Our 1947 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup truck - a new "little Dodge" arrives
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Our new arrival is a 1947 Dodge 1/2 ton pickup truck, which joins the 3-ton Dodge that has been with us since 1995.
The 1947 Dodge WC 1/2 ton pickup shown here I've known since 2013, friends with a penchant for older American vehicles took this on and undertook a lot of re-commissioning work during the intervening years. Towards the end of 2022 it became available for purchase and, having always admired this venerable old pickup, and knowing the quality of the work that had been done to it, a plan was hatched to make its purchase a possibility. Opportunities to buy un-messed-with pickups of the 1940s and 1950s don't come along all that often, and if they do, they often need a mountain of work.
I'd always thought that this 1947 WC pickup would make a fine garage companion for "big Dodge", especially after having photographed the pair of them together back in 2014. A couple of relatively long-term garage occupants were hurriedly sold on in order to make this happen, I was sad to see them go but it was for a good reason. Cutting back on numbers in our garage has been the game plan for a while - so "two out, one in" seemed like a good idea, and Mrs OCC didn't seem to mind either - result!
The 1939 - 1947 Dodge pickups, vans and trucks are referred to as the "Job-Rated" trucks, "big Dodge" being an early-ish example and this pickup being one of the last. This particular pickup spent most of its life in sunny California, leading a relatively easy life working on an almond farm. The climate, and not-too-taxing workload, are probably why this old truck is largely in very original condition. In the video I talk more about the work that has been done, and work that is still required - something of a rolling restoration. My youthful assistant and I take it out for a spin, him in charge of the camera work, and me rambling to myself, trying to envisage what it was like to drive this Dodge pickup around a sleepy town in California. I'm sure that its first owner would never have imagined that, 76 years later, it'd be thousands of miles away driving around the lanes of Britain.
I know that old trucks, and old American vehicles, aren't everyone's cup of tea, but hopefully fans of our old MGB and Ford van will forgive me for letting them go in order to make this acquisition happen. It's a wonderful old thing to drive, the whine of the gears, and the sound of the super-smooth six-cylinder engine are, to me, just magic.
Thanks for watching, please take a look around the rest of the channel when you're finished here. I'll include links to vids about the 3-ton truck at the end of this one.
Channel homepage: www.youtube.co... videos list: / oldclassiccarrj you know of anyone else who might find these vids of interest, please forward one of the above links to them.
#dodge #dodgetrucks #classicdodge
Hi, thanks for watching, a full list of the videos on the channel is here:
ruclips.net/user/oldclassiccarRJvideos
Channel homepage:
ruclips.net/channel/UCKaTg9fPUvmUQi94FcnDbrg
If there are any petrolheads that you know that might find this kind of thing interesting, please pass on one of these links, thanks!
This is exactly the condition I prefer in old vehicles, full of character and wearing it's bruises with pride. Absolutely gorgeous. Well done you.
What a magnificent pickup. Well done. Thank god it will stay original.
Fantastic pick up.
No V8 or running gear swaps here :)
@@oldclassiccarUK the sound of a straight 6 side valve is so distinctive.
I definitely think you made the right move! It is in amazing shape! Very useable! Well done.
Cheers!
Wonderful old girl with bags of character , a real head turner.
That's a brilliant truck, absolutely unmolested that's what I like to see as well. I hate seeing them hot rodded as you say. More on big dodge please as I think I may have missed a video on it.
The patina is all part of its life / history, a bit of touching up a ding here and there.
It's the history behind a vehicle is interesting to know , how it has survived.
There are a few vids about big Dodge, here's one that talks about its background in some detail: ruclips.net/video/Z1aBJt_q47I/видео.html Thanks for watching etc
@@oldclassiccarUK Hi Richard, I viewed your 1940 green Dodge Transporter what a brilliant vehicle and history. Thanks for the info.
Nice, it's a lot of truck for only a 1/2 ton payload, but who cares, it's all about the style. A good purchase, well done.
Agreed, my old van was 1/2 ton rated too and of much lighter build
Fabulous. Engine sounds gorgeous. All best wishes with it 👍🏻
Well done Rick! Fantastic film ……..bags of nostalgia!👏
Glad you liked it
My dad bought one in 1958, when we lived in Seattle, Washington. He used it for hauling firewood and other domestic chores. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I currently have a 1950 Dodge 1 ton pickup.
Love the opening black and white sequence, excellent acquisition.. I can visualise sometime in the future RJ in Big Dodge and HJ in Little Dodge at various shows, Little and Large.
What a beauty, having spent time in California has certainly preserved it. What a fabulous addition to your menagerie.👍
Congratulations on your great new acquisition.
thanks for the chat. just picked up a 47 6 ton flat back that has also never had any work done. it has been a farm truck since 51 and used as a back up fire water carrier for 20 years.
Incredible original truck, perfect addition to your collection. Loving the heater & remote spot lamp.
What a beautiful pick up. I love that era for its commercial vehicles.
Hello from New Zealand.
Back in the day, when they built them good and built them right. Love the sounds and vibrations from inside the cab on these older vehicles.
I can feel your excitement in this video i just love the fact you are going to use this Dodge going to shows all over the UK ...Good luck to you both and Little D i look forward to going with you on your journeys during 2023 Thank you for all your videos Sir's.
Big and little Dodge one for you and one for son.Great video Sir.
Aww, that is utterly adorable! It's like a faithful old dog that just keeps doing everything that's asked of it. I absolutely love it ❤❤❤
I love it, I love it, I love it. I'm so pleased that you managed to bring this beautiful old truck home. Just listening to you as you gave us a tour I could feel your excitement and enthusiasm for this old beauty. To see it, and big Dodge resting side by side in the garage is a sight to behold. I really am so glad you have it, as from where I'm sitting you're the only person who should have it. Well done my friend and I cant wait till summer comes and you get that linseed oil good and hot.
Thanks John, if I had my way I'd drive it every day
Amazed that you can have a California plate with your local plate number. That would be considered beyond the pale here in Australia, the land of regulations.
That's a handsome old farm truck.
The spotlight was probably used for chasing cows. It just needs a set of STA Super Traxion tires on the rear and she could go right back to work.
Absolutely beautiful, and great to see a survivor in good hands. My son and me are working on a '65 Daimler V8 250, bringing her to a similar level of patina. It's more fun, I think, and you don't have to worry about the odd scratch or dent. Well done, a great channel.
Thanks Sean, yes shiny paint can be a real headache to keep that way
Wow Rick! What a treasure I am so jealous it’s a beauty and that engine 🤗
These old plodders aren't for everyone, but it suits me down to the ground
The colour matches your logo nicely!
A happy coincidence!
@@oldclassiccarUK You could almost just get the black outline of the text sign written on the doors but faded out so it was barely visible. Patined to match the truck but it would be nice, subtle branding.
What a thing of beauty!!!!! Knowing the recent work and history as well. Really pleased for you.
Thanks, yes it's a lovely old things to rumble around in and potentially quite useful too - thanks for watching
GREAT!!! I had a 1947 Dodge car with that same engine in 1977.The engine was new.They were available in tractor supply store here in Canada at that time.Mine had fluid drive.A manuel clutch and a torque converter.6 volt battery.The back doors opened backwards(Suicide doors)When you shut the doors they gave a solid click!CHEERS from Vancouver Island!
Superb truck I am most impressed with how solid and rust free it is. The only thing I would have to do asap would be the windscreen I would d think as the screens are flat it should not be a prohibitive cost. Well done Harley for his excellent camera work , and the reverse parking into the garage was very profesional. Most impressed !!
I'll do the screens sometime although it's a bit involved to split them apart from memory
Yes it is the seal as well that could be a problem
Lovely addition to the OCC fleet an absolute beauty. Sounds great so smooth, free from rattles out on the road. Looking forward to seeing more updates
Delightful little Dodge👍👍
What an absolutely fantastic addition to the garage. It's perfect. I love those indicator lights.
Thanks, I've still got a spare pair of the old US "directional" arrow indicators (as fitted to big Dodge) so they may find their way onto this one sometime
Superb old truck great addition to your collection !
Thanks Derek, it does fit in quite well :)
It is great to see a Brit getting such enjoyment out of old American iron. That era Dodge was never as popular as Ford and Chevy. As a Californian who helped to restore my wife's 1947 Dodge 3/4 ton, it really is a great truck. She sold it to get a 1936 Dodge truck. The interior parts are very reasonable, and make a world of difference. If you want another original California Dodge to add to your collection, I have a 1949 5-window pilot cab for you.
There's someone who lives a mile or so away who also has a 1950s pickup, I think it's a Ford though ... in fact quite a few 1940s-1960s US pickups turn up at events around here, but mainly Chevys and Fords. I'm not that keen on the Pilot-House era trucks, but those from the 1930s are stunning.
@@oldclassiccarUK Do all these vintage vehicles have to pass your MOT each year? Can't imagine surviving those. What is the story with the 2 sets of plates? The plates you have with the E usually meant it was a government vehicle. Also has to be a handful doubling-clutching while driving on the wrong side of the road in a vehicle bigger than anything around you.
It's exempt from MOT due to its age but I'm sure it'd pass, lights, brakes etc all fine, I may voluntarily put it through a test. The original US plate is on one side, the UK registration is (currently) on a US-style plate on the other although I will make up some UK style plates. I didn't realise that about the E plates, interesting, I wonder what the story is there. Is that the case just for California, or all states in the US? It's easy to drive, double de-clutching may be required occasionally on a down-shift otherwise I never need to. It's a lot easier to drive than the '40 3-ton!!
@@oldclassiccarUK In '74 I spent a year at University in Liverpool and was amazed at the MOT. Trying to ram a bar through the floor pan? What is the cut-off date for MOT? E may just be California and it stood for Exempt of road tax and registration fees. As for double clutching, as Kipling said, "you're a better man than I"
Nice solid base to work with.
Wonderful old truck!!
What an original thing which with a modest bit of TLC wit Autoglym (or whatever!) will be brill and one to be proud of - or should I say prouder!
Rob
I think I'll break out the boiled linseed oil when the weather improves a little
I have always had a liking for old half ton pickup trucks. Some more than others. I was sad to see the MG and van go (more so the MG) but I understand your thinking. That engine is certainly very quiet, you will be able to transport your 'Moonshine' without detection! : ) I know it is early days but I think there is a firm in the Birmingham area that will make glass for vintage vehicles, a search on the internet would find it. I know it does not require an MOT but if you are going to use the 'Old girl' frequently I would investigate the glass soon just in case vibration and gravity take their toll. ( you did say it has not been used very much).A very nice addition to the collection Rick thanks for the update.👍👍
I bought one 20 years ago, same condition but green with black fenders (wings). Got it running, but I didn´t get it on the road here in Sweden at the time. Now i really got inspired to get things done:-) I did buy a new reproduction interior (The seat was already done in the correct material and colour). Back then I paid three figure dollars for it, You won´t get a nice one for that money now....
What a lovely old truck - you're very fortunate to have acquired it.
On another subject, your video which included some Bond 3 wheelers reminded me of a cartoon in an old book I've got "Up the Straight with Brockbank."
One of the cartoons shows a big old American car trying to negotiate a little hump back bridge. It's wheels are astride the bridge parapet!! It's still stuck there at night and this little Bond three wheeler comes bombing over the bridge passing under the big old Yank car. 😝
Thanks, yes the Brockbank books are fantastic
What a cracking pickup! Congratulations on your new purchase, looks at home with big Dodge.👍
I always wanted this truck myself, it's gone to a good home well done Richard
Great channel keep it up
Glen 👍
Thanks Glen, it's in good company with the big one!
@@oldclassiccarUK
I'm sure it is and I will no doubt get to see it again 👌
Super addition to the OCC stable; scarcely concealed excitement in your commentary! So original with known provenance and in such good condition. The MGB is no match! Hope you and the Youthful Assistant get many years of enjoyment from it.
Thanks Colin, yes we hope to get it out and about a few times this year :)
What a little gem!
Love it Rich / Har. Just how it should be, you lucky pair ! ( but you already know that ) 👍
Thanks for watching!
That's really nice, I like the screen pillar spot lamp, that's a useful accessory! A nice find! Thanks for sharing.
Lovely truck, congratulations on acquiring it. By the way, the door post lamp was used by farmers when checking livestock at night or even when hunting predators like coyotes etc. Checking fencing in the dark. I grew up on a farm in South Afica so I knoe how handy it is. I am sure you will be enjoying fettling the pick-up as well as going on many outings. I look forward to seeing it at these meets on videos.
Interesting re the lamp, someone else mentioned that too
fantastic...i do like American motors,i have one myself...a Jeep Cherokee xj 4.0ltr...one of the best motors i have owned.
Very good! 😊👍
nice old truck
I think you did the right thing. Sure it needs a few jobs doing but nothing you have to take it off the road for.
What a wonderful addition to your collection, Just love pick ups , i have a Suzuki carry not a patch on that 👍🏼
The front grill with the chrome to me at least it looks like it has a art deco feel to it.
That’s what you call a survivor.Well done.😊
Love the truch Hi from Canada 💗
Thanks Gary, it'll be in another vid coming up shortly too, thanks for watching
What a great useable truck,full of character. I understand your love of these old vehicles,wish I was younger,I could get involved in old classics. Thanks for a very interesting video.
Maybe start small with Dinkys, then work up to something larger :)
Very very nice truck
Thanks 👍 There are several videos about it here now
I had one of these well I think it was an early 48 but it looked the same as this truck and mine was red and white paint job. I used it to haul all the lumber up the mountain to build my house in 1966.
Great purchase, they will not loose value. Looks like an ex USAF pickup.
Beautiful truck with just the right amount of patina! Congratulations!!🎉 it’ll fit right in with the rest of the fleet! More Anglia videos please! (Easily my favorite!) Cheers!
Thanks yes I hope to get the Anglia out soon, I just need the weather/roads to improve really
The latest Vice Grip Garage shows the use of a rub on finish you might consider trying. The episode involves a Packard.
What a great honest truck with patina to match 🛻 👍
I am familiar with Budd building streamlined rail coaches, but not road vehicles. Researching that will keep me busy on a cold Sunday.
I think Budd were quite prolific in making parts for the US auto industry, the wheels on big Dodge are also Budd
My favourite old truck. Look forward to upcoming videos. Would be interested to know how truck is on road and different speeds/modern traffic. Look forward to some test drives.
It drives pretty well really, rolls along ok at 40 ish without any strain which is plenty quick enough for me and local roads. Yes I hope to do more videos before long so please keep an eye on the channel!
We toured England and Scotland in a rented Vauxhall Corsa, in 2006. Traffic, particularly in England, was very heavy. We spent 4 nights in each of the following places: Chetenham, Windermere, York an Slough. I am always amazed that many English old car fans like left-hand-drive vehicles. I'v been driving for 52 years and I've never driven a l.h.d. car. I can't imagine doing that on your busy roads. Your thoughts please? P.s. I do like your "Little Dodge".
Driving LHD makes no difference to me, probably because anything LHD I've had are quite slow so overtaking isn't ever something I consider. Dad used to run a LHD car, overtaking was fine, you just need to hang a bit further back to see properly.
What a wonderful find. Good to see it passed on to someone who will keep it original. Now it makes me long for my 1952 Dodge B-3-B PU that other than styling changes is very much like your truck. That gear whine is fabulous. I would, however, recommend replacing the cracked/delaminating glass more as a safety issue than restoration.
Well Rick, I'm sorry to rain on your parade, but I'm totally underwhelmed at your latest purchase. I agree she is in lovely unmolested condition, I just don't see the excitement of it. Give me your Anglia or Standard any day, but as I've always said - each to their own, or these lovely old vehicles wouldn't survive. In it's favour, it IS better than the MG ! Thanks for all your videos - take care 🙂
I forgive you :-) like I said, old trucks aren't for everyone but I like them. I often see people on YT buying things just to please their audience, ie the tail wagging the dog, whereas I just pick what I like and don't worry unduly if anyone will agree with my choice. The Standard and Anglia will continue to appear fear not!
patch panels, replacement panels made of a similar gauge metal as the original are welded in and the weld is ground flush, so that now it's all one piece and who can tell. that, of course is work done by a welder, metal finisher and not some buzzbox bodger.
I would trade my perfectly fine 2010 Dodge (not Ram, last year) 5/8 tom for one of those in that condition in a heartbeat! Nice.
Same shift pattern on that 'Dearborn" 3 speed transmission...not a surprise...funny that...my '82 Chevy Van also had a "Dearborn" 3 speed...
Most Americans don't seem to value originality so it is great to see an unmolested example! I have a similar tool chest which was made by my grandfather as an apprentice piece in one of the Birmingham car factories.
Very nice 👍👍👍
Definitely have that over the MG any day...
Well I hope you are going to treat the underside to some good protection
I'll slop some old oil around don't worry
hi there.great truck,i would sugest an oil change to the engine and the air cleaner,also check the distributor,has it got anti freeze in the cooling system ?as this is an old vehicle double-de-clutching would be advisable,good luck,
Yes I'll check all that definitely, it came from a time-served engineer/mechanic who'd been around old vehicles like this for decades
Hi my boss had the Aussie version of the same rig stock as a rock red body black guards timber tray all class 👍🇦🇺
I love your new "Little Dodge" it's a really pretty pickup. How are you going to prevent rust on it in the future?
So long as it rarely gets wet, and no build-ups of mud are allowed to gather under the wings (mud stays wet for ages and can cause rot), then it should be ok. I'll give it a wipe over with boiled linseed oil (like I did with the bid Dodge truck last year) and that'll help it too.
C'mon , admit it , it never left your thoughts did it ! . The diff change they did was inspired , the truck becomes so much more usable , much longer journeys without the engine becoming so stressed ! Any thoughts of just restoring the cab inside ? leaving the rest ?
Door trims are already part made for it, but otherwise it'll stay pretty much as it is I think, maybe a headliner one day, who knows!?
The diff or is the gearbox seems to be the noisiest part, driving that would be great fun.
The gearbox is quite vocal in a 1930s/1940s way, which adds to the character
I would not restore it I would leave it the way it is! It's only original one time!
Definitely!
😁👍
👍🏻💯🇦🇺
So it was originally used for carrying some nuts around? 😳 Sorry, I had to be first to say that. It is a lovely old thing, very characterful. Dont you need an English number plate on it?
It has one ! 380UYG - there on the opposite side to the US plate.
To be honest I never took to the MGB, I'm not sure why.
It's a very mainstream old car which isn't normally my thing either, but the history was what drew me towards it. I'd have kept it if I could, but something(s) had to give to make the pickup a reality.
Hey didn't you see me? I was hitch hiking and you passed me up .. check you email for the 3 window Renault 4cv ..
Yep saw that, they did do quite a few variations even back in the day but probably not a two-door..
@@oldclassiccarUK if they did make it,,, I wonder what the 4cv Renault wagon/ as you call estate would look like? I would love to see one... Well out to the garage for the last day till I get in the big truck for a 3000 at least country trip ... I pack my art with me ..
Not so much a rolling restoration, more a rolling preservation. I wouldn't mind betting there's some Philistines out there muttering 'crate engine' ;air bags' etc, etc. ad nauseum.....
That happens to lots of old trucks true, but not this one
😓 promo sm
good decision! there's plenty of MGB's about, when did you ever see one of these. and not everything has to be a super shiny concourse example.
Thanks, yes we're not really big on shiny things (4CV excepted)