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Looking to buy a 39 Dodge PU - Need comments


Guest BJM

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I recently rejoined the WP Chrysler Club and am casually looking for Mopar projects. I own a 49 New Yorker.

Spotted a rough but interesting 39 Dodge PU on ebays salvage vehicle section. $650 or best offer. Looked "fairly" complete. Looked like the head was off the motor.

I grabbed my only copy of "Vintage Trucks" and was looking for vendors. I saw one company offering beds and bed sides/tailgates, etc so I have the back half covered.

Are there parts vendors for the cab forward stuff like fenders, doors, mirrors, interior ? How about used parts for the flathead 6 and underhood needs? Plentiful, scarce?

I am an original guy but would not consider using later Dodge PU's to support this restoration.

OK Dodge truck experts, what do you say about vendor support?

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Engine parts are easy to get considering the age of the vehicle. Same engine was used from 37 or 38 up to 1959 in cars, even later in trucks. They were still making them in 1972 for industrial and marine apps. Most parts are available from your local NAPA or other parts store. Not only engine but brakes, steering, etc.

Vintage Power Wagons specialises in parts for Dodge 4 wheel drives going back to WW2. They have all the motor parts, plus a lot of other parts that cross over from the Power Wagons.

Fenders, doors, who knows. Probably scarce but not impossible to find if you look and are patient.

Do you think a truck that needs all those things is worth fixing up? Might be better to wait for a good one.

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Do you think a truck that needs all those things is worth fixing up? Might be better to wait for a good one.

I think it's worth it. I don't gauge on whether the truck will have a monetary value, necessarily.

I am considering it because it is in IOWA, where I live. If it was in California? No way. I should post the ebay auction here. It's rough. But trucks are a lot easier to work on then the cars I buy.

2-3 guys can lift the cab off (or my engine hoist), then a person can climb in and around whatever is there needing done.

But my last trucks were a 47 GMC and a 50 GMC and they are supported so much by catalogs and companies you could almost build one from a catalog.

BUT, did not see that in the Dodge camp. All old trucks are neat in my opinion, but my consideration of this Dodge is primarily because of my joining WPC.

I'll keep looking though.

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Guest Richie09

I feel I should contribute to this thread as I am very familiar with the Plymouth model and have looked at a lot of parts, including the Dodge which came down the same assy. line, and you sound like you wouldn't mind this kind of project.

A few months ago Hemmings Motor News did one of its spotlights on parts for these trucks, I will look and tell you which issue. Most any of the mechanicals are easy to find and reasonable, new interiors no problem. The missing hood and nose are always out there, regularly on ebay. A solid windshield frame-not cheap, the '39 nose trim is especially distinctive for the '39-'47 series but you will have to be patient looking for these pieces, same for the bumper, which does not have the hump in it like the '41-'47, its straight, the rivited together lower grill and catwalks are only on '39-'40. Solid fenders in the midwest may not be a big problem, three on that ebay truck look resorable, fiberglass (gads) is available through a few places, just google. Hope this helps and good luck. Richie

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Guest Richie09

The Hemmings issue is July 2011.

No rabbits, or skunks or racoons for that matter. Odd, but lived here 10 years and these critters just not around. There are Fishers, bobcats and bears, (occasional moose) though!

If you do this project, email me and I will keep an eye out for the hard to find stuff, maybe you do the same for me (trim). Rich

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hey guys I'm new at this site but I'm buying a 1939 Dodge truck plus a pile of parts for a 40. I want to build it pretty much original, so I'll probably become a regular on here looking for info. Only paying a couple hundred for everything so I figure I can't go wrong. I can sell some stuff to buy other stuff, what a concept. Brad

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Brad

Please remember to check in from time to time. Some junior members don't come on very often. Keeping involved will help retain interest.

Getting the low initial price probably means your truck needs "everything" but the low cost to me means to dig in and do the best you can and not worry too much about trying to build a perfect show truck.

Find a copy of VINTAGE TRUCK magazine. They have vendors and articles on all older trucks.

I'm passing on my purchase because I have 6 older vehicles already and the one I was looking at is in very bad shape.

Advice: Keep most parts until your truck is restored, then sell the extra stuff. Remember your truck is over 70 years old and even though some parts are plentiful, many are not.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Guest tonkaman

well they perty much said all there is to say as far as answering your questions but i have a ton of parts for that era truck from 1/2 ton to 1 1/2 ton so give me a shout if you need anything other than a bed or big body parts as i dont have that stuff. im always on the look out for more parts to help keep my projects as well as yours going strong. as for the ebay truck, if it feels right and it turns you on then go for it, remember as long as it makes you happy thats all that matters.

if you need any thing heres my email. 1953powerwagon@gmail.com

Mike

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