1954 Dodge truck

I have a fellow interested in trading a 54 PU for my 64 2dr project. The first thing I noticed is, it looks like a 53, it has rounded wheel openings, front and rear. I asked if it was a mix match of parts. Turns out the truck is a 53 with a 7 1/2' bed truck, titled as a 54. The owner, an older gent, said that in the day, a car or truck that didn't sell in it's model year was simply retitled as a newer model. IE, 53 becomes 54. I say, "OK, explain the bed having rounded rear fenders, 53 had round fronts and square rears." He says, "only the short bed got the square fenders in 53. 7 1/2' and 9' got rounds.
I think I got schooled.
I kinda dig the truck so I hope it works out. It's been rodded with a 360 and Nova sub frame and rear end. That gave it disc brakes so I'm OK with a little GM I guess. If it pans out I'll post up some more pics. Wish me luck.

Good luck, that's cool looking but, it's screaming for a 12 valve swap.

Not enough room for a 12 valve. I had to cut the firewall 2 inches just to put the big block in my 57.

I have seen the deal with the titles being dated when the truck was sold, before. Seemed to be a standard practice.
As far as the rear fenders are concerned, that story is a bit of BS, I believe. The "modern" rear fenders came out at the beginning of the 53 model year, so those rear fenders are from a 52. Oh yea, the 7 1/2' box IS the short box. They did have short or tall box sides for the 7 1/2' box. But hey, its been nearly 70 years since it left the factory, lots of legitimate reasons that may have a different box/rear fenders on it.
I'd drive the wheels off of it. Gene

With what's been done underneath, I wouldn't worry about fenders!
It looks like a fun lil hauler. Fix what needs it and roll it around!

He seemed interested but only time will tell. I wish I still wanted to do the 64 as I have most everything it needs. But, if you don't, you just don't.

Get rid of the GM rally wheels!

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Get rid of the GM rally wheels!

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Yep,if this goes through, that will be the first thing. This guy is a hot rodder more than a son of Mopar. I'm just glad it isn't a 350/350.