This truck build was started in 2012 when the builder discovered a rare and clean steel body and chassis from a 1941 Dodge WC while out in Arizona on an RV trip. The truck was purchased and sent back to Florida, and it was cleaned and striped down to the frame and individual parts. Wanting a truck that could be driven and enjoyed regularly, the decision was made to build the truck as a restomod, with modern powertrain and chassis components. After much research, a 2000 Dodge Durgano SUV that had been in a rollover incident was purchased, and stripped down to begin the build. The chassis was cleaned and any non-essential items were removed from the truck. The original 5.7L motor was scrapped, and the call was made to Eddie's for a brand new 318ci motor to be built. While it was coming together, the transmission was completely redone from the case in. The body lined up beautifully with the chassis, and after some mock-up's it was torn down for paint prep. The body, as shown in the photos from when it was found, was VERY clean and solid, and any repairs that were done used metal, not bondo or chicken wire. Period looking colors were picked for the truck, with a combination of stone beige and Tampico beige being selected as the final colors. The finish still shows glossy, slick, and clean, and shows only typical signs of normal use from being driven like stone chips, light scuff marks, and other blemishes. Look through the 150 detailed photos and you will see that it presents wonderfully from every angle. The rare sun visor looks fantastic on the truck, and is super clean too! Chassis and body were matched up again, with the undercarriage receiving new suspension components from MOOG and fresh front disc / rear drum braking components. The fresh-built 318 was installed and attached to the newly rebuilt 44RE automatic transmission, and connected via custom balanced driveshaft to the rebuilt Durango rear end with 2.42 final for friendly highway cruising. It drives wonderfully. Starts right up with the push of the button, idles cleanly, and is ready to go when you are. Performance is just like driving a 2000 dodge Durango, with crisp throttle response, nice kickdown when passing, and very friendly highway manners. Braking is solid and smooth, and steering is so easy, anyone in the family can enjoy it. Coker bias-ply wide whitewalls look great, and are mounted on Dodge Dakota steel rims painted black and fit with era-correct trim rings and baby moons. The truck was completely rewired and utilizes the wiring harness and fuse system from the Durango, which is neatly hidden under the passenger seat. Headlights, fog lights, hi/low beams, parking lights, tail lights, turn signals, and horn all work as they should. Even the dash mounted map light and dome light work like they should! Both of the wipers work as they should. The original stereo is in place, but a clever cable system is installed connecting it to a hidden under-dash modern radio that still uses the factory controls! Under the driver seat is a battery, with a built in battery tender you simply plug in from the driver side. The speedometer, which needs a new cable to go from the signal adapter (which takes the electronic and converts it to mechanical) to the dash, does not work. Temp gauges works, but reads pegged at 212 when hot, which is because the normal operating temp of a 318 in a Durango is 215. Factory fuel gauge does not work, but the aftermarket unit below the dash does. Volt reading works. The interior has custom seats that were from the Durango 2nd row, and were then cut down and recovered in a saddle-like leather. Door panels were done to match, and the original window rollers and door pulls were used. Speaking of the windows, the original rollers are now switches for the power windows! Push lightly up or down and the window responds quickly on its new regulators. Original turn signal switch works as it should, including the indicator lights. Steering wheel looks great, as does its crest, and it has a suicide ball for old-school charm. Headliner is clean, as are the kick panels, firewall panel, and the rubber floormat. A LOKAR shift was used, and has a matching leather boot. Cowl vent works as it should. Inside the glovebox is the box for the A/C, as well as the A/C and heat controls. There is also a complete new compressor installed under hood, but the lines still need run and other miscellaneous items installed for it to be functional. Factory manufacturing plate is located on the passenger door jamb, along with the VIN stamp plate. African KIAT hardwood was used in the bed and for the rails, and is beautiful and weather resilient. New strapping and hardware was used to hold it in place. The chest in the back is NOT bolted down, and can easily be picked up and removed. It holds spare parts, parts catalogs, photos and documentation of the build, and misc. cleaning and detail supplies that came with the truck. It has about 4851 miles on it since completion, and has driven a 6 hour trip to and from the Key's multiple times. I have personallyput about 150 miles on it, and think it just the coolest thing since the fan was invented. If you want t ahead-turning truck that is not only rare in styling, but handles and drives like a newer truck, this one is for you. READ THE AD COMPLETELY. LOOK AT ALL OF THE EXTRA LARGE PHOTOS PROVIDED. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET - NO DISAPPOINTMENTS. I took photos of it from every angle I could, and I encourage you to ask questions, come see it, or arrange for an inspection PRIOR TO BUYING IT. I don't have anything to hide, and have tried to cover every part of the vehicle as best I could. It has a clean and clear title, and is ready for a new owner. The vehicle is located in our Fort Myers, FL warehouse, and is just 15 minutes away from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) if you want to fly in and see it. I welcome outside inspection services BEFORE YOU BUY OR BID.
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