Maybe this will jump start your thread. In Tex Smith's Mopar Hot Rod book they subframed a '53 using an '80 Mirada as a donor along w/ engine. ****** ect. Hope this helps!
There was a post earlier about the IH trucks and these have similar lines to some of them. May check that out. If it was me - g***er style with a 440 and raised front would be cool - or mild custom - subframe - small block mopar - OD ****** - narrow whites on radirs or moonshine tanker with false bed - black walls with black wheels -
I like these trucks. Kind of the ugly duckling of the era...which makes it all that much cooler when you build one and it rules. The big change that'll make it RULE is sectioning three inches out of that thick the middle. I'd skip the subframe and work w/ what you have...but that's just me. Not too familiar w/ the mechanicals. Is is a straight axle set up? If so, have El Polacko or ***us drop your axle for you. Have new springs made for the front for additional drop. Out back (again, not too familiar) have new springs made and move them under the axle (if they're not already). Other than that, make it mechanically sound, put it in a nice coat of primer, throw some wide whites on steelies w/ nice center caps, have the doors lettered shop truck stylee, toss a Mexi. blanky on the seat, and enjoy it.
Thats pretty much what i'm doing with my 59 d 100 sweptside. splitexhaust manifold,working on a duel intake, lowered the front by taking out 2 leafs. push bumper up front. trying to find dog dishes for the steel wheels. painted my grandfathers wrecking yard logo he had in the 50's and 60's on the doors. that little flathead six runs great. It's not a real popular truck but sure is fun to drive and play with. parts are still out there , you just have to do a little looking around. definately build it up i think their pretty cool for what ever thats worth. gregg
You could do it like this one. Or you could save yourself a bunch of work and just buy this one. It is listed in the cl***ifieds, mine is a 54 Dodge. Gene
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