58 Dodge fire truck

[joedoh]

what are these words you used "too... low"?? I dont think I have ever heard those two words together before


just kidding, easy to lower some more if you want to later!

 

[Old Iron]

It does look like a good match.
Is the Dakota track width the same as the truck?
[P[P[P

 

[falconvan]

Yeah, same width. I’m glad I backed up and redid this; it came out much better.I set the motor in to see what it looks like loaded and it’s just about right. The weight of the trans, front sheet metal and radiator should bring it down a little more. Now I just need to add some more braces, clean up and paint the frame and firewall, and start on the drivetrain.

 

[Torchie]

[cl
[P[P[P
Torchie

 

[joedoh]

thats a great look!

 

[falconvan]

Thanks! I got everything boxed and braced today; my old welder got a serious workout. I’m going to break out the power washer tomorrow. I also think I’m going to go ahead and change all the A-arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Might as well start out fresh.

 

[falconvan]

The magic of POR 15

 

[skull]

nice

nice lookin' frame.

Later

 

[falconvan]

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.

 

[soltz]

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.

Looking very nice. Tne org. engine is a nice touch[cl
[P

 

[falconvan]

Thanks, I couldn't part with it, it just purrs nice and quiet and the trans shifts nice and smooth.

 

[falconvan]

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.

 

[soltz]

Looking good[cl
Fire Dept are big on preventative maintenance Good for you

 

[Old Iron]

That cleaned up nicely [cl
[P[P[P

 

[Burgerman]

That flathead looks terrific Falcon. Very nice.

 

[falconvan]

Thanks!

 

[dutch]

so rewarding to spend time on an old engine like that. It will look killer when done

 

[falconvan]

so rewarding to spend time on an old engine like that. It will look killer when done

Vintage engines are really cool; of course not as technically advanced as new engines but I really dig the nostalgia of using a vintage piece of American history. Those old Mopar flatheads were a legendary workhorse; they used that design from the 1930s to the 1960s in cars, trucks, industrial equipment and even some boats. Watch an old episode of the Waltons and look at the motor that runs John Walton’s sawmill; old Mopar flat six.

 

[joedoh]

so much great stuff going on here [cl[cl[cl[cl

 

[falconvan]

Thanks, much appreciated!

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.