Vehicle Description
1953 Dodge B4 Pickup
Any Dodge B-series pickup is a rare find. The B-series trucks were
produced from 1948-1953. They featured a high-visibility
'pilot-house' cab that was rubber-mounted and could easily seat
three people with good headroom. Series B pickups came standard
with a flathead straight-six engine that produced 95bhp. The engine
was shifted forward and the front axle moved back on the frame for
better weight distribution and a shorter wheelbase. The B-Series
trucks were considered very advanced for their day. The new
"Air-O-Ride" seats were introduced. These seats were comfortable
and adjustable. The suspension and steering were also improved for
better drivability and greater load carrying capacity.
For consignment, a restomod/streetrod Dodge B4 pickup right out of
1953, complete with a meticulous restification with a great
interior and wonderful two-tone paint. A beefed up and dressed up
slant 6 powerplant, some snappy wheels and loads of modern
conveniences, you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer or more
reasonably priced example.
Exterior
Near laser straight exterior steel with no signs of rust is all
bathed in two-tone paint job of pewter and dark blue, a stunning
combination that perfectly accentuates the lines of this final year
pilot house truck. Chrome is used sparingly on this truck, but what
is used highlights the paint swimmingly. A chrome trimmed quadrant
split eggcrate grille leads the way above a pewter finished front
bumper. Headlights with chrome trim rings sit outboard on the flat
nose with very nice DODGE lettering in chrome. The lower body is
bathed in pewter down the pontoon style front fenders and small
running boards which tuck neatly under the body before becoming
apparent at the front of the bed before melting into the nicely
arched rear fenders. Dark blue takes over at the base of the center
hinged hood and and flows down the cab sides. This band of blue
continues up the cab before swapping back to pewter at the start of
the nicely curved roof. Lightly smoked glass presents mar and
scratch free and a 3rd brake light has been integrated into the
back of the cab. Bringing up the rear is a more dark blue for the
inside of the bed which flows up to the canted outward bed rails. A
weathered wood bed floor still presents as nice but could use a
sanding and restaining. More pewter bathes the outside of the cargo
box and the smoothed over tailgate with flourish pinstriping and a
modern Dodge Ram emblem. A roll pan with frenched tail lights sits
below and we note twin shiny tail pipes peeking out from under the
passenger side. 15" Centerline wheels adorn the corners and are
wrapped in staggered blackwall rubber.
Interior
Swinging the pewter painted metal framed doors with a large dark
blue and pewter leather screw on panel we are met with a totally
custom interior. An original metal pewter dash complete with twin
central gauge clusters that has speedometer and supporting gauges
on the left and to the right is a tachometer and speaker mount.
Dolphin is responsible for these gauges which are set into brushed
aluminum bezels and are covered with dark blue eyebrows. Dials for
the heater and AC are located in dash central as is the ignition
switch and a blingy chrome DODGE emblem. Turning our attention to
the seats we see a mix of more pewter and dark blue leather
covering them and they benefit from integral seat belts and a
padded top center console in more dark blue. A large blue steering
wheel with a full chrome horn ring fronts the dash and we note an
AM/FM/CD player right in front of the driver. Lightly stained tan
carpet floods the floors and in the center is a long armed Lokar
shifter and a blue vinyl headliner hangs above.
Drivetrain
Lifting the 2 sides of the center hinged hood reveals a later model
225ci slant 6 Mopar leaning tower of power. Under the polished air
cleaner assembly is a 4bbl Holley carburetor feeding this mill its
proper mix of fossils and air. This mixture is fed into the mill
via an Aussie Speed Hurricane intake manifold. Dressing up this
well-done engine bay is Clifford black finished and ribbed valve
cover. A A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission is on back
and sends power to a 8 1/4" rear axle. In the front of the engine
bay, we see an aluminum radiator and a Runcool electric fan all
working to keep things cool under the hood.
Undercarriage
Minor surface rust on the usual suspects but mostly structurally
sound frame, body hangers under running boards, and floor pans are
seen. The undersides of the bed wood has aged better than the top
and remains very nice. The front suspension is in the form of leaf
springs, and more leaf springs on the rear. Power disc brakes are
up front, and power drums on the rear. A single exhaust pipe flows
down from the engine and splits into a dual piped set up with twin
glasspack style mufflers and shiny tips.
Drive-Ability
This truck started right up and ran smoothly. The suspension was
responsive, and brakes brought me to a quick stop although ill let
you in on a little secret my crack decoder failed to mention prior
to hitting the test track...the original pedals are still in the
truck but now the former clutch pedal is the brake and the original
brake pedal hangs limply. This should be addressed sooner rather
than later as to prevent any confusion. With its plush leather
interior, and power accessories galore we had a wonderful drive and
even cranked up the A/C.
A well done concoction of restoration and customization that draws
you in and has been proven reliable. A beautiful color combo, a
slightly built leaning 6 cylinder and more amenities than you can
shake a stick at. Drive this truck away and compete in your first
show, yes, it's that clean!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
