34 dodge pickup

[Langan]

Planning on buying my first Dodge. Any thing to look for in the pickups that I may want to stay away from. Truck is said to be complete and may even run, but they all ran once.

[Langan]

OK how about if it need a engine? Any ideas where to get one? Or better of rebuilding?..........Thanks Jim

[pjjm2701]

I think I know the one your talking about.... Watch your pocketbook...

[pjjm2701]

O' and yea "it might even run" sure, about bout 3k in the engine... If its the one west of the Miss. guy doesn't own it are any he has... Just sells em...

[36dodgepickup]

In regards to the body, I would advise taking a 1 or 2 inch magnet covered with felt with you to test for areas on the body that contain bondo or fiberglass. Magnets won't stick to bondo or fiberglass. Most old cars and trucks have bondo or fiberglass, but how much may be a concern. Also, the cab corners in these old trucks are a killer. Check for rust. The cab floor of the old trucks were wood in most models, yours included, so that's not a problem. However, what might be a problem is the area the truck is in. If the truck is in the South, many southern states have lots of moisture or humidity, might not be good for the metal - rust.

The engines in the dodge pickups were all very simple. 6 cylinder flat head. So just check the oil. Drive it and see how she handles. Every truck has a story, so don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. This site and hemmings auto news magazine are excellent sources for parts, service, etc.

[elmo39]

the magnet trick is an old one but does not always work even with an original body , the magnet will also not stick to lead and there was a lot used in the bodys back then , also you can buy bondo with metal filings in it , that defeats the use of a magnet , but it is worth trying

[nearchoclatetown]

The original question was asked about 1 1/2 years ago.