37 Dodge PU - Change in Direction

37 Dodge PU - Change in Direction #945454 03/07/11 07:15 PM 03/07/11 07:15 PM
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,510 AZ Mike P OP pro stock
Mike P OP pro stock Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,510 AZ	The problem with letting a project sit too long after it goes thru mock-up is that plans can change. When I did the initial setup on the 37 Dodge several years ago the plan was to build a Street Rod with most of the bells and whistles (AC/Cruise/Power Windows/mild engine/SB 727/highway gears etc). I actually even got the engine built......but ended up with a bit more compression and a lot more cam than I originally planned on. It sounds especially good thru open headers ....just ask the neighbours I�ve collected some more parts and have re-thought the whole Street Rod thing and decided to head in a more performance oriented build and lose a lot of the creature comforts like AC, cruise and Power Windows. The first step in that direction is getting rid of the Nova 10 bolt with 3.08s (yeah I know .......but it was the right width and available when I mocked it up). The new rear end will be this 69 B Body Dana 60 with 4.56s and Powr-Loc. I still want to actually cruise down the highway and after some research over the last few days I figured a 518 would be the ticket to do that. Ironically I end up with slightly better ratio with the OD and 4.56s than I would have with the 3.08s, plus the advantage of a lock up convertor (if I decide to go with that version). A friend of mine set me up with this empty case so I can modify the templates I made for the floor to make room for the larger OD section of the trans. I�m glad I only got to the cardboard template stage instead of actually bending and welding metal. I�m currently in the process of looking for a good or rebuildable 518, but have time for that. With the Dana and Dual exhaust there is not a lot of room under the truck for a fuel tank. Rather than run a modern fuel cell in the bed I sure am considering cleaning this up and using it (with the proper modifications and suitable mounting brackets). Anyway with some luck I should get the truck in the shop in the next couple of months and re-do some of the original mockup work and get it a bit closer to moving under its own power. Last edited by Mike P; 03/07/11 07:17 PM. 1957 Plymouth (Hemi, Dual Quads, A833 4 Speed 9 1/4 w 4.10) Sold 1937 Dodge Pickup (Hemi, 6X2 intake, 46RH, Dana 60 w 4.56) Sold 1968 Plymouth Valiant 2dr sedan (354 HEMI, 46RH w/4.30 gears)