Re: [A/S] vintage Dodge truck

[jrdorsey <jrdorsey@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian,
Well, yes and no :-) mostly yes.

I've been told that Detroit changed the way they measure horsepower in,
I believe, the mid '70s. The new smog/mileage engines really looked bad
measured the old way. The "new" horsepower would be a little (15 Hp)
higher. Still not a lot. It would pull that 'stream but not accelerate
quickly nor make good speed up mountains, but then again just how fast
do you want to go up a mountain with a trailer? 

That said I need to add a few cautions. I don't know if you've had a
vintage vehicle so here goes.

power steering/brakes. Does it have them? Many older trucks did not.
Still driveable, but can get annoying. my '52 gmc firetruck has PB but
no PS. Moving it's no problem, sitting still it's a bear to turn. PS and
PB can be added at around $300 PS and $200 PB. My '49 has no PB but
stops just fine.

Parts if you break down. It looks like a '59 or '58. Most stuff for
these 1/2 tons is not too hard to find but would have to be ordered. At
least 2-3 days for repairs. it looks like a nice restoration but it's
amazing the little things that can go wrong.

Ride. It's gonna ride like a truck, I mean a REAL truck. Not an suv or
s-10 or even a new 1/2 ton. Not a problem if you don't mind, but be
expecting it. In my old truck groups I see a lot of people that get
these old trucks and then end up butchering, oh excuse me, "modifying"
them by putting Pinto (or Mustang II, it's all the same) suspensions
under them for a soft ride. There are easier things that can be done if
it rides TOO rough. If you get it and can't stand it let me know and
I'll go into detail.

Top speed. That 100 mph speedo is hilarious! That flathead with a 4.1:1
just won't go there. I would bet more like 80 and that would be really
wound out, a comfortable top speed will be around 60-65.

Now none of these are show stoppers, that's a wonderful truck and would
look great pull that 'stream, just KNOW what you're getting into.

By the way I'm intending to use my 6 cylinder '49 with 4.11:1 rear end
to pull my vintage airstream once I find one.