1951 Dodge B-Series Pilot-House Cab Pickup Truck Restoration Project Rat Rod

Description

The B-series pickup trucks were sold from 1948-1953. They replaced the prewar Dodge truck and were replaced by theDodge C seriesin 1954. The B-series trucks came in several different variants. The B1-B were ½ton trucks standard with a 95hp (71kW) flathead-straight-six enginewhile the B1-C were ¾ton trucks with a standard 108hp (81kW) flathead-straight 6 engine. It also came in several other variants such as the B1-T and B1-V which were semi-truck cabs and vans, respectively. Awoodieversion, the "Suburban", was also available from outside companies.

The B-series trucks featured a high-visibility "pilot-house" cab with optional rear quarter windows. The engine was shifted forward and the front axle moved back on the frame for better weight distribution as well as a shorter wheelbase, moving from 116in (2,900mm) to 108in (2,700mm). The cargo bed sides were made higher to increase capacity by 40%. The redesigned cab could seat three people, with 2.5in (64mm) more height, 6in (150mm) more width and 3in (76mm) additional in length. The cab was mounted on rubber mounts for an improved ride. Another innovation for the time was the use of cross-steering arrangement, giving the trucks a 37° turning radius. The cargo box space was increased over previous models and overload springs made optional on all variants to increase hauling capacity. In 1950, more new features were added as the 3-speedmanualshift lever was relocated to the steering column instead of on the floor. A fluid drive standard transmission, with 3 or 4 speeds, became an available option. The front end and dashboard/gauge layout were redesigned for 1951.