My 1941 Dodge Truck Build

[Motorhead]

Yes, it's finally my turn to get a build thread!

I bought a 1941 Dodge truck a few months ago.



I tore it down and only used the cab and title. I also started collecting parts, which include the power train, front axle, brakes, suspension, etc....

I started designing the truck in Solidworks. I came up with something like this:


The exposed parts of the frame are water jetted, and the part on which the cab sits is just regular 2x4 tubing. I sent the CAD filed to the water jetter and began fabricating the 2x4 section of the frame.

[Motorhead]

In the mean while, I picked up another Caddy engine. It's a 1970 Cadillac 500 with the transmission that I picked up for $150. It'll need some refreshing, but it was cheaper than even a core.

The engine made my cherry picker cry:


My other engine in the back ground. It's a 1973 Cadillac 500 that I got in trade for a few hours of aluminum welding.


I also moved the cab around, for fun, LOL.

[Motorhead]

I got the parts from the water jetter a few weeks ago, but it got so hot that I had to do something to improve my working conditions. My house didn't have a garage. It only had a carport, so I decided to buy some lumber and build a garage.

Picked up some lumber:


I bought some 20 footer 2x6's and brought them home like this:




Framed the carport:

[Motorhead]

Added some siding sheets:


Finally brought all my tools in that were in the back yard, lol.


No "hot rod" garage is complete without a reference to The World's Fastest Indian:


I set up my work space and stereo. It is very important to listen to your favorite tunes when you're working on your rod.

[Motorhead]

I rebuilt my front king pins:


Then I cut all the brackets from the rear axle (31 spline Ford 8.8") to get it ready for 4-link:


You can kind of see how the frame will end up looking like:


I cut up some tubing for the "lightening holes":


I also had time to mock up the front frame rails tonight:


That's all I have for now. I think I'll be able to make pretty good progress now that I have a decent work space. My goal is to finish it before the Good Guys Fall Nationals, which is a week before Thanksgiving. I hope I can make it!

[onetondodge]

Sweet build, I do love job rated dodges. Keep us posted and Good Luck!

[roddguy1]

Very nice, I'm loving your frame design. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[CR55]

I like the frame design, good idea! Garage looks good also....CR

[Pookie Bros]

I'll be standing by with the

[jfg455]

Can't wait till we can see th frame mocked up. Looks good just the way it is! Never seen a garage in the "builds" section either!