1934 DODGE “HUMPBACK” PANEL DELIVERY TRUCK – RESTO-ROD
NO TRADES......The best of two worlds, the old look of a 30’s truck, with the power and dependability of a modern engine and drive train. Advertised by Dodge as their “Commercial Panel Truck” (with a raised rear compartment for larger loads) The firewall tags identify the truck as: Mode KCL, Serial # 8047037, ½ ton, 119” wheel base, with a 4,000 pound cargo capacity. The small firewall tag is stamped:B-2-3-LB 8617. Check the internet for 1934 Dodge factory sales photo, ads and specification, also information related to the number of 1934 panels thatwere produce, the production variations between the 1933 thru early 1935 models, and what limited number still exis, either original or modified. This truck has suicide doors and the 3 gauge dashboard with no glove box. The odometer reads 61,768.0 miles? The original gauges have good glass lenses, numbers and letters. For some reason a large clock was installed on the passenger side of the dash.It was ordered with the optional chrome plated grill shell and passenger seat. The original weight was only 1805 lbs. due to the use of wood and cost approx. $ 595.00. This is a large truck with over all dimensions of: Length= 16’-4”, (bumper to bumper), Width= 5’-6”, Height = 6’-4”( there is also a larger 1 1/2 ton version)
HISTORY:Sometime in the 1980’s an amateur restoration was started. The truck was completely disassembled. The original wood roof and floor inserts were replaced with new wood, and then covered with a commercial waterproof rubber roofing material. The frame and suspension was cleaned, the frame and wood floors being undercoated, the suspension, steering and shocks and were gone over and painted. The front door window tracks and front and rear door lock mechanisms were put in good working order. The interior metal was cleaned and painted with rust resistant paint. The windshield frame was re- chromed and new glass installed. The 15 gallon gas tank was cleaned and resealed, the wire wheels cleaned and painted. The original engine and running gear were rebuilt .The project went on for many years, but unfortunately the restoration was never completed due to the owner’s age and poor health. Eventually the family parted out all of the original running gear, radiator and seats and finally selling the remaining body.
In the early 1990’s the trucks new owner refitted it with a late model Chevy V8 engine, automatic trany and a Ford rear, keeping most of the truck looking original. The engine, trany and driveshaft came from a donner car, as did many small parts. (Engine block # T0610CTL) = 1972, Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, and others, 350ci, 165HP, 2bbl. with approx. 95K miles on it. The trany is a 350 turbo. The rear came from a early 70’s Ford Maverick, 8” housing, 5 lug, 2.79 gear ratio. The Ford rear is very close to the same length as the original and also has the same bolt pattern (4 ½”) as the original 34 wire wheels. The truck has a rebuilt stock master cylinder, with new steel brake lines and brakes.
The only modification to the frame and fire wall during the conversion was the removal of the center section of the original Dodge cross over motor mount. Replaced by a universal 2” tube Chevy mount. The firewall was not cut, and has the original factory accessory holes and a few extras. The battery box was relocated from below the floor board to the firewall. The engine remains bone stock, right down to the air cleaner. There are no pollution pumps or accessories .It has a new timing chain, new starter & fuel pump, rebuilt Rochester 2bbl., all newmetal fuel lines back to the tan, complete ignition tune up,(points,cap,rotor) vacuum advance uni, plugs, wires, new coi, in line fuel filters and air cleaner filter, fan belt & hoses. Dual exhausts with new muffler, and block hugger headers,, full length (over the rear axle) pipes,a 6 blade fiberglass fan & fan shroud. The 1950’s Chrysler radiator has been cleaned and pressure tested, using a 7 lb. Ca, and 50/50 solution of anti-freeze ( 250 degrees boiling point, an adjustable thermostatcontrols the electric fan( in front of the radiator), and has a heavy duty trany cooler. The floor shifter is a B & M cable unit, with new trany fluid and filter.
All of the original old cloth wiring has been replaced with new wire. All external wires are in plastic looms to protect them from the elements. Many electrical parts were taken from the 1972 donor car (fuse box, volt.reg.) (3)accessory Stewart Warner gauges replace the originals: Fuel, with a new tank sending unit, Water Temp. (Mechanical 100-250) old style gauge. Oil pressure 5-100 lbs. The original speedometer has been adapted to the Chevy speedo cable. A 1940’s (poor mans A/C) accessory electric cooling fan is mounted on the steering column and still works. A remote horn button is connected to a large set of horns mounted inside the right front wheel well ( not original to the truck) A new headlight switch replaces the original in the dash and a foot operated high –low beam switch is mounted on the floor. The ignition switch is new, and there is a column mounted 50’s style chrome directional switch that controls both the front and rear hooded “Arrow” after-market accessory lights. The column and steering wheel are original. There is one electric windshield wiper. A hand brake lever mounted below the dash. The front floor and firewall have been insulated. There is a rear view mirror and two large side view mirrors.
Seats seem to be from an 80’s van, in very good condition, they adjust for leg room and fully recline, both have safety seat belts, a van style dome light is mounted above them. Other than rugs, there is no upholstery or headliner.
The original wire wheels retain their Dodge (dog dish) hubcaps .The fender mounted spare still has a 1930’s Riverside tire on its rim. The spare tire is mounted to the fender with all original locking brackets. (A late model spare tire is included). Tires are from the Lester Tire Co., 4ply, Polyester, 5.25/5.50 -17” with tubes, purchased in 2004. There is a heavy duty trailer hitch for towing with a 2” ball and a flat 4 plug for the trailers lights. Rear running and brake lights are old, with a Dodge lens and a 1934 Pa. truck license plate. The photos are considered an important part of the description, and should be reviewed closely.
This is now… and has always been a “Work Truck “. In 2007 it was still working,... towing a 30’s race car to the Good Guys, Great Rod & Custom Nationals Show at Hershey. PA. The 84 year old body retains its original black paint, and at some point it seems green (house paint?) was brushed on the rear section to help protect it from the elements.It is basically solid, typical dings and dents, amateur weld repairs to the left front fenders, surface rust, pitting, and rusted out exterior areas along the frame line. No attempt has been made to hide any of these problem areas with paint or undercoat; there are no plastic or bondo filler repairs that we know of. The chrome on the grill shell is poor; the center hinge of the hood needs work or replacing, but stillwork, the headlights are good, but the right rear door bottom needs repair, both front doors and sills are solid, all the glass is good, the windshield swings ou, it will meets all Pa. State safety requirements .Besides the 12 general photos, we have 20+ additional photos that show in more detail the trucks condition (both good and bad). Serious inquiries, with good feedback ratings can send us their E-mail address for these photos, we’re sure they will answer any questions that you may have. All questions must be sent thru e-mails.
The truck is easily maintained and serviced by anyone with an old 70’s shop manual, basic mechanical ability and tools. Affordable replacement parts for the drive train, brakes, or electrics can be purchased at any auto parts store, anywhere in the country. Older 1930’s replacement parts can be obtained at specialty or restoration parts suppliers on the internet. Included is a Dodge Truck Master Maintenance Manual 1934-1936 (copy) 300 pages that covers maintenance, specification, service and repair of the steering, suspension, shocks and brakes.
Auction is for the TRUCK ONLY, (NO TRADES) Starts,Drives and Stops. nothing else shown in the photo's is available, and there are no extra parts.Will passPennsylvania State Inspection and is titled as an Antique Vehicle (A- Title) with current antique plates. The title is in my name and is clear of any liens.
CONDITION OF SALE and FOREIGN BIDDERS
This vehicle is sold “as-is” with NO Warranty. The truck is also advertised locally and we reserve the right to cancel all existing bids and end the auction early should it be no longer available for sale. Foreign Bidders check with us BEFORE BIDDING or your bid will be retracted, this is also true for other bidders with poor or no feedbacksor any bid we feel is fraudulent. No vintage orcollectiblecar brokers or dealers needed!
DEPOSIT – PAYMENT – FEES – TAXES:
We require a $1,000.00 “NONE REFUNDABLE” deposit due via Pay Pal within 48 hours of auction close. The balance of payment (certified bank check, cashier’s check drawn on a US Bank in US Funds or cash in person) is due within 7 days of auctions end. Please email us with your intended method of payment. Note that any check form of payment must be cleared through our bank before the vehicle is to be picked up and the title is released. Pennsylvania residents are responsible for paying applicable sales tax, plus any title and registration fees. Out of State buyers will be responsible for their own state sales tax and fees. We will provide the appropriate forms needed.( bill of sale) If these terms are not met, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction and relist the vehicle for sale. If there are any questions regarding this transaction, please contact us
PICK UP – TRANSPORT:
The vehicle is located near Reading, Pa. and the Maple Grove (Mohnton,Pa.) Speedway . We will release the vehicle for pick up once full payment is made and bank approved. We suggest a bonded (insured) “professional” transporter, consider the trucks size and height. We will try to assist the buyer with any arrangements, but all shipping, handling and pick up of the vehicle is the sole financially responsible of the buyer. Please consider these costs “BEFORE PLACING YOUR BID”