Oil Bath Air Filter Maintenance

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?

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

No Rain. Please No Rain

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

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!

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

....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

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