Thread: 1958 Dodge utility truck

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The old flathead ran great but it had some oil leaks from old dry gaskets. So it’s just going to get a new gasket set along with a new water pump and some paint.

Spent lots of time cleaning and painting parts the last few days; as soon as the gasket set gets here I can put the motor back together. Looked great inside, nothing to replace.

Did you repaint the firewall or just clean it up? It looks great !

I painted it; well go for patina on the outside and a fresh look under the hood.

I was thinking about doing the exact same thing on my 48 Dodge. I'm anxious to see yours all done.

I decided to do a trial fit on the engine to make sure I had the motor mounts in the right location and check that the oil pan would clear the Dakota frame. It dropped right into place but I am going to have to do a little notch on the frame; the oil pan is just touching the back of the front crossmember. But I’m happy; all the measurements looked like they were right. Should have the motor bolted in for good this week and be able to start putting all the stuff back on it.

It looks like it fits pretty well. A little notch isn't so bad. Better than having to dissect it. Haha

That looks too easy, you're almost tempting me to cut my 48 Dodge apart. Almost.

Originally Posted by 53 Chevy5

That looks too easy, you're almost tempting me to cut my 48 Dodge apart. Almost.

Do it! It’s sure a cheap way to upgrade the steering and brakes.

I got the frame notch cut, bolted on the oil pan, and the motor is in to stay barring any unforeseen issues. Once I get everything bolted back on the motor I’ll start cleaning up the suspension and putting it back together.

Looks like it was made to fit!

Got a fair amount done this week. Just about everything is bolted on the engine, trans is in, and one side of the suspension has new a-arm bushings and ball joints. Got a lot of late hours at work this coming week so probably won’t get back on it until next weekend.

More great work Pat! Keep at it!

Thanks, Ryan!

I dont want to hang a power steering pump on this and I also dont want to spend $200 for a new manual R&P, so I'm going to try and convert the power rack to manual. Theres several videos on how to do this; this one is for a different brand of rack but I think the principle should be the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj6clQuEC-8&t=737s

I would be a proponent of keeping the power rack and building a mount for the pump. Easier to steer is better in my opinion.
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I did the same on my 49 business coupe; had a manual steering rack with the big diameter steering wheel and it actually had a nice feel to it. I'll see how it comes out.