Dodge Project Truck Turns into Touching Family Tribute
Dodge Forum member who originally bought the classic D100 pickup to build with his son will now be memorialized by it.
Despite facing daunting odds, the auto hobby is as strong as it’s ever been. And we have no one else but our rabid enthusiasts to thank. Much like most of us were gifted our love of cars and trucks from our parents, we’re also passing down our beloved hobby to our own kids. And that’s exactly what Dodge Forum member drummerdad decided to do a couple of years ago with his own son. But instead of starting him out with a newer ride, he scored a killer 1967 Dodge D100 pickup as a project truck.
“My wife and I recently bought my son his first vehicle, a 1967 Dodge D100. He has always liked older trucks, and this one is kinda nice. It’s a Sweptline with the little back window. The previous owner changed the front suspension clip to an ’85. By looking at it, he either welded in the front suspension or changed the front half of the frame and installed a 318 and automatic transmission. He also installed a ’71 grill, newish seats, and lowered the truck.
The good news is that it’s started every time we turn the key. We bought the truck to work on a little, and had no illusions of it being a show truck. We plan to fix a couple of things, make it a nice driver, then leave it alone. Aside from a few little issues, it appears to be quite dependable.”
A nice start for an enthusiastic new driver, we’d say. But this old Dodge did come with a few unsavory characteristics. Namely some gaudy Ford Ranger wheels and a suspect lowering job. But it’s obviously nothing the OP was afraid to tackle.
“We have since given his truck a major tune up, and had the radiator repaired. Next up is a rewire, front to back, and some better and safer lighting. I’m scared someone will rear end my son if we don’t upgrade the tail lights. Everything else appears to be working OK. His wheels are the old wheels from my Charger.”
Sadly, it wasn’t long after this that tragedy struck when the OP’s son passed away unexpectedly. And suddenly, this old Dodge truck carried an entirely new significance.
“I normally avoid posting personal issues online and I’m not posting for sympathy. Just wanted to express how important this truck is to me now. I had hoped to build it with him. He asked me to finish it for him, and I plan to do so.”
Soon, the OP located a suitable parts truck, which really helped jump start this project. It provided the correct front end and interior parts needed for his build. And he didn’t waste any time getting to work.
The OP continued to chip away at the interior and front end swaps, along with wiring. But before long, he discovered that the front clip swap was done poorly. So he’s using a combination of the donor truck’s parts and an aftermarket IFS to fix it. In the meantime, you can be we’ll be following along as this touching tribute of a Dodge truck comes along. And you can do the same by heading over here!
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