Need help - 1918 Dodge

[Peter Gariepy]

Hello Dodge Fanatics,

For those that don't know me, i'm the webmaster for this forum. (10 years running).

I don't ask for much <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> but... I need some help. Can anyone tell me about the 1918 Dodge pictured?

Here is how the owner describes it:

"1918 DODGE, DEPOT HACK, 1918 or 1919 dodge depot hack pick up truck, original, 99per complete 100 perc original, restorable condition, filament in the light bulbs, to the needles in the gages, to the grease zert, priming petcocks, rust, but lttle cancer, fold down buckboard type seats, must see to appreciate"

They are asking 7500. (seems way high?)

What would a depot hack look like in this era?

Any and all feedback would be welcome!

Would should i look for on this? any weak points, etc?

Thanks,

Peter

[Peter Gariepy]

Found this on Google Images.

Looks darn close... wouldnt you say?

[Peter Gariepy]

Even more from Google images. 1921 Dodge.

[Peter Gariepy]

[carbdoc]

Peter,

In Don Bunn's "Illustrateed Dodge Pickup Buyer's Guide", I found an apparently vintage photo which looks just like those trucks pictured on this thread. The caption reads, "In 1920 Dodge Brothers screenside was in its third year of production. Its appearance was unchanged from 1918. This truck has a payload capacity of 1,000 lb., hence the half-ton rating." Not much exists in the actual text which is relevant.

A depot hack typically had an all-wood passenger body, not a steel pickup bed, and to my knowledge Dodge Brothers never built one (though I bet some body builder did). Rest assured that a screenside is every bit as desirable as a depot hack.

Your last post seems to suggest that you bought this project. Good luck; I am sure that the result will be rewarding.

Jeff Dreibus

[Peter Gariepy]

Nope... didnt buy it... just another photo.

Keep that data rolling in. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Peter

[Bob Scafani]

Hello Peter,

The photos you have found are actually what the truck should look like. As you can see this was a business car. The weak points are the missing top and the wood felloe wheels. I just sold two trucks in this condition for less than $2000 fo both. I have attached a photo of the version remaining when the top and screens have been removed.

[Peter Gariepy]

Bob,

No photo was attached. Can you repost?

Thanks,

Peter

[Jan Arnett]

Peter: When you say weak points do you mean the one you are looking at or this year truck in general. If you are tlaking about the screenside picture I think the biggest weak point is the lack of the "C" cab portion that holds up the top. They are imposible to find. The next item is the top and the third item is the wheels which can be found. The running board is wood covered in linolumn. The only weak point I have found with a screenside is the two wheel brakes are a little lacking but much better then a model T. At the price he is asking it will be avaliable for a long time. If you want pictures of a barn fresh screenside drop me a line.

Have a nice day.

[dwollam]

Jan, I have a pair of "C" sides for a '23 Screenside. Are you needing some? What I have not found is the "screens". I know one should be able to find the screen material somewhere and build the screens but I haven't found a source yet. Any ideas guys?

Dave

P.S. Oh yeah, I still need a left rear fender for my '22 screenside and some 20 & 21 inch disk wheels for my other cars.

[dwollam]

Here are before and after pics of my '22 DB

[dwollam]

Here is the after pic.

[Jan Arnett]

Thanks for the offer but I found my C portions in a coal mine. The issue of screens is definitely a problem. The mesh was used my security companies and firms that made elevators but I have not found a current source. If you watch law and order the sets that have security wire use the same material as our screeen sides. I found some in Italy two weeks ago but the shipping was a killer. When i find some I let you know my source. Nice restoration. Sorry I bid against you on ebay for a license topper. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

[dwollam]

Dave Johnson said the storage cage they had at the Bend Oregon high school he taught at was made out of that kinda of screen.

As far as bidding, I feel once a guy shows his face and bids, all is fair but it is disapointing to me to be sniped by a Dodge Brother at the last seconds that has not bid on the item previously. Who ever is willing to pay the most should get it but lets all bid against each other openly. I have had great bidding wars with people and won and had the other bidder email me and say I was too fast for him but it sure was fun! So that's my challenge to ALL Dodge Bros out there, to bid openly and may the best man win. Kinda off the original subject huh? so I'll shut up! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dave (dwollam)

Here is a pic of my top nearly completion

[dwollam]

Well, here is a pic anyway!

[Peter Gariepy]

Dwollam,

Great before and after photos!

The wood roof isnt a huge challenge for me to make, just need drawings to do it right.

As to the car in question... a "depot hack" typically implies something that hauls lots of people, from all the photos i've found i dont see multiple seats... am i missing something?

Mechanically what am i getting into here? what will be my biggest challenge?

BTW: I'm plenty familiar with post war cars, mostly chrysler products. If i buy this beast it will be my first pre-war car and by far my biggest challenge.

Thanks for everyones pointers here!

Peter

[Peter Gariepy]

BTW... i re-read this tread and skipped over the comment about this being a pickup and not a depot hack.

I'd prefer the Depot Hack, would i committ a mortal car sin my making this into one? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Peter

[Jan Arnett]

Peter:

Dodge did not make a Depot Hack in the early years. Most of them were made by cantrell. You can put seats in a screenside if you want but they were intended for the business trade (hardware, grocers and ect.)

[Jan Arnett]

Dave: Nice wood work. My sons says he is only a buck over you if you want the license plate topper. He was buying it while i was in Italy.

[Peter Gariepy]

did cantrell make a depot hack on this chassis? where could i find one to take measurements?

[dwollam]

Peter, why not get a touring car or parts thereof and build a Cantrell type Suburban. Here is a pic of an old ad. This one is a 27 but I will find some earlier ones and post as well.

Dave

[dwollam]

Here is another, may be 24-27. You would also need the taller screenside type windshield and posts.

[dwollam]

Here is a link at this site that is interesting. http://local.aaca.org/siraaca/older_html/justreminisin.htm

[nearchoclatetown]

Dave, these cars seem to have wooden bodies. My neighbor has a '29 DB Depot Hack/Suburban with a metal body that the seats run long ways instead of across. Do you know if Cantrell or Martin built any like that? Martin is only about 30 miles from where this truck came from. Thanks

[dwollam]

I am not familiar with Martin nor anything much past '27 models. There is also Babcock, they look like they had more metal in the bodies, a little more upscale than Cantrell and not as traditional looking.

[nearchoclatetown]

My understanding is Babcock quit making them in '28. The body looks similar except no rear doors, entry is from back of truck. And the windshield frame and post is wood. It had been used to haul tourists at the Stroudsburg Railroad for years. It also has a Plymouth 4 cylinder, they wouldn't have had to put the plaque on the dash about not exeeding 25 M.P.H.

[Jan Arnett]

Martin made sight seeing buses out of Dodges for use in places like yellow stone park. They are real nice if you can find them. I haven't seen on in years.

[Guest 18DodgeBrothers]

Peter,

There is a 1919 DB depot hack here in the Cambridge, Ohio area. It was just sold and is still in the area. The previous owner sent a picture to JBed. and it was published on page 9 of the June-July 2005 Dodge Brothers Club Newsletter. I have attached a picture of it after the previous owner had it painted (which may not have been a good idea). It is a Cantrell body on 1919 DB chassis.

Also, the wood felloe wheels would not be impossible. We had our 1918 DB touring wheels completely remade of hickory by an Amish shop about 40 miles from here. Show class job and a very reasonable price too.

Les

[Peter Gariepy]

Here are some more photos.

Can anyone confirm the year of manufacturer?

Comments and feedback on this car is greatly appreciated!

Peter

[Peter Gariepy]

BTW... its been sitting outside for most for most of the past 30 years.

The wood spokes, although sun checked appear very solid.

The metal support at the front end of the pickup bed is rotted, but in general the rest of the metal is surprising intact.

All the wood is obviously gone.

The screen sides and top are nowhere to be found.

The engine turns freely and has compression(amazing!).

The only obvious missing accessory is the Horn. Anything else i overlooked?

Peter

[Peter Gariepy]

AINT SHE A BEAUT!? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Bob Scafani]

Hello Peter,

Don't hate the messenger, but here goes. The truck is a 1920-21 model. The wheels are the first series kelsey 25" used only during that period. The spring cover on the forward part of the rear fender is a transition from the 1919 models to 1920. The doors are wrong for the truck. The doors are 1920-21 touring doors. The truck doors for this year had removeable tops. The engine and transmission is from a 1924. I have a 1922-23 truck posted on the forum. I have attached a photo here as well.

[Jan Arnett]

Bob:

Good set of eyes.

Jan

[jonengle]

looks like it needs a set of boards and your on your way!lol <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[dwollam]

I'm curious how they got the later strap hinge doors to even mount on the earlier style hinge pocket in the cowl. Is that a 20-22 touring car cowl spliced to a screenside leanback? I tried at first to put 20-22 touring doors on my screenside and not only did the hinges not line up they are too wide to go in the hinge pocket.

Also noticed that is not a sreenside dash, as it does not have enough cutout for the steering column.

Dave

[dwollam]

Also if I'm not mistaken, isn't the windshield leaning back, unlike the screenside which is straight up and down?

Dave

[gboy]

I am posting pictures of an original 1918 Dodge Brothers screenside found in Nebraska. All wood is original with original varnish finish.I found 12 signatures of the builders signed on the roof slat which would have covered with canvas I intend to keep as original as possible with just new paint. What do you guys think?

[Peter Gariepy]

Gboy,

can you post the photo again? Doesnt appear to be working.

Thanks!

Peter

[Peter Gariepy]

Bob Scafani,

Any chance we can chat on the phone?

Peter

520-991-7940 or email me your number. petergar@yahoo.com

[gboy]

More 1918 DB screen side pictures