1946 Dodge Pickup

Description

Old pickups are always cool, but this 1946 Dodge shows you that there are choices other than the usual Fords and Chevys. It seems odd to be talking about the #3 truck maker like that, but when was the last time you saw one of these? Even better, it carries a great-running small block, a leather-lined interior, and an appealing old-time look that hasn't lost its working class edge.

There were plenty of Dodge trucks built, but far fewer survive today, making this one stand out at just about any show this side of the Mopar Nationals. The long bed is another unusual feature and it makes this truck look right, showing great proportions, nicely complimented by the subtle lowering job. With a minimum of chrome, the two-tone paint job gives it a classic look that's also unusual, and with a touch of metallic in the dark green fenders and upper cab, it looks sporty without being too modern. All the great details that make old trucks so cool are still there, including cowl lights, running boards, and lots of grille area for improved cooling, but you'll also note that the bumpers have been removed, there's a custom rear roll pan with LED taillights out back, and a custom 1-piece windshield adds smoothness. And who doesn't love those stand-up headlights? There's also a lot of new wood in that long bed, along with stainless rub strips and a beautifully painted tailgate, all too nice to actually work for a living but they're a big part of any old truck's charm.

The interior features tan leather buckets from a late-model, complete with Dodge ram's head logos embroidered on the seat backs. The driver's side is power-actuated, and they flank a gorgeous custom-built wood center console with a storage compartment lid that looks like it came from the same modern vehicle. You'll note that the two-tone treatment continues inside, framing the custom door panels, and goodies like a tilt column and power windows are included. More custom woodwork frames the VDO instruments and glove box lid, giving the truck a very charming old-school vibe. Many of you may recognize that steering wheel as a late-model Chevy piece, which seems appropriate in this Dodge, but we'll talk more about the powertrain in a moment. That big metal housing under the dash is a vintage heater setup, which is perfect for an old pickup like this.

The engine is a tried-and-true Chevy 350, and along with the rest of the running gear, it makes for a very reliable, streetable combination. It's a neat fit in the Dodge's engine bay and service access is good. They took their time on the detailing, painting many of the engine bay components to match the bodywork, then adding some Edelbrock dress-up parts. Edelbrock also supplied the carb and intake, while long-tube headers feed a very trick dual exhaust system that offers very neat packaging. The front clip, TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and 10-bolt rear all came from the same 1980 Camaro, which also includes power steering and front disc brakes, so the driving experience is quite contemporary. The lowered stance looks exactly right, and hunkers the old truck down on those shiny Cragar mags and sporty BFG white-letter radials.

A neat old truck that's been cleverly updated without erasing its charm. If you're a Mopar guy, or a Chevy guy, or even just a truck guy, then there's a lot here to love. Call today!