ROJO

2012-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was thinking...

2011-06-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

...last year when I experienced the carburetor float issue it took me a few weeks to locate and have delivered a used float. Rojo was out of commission for this time. In my mind it was peak operating time for her (e.g. Early Spring driving weather, Kid's baseball games, trips to Dairy Queen). In order to avoid future downtime I decided to look for a replacement carburetor in the event something similar happened again. A simple search on ebay motors helped me locate a seemingly perfect replacement carb for the same price I paid for the float one year prior - $40!

A Carter Ball & Ball E7T2

Could It Be The Carburetor Again?

2011-06-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

While driving my truck for the first time this season, I experienced something eerily familiar when she stalled on me one Friday afternoon on my way to pick up my 2 sons from school. Almost exactly 1 year prior, the engine would on occasion get flooded by what I later determined to be a faulty carburetor float. But how could this be happening again, the carb was rebuilt with a new kit and carb float? I had my trusty Ecuadorian mechanic, Byron, make a house call to help diagnose the problem.

Removing the top of the carb revealed that some particulate was still finding it's way from the gas tank. Last year we talked about installing an inline, transparent gas filter near the gas tank and now was the time to do it.

Update: It looks like the inline gas filter has solved the problem. Rojo has been running like a watch the last several weeks. It will be interesting to monitor how long it takes the filter to become visibly dirty. All it takes is a quick peek under the driver's side of the undercarriage.

Now that's a Party

2010-07-28T08:54:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my wife and I threw each other a combined 40th birthday party at our house for 70 guests. The real show-stopper of the night was incredibly delicious brickoven pizza of 20+ varieties prepared, cooked and served out of a 1946 International Harvester. The company apparently has 3 of these type trucks and business is so good that they do not advertise and are booked solid throughout the Spring, Summer and early Fall.

Big Green Truck Pizza

My Garage Sign

2010-07-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have long had an affinity for old signs and have envisioned a garage full of them on display. Recently I had the idea of creating a personalized one of my own. With the use of photoshop and an internet printing company, this will soon become a reality. How do you like the design?

Tribute to My Nephew

2010-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

In this year's 2010 NFL Draft my nephew, a very big kid from a small school, was taken in the fifth round by a team that was very impressed with his quarterback skills. Can you guess the team?

Carburetor Rebuild

2010-07-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend my truck cutout on me while cruisin' a few blocks from my house. It appeared as if I had ran out of gas, however, my tank was atleast half full (or half empty, depending on how you look at things). It later became apparent that the engine was not starved of gas but was getting too much and flooding itself. A friend of mine recommended a mechanic that would come to the house and take a look at it. A few days later an Ecuadorian guy named Byron came over and had my carburetor in pieces within seconds. The carb clearly needed a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately after reassembly the needle was still not seating correctly and the flooding continued, so a carb kit was ordered from NAPA.

Carburetor rebuild instructions

Update 7/21/10:

I now know what has been causing the flooding problem and I should have diagnosed it earlier, but hey I'm a novice and up until a week ago I had no idea how a carburetor works. The issue is a heavy float that has somehow taken on some gas. Unfortunately a new replacement float to replace the original brass float is not included in a carb rebuild kit. I was able to source one on the other side of the country at Mikes Carburetor Parts and Restoration.

Update 7/23/10:

Yesterday's mail included the usual bills, advertising circulars and 1 "new" brass carburetor float for my truck. I hope to make time weekend to get this project done and my ol' girl back on the road. Stay tuned....

Update 7/26/10:

New carburetor float, carb kit, gas filter and spark plugs and she is now running like a top. Without a doubt should experience better gas mileage. Special thanks to George Asche, a real class act, who provided me with the float at a very reasonable price. And most gradifying is getting over my fear of fooling with the carb. After dismantling and re-assembling serveral times I feel like a soldier that can breakdown and reassemble his rifle blindfolded...well maybe not quite that confident.

To Do List

2009-03-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

This list is in no particular order. Click on the item for details on my progress for that particular item.

Repair Wipers (completed 10/5/06)

Repair Radio (completed, 12/20/06, hear it play)

Add Wood Rails (completed 9/2/06)

Add Seatbelts (completed 9/4/07)

Add Signal Lights

Repair Gas Tank Filler Tube Leak (completed 8/22/07)

Repair Gas Sending Unit (completed 9/10/07)
Add Passenger Side Mirror
Add Firewall Pad/Acoustic Pad
Refurbish Spare Oil Bath Air Filter (completed 3/22/07)
Add arm rests to door interior (completed 6/25/07)
Locate or fabricate missing center trim piece for Fulton Sun Visor (completed 7/30/07)
Add side-mounted spare tire
Carburetor Rebuild (completed 7/26/10)

1950 1/2 Dodge PU sold at auction.....

2008-05-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

for $26,500.
Dana Mecum's Original Spring Classic Auction - 21st Year
May 15 - 18, 2008
SPECIFICATIONS
-Year 1950
-Make Dodge
-Model 1/2 Ton Truck
-Body
-Exterior Color Green / Black
-Interior Color Green / Black
-Transmission Manual
Description
*** This car to be offered at
Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction
May 15-16-17-18 in Indianapolis, IN ***

*** Auction Selling Time For This Lot is Friday 11:35 AM ***
- Rare 1950 Dodge 1/2 ton short box with only 30,625 actual miles
- Completely original, repainted once
- Whisper quiet smooth running original 6 cylinder engine
- 3-speed manual transmission
- Unique pilot house cab
- Chrome bumpers
- Bumper guards
- 4 new Firestone wide white walls
- New brakes
- This truck has been maintained to not only be a show truck but an excellent driver
- This truck speaks for itself
- Has been stored in a private collection for years

Side Mounted Spare

2008-03-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

The blue pilot house pictured here is my motivation to mount my spare on the side of the bed. I have always liked that look and have slowly procuring the items I need to get this accomplished. I briefly considered staying original to my '49 and mounting the spare under the bed, but what fun is there in that. I want to show off the classic B.F. Goodrich white walls.

The tire: Purchased from Coker Tire
710-15 B.F.GOODRICH 2 1/2" WW
SKU 58000
Construction: 4 ply polyester
Load Capacity: 1550 @ 32 psi
Tube Type: Tubeless
Overall Diameter: 27.98
Cross Section: 7.4
Tread Width: 4.6
Tread Depth: 11
Max Inflation: 32
Rec. Rim Width: 5.5--7

The Wheel: Provided by fellow pilot house owner and enthusiast, Tony Cipponeri, for the cost of shipping and a donation to the Pilot-House.com website. It was received in great condition, with a black powdercoat even!

The Mount: Purchased on eBay
I believe it belonged to a Jeep CJ and I was
lucky to find that the 5 bolt pattern matched up nicely.

Glad I kept my truck original!

2007-12-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

A 1952 1/2 ton Dodge Pilot House fetches top dollar at a Kruse International Auction in 2007.

Rojo Pencil Sketch

2007-12-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

Best 6 Volt Battery for Your Classic Vehicle

2007-09-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Traditional batteries use lead plates suspended in acid. However, the plates are not pure lead, but an alloy of lead, antimony, and other metals. It is these other metals that allow sulphation (irreversible coating of the plates) to occur. When a battery sits idle, sulphation occurs at a greatly increased rate. As the plates develop more of this coating, the battery is less & less able to accept a full charge and finally dies.Battery designers can't use pure lead plates in a traditional design because they're too soft, and will bend and touch each other inside the case, shorting out the battery.Spiral cell batteries use a pure lead sheet, wound in spiral with a fiberglass mat that absorbs the liquid acid. This allows a much greater resistance to sulphation, and an ability to sit idle for long periods without losing charge. Just the ticket for vintage cars.

Washing Rojo

2007-08-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Fulton Sun Visor

2007-07-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

For as long as I've owned the truck, the Fulton sun visor has been missing the center stainless steel trim piece that covers the screws that hold the two leafs together. This has been one of those visual tings that have bothered me because the truck seems to look incomplete without it. I have been looking for quite a while and almost came to the conclusion that I would have to buy a new one entirely just for this one piece, until I came across Loupees Classic Car Parts on eBay. Spoke to them this morning: the part is on its way!

Dodge Truck VIN Decoder

2007-07-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Camera + Dodge = Dodge Pics

2007-06-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Radio Manual

2007-05-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

The MoPar Model 802 Radio was the original factory radio offered for my 1949 Dodge Truck.

MoPar 802 features

8 tubes
Manual and Electric Push Button Tuning
Color Tone Control (Mello, Music, Voice)
Vertically Dash Mounted
1 Electromagnet Speaker

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Changing Oil the Right Way

2007-04-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's more than a simple "drain and fill"...
How often you should change your car's oil depends on when it was built. On cars manufactured before oil filters were common, you need to change the oil every thousand miles in order to prevent sludge buildup in the pan and oil galleries. On cars from the late thirties, forties and fifties, every two thousand miles is usual. More modern cars only require an oil change every three to six thousand miles to keep them in the pink.
Changing oil is no big deal, but there is a right and wrong way to do it. Click here for the right way. Also, see Lube chart

Parts List

2007-04-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

A list of parts, part numbers and suppliers for the routine maintenance of Rojo.

Oil Filter (sock type) - NAPA #FIL1011

Air Filter - NAPA #FIL6179, Fram CA3924, Carquest 88179

Battery - Optima Model 6V

Brakes (Shoes, Master Cylinders, Wheel Kits) - Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts

Wiper Blades - Part#U164

Universal Joint - Carquest #1-5900

Front Shocks at AutoZone Monroe #410126 guardian shock

Rear Shocks at AutoZone Monroe #078476 proguard shock

Rear brake cylinders;Left Upper W10580Right Upper W10581Left Lower W10582Right Lower W10583

Carburetor rebuild kit for Carter Ball & Ball E7T2 - Carquest #101A , NAPA CRB25066A

In-line fuel filter - WIX 33046, NAPA FIL 3046

Fuel pump - NAPA NFP M2091

Dodge Truck Lube Chart

2007-04-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Interactive map

2007-04-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

An customized map with important data points (Car wash, DMV, Autoparts Store, Service garage) and cruise routes (scenic drives, dump runs, etc.).

Slow leak is getting faster

2007-03-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Recently a somewhat annoying slow leak in my tire has become a faster one. It appears that the problem is the tire stem valve. I noticed the one that is leaking is slightly different than the 2 rear tires. This one isn't bolted to the steel rim like the others. It turns out that rims on these old trucks have an oval, not round, cutout for the valve stem. And I now realize how scarce the required oval stems are to come by, which probably explains why only 2 of my four tires had the correct ones in them. My local tire guy was able to locate 4 new oval valve stems from an olditme supplier he has been dealing with for years. Later this Spring I will swap out all four with these new ones.

NADA value as of 3/20/07

2007-03-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Truck, Van, & SUV
1949 Dodge Pickup 1/2 Ton
Original MSRP: $1,263
Low Retail $4,700
Average Retail Value $9,300
High Retail $15,500

Arm rests for Rojo

2007-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Although not very common on Pilot House trucks, arm rest were an option. I have wanted to add these to my truck, not for the comfort of my arm, but out of concern that I might pull off the door handle when closing the truck door from the inside. This is not really an issue when the window is rolled down, but early Spring or late Fall one does not want to roll down the window simply to get a better grip to close the truck door. Fellow pilot house trucker, Reg Evans, has supplied me with a photo of his.

....Continued.....

Well, I was lucky enough to locate these MoPar original arm rests. Can't wait to get them installed.

Here is an alternative that Jim Shepard used. I really like it and may still go that route. He used an inexpensive door pull manufactured by Stanley purchased at Home Depot.

Here is the finished product. The armrests look good and feel solid. I am very happy with the result

To convert or not to convert......

2007-03-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

...that is the question. I am considering coverting my oil bath air filter to a paper filter type. I have seen several examples other peoples work posted on the web. It looks like a relatively simple project, but I am somewhat reluctant to proceed. Will I be affecting the value of my "completely stock" and "as close to original as you can get" truck for the sake of convenience?

Example 1: Norm's Coupe
Example 2: How-to article on a F*&d website

I decided to convert. The filter I used is a Carquest #88179 for anyone that has a similar type filter housing. It seems to seal quite nicely at the top and the bottom when the wingnut is tightened. Looks pretty darn close to original to me.

Finished product complete with original manufacturer instruction decals:

Spare oil bath air filter

2007-03-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up an oil bath air filter on ebay with the intention of testing my refinishing skills on a spare rather than the one currently on my flat-six. If the result is a good one, I will swap it out with the one I'm currently running. Although the filter was advertised as in good condition, it is over 50 years old and had a fair amount of worn paint, rust and pitted in areas - nothing a little grinding and paint can't fix.

....Continued

I decided to convert the original oil bath air filter setup to a more modern paper element style. The canister will look original but the innards will be modern. See for yourself here.

1949 paint chart

2007-02-18T19:11:00.000-08:00

Rojo & Me

2007-01-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Firewall Acoustic Pad

2007-01-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Currently the firewall of the truck is unadorned painted metal. I have considered installing a firewall pad available through Robert's Automotive, but recently I came across a company that sells sound deadening material specifically for automotive use and is available precut for my 49 Dodge. http://www.quietride.com
Step by Step Install

2 Radios in the truck

2006-12-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

Safety First

2006-12-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Although I plan on keeping my truck as close to original as possible, safety is somewhat of a priority. And If I ever want to take my kids for a ride in 'Rojo' seatbelts will be a requirement. Safety is a priority but aesthetics and ease of installation also comes into play. I've decided on 2 point retractible lap belts from Julianos. Take a look.

...Continued.....I now have seat belts and can't wait to take Andrew (age 5) and Michael (age 4) for a cruise in ol' red.

Repair or Replace?

2006-12-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I chose to replace the non-functioning radio in my truck with this MoPar 802 Deluxe that I found listed on eBay. Given the repair of my non-functioning Philco would easily cost more than what the Buy It Now price on this remanufactured, correct for my truck, radio, the decision was an easy one.

Sold for:
US $229.00

Auction ended early with Buy It Now.
Ended:
Dec-07-06 10:01:24 PST

Condition:
Remanufactured

3 DAY AUCTION.... 3 DAYS ONLY

Mopar model 802 DeLuxe pushbutton radio.

This radio is correct for all 1946 1947 1948 CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH DODGE and DeSOTO cars. Also correct for 1948-52 Dodge trucks

Radio has been repaired with all new capacitors.

Buttons and knobs are in nice condition.

Radio functions perfectly and plays great!

This radio is for 6 volt system only.

Note: My radios have many hours of care in electronic, mechanical and cosmetic work to give you a radio that you will be pleased with. Restoring Vintage Electronics and Classic Car Radios Since 1965

Original Colors for Dodge 1949-50

2006-12-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a great resource for original color charts. I wish I knew about this site before my truck was restored. When the time came for my truck to get paint the inside of the glovebox door was used to color match the new paint. Click here for Color Chart

Oil Bath Air Filter Maintenance

2006-08-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

In my limited mechanical experience, I knew what an air filter was and what an oil filter looked like, but upon acquiring my 49 truck, I was surprised to find an oil bath air filter. As with other parts on this vehicle, I was impressed by the ingenuity involved in creating such a part. It is simple yet effective. Now all I have to do is clean it the recommended every 5000 miles or when the oil the resevoir looks dirty. Click here for cleaning instructions.

What should my gauges read?

2006-08-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ammeter will read from a negative amperage when the battery is providing most of the current thereby depleting itself, to a positive amperage if most of the current is coming from the charging system. If the battery is fully charged and there is minimal electrical demand, then the ammeter should read close to zero, but should always be on the positive side of zero. It is normal for the ammeter to read a high positive amperage in order to recharge the battery after starting, but it should taper off in a few minutes. If it continues to read more than 10 or 20 amps even though the lights, wipers and other electrical devices are turned off, you may have a weak battery and should have it checked.
Oil -
Measures engine oil pressure in pounds per square inch. Oil pressure is just as important to an engine as blood pressure is to a person. If you run an engine with no oil pressure even for less then a minute, you can easily destroy it. Most cars have an oil lamp that lights when oil pressure is dangerously low. If it comes on while you're driving, stop the vehicle as soon as is safely possible and shut off the engine. Then, check the oil level and add oil as necessary.
Heat -
This gauge measures the temperature of the engine coolant in degrees. It is very important to monitor the temperature gauge to be sure that your engine is not overheating. Note: If the temperature gauge moves all the way to hot, the engine is overheating! Safely pull off the road and turn the engine off and let it cool. An overheating engine can quickly cause serious engine damage!
Fuel -
No explanation necessary

Note: Gauge Restoration Resources
John Wolf & Company
Redline Gauge Works

Dodge Slideshow

2006-08-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

No Rain. Please No Rain

2006-08-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I decided to tackle another project – figure out why the wipers don’t work. After some research on the internet, it became apparent that there was a probability of close to 95% that my problem stems from the vacuum motor. "What kind of motor?" After reading further, I couldn’t help but admire the ingenuity in inventing this little, relatively simple motor that does not run on electricity but a vacuum created by the engine running.
I was able to determine the vacuum was not the issue, evidenced by the hissing sound from the tube that attached to the wiper motor. At the advice of a member of Pilothouse.com, I removed the wiper motor and will be sending it to Bob Ficken at www.wiperman.com, who specializes in reconditioning these devices.
Note: it is highly recommended that the vacuum tube be constricted while driving the truck until the new motor is mounted and all is reconnected.

To be continued....

Wood rails

2006-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

cn
I have long dreamed of owning an old pickup truck with white wall tires and wood railing in the bed. Well I now have the truck with whitewalls minus the wood rails. Adding them is a perfect beginners project. I found this photo on the internet to use as a guide. Although I like the look of the tall wood panels in stake beds, it would be a shame to cover the nice corner windows my cab is blessed to have. This is as far as I've gotten.....

Sept 2, 2006 - Completed the wood rails project. I am happy to report that it wasn't difficult, was enjoyable and am satisfied with the outcome. Take a look.

Ebay! Really!

2006-08-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

In fairness of full disclosure, I must admit I purchased my truck in "near perfect" condition. I haven't yet learned the skills to have pulled off the restoration the previous owner of my truck did, but I look forward to fixing/improving a few things on the truck. And yes, the truck really was purchased on eBay. As a stranger at the grocery store said after complimenting me on the truck, "Wow, you really can get anything on eBay!"

Vehicle Description as listed on eBay

2006-08-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

....by previous owner
1949 Dodge B1b 108 1/2 ton corner window cab pickup. Total frame-off restoration completed in 2002. Less than 200 miles since motor rebuilt. Current owner is second owner. Truck originated in western Oklahoma. Truck has either all original parts/accessories, or correct replacements. Manual 4-speed trans. Painted the original color scheme. You can stick a magnet to every sqare inch of this truck! Interior restored with new headliner and door/kick panels. Seat is original w/ new upholstery. Bed floor restored with oak. Oak panels have 11 coats of finish applied. New B.F. Goodrich Silvertown bias-ply tires from Coker Tire in Tn. The photos represent the truck well, and speak for themselves.
I built this truck mostly as a personal challenge. Once I was finished, I had several folks that saw the truck say that I should take it out to a car show. The truck has been to several shows since, and it has won it's class in EVERY show that it has been entered...including the best of show for Dodge at the Midwest All-Truck Nationals in Kansas City, Mo and class winner at the Mopar Event in Carlisle, Pa. I have been humbled with the response that I have had when the truck has been out. The truck has primarily been driven in town and to neighboring towns. I have never had a problem with it mechanically. The top end speed is around 45mph. The fuel gauge does not work...it was this way when I got the truck and I simply have never gotten to it. I imagine that it is the sending unit. The factory radio is intact. It lights up, but I am unable to get sound from it. I have never had it checked out. Again, a seemingly minor fix. This truck is so meticulously original that the original dealer key ring from Clinton, Oklahoma still holds the ignition key! The truck truly is of museum quality, and could be utilized to represent even the best Dodge dealership in the country! Or...if you are like me...it would look great sitting in your drive. I am having to reluctantly part with my truck due to health reasons. I would really like to see it go to a good home.
Please feel free to ask questions. I would be happy to show the truck to anyone who wishes to see it, and I would encourage this if possible. You will not be disappointed with this truck! I have been seeing trucks that do not hold a candle to this one in regard to restoration and rarity sell at farm sales here in the midwest for 12 - $13,000 every weekend. Heck, you don't even have to wait all day at an auction to have the opportunity to buy the best old Dodge that you will see for a long time.

Dodge Truck Engine Specs

2006-08-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

1948, 1948
1949, 1949
1950, 1950, 1950
1951, 1951, 1951
1952, 1952, 1952
1953, 1953, 1953