Thread: 1958 Dodge utility truck

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Leave it in the weeds.

I do like that look but to get the back that low will mean a C notch, moving the rear end to the top of the springs and cutting out part of the bed floor. I just don’t think I want to go through all that. Plus I’d like to keep it functional as a truck.

3" - that's quite a bit. So much for the frame clipped being a breeze. I'm certain you'll work it all out clean and easy.

It's never easy, that's for sure. I had a late night last night cutting it loose and remeasuring. I dont want to do anything crazy to the rear end other than have the springs de-arched to take it down a few inches. Taking the overload springs out already took it down quite a bit. So Im trying to calculate where the front end needs to be to have it sitting level after the weight of the drive train and front sheet metal are back on. So I think (hope) this is going to be the right place. Ended up with about a 4" offset between the original frame and the Dakota rails so I'll have to build some 1/4" fish plates to bring it together. We shall see once the weight of the engine is on it and I have the frame off the jack stands.

I’m glad I backed up and redid this; it came out much better.I set the motor in to see what it looks like loaded and it’s just about right. The weight of the trans, front sheet metal and radiator should bring it down a little more. Now I just need to add some more braces, clean up and paint the frame and firewall, and start on the drivetrain.

Congrats to you on the job well done. The side view looks great!

Thanks! I got everything boxed and braced today; my old welder got a serious workout. I’m going to break out the power washer tomorrow. I also think I’m going to go ahead and change all the A-arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Might as well start out fresh.

Originally Posted by falconvan

I also think I’m going to go ahead and change all the A-arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Might as well start out fresh.

Yep, now is the time to get those assemblies tuned up and ready.

The magic of POR 15

I don't know how the long term is on that stuff but it sure seems to work good. I know sanding it off is terrible.

It’s pretty tough stuff. You can beat it with a hammer when it’s dry and not chip it.

Looking good. I would have left it in the weeds. That would have helped resale since it will probably have a new owner before Thanksgiving.

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Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

Looking good. I would have left it in the weeds. That would have helped resale since it will probably have a new owner before Thanksgiving.

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Like I tell my wife, "I promise this will be the last project for a while, sweetie."

Originally Posted by falconvan

Like I tell my wife, "I promise this will be the last project for a while, sweetie."

What! You tell lies!




So I'm not alone then.
When it comes to my cars I do too.

But with good intentions