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Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General Discussion	Message format

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-20 7:32 PM (#607934)
Subject: Forward Look Trucks

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This thread is meant to capture information in one place, on an often over-looked entity of our group - the trucks.

One of the most surprising things about the trucks is that for some odd reason, Dodge decided that in 1957, they would not provide a VIN number plate on the truck. Instead, they put the VIN information on a paper card in the glove box. Good idea!

The VIN (or partial VIN) is also located on the front left part of the frame behind the front bumper. Don't mess with that section of your frame or you are screwed! And I am not sure if it is only a motor number or the actual VIN number. Best to verify before you swap motors in your truck. Fortunately, they didn't carry this insanity forward beyond 1957 and very early '58. I don't know how you would actually do a VIN verification on '57 trucks because I've never known them to scrub frames, looking for numbers. You'd probably have to make it visible for them and give them lots of guidance.

You can also have a new VIN card made up for $10 and put anything you want on it to show to the DMV, and they wouldn't be able to scoff at it because its just like the original.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193230585925

Townwagon.com is a good resource for these trucks, but they mainly center on the 4x4 & panel trucks. https://www.townwagon.com/pgpws/index.htm

(1957papervin.jpg)

(57-58 Dodge VIN Locations.jpg)

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57-58 Dodge VIN Locations.jpg (103KB - 496 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-21 1:32 AM (#607948 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

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In my '57-'58 truck parts book, the different models are laid out. Many of the newer style of truck bodies hadn't come out yet like the Low Cab Forward (LCF) that came out in 1960 or the tilt-cab that came out in 1964. So most of the forwardlook trucks followed the following basic designations. A lot of the 4x4 and some 6x6 trucks are actually the flat fendered military style Power Wagons that are more popular than the regular trucks today. But Dodge did start making civilian styled 4x4 power wagons & town wagons starting in 1957 and on too.

D = Conventional Model
W = 4 Wheel Drive
C = Cab Over Engine (COE)
P = Forward Controls (Commercial Panel like a milk or mail truck)
S = School Bus
T = 6 Wheel Drive ("T" Probably stands for Tractor)

100 = 1/2 Ton
200 = 3/4 Ton
L300 = 3/4 Ton
300 = 1 Ton
L400 = 1 Ton
400 = 1 1/2 Ton
L500 = 1 1/2 Ton
500 = 2 Ton
L600 = 1 1/2 Ton
600 = 2 1/2 Ton
L700 = 1 1/2 Ton
700 = 2 1/2 Ton
L800 = 2 Ton
800 = 3 Ton
L900 = 2 Ton
900 = 4 Ton

The L here seems to indicate that it is a light duty version, but what are the real differences between them? The parts list states: "Parts for special models (the "Lx00") preceded by an asterisk (*) are the same as the standard models... (without an L in front of it). " So essentially all DL400 models use the same parts as the D400 etc. for each of the different models. If that's true, then why specify a different model that has a lower stated capacity? Pretty weird, and I don't really understand this. But I can confirm that it seems to be true with my truck. It's a '57 D200 3/4 ton truck with a 315 poly V8, a flatbed and a dually axle. Usually dually axles define it as a 1 ton truck, not 3/4 ton. I checked the engine number and expected to see a VT536 for a D200, but instead found a VT538 for a D300 or DL300. The DL300 is the correct designation for my truck, and as such it is defined as a 3/4 ton with D200 badges, and 3/4 ton written on the title, yet with all the equipment and parts to physically be a 1 ton truck. So you have to be careful when ordering parts. You may have D200 or something else on the title, but really need to order D300 or some other parts to get the right ones. Also notice that there are 3 models for 2 Ton and 4 models for 1 1/2 ton trucks. These labels aren't as straightforward as they may at first seem. Checking the engine number and comparing it to the model that refers to is probably the best way to figure out what you have if you aren't familiar with the different variations.

(57D200.jpg)

(small Truck Back.JPG)

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58coupe

Posted 2021-01-21 12:05 PM (#607964 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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I have 2 56 dodge 1/2 ton trucks (one for parts). Fortunately I have a title for the one I am restoring.There is another possibility for the "L" in the model number, these trucks were made both with a short and long wheelbase and box. Not sure how this was shown in the vin.

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-21 12:29 PM (#607966 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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A wheelbase designation would sort-of make sense, except that I believe even the D100 had short & long wheelbase options, but the D100 designation doesn't have a DL100 listed, or a DL200 for that matter either. Also, why would a long wheelbase truck lower its carrying capacity? Part of my problem is my truck doesn't have a VIN to refer to...

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-21 4:06 PM (#607985 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

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I mentioned that it's best to check the motor number to fully identify which truck you have, especially for 1957, which likely has no VIN information with it. The only place I know where to get that info is in the parts catalog, which I don’t believe is posted anywhere. So I am posting the important first couple of pages here for people’s reference. Quality Engineered Component’s website has a list of the different truck motor IDs, but his list is a little lacking and some of the information is wrong. There are a lot of other motor prefixes that he doesn't have listed, and I don't have his VT576 for 1958 anywhere on here. Also, that designation has got to be wrong because it isn't using the proper L8-XX code for 1958. Notice that there are no 331 hemi motors listed in trucks in '57-'58, in contradiction to what he has listed as well. I have tabulated all of the 354 hemi motors for future convenience. They are all in the heavy duty 700-900 sized trucks, none in the smaller ones, but it was probably optional to put one into a smaller truck, but I don't know what restrictions there were on it.

All of the 354 hemi motors that are listed for 1957-58 are:
VT548, L8-D7 D(L)700
VTS548, L8-S7 S700
VT560, L8-C7 C(L)700
VT562, L8-T7 T(L)700
VT550, L8-D8 D(L)800
VT566, L8-T8 T(L)800
VT552, L8-D9 D(L)900
VT568, L8-T9 T(L)900

Edited by Powerflite 2021-01-22 2:54 AM

(57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg2.jpg)

(57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg3.jpg)

(57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg4.jpg)

(57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg5.jpg)

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57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg2.jpg (238KB - 513 downloads)
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57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg3.jpg (245KB - 504 downloads)
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57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg4.jpg (237KB - 530 downloads)
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57-58 Dodge Truck Models Pg5.jpg (120KB - 504 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-21 8:32 PM (#607994 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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Further digging into my own truck, it looks like I may be wrong. I measured a 116 in wheelbase on it, which matches the D200 description. The VIN number on the title has an obvious error in it (That's going to be a whole lot of fun to fix!) but it looks to match more to the D200 numbers than to the DL300. So I'm not sure what to think, but it looks like it is indeed a D200 that was ordered with dually wheels and received a VT538 motor stamp for some reason. I am only the 3rd owner of this truck so I know the history reasonably well. I know the 2nd owner didn't swap anything around on it, but I'm not sure about the 1st owner (the parks municipal service) that owned it for the longest period of time.

Powerflite

Posted 2021-01-21 9:42 PM (#607997 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

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On page 9-15, the parts catalog describes the different engine options. This looks to describe which models could have been ordered with the optional 315 hemi motor, and which models came with it standard. In 1957, it is described as a "Premium 8 cylinder 315", and in 1958, as a "double rocker shaft 315 engine". This is what it says:

Note 5: Refers to K series (1957) only. A premium 8 cylinder 315 (314.61) cubic inch displacement engine is standard for the following models: K8-D600, K8-C600. This engine is available for models K8-D500 (Fitting choice!

), K8-C500, and K8-W500 as extra equipment. This engine is stamped with the letter "P" at the oil filler spout, in addition to the regular stamp, denoting it is a premium engine.

Note 6: Refers to L series (1958). An 8 cylinder 315 (314.61) cubic displacement SINGLE ROCKER SHAFT engine is standard for models: L8-W300, L8-D400, L8-D500, L8-C500, L8-W500 (and optional on all lower models, but not stated here). Identification: on the single rocker shaft engine the spark plugs are located ALONGSIDE the cylinder head cover.

Note 7: Refers to L series (1958). An 8 cylinder 315 (314.61) cubic displacement DOUBLE ROCKER SHAFT engine is standard for models: L8-D600, L8-C600. This engine is optional extra equipment for models L8-D400, L8-D500, L8-C500, L8-W500. Identification: on the double rocker shaft engine the spark plugs are located UNDER the cylinder head cover. Where no mention of notes occur, parts for the single and double rocker shaft engines are the same.

Therefore, the 315 hemi truck motors had number stampings:
P-VT546, L8-D6 D600 standard
P-VT558, L8-C6 C600 standard
P-VT544, L8-D5 D500 optional
P-VT556, L8-C5 C500 optional
P-VT504, L8-W5 W500 optional
L8-D4 D400 (1958 only) optional

The premium "P" marking makes it easy to determine which 315 motors were originally hemi motors in '57, but in '58, you can't tell. For the '58 D400, D500, C500, & W500, it could have been either one and it isn't denoted on the block. They don't mention the school buses or panel vans so I assume those were all powered by poly motors, except for the S700 school bus which was powered by a 354 hemi.

56D500boy

Posted 2021-01-21 11:22 PM (#608001 - in reply to #607997)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

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Powerflite - 2021-01-21 6:42 PM
On page 9-15, the parts catalog describes the different engine options. This looks to describe which models could have been ordered with the optional 315 hemi motor, and which models came with it standard. In 1957, it is described as a "Premium 8 cylinder 315", and in 1958, as a "double rocker shaft 315 engine".

I just remembered that I had these:

(58DodgeSweptSideWith315PowerGiant.jpg)

(315PowerGiantInA1958DodgeSweptSidePickup.jpg)

(1958DodgeSweptsideColdAirInductionIntakeforAC_3.jpg)

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1958DodgeSweptsideColdAirInductionIntakeforAC_3.jpg (95KB - 503 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-02-20 11:05 AM (#609104 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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This is a Dodge hemi motor from a '55 1.5 Ton truck. The seller claims it is a 359. Does he mean 259? I suspect it really is a 270, but not sure. The motor number on it is VTX-342-2372.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294020922367

(55 Dodge Truck Hemi VTX342.jpg)

(55 Dodge Truck Hemi VTX342 front.jpg)

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55 Dodge Truck Hemi VTX342 front.jpg (108KB - 495 downloads)

56D500boy

Posted 2021-02-20 11:39 AM (#609108 - in reply to #609104)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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Powerflite - 2021-02-20 8:05 AM
This is a Dodge hemi motor from a '55 1.5 Ton truck. The seller claims it is a 359. Does he mean 259? I suspect it really is a 270, but not sure. The motor number on it is VTX-342-2372.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294020922367

Nathan: The closest thing to VTX 342 in your list above is VTS 542 for a K8-S400 1.5 ton. I couldn't find a VTX or a 342, let alone together. That said, I might be blind.

However in Googling "VTX 342", I found this eBay auction for a 2 bbl Stromberg carb that says:

"Fitment: 1955-56 Dodge Truck VT-338 VT-344 VT-346 VTX-342 VTX-346 MT with 270ci engines"

https://hartbroscore.com/products/1955-56-dodge-truck-vt-338-344-346...

Edited by 56D500boy 2021-02-20 11:41 AM

Powerflite

Posted 2021-02-20 12:12 PM (#609114 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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Keep in mind that my list above is for 1957 and 1958 only. So the fact that a '55 truck motor number doesn't show up on it should come as no surprise. The number does sound similar to the '57 school bus. But the truck seems to be painted red though, not school bus yellow. Someone needs to purchase a '55-'56 book and post the info from it. '59-'61 would be nice too.

Powerflite

Posted 2021-07-28 11:42 AM (#613846 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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Here are the different models listed in the '59 truck catalog. 1959 was the last year for hemi motors inside trucks. The 315's were reserved for 2-2.5 ton trucks (500-600), with the 354 used in 2.5-4 ton trucks (700-900). There are light duty 1.5 ton frames in there too, but with the same 500-900 model designation. The 318 poly motor was used in the light duty V8 trucks.

315 hemi: M8-C5, M8-D6, M8-S6, M8-C6
354 hemi: M8-D7, M8-S7, M8-C7, M8-T7, M8-D8, M8-T8, M8-D9, M8-T9

(1959 Truck Models 10.jpg)

(1959 Truck Models 20.jpg)

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56 Cruiser

Posted 2021-07-28 3:34 PM (#613854 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

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My dad's 59

(My Early Days of Hot Rodding 011.jpg)

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57burb

Posted 2021-07-29 10:34 AM (#613876 - in reply to #607966)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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Powerflite - 2021-01-21 11:29 AM

A wheelbase designation would sort-of make sense, except that I believe even the D100 had short & long wheelbase options, but the D100 designation doesn't have a DL100 listed, or a DL200 for that matter either. Also, why would a long wheelbase truck lower its carrying capacity? Part of my problem is my truck doesn't have a VIN to refer to...

Your parts book is showing that the "L" designated trucks and "non-L" versions share the same wheelbase options.

Seems pretty clear that "L" denotes "Light" for the 300+ series trucks, as in every case the only difference is the reduced load capacity. I have to assume it's a softer spring for trucks that were going to be driven on the road more, as these things were notorious for... driving like an old truck.

Powerflite

Posted 2021-08-27 10:37 AM (#614535 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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These are the different bodies shown in the '57-'58 parts catalog. The '59 catalog doesn't have any body types shown in pictures.
1957 KD100 Express (Pickup)
1957 KW100 & KW200 4-wheel drive Power Wagon
1957 KD100 Panel & Town Wagon

Edited by Powerflite 2021-08-27 12:55 PM

(57 KD100 Pickup_s.jpg)

(57 KW100 Pickup_s.jpg)

(57 KD100 Panel_s.jpg)

(KD100 Wagon Rear_s.jpg)

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57 KD100 Panel_s.jpg (154KB - 409 downloads)
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KD100 Wagon Rear_s.jpg (158KB - 381 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-08-27 10:40 AM (#614536 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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1958 LD100 Express (pickup)
1958 LD100 Town Wagon & Panel

Edited by Powerflite 2021-08-27 11:20 AM

(58 LD100 Pickup_s.jpg)

(58 LD100 Wagon_s.jpg)

(LD100 Panel Rear_s.jpg)

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LD100 Panel Rear_s.jpg (170KB - 367 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-08-27 11:26 AM (#614540 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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KD200 Flat Face Cowl
K(L)P300, K(L)P400 Forward Control
KD400 Platform & Stake Bed
KW300(M) 4 wheel drive military Power Wagon

(57 KD200 Flat Face Cowl_s.jpg)

(57 KP300 Forward Control_s.jpg)

(57 KD400 Platform & Stake_s.jpg)

(57 KW300 Pickup_s.jpg)

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57 KP300 Forward Control_s.jpg (112KB - 396 downloads)
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57 KW300 Pickup_s.jpg (181KB - 393 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2021-08-27 11:30 AM (#614541 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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KC500 Cab Over
KD500
KW500 4 wheel drive
LD500

(57 KC500 Cabover_s.jpg)

(57 KD500 Standard Cab_s.jpg)

(57 KW500_s.jpg)

(58 LD500_s.jpg)

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57 KW500_s.jpg (147KB - 389 downloads)
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58 LD500_s.jpg (136KB - 402 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2022-12-26 11:29 AM (#626565 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

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The '54-'56 trucks were labeled as the C-series with '54 - mid '55 as C1, and mid '55 to '56 as C3. The change from C1 to C3 in the middle of 1955 was due to a re-design of the cab with a more curved wrap-around front windshield. Officially, the C-series continued on to 1960 while the cab design was still being used on the light duty pickups. But the parts books no longer named them with the "C" in front of the model, starting in '57 with the introduction of the Power Giant name. The mid C3 cab continued to be used in heavy duty trucks well into the late '60's, but I'm not sure when they stopped using it.

I've listed all of the truck models that used V8 motors during these years. Not all of them are dual rocker hemi motors though. I suspect that the 259/260 motor was the same poly motor that was used in the '55 Plymouth. Some of the 270 motors listed here might be poly motors as well, but unlike the '57-'58 parts book, I have no way to tell from the description listed in the '54-'56 parts books. Getting information from these years is more chaotic than the later years as well. You have to search through multiple supplements and later editions to get all the information. The later editions don't include much of the information in the earlier editions either, so you can't just look at one book. You'll notice there is a discrepancy in the C3-J models where the earlier book listed the motor as a 260, but the later edition listed the same engine number as a 270. I suspect that they really are 270 motors, assuming that the later edition corrected the error, but it should be verified. It's possible that they used both motors as well and introduced the 270 with the same engine stamp at a later date.

Also, notice that a specific engine stamp isn't unique to a specific size of Dodge engine. All the Chrysler engines had unique engine stamps, but the Dodge engines seemed to be stamped more for the model than the engine. Also notice that this list includes two 4x4 trucks. They are designated with the "W" in the model. Civilian style 4x4 trucks weren't supposed to have started until 1957, but it seems that there were a couple of 4x4 heavy duty trucks earlier than that - the C3-HW8 and K8W500. The last one has more of a '57 model number, so not sure why it was included in these older books. The "S" in a model designates a school bus, similar to the newer trucks. Unfortunately, the book doesn't give a full explanation of what all the different models represent, but some of them are revealed in the pictures, and the rest would need to be found through truck sales brochures or other places.

_____By Truck Model____________________By Engine Stamp______

Model_____Engine____Size ------------- Model____Engine_____Size
C1-B8_____ VT334___ 241 ------------- C1-B8_____ VT334___ 241
C1-D8_____ VT338___ 241 ------------- C3-B8_____ VT334___ 260
C1-G8_____ VTX342__ 241 ------------- C3-C8_____ VT336___ 260
C1-GA8____ VTX342__ 241 ------------- C1-D8_____ VT338___ 241
C1-H8_____ VT344___ 241 ------------- C3-D8_____ VT338___ 260
C1-HA8____ VT344___ 241 ------------- C3-DL8____ VT338___ 260
C1-HAL8___ VT344___ 241 ------------- C3-F8_____ VT342___ 260
C1-HL8____ VT344___ 241 ------------- C3-FL8____ VT342___ 260
C1-J8_____ VT346___ 241 ------------- C3-FS8____ VTS342__ 260
C1-JA8____ VT346___ 241 ------------- C1-G8_____ VTX342__ 241
C1-JAL8___ VT346___ 241 ------------- C1-GA8____ VTX342__ 241
C1-JL8____ VT346___ 241 ------------- C3-G8_____ VTX342__ 260
C1-K8_____ VTX346__ 241 ------------- C3-GL8____ VTX342__ 260
C1-KA8____ VTX346__ 241 ------------- C1-H8_____ VT344___ 241
C1-KAL8___ VTX346__ 241 ------------- C1-HA8____ VT344___ 241
C1-KL8____ VTX346__ 241 ------------- C1-HAL8___ VT344___ 241
C1-R8_____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C1-HL8____ VT344___ 241
C1-RA8____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-H8_____ VT344___ 260
C1-RAL8___ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-HA8____ VT344___ 260
C1-RL8____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-HAL8___ VT344___ 260
C1-RS8____ VTS348__ 331 ------------- C3-HL8____ VT344___ 260
C1-T8_____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HS8____ VTS344__ 260
C1-TA8____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HH8____ VTX344__ 260
C1-TAL8___ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HHA8___ VTX344__ 260
C1-TL8____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HHAL8__ VTX344__ 260
C1-V8_____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-HHL8___ VTX344__ 260
C1-VA8____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-JA8____ VT346__ 260
C1-VAL8___ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-JAL8___ VT346__ 270
C1-VL8____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-JAL8___ VT346__ 260
C3-B8_____ VT334___ 260 ------------- C3-JL8____ VT346__ 270
C3-B8_____ VT434___ 270 ------------- C3-JL8____ VT346__ 260
C3-C8_____ VT336___ 260 ------------- C1-J8_____ VT346___ 241
C3-D8_____ VT338___ 260 ------------- C1-JA8____ VT346___ 241
C3-D8_____ VT438___ 270 ------------- C1-JAL8___ VT346___ 241
C3-DL8____ VT338___ 260 ------------- C1-JL8____ VT346___ 241
C3-DL8____ VT438___ 270 ------------- C3-J8_____ VT346___ 270
C3-DN8____ VT418___ 270 ------------- C3-J8_____ VT346___ 260
C3-DNL8___ VT418___ 270 ------------- C3-JA8____ VT346___ 270
C3-F8_____ VT342___ 260 ------------- C3-JS8____ VTS346__ 260
C3-FL8____ VT342___ 260 ------------- C3-JS8____ VTS346__ 270
C3-FS8____ VTS342__ 260 ------------- C1-K8_____ VTX346__ 241
C3-G8_____ VT442___ 270 ------------- C1-KA8____ VTX346__ 241
C3-G8_____ VTX342__ 260 ------------- C1-KAL8___ VTX346__ 241
C3-GA8____ VT442___ 270 ------------- C1-KL8____ VTX346__ 241
C3-GAL8___ VT442___ 270 ------------- C3-K8_____ VTX346__ 270
C3-GL8____ VT442___ 270 ------------- C3-KA8____ VTX346__ 270
C3-GL8____ VTX342__ 260 ------------- C3-KAL8___ VTX346__ 270
C3-GN8____ VT422___ 270 ------------- C3-KL8____ VTX346__ 270
C3-GNL8___ VT422___ 270 ------------- C3-KS8____ VTXS346_ 270
C3-GS8____ VTS442__ 270 ------------- C1-R8_____ VT348___ 331
C3-H8_____ VT344___ 260 ------------- C1-RA8____ VT348___ 331
C3-H8_____ VT444___ 270 ------------- C1-RAL8___ VT348___ 331
C3-HA8____ VT344___ 260 ------------- C1-RL8____ VT348___ 331
C3-HA8____ VT444___ 270 ------------- C3-R8_____ VT348___ 331
C3-HAL8___ VT344___ 260 ------------- C3-RA8____ VT348___ 331
C3-HAL8___ VT444___ 270 ------------- C3-RAL8___ VT348___ 331
C3-HH8____ VT446___ 270 ------------- C3-RL8____ VT348___ 331
C3-HH8____ VTX344__ 260 ------------- C1-RS8____ VTS348__ 331
C3-HHA8___ VT446___ 270 ------------- C3-RS8____ VTS348__ 331
C3-HHA8___ VTX344__ 260 ------------- C1-T8_____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHAL8__ VT446___ 270 ------------- C1-TA8____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHAL8__ VTX344__ 260 ------------- C1-TAL8___ VT350___ 331
C3-HHL8___ VT446___ 270 ------------- C1-TL8____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHL8___ VTX344__ 260 ------------- C3-T8_____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHM8___ VT458___ 270 ------------- C3-TA8____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHMA8__ VT458___ 270 ------------- C3-TAL8___ VT350___ 331
C3-HHMAL8_ VT458___ 270 ------------- C3-TL8____ VT350___ 331
C3-HHML8__ VT458___ 270 ------------- C1-V8_____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HHS8___ VTS446__ 270 ------------- C1-VA8____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HL8____ VT344___ 260 ------------- C1-VAL8___ VTX350__ 331
C3-HL8____ VT444___ 270 ------------- C1-VL8____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HM8____ VT456___ 270 ------------- C3-V8_____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HMA8___ VT456___ 270 ------------- C3-VA8____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HMAL8__ VT456___ 270 ------------- C3-VAL8___ VTX350__ 331
C3-HML8___ VT456___ 270 ------------- C3-VL8____ VTX350__ 331
C3-HS8____ VTS344__ 260 ------------- C3-HW8____ VT404___ 270
C3-HS8____ VTS444__ 270 ------------- C3-DN8____ VT418___ 270
C3-HW8___ VT404___ 270 ------------- C3-DNL8___ VT418___ 270
C3-J8_____ VT346___ 270 ------------- C3-GN8____ VT422___ 270
C3-J8_____ VT346___ 260 ------------- C3-GNL8___ VT422___ 270
C3-JA8____ VT346___ 270 ------------- C3-B8_____ VT434___ 270
C3-JA8____ VT346___ 260 ------------- C3-D8_____ VT438___ 270
C3-JAL8___ VT346___ 270 ------------- C3-DL8____ VT438___ 270
C3-JAL8___ VT346___ 260 ------------- C3-G8_____ VT442___ 270
C3-JL8____ VT346___ 270 ------------- C3-GA8____ VT442___ 270
C3-JL8____ VT346___ 260 ------------- C3-GAL8___ VT442___ 270
C3-JS8____ VTS346__ 270 ------------- C3-GL8____ VT442___ 270
C3-JS8____ VTS346__ 260 ------------- C3-GS8____ VTS442__ 270
C3-K8_____ VT448___ 331 ------------- C3-H8_____ VT444___ 270
C3-K8_____ VTX346__ 270 ------------- C3-HA8____ VT444___ 270
C3-KA8____ VT448___ 331 ------------- C3-HAL8___ VT444___ 270
C3-KA8____ VTX346__ 270 ------------- C3-HL8____ VT444___ 270
C3-KAL8___ VT448___ 331 ------------- C3-HS8____ VTS444__ 270
C3-KAL8___ VTX346__ 270 ------------- C3-HH8____ VT446___ 270
C3-KL8____ VT448___ 331 ------------- C3-HHA8___ VT446___ 270
C3-KL8____ VTX346__ 270 ------------- C3-HHAL8__ VT446___ 270
C3-KM8____ VT460___ 331 ------------- C3-HHL8___ VT446___ 270
C3-KMA8___ VT460___ 331 ------------- C3-HHS8___ VTS446__ 270
C3-KMAL8__ VT460___ 331 ------------- C3-K8_____ VT448___ 331
C3-KML8___ VT460___ 331 ------------- C3-KA8____ VT448___ 331
C3-KS8____ VTS448__ 331 ------------- C3-KAL8___ VT448___ 331
C3-KS8____ VTXS346_ 270 ------------- C3-KL8____ VT448___ 331
C3-KX8____ VT462___ 331 ------------- C3-KS8____ VTS448__ 331
C3-KXL8___ VT462___ 331 ------------- C3-T8_____ VT450___ 331
C3-R8_____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-TA8____ VT450___ 331
C3-RA8____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-TAL8___ VT450___ 331
C3-RAL8___ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-TL8____ VT450___ 331
C3-RL8____ VT348___ 331 ------------- C3-Y8_____ VT452___ 354
C3-RS8____ VTS348__ 331 ------------- C3-YA8____ VT452___ 354
C3-T8_____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-YAL8___ VT452___ 354
C3-T8_____ VT450___ 331 ------------- C3-YL8____ VT452___ 354
C3-TA8____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HM8____ VT456___ 270
C3-TA8____ VT450___ 331 ------------- C3-HMA8___ VT456___ 270
C3-TAL8___ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HMAL8__ VT456___ 270
C3-TAL8___ VT450___ 331 ------------- C3-HML8___ VT456___ 270
C3-TL8____ VT350___ 331 ------------- C3-HHM8___ VT458___ 270
C3-TL8____ VT450___ 331 ------------- C3-HHMA8__ VT458___ 270
C3-TX8____ VT466___ 331 ------------- C3-HHMAL8_ VT458___ 270
C3-TXL8___ VT466___ 331 ------------- C3-HHML8__ VT458___ 270
C3-V8_____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-KM8____ VT460___ 331
C3-VA8____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-KMA8___ VT460___ 331
C3-VAL8___ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-KMAL8__ VT460___ 331
C3-VL8____ VTX350__ 331 ------------- C3-KML8___ VT460___ 331
C3-Y8_____ VT452___ 354 ------------- C3-KX8____ VT462___ 331
C3-YA8____ VT452___ 354 ------------- C3-KXL8___ VT462___ 331
C3-YAL8___ VT452___ 354 ------------- C3-TX8____ VT466___ 331
C3-YL8____ VT452___ 354 ------------- C3-TXL8___ VT466___ 331
C3-YX8____ VT468___ 354 ------------- C3-YX8____ VT468___ 354
C3-YXL8___ VT468___ 354 ------------- C3-YXL8___ VT468___ 354
K8-W500__ VT504___ 315 ------------- K8-W500___ VT504___ 315

Edited by Powerflite 2022-12-26 11:44 AM

horace

Posted 2023-01-05 1:00 PM (#626747 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 471
100

Location: MN

Yes, there is more to forward look than cars. This is my 57 Dodge W 100 Power Wagon, with astounding options like 2 tone paint, 315 V8, ashtray, cigar liter, oil filter, & long stem exterior mirror!
The others my 79 Macho Power Wagon & 18 Laramie with Ram Boxes, sure grip & all kinds of too much

(LARL Detroit Lakes_20230105_115313_0001.jpg)

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LARL Detroit Lakes_20230105_115313_0001.jpg (179KB - 338 downloads)
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LARL Detroit Lakes_20230105_115313_0001.jpg (179KB - 335 downloads)

horace

Posted 2023-01-05 1:06 PM (#626748 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 471
100

Location: MN

There were heavier than "light duty" 4x4 trucks offered before '57

Powerflite

Posted 2023-01-18 2:52 AM (#627059 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

Nice truck Horace! It's funny that a rear view mirror, radio, cigar lighter & ashtray are highly prized options for these trucks, but they are all very rare to get! Dodge truck buyers seemed to be quite poor.

I wasn't very thrilled with the reproduction VIN card for my '57 Dodge truck that wasn't cleaned up very well before printing. So I made a new vector image that can be scaled up very high. I had to hand make the "DODGE TRUCKS" font and some of it needs a little tweaking still. I also made the "DODGE" text in the circle, but I just had to modify another font that was close, so it came out better. I'm going to print this out on card stock and put it in my truck with the proper information on it. That way I can present it to the DMV personnel that intend to do VIN inspection on my truck.

(57 Dodge Truck VIN Card-s.jpg)

(57 Dodge Truck Vector Vin Card.jpg)

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57 Dodge Truck VIN Card-s.jpg (192KB - 340 downloads)
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57 Dodge Truck Vector Vin Card.jpg (85KB - 342 downloads)

horace

Posted 2023-01-18 4:57 PM (#627074 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 471
100

Location: MN

I didn't replace the tailgate w/ the nifty but expensive embossed ones that are available. I took a picture of an old tailgate had it blown up by a print shop. I'll post a rear pic some day

horace

Posted 2023-02-23 2:27 PM (#627786 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 471
100

Location: MN

Here's a pic of my tailgate, I just had a decal made but the embossed tailgates are soooo much better but this works.
Sorry for the extra detritus there

Edited by horace 2023-02-23 2:30 PM

(dodge.jpg)

(trucks.jpg)

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Powerflite

Posted 2025-07-01 12:54 PM (#640638 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

It looks like all '57 315 poly engines were stamped with VT538 and all '58 315 polys were stamped with L8D3. This is true at least for 1 ton trucks and lower. That finally explains the mystery of my engine number. This is documented by the townwagon website here:
https://www.townwagon.com/pgpws/pgengines/315v8.htm

They also list the total production quantities that are surprisingly low. It ranges from 1K to 3K and only 100 to 300 for 4-wheel drive. I expected the production to be larger than that based on how many I see that are still around. But it makes sense that more trucks survive through the ages than the autos do.
https://www.townwagon.com/pgpws/pgw200/vinw200.htm

Edited by Powerflite 2025-07-01 1:10 PM

frwl

Posted 2025-07-02 2:57 PM (#640651 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

Expert

Posts: 2282
2000

.
1960 Dodge D100 Swept Line Long Bed Half Ton Pickup Truck
Chassis No. 1180140238

318 CID V-8 Engine (A-code)
3-Speed Manual Transmission
One of only 6,922 V-8 Dodge D100 trucks made in 1960
Wraparound windshield and rear window
318 CID V-8 engine (A-code) with 2-bbl carb
Three-speed manual transmission
Silver over Angus Black exterior with matching interior
Heater and new battery
116-inch wheelbase and 5,100-pound GVWR

(1.JPG)

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9.JPG (92KB - 215 downloads)

mstrug

Posted 2025-07-03 8:54 AM (#640662 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Expert 5K+

Posts: 6682
5000

Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)

Nice truck! Is it yours? Dual Masters!

Powerflite

Posted 2025-07-03 11:03 AM (#640665 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

Yes, Dodge trucks converted to using hanging pedals starting in 1960, along with hydraulic clutch activation. The earlier years had the pedals attached to the frame, below the floor with manual linkage. So if you would like to use the fully synchro'd NP435 4-speed from '62-up, you can swap the pedal assembly from a '60-'61 light duty truck or larger truck through most of the '60's into your late '55-'59 Dodge because they used the same cab throughout that time. For me, I'm sticking with the NP420 4-speed that I have. 1st, 2nd and reverse aren't synchro'd, but you get used to it and it isn't bad.

frwl

Posted 2025-07-03 11:50 AM (#640668 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

Expert

Posts: 2282
2000

.
Is not mine, unfortunately...
Some undercarriage pictures:

frwl

Posted 2025-07-03 11:50 AM (#640669 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: RE: Forward Look Trucks

Expert

Posts: 2282
2000

.
Is not mine, unfortunately...

:(

Some undercarriage pictures:

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(3.JPG)

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Powerflite

Posted 2025-07-03 12:12 PM (#640670 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

Notice the use of a real u-joint on the transmission end. If you can get a hold of one of these in the wrecking yard, you can use them to convert your ball & trunion to use u-joints.

jpmopar

Posted 2025-07-03 1:34 PM (#640671 - in reply to #640670)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 471
100

Location: Southwest VA

I used to own two '59's and one '60 D-100. I sold all three as a package deal about ten years ago. Here's a photo of a cool sticker attached to the inside of the glove box lid on the turquoise '59.

Edited by jpmopar 2025-07-03 1:39 PM

(017.0.jpg)

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1960fury

Posted 2025-07-03 6:24 PM (#640673 - in reply to #640670)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7619
5000

Location: northern germany

Powerflite - 2025-07-03 12:12 PM

Notice the use of a real u-joint on the transmission end. If you can get a hold of one of these in the wrecking yard, you can use them to convert your ball & trunion to use u-joints.

Good one. Ball&trunions are the definition of real U-Joints and are in every way better than cross&rollers

Powerflite

Posted 2025-07-03 9:30 PM (#640675 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

That's why they didn't use the ball & trunion in the trucks??

JPMopar: That's a neat sticker. It looks like it came with the truck when it was new as it mentions the '59 Dodge specifically. Neat!

Edited by Powerflite 2025-07-03 9:32 PM

58coupe

Posted 2025-07-04 12:10 PM (#640680 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Expert

Posts: 1786
1000

Location: Alaska

Interesting, unless the picture is reversed the clutch is activated on the right side of the bell housing and it has the Borg Warner T-85 transmission.

Powerflite

Posted 2025-07-04 4:38 PM (#640682 - in reply to #607934)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10464
5000

Location: So. Cal

That's correct. I believe that all the hydraulic activated clutches used in dodge trucks put the slave cylinder on the right side.

56D500boy

Posted 2025-07-14 9:31 AM (#640802 - in reply to #640682)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10941
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Saw a 1957 Dodge D100 truck at a car show yesterday. It had a VT538 315 poly. And a 3 spd LoadFlite auto trans.

(MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_frontRight.jpg)

(MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly_WideView.jpg)

(MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly.jpg)

(MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly_Detail.jpg)

(MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_LoadFlitePushButtons.jpg)

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MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly_WideView.jpg (147KB - 230 downloads)
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MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly.jpg (149KB - 195 downloads)
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MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_VT538_315Poly_Detail.jpg (147KB - 195 downloads)
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MoparMadness57DodgeD100Truck_LoadFlitePushButtons.jpg (143KB - 202 downloads)

56D500boy

Posted 2025-12-27 5:27 PM (#642420 - in reply to #640802)
Subject: Re: Forward Look Trucks

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10941
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Just watched a Dead Dodge Garage 315 double-rocker (hemi) tear down in which the engine number was revealed to be a VT538 that even he (Jamie A.?) thought it should be a poly.

But it was machined to accommodate the double rocker push rods. Go figure. Maybe it really was a poly. (??)

Interesting to me (looking for 56 D500 engine numbers) was that the casting number 1739 429 was in the same series as Tim Dupont's D500-1.

(315HemiVT538_11-5-56CastingDate.jpg)

(VT538_315_11-5-56CastingDate.jpg)

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315HemiVT538_11-5-56CastingDate.jpg (119KB - 21 downloads)
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VT538_315_11-5-56CastingDate.jpg (123KB - 21 downloads)

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