1946 Dodge Pickup

Description

Vintage trucks are red hot, and with all the Chevys and Fords running around, what's a Mopar fan to do? Well, you could grab this great-looking 1946 Dodge pickup that has a lot of old-fashioned charm with thoroughly updated hardware underneath. You won't see many like this running around and you can drive it cross-country without a second thought, making it a great hobby vehicle that's as practical as it is handsome.

Red with black fenders is a traditional old pickup look, and it's a roaring success on this postwar Dodge. The curving shape is familiar, simply because everyone loves pickups of the '40s, and with the headlamps perched high on the tops of the front fenders, the Dodge has a unique look that'll stand out in a crowd. It's got a few other pre-war details like the running boards and pontoon fenders, all of which make this truck a slam-dunk in the appearance department. It's also beautifully finished, with four year old paint that still looks quite good despite being a cruise night favorite. There are no funky metallic or questionable graphics, and if not for the modern rubber on the ground, it could almost pass for a stocker. We like the cowl lights, the stylized ram's horn hood ornament (you think "Ram Tough" is a new invention?), and plenty of chrome details that look great and have been nicely refinished. And like many restored pickups today, you get a beautifully finished oak bed in back that's too nice to work for a living but adds a lot of charm to the old hauler.

Simple is good inside, where you get a black vinyl bench seat, plain door panels, and a stock dashboard, which all take you back to the good old days. However, updates abound, including a tilt steering column, a powerful A/C system under the dash, and modern gauges in the dash, which are fitted into neat billet housings that look appropriate. There's also an overhead tachometer in its own pod and a very trick shifter for the 4-speed manual gearbox. A rubber floor mat reminds us this is still a commercial vehicle and there is no radio, which is how it came from the factory. Add in a handsome headliner to give a finished look, original hardware on the doors, and fresh weather-stripping throughout, it's surprisingly comfortable for long hauls.

Long hauls are considerably easier with the ZZ4 crate motor under the hood. With 350 cubic inches, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and a no-stories look, this truck runs and drives beautifully. A few chrome dress-up pieces make it sparkle and the clean under-hood look is a testament to the careful build. Dig the air cleaner that inhales through the hood's side vents, a big radiator, and new wiring throughout, all of which make this Dodge stand out in a crowd. The transmission is the aforementioned 4-speed manual with a hydraulic clutch driving a GM 10-bolt rear, and it's got a traditional hot rod sound thanks to a 2.5-inch dual exhaust system. The frame was powdercoated but only after the custom A-arm front suspension was installed and the power rack-and-pinion steering was set up. It sits just right, not too low to be a pain to drive and still with a traditional look, and those steel wheels with slightly oversized blackwall radials certainly help.

Very well built and ready to enjoy, this cool old Dodge delivers on all the promises that it's honest good looks promise. Call today!