Ray Pulliam 1947 Dodge Coupe

[Ray Pulliam]

I have complete 1947 Dodge Coupe , clear title, have document that is was rented to use in movie,abt. 1985.

Previous owner was going to repaint it,but since passed away.

Will post pictures

 

Question I have is to restore original or upgrade drive train

Ray Pulliam 

Sreagle2004@yahoo.com 

[TAKerry]

Welcome to the forum Ray. Only you can answer that question. What are your long term plans for the car? Is it something you want to show, cruise ins and ice cream runs on weekends or race or Fix it and sell? 

If you want to get into the world of showing specifically AACA since after all this is where you are😬then by all means it should be restored to original with as close to original drive train as possible. If you want a weekend cruiser, restored to original with a modified engine wont hurt a bit. If you have a sbc laying around then by all means do so. If you are planning on fixing and selling, sell it as is now. You will never recoup you build cost with a sale price.

 

In the long run it will most likely be easier to put a period correct drive train in as was originally engineered. Once you start doing upgrades to suspension, and drivetrain it becomes a rolling snowball. Another thought is that if and when you should ever decide to sell I think an original type car is more saleable than a 'hot rod' done to the owners specific tastes.

[Rusty_OToole]

Restore original, definitely. This is one of the most rugged, trouble free cars of the times. Engine very easy to rebuild and get parts for. Vintage Power Wagons in Iowa has all kinds of parts including brand new pistons for $75 a set of 6, how good do you want it? Dodge Power Wagon used the same engine until the sixties.

 

You should get a factory repair manual and go by that, it will save you a lot of grief and head scratching.

 

Chances are there is little or nothing wrong with the original power train. I could probably have it running in a few hours.

[Walt G]

Perhaps you would get more response if you reworded you topic title - eliminate your name and reworded to state what you are seeking? "Advice wanted on how to go about working on my 1947 Dodge" Be a bit clearer in your question.

[28 Chrysler]

There is no need to over power the brakes and suspension.

I would first fix the floor, do the body work, simple paint job and a interior.

I am betting the drive train is good and the breaks are good unless it has been sitting for years.

[TTR]

Or could this be just another for sale/marketing advertisement disguised as a alleged/proposed question and every reply will help to keep it on the top of the topic list ?

Why else would the mention of “clear title” or direct email be necessary ?

 

[alsancle]

"Should I upgrade the drivetrain?"

 

No.

[The 55er]

I would keep the original drivetrain but if it were my car I would try to remove all those previous layers of paint and bodywork. It's time for a fresh start with some bare metal.