Getting close on the wiring now. I got a better look at the frame while I was running wires, and I dont know if I can use it. The guy who did the front clip swap did a horrible job. I think Im going to have to use the parts truck frame and just shorten it. Im going to get it wired and working first, then Ill start looking at getting the parts truck frame stripped and shortened. There are a few issue with that though. The original frame has a solid front axle, 8 lugs and drum brakes. I might keep the front axle, and steering, but the brakes and 8 lug have to go. I can work on the frame separate from the truck, and make all the changes, then swap it over. None of my problems are new, and there are tons of guys who have already fixed these problems. Ill feel much better with an original frame under the truck, even a shortened one.

 

The 3/4 ton frame should be heavier, thicker, and taller. I'm not an expert on old Dodges but that is usually the case. Are the frame rails straight and parallel? Some trucks have an X-frame and some are drop-bellied. I had a 66 Chevy C10 years ago and it had an X-frame. The 4x4's had ladder frames. Again I don't know about 60's Dodges... Whatever, good luck with the truck. I know it is important to you to get it right.

 

I think the frames are the same, until you get into the 300s and 400s. The 100s, 150s, and 200s shared the same frame. Im no expert either, but it seems to be the same parts everywhere else. Its just 8 lug. The frame rails are parallel, and kinda straight. No X-shape anyway. I plan on shortening the frame for the short bed, then looking into an IFS front clip conversion. It seems pretty straight forward. Thatll give me aftermarket options for suspension and headers, and power steering and disc brakes. Im looking into lowering, and doing a lot of research on the frame work. I want the truck low, but it has to be usable too. I think Ill just do a static drop, and use coil overs. Maybe 4 wheel disc brakes, and I might even look into a 5 speed swap. The parts truck is a 4 speed, but I think its a "bulldog". Ill look at it, and run the numbers. The bell housing and clutch pedal should work either way.

 

I guess hydraulic clutches on Dodge trucks were gone by 67. I know older models; 61-65 maybe, had hydraulically actuated clutches. A place I worked from 78 to 82 had an old military-spec D200 (63 or 64) with a toolbox bed, slant-6 and HD 4-speed. It wasn't too fast but boy could it haul a load. Anyway, we had almost constant trouble with the hydraulic clutch. I learned to drive it without the clutch. Shifting wasn't too bad, but it was hard on the starter.

 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...aN?usp=sharing

Here is a link for pictures of the progress. There is also a short video of the truck running. I got it cranked today. Ive been wiring on it for awhile. I still have quite a bit to go though. There are still a few more things to fix. If there is anything that looks rigged in the pictures, itll get fixed. The previous owner did some very questionable stuff.

 

That is going to be a NICE truck when you are done.

Where did you get the custom face plate for the gauge pod?

 

Thank you. I have a lot of work to do. The faceplate is just .090 2024t3 aluminum plate. I work for an Aviation completion center, so we have plenty of aircraft grade aluminum. It a temporary plate, to just get the gauges in and working. I have a 1/2" plate that Ill have machined to mimick the factory design. Thats further down the road.

 

Looks good.

 

Any thing new dad?

 

I have made some progress. It runs and the lights work. I still need the blinkers and hazards wired, and then the small systems, like wipers, heater, interior lights, etc... We have been working on rearranging the house, and redoing Isaacs room. Plus I am planning to install a pool, and it requires us to move some stuff in the yard and build a retaining wall. On top of that I was just offered a screaming deal on a 67 ford f100 (3 speed manual, 300 6cyl., short bed, all original except the radio) from a friend who inherited it from his grandfather, who was the original owner. I had to take it. The dodge will always be Isaacs truck. I will finish it first, as close as I can to how he wanted it. The ford will be mine, and I can do it how I want.

Its slow, and Im frustrated. I have too many things to do, and Isaac was my helper, so Im doing a lot of the work myself. The guys come monday to do our carpet. After that I can get back to the wiring and get the blinkers and hazards sorted out.