**x mile 413/727 on ebay with a starting price of $350 that didn't even get a bid. came from a motor home and was in michigan. there's nothing wrong with runnin' whatcha got (that's what we do: make the best we can with what we have), but for $350 you coulda had a perfect combo for your truck. here's the ebay link; maybe it will still work. you might get in touch with the seller to see if you can work a deal.
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