Thread: 1953 Dodge Pilothouse

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Wait, what? isn't it still winter where you're at?

Well I'm back on the Rusty for a bit. I got it back in the shop after nature did some repainting on it while it set outside this summer, its matching pretty well. I've started getting some windows put back in it, I don't enjoy that job. I've also started getting the door windows and hardware put back in and painting a few things. I'm always surprised how well things go back together after the parts have been sitting in a pile for 6 months. I'm going to try to get the interior back together and just get it drivable because we are putting a new garage up and that is going to take up quite a bit of spare time after work.

Looks like you figured out how to get the quarter windows in.

YAY, Mater is back to life.

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Looks like you figured out how to get the quarter windows in.

Yes, they go in from the inside, not the outside, it's backwards from what I'm used to.

I was wondering what the black things in the pictures above were, they mount the windows?

Originally Posted by 34_40

I was wondering what the black things in the pictures above were, they mount the windows?

Yes, the one is the vent window frame and the other is the window glass and gasket.

I thought I'd give you an update on Rusty. I thought there was not chance of getting it back on the road this summer, but I started dinking with it and it pretty much fell together. I got the grill straightened out, swapped out the gross Dakota steering column for an better looking S-10 column. Dolphin gauges installed, an under dash AC/Heater threw on some kind of fits Dakota carpet and some Z-28 floor mats and were rollin I've been addressing little things that need to be done but so far I've put 750 miles on it as a daily driver and all is good. It's pretty much a work truck at this point.

I like it!! Congrats on getting it rolling!

Originally Posted by rspears

I like it!! Congrats on getting it rolling!

Thanks Roger, it's really fun to drive everyday and I sure do get a lot of thumbs up! A few minutes ago I got in Rita to move it into the shop to get it ready for summer. I gotta say, Dodge was right by naming it a Pilothouse cab, sitting in Chevy is like sitting in a pickup with a chopped top compared to the same year Dodge. The visibility in the Dodge is incredible!

Darn Seth, I’d almost forgotten about this project. I love it. Great to see it’s moving under its own power. Ok now the questions

What are your plans for paint and body? I think it looks good just the way it sits. Just an observation, when I did the 87 Ram 50 and the 37 Dodge I did almost nothing paint and body wise. I ended up loving the fact that any time I took either one of them out I didn’t feel like I needed to run them thru the car wash or at least dust them off. Don’t get me wrong I loved driving my “nice” cars like the 57 or the 83 El Camino when I took them out…..just hated to be seen in them if they were dirty/dusty.

“…..an under dash AC/Heater…..”

Now that it’s in how do you like the AC/Heater? Does it have provisions for defroster vents. I’ve been looking at options for the Valiant project as both a decent heater and AC are pretty mandatory out here. That unit looks like it might fit the bill provided it actually works well. Also who makes it and where did you pick it up at?

Ya done/are doing good.

By the way, I really like the way your work shed looks from the outside. I remember when you were adding on to it. Looks right at home there.


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The truck looks cool! I like the stance. There is certainly something to be said for a vehicle that you don't have to baby.

Originally Posted by Mike P

Darn Seth, I’d almost forgotten about this project. I love it. Great to see it’s moving under its own power. Ok now the questions




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The body is staying as it is, I have one shiny one, that's enough. Like you said, it's great not having to worry about paint or being dirty, I love flying around with it not worrying about it. I have the interior painted and I will make it nicer down the road, but it's good for now except for it may need a radio soon.

The HVAC is a Ebay/Amazon special for $85. They are pretty much all the same with a few different faces on them, except for Vintage Air or other higher quality units. The heat is working good. I have not hooked up the A/C yet but the reviews say people are happy with the A/C as well. I was going bite the bullet and get a Compac unit from V/A for $500 but I found out that with the added defrost option it came to $600, screw that! I haven't decided what to do with defrost yet, just try a fan hooked to the defrost vent or if needed I will put a dedicated defrost unit in it, ebay ones are $50 or a quality brand is $150. I am putting cable operated heater control valve on it this week. Right now it is only control with the fan.

Very nice work Seth! The patina/rust turned out really well. That sort of makes me want to sand some rough panels and let them age to do the same thing.