38rcdodge

So it turns out the bulb holder was spliced onto the original wire, but still fabric so must have been done long ago. I think its safe to say they never came with an indicator on the dash from the factory... I wonder if they ran out of the Dodge emblems late in production? or maybe cost cutting.

Nice. 👍 that's interesting. so there were at least 3 different door window crank handles. and the changes didn't all happen at once. that confirms the red knob indicator is correct. I wonder now if the indicator light was added to the dash by a previous owner in mine, but the wire and bulb holder is part of the original wiring harness. or at least I think so. I replaced the wiring over 20 years ago, but still have it. will need to dig it out and check.

Nicely done. I'm still thinking the splash aprons are metal. note how there appears to be a rather sharp bend right under the fasteners behind the cab.the mounting is likely vertical, and the apron is likely angled out. I don't think it would be that way with fabric.

Yeah its hard to say if the blue lettering is original/correct . the restorer could have done a little customizing there. the grooves look the same as the gauges, but the lettering looks darker and not metallic? It could just be the lighting. But I think there was some flexibility in painting from the factory. everyone says the engines were always silver for instance, yet mine definitely had the engine block/bell housing a dark green. in fact this ad shows the engine being darker. I did find silver on the head and thermostat housing.

I was thinking the same thing, that some stress caused it or even an accident at some point. and it is likely metal. the front and rear section looks too smooth and flat to be fabric. But yes a fine truck and pictures either way.

Looking at it what makes me think it could be fabric are those wrinkles in it.(or is that also a reflection?) it looks really wavy. otherwise it does look too reflective. and the pin striping could either be that or some kind of edge around fabric. a hard one to solve.

Yeah I same here. On the other hand if I was a millionaire maybe. there was this one too, that sold. better but still way up there. it looks correct. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-DESOTO-1938-PLYMOUTH-DODGE-DESOTO-HEADLIGHT-KNOB-w-RED-JEWEL-/274254175034?hash=item3fdad29b3a%3Ag%3ADeYAAOSwzvhd9B65&nma=true&si=%2FamHSkf%2Blv9%2FHpBhyvsrXY07RPw%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 I'm actually wondering if the trucks even had the red indicator. maybe they put a car knob in the commercial sedan only. it would be interesting to see an NOS 580582 knob. another thing I've never seen is the chrome trim around the knob holder, or grouping plate I think they call it. I don't see it in the parts book. assuming its original.

I checked and there is one NOS on Ebay, with the red jewel, but for cars. and not inexpensive. not sure if they are the same. the part number for trucks is 580582 according to my book. I don't think truck knobs have the crinkled look?. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-1938-Plymouth-Dodge-DeSoto-Chrysler-HEADLAMP-KNOB-With-Red-Jewel/143022234543?epid=2298345181&hash=item214cca1baf:g:D2UAAOSwhzhb9V2e

That would make sense, I have not seen one with red in it, But have not seen many. that knob is likely original going by the nickle being worn off. maybe keep an eye on Ebay. you might get lucky. If I see one I'll let you know. I did notice the Alberta licence plates, but then the Vin tag says Detroit. I think if the truck was Canadian it would be a Fargo? I'm betting it was imported.

Yeah they did a top notch job on it. but yes the turn signals are definitely not factory. the heater could have been dealer installed. but also likely not from the factory. Interesting about the headlight knob. I would have thought all that have the indicator in the knob would be red. on mine its on the dash, so clear is correct. Another thing they changed at some point. Mine also has the oval tag above the vin tag. I think it usually is that way on 37-38's. not having LR is strange.

The sedan likely means commercial sedan. similar to a panel truck.

As far as different parts during 38 production the internal and external door handles on the late '38's are different from early. They also have diamond plate running boards more like 39-47. Also the T-handle windshield crank like the later trucks. and they did away with the DODGE emblem on the dash, and put a high beam light there. those are the differences I'm aware of, there could be more.

Ahh That's nice having a lift. And you have an extra input shaft, for aligning the clutch when reinstalling. so you don't have to disassemble your trans in order to reinstall. like some people. That makes sense about the arms. . I just know they all have to be adjusted evenly. I only thought its a possibility because in the shop manual they show adjusting them with feeler gauges. Good luck on the fun. it will be interesting to see what you discover.

Sounds like fun. its not the most difficult job. I'll take a guess its the wrong pressure plate. I think you can see the number on it through the inspection hole in the bell housing, without removing it, but would need to take out the lower toe board. I wonder if it would be possible to adjust the pressure plate arms out a little further than specified to make up for wear. I'm tempted to experiment with it next time I have mine out. I do have a little bit of clutch chatter, so will need to at some point.

Yes I forgot about the clutch shaft bushing. that could also cause it. I also had a problem with wear in the bell housing where the clutch shaft rides on the right side. And had to make a bushing. I don't think it ever had one there. I remember you showed a pic of the wear on the throw out bearing sleeve in an earlier post, it didn't look to bad. mine has significantly more wear. According to this a 919 pressure plate is correct, and 905 920 or 948 will work.