Hey all! My name's Todd and I'm looking to get started with a good rat rod sort of situation (no glossy paint for me, by jove!). I've run across a fairly complete 1940 Dodge 4-door sedan that supposedly at least runs (on some level). Some broken gl*** (probably half and half), needs some body m***aging, paint's not horrible but not great, wheels don't match,etc, but the tires hold air. Interior's in horrid shape, too... Nothing a good truck-stop blanket can't fix for short-term. Does anybody have any experience with these? How hard is this particular sort of vehicle to work on in general (availability of engine parts, mechanicals, etc.) and is this gonna be too expensive of a first cl***ic car project (***uming nothing MAJOR MAJOR has to be done) to take on for a person who doesn't have tons of cash flow (I know this is subjective, based on what's really wrong with it... just wonderng on the parts side of things). Thanks for any opinions (flames not cared for, but I'm new here so I guess I'll have to take them), as this particular car is available for around $2800, and I'm hoping to talk them down some from that even.
There's a site or mailing list for P-15/D-24 enthusiasts that's a good source of older Mopar-specific info and parts. Forget their address. Google will no doubt point you right there, though. They've been a big help with my Dad's '46 Dodge Business Coupe. Between here and there, you'll be up and running Moonshine in no time! $2,800 is more than I'd pay, from the sound of it. Try and convince them that since it needs gl***, interior and bodywork that they're out of their minds asking that for a 4 Door Mopar. Too, Ahem..."Mopar" for the traditionalists, Too "Four-Door" for most of the Mopar guys. If you make 'em think that you're the only person on the planet left that realistically would buy that bodystyle of that car in that shape, then the sooner they'll adopt the mindset of it only being worth what YOU'LL give them for it. That's how Pops got his '46, barn-fresh, complete and rust free for $1,800 down from $3,500 and I got my '66 Dart Wagon for $500 down from $1,500. As far as service parts, Kanter.com will probably be a good bet.
I was under the impression that I should be able to get the price down too... Thanks for the affirmation and tips! MTT
I've got a 40 convertible. It was my first rod. They're fun to work on, but parts aren't real easy to find. 350s drop in pretty nicely. You'll want power brakes, those things are huge. Steering ****s, but they're pretty good cars in general. However, I would suggest that you p***. The parts are pretty high dollar. Buyin high dollar parts for a 4 door doesn't make alot of sense unless your keepin it for life. To start out I would find a car that's more "supported".
I like the late 30's and earily 40 Dodges. I have a 37 Dodge business coupe, I think they call it a D-10?? It will make a great rod. Tazz Rat Rods Rule!
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