UPDATE – The seller added a video of the truck running and driving! You can find the video below.
Changed circumstances often lead an owner to part with a cherished classic, which is the case with this 1953 Dodge B4B Pickup. It presents surprisingly well for a workhorse with seven decades under its belt, and the winning bidder could choose to pursue preservation over restoration. That would be a tough call to make, but the solid nature of this survivor means they could take their time with their decision. The owner revived the Dodge after years of hibernation but has located a vehicle more appropriate for his specific needs. He feels this gem should head to a new home and a buyer who will appreciate its originality. Therefore, he has listed this beauty exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
I am genuinely enamored by this Pickup, and under different circumstances, I would find submitting a bid irresistible. No single factor drives that feeling, but it is viewing the vehicle as a total package that generates the attraction. Its Dark Green paint has weathered the last seventy years remarkably well. It has worn away in various areas across the Pickup, but what remains shines warmly. The paint is believed to be mostly original, as is the bed timber. Both would benefit from a refresh, but this Dodge’s overall solid nature means the winning bidder could tackle the tasks as time and circumstances allow. The subject of rust is always a serious consideration in vehicles of this type and age, but that doesn’t appear to be a significant concern. The floors have a few spots of heavy corrosion under the mat, but the exterior is clean, and the frame is structurally sound. The back window has cracked, but the remaining glass looks excellent. The vehicle retains its factory trim, and anything that won’t respond to polish is a prime candidate for a trip to the platers. Rounding out the exterior is an ultra-cool sunvisor, which is a practical feature for those living in sunny locations.
One of the most rewarding aspects of any classic Pickup restoration is returning an interior to its former glory. I have performed interior retrims, and stepping back to admire my handiwork has produced the most satisfying moments during my decades of involvement in the classic car scene. That is an opportunity that awaits the winning bidder, and there are several approaches they could choose. The door cards aren’t original, and most potential buyers would probably replace them with something more appropriate. There are a couple of small tears in the seat cover that would be ideal candidates for blind patches. Therefore, addressing those few minor imperfections would lift the overall presentation without spending a fortune and wouldn’t compromise the Pickup’s survivor status. Alternatively, they might decide to push out the boat and perform a total restoration. That approach is valid, and the path chosen will depend on their vision and goal.
Powering this Pickup is Chrysler’s venerable 218ci flathead six. It produces 95hp and 175 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. The secret of its success is its flexibility. Maximum torque occurs at 1,600rpm, meaning the driver doesn’t need to rev the motor’s head off to experience respectable performance. The owner inherited this Dodge from a friend of his father. When he took delivery, it had spent years in storage. He revived the vehicle, returning it to a running and driving state. The engine sounds excellent, and the transmission and brakes work as they should. The lack of recent active service means it isn’t currently roadworthy. Still, the indications are that a thorough inspection and some essential maintenance could see this Pickup return to its rightful place on our roads.
If I found this 1953 Dodge B4B Pickup in my workshop, I know exactly what my approach would be. I would preserve as much of its exterior originality as possible, although I would replace the bed timber and return the interior to a factory-fresh state. That approach would provide a striking contrast between the two eras and would undoubtedly attract attention. Your approach might differ from mine, but that is an integral characteristic of the classic world. There are no right or wrong answers in cases like this. There are only different opinions. What would be your strategy, and are you tempted to make it a reality by submitting a bid on this fantastic survivor? I could hardly blame you if you do.
- Location: Republic, Kansas
- Mileage: 74,841, TMU
- Engine: 218ci Flathead Six
- Transmission: Three-Speed Manual
- VIN: 82305059
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Soltura bid $7,400.00 2023-06-14 11:01:26
Petdocdave bid $7,200.00 2023-06-13 12:11:32- RoadTripRevival bid $7,000.00 2023-06-12 23:25:47
- VWB bid $6,500.00 2023-06-09 11:35:06
- RoadTripRevival bid $6,200.00 2023-06-09 11:06:13
- Petdocdave bid $5,500.00 2023-06-09 09:29:11
- RoadTripRevival bid $5,000.00 2023-06-09 01:23:10
- Petdocdave bid $4,200.00 2023-06-08 11:10:51
- RoadTripRevival bid $3,800.00 2023-06-08 10:05:46
- Katwijker bid $3,000.00 2023-06-07 16:06:11
- RoadTripRevival bid $2,500.00 2023-06-07 14:32:58
- BiasDW bid $2,137.00 2023-06-07 13:50:41
- RoadTripRevival bid $2,000.00 2023-06-07 10:47:25
- BiasDW bid $1,655.00 2023-06-07 10:04:42
- RoadTripRevival bid $1,500.00 2023-06-06 18:39:29
- TMW bid $1,000.00 2023-06-06 17:14:58
- RoadTripRevival bid $900.00 2023-06-06 13:47:14
- Wareagle01 bid $650.00 2023-06-06 13:34:49
- Rat man bid $500.00 2023-06-06 12:36:50
My Father had the same truck, I remember riding in the bed sitting on milk crates with my older brother..
Think of how times have changed. DHS would shoe up today if you had your kids in the back of a truck. Somehow we all seemed to survive to adulthood
Amazing, isn’t it, that we’re even here!.
In the early ’50s, I’d stand on the seat of my family’s ’49 Buick Super, next to whichever of my parents was driving. Unrestrained by a car seat or booster seat–forget seat belts!–the only way I avoided being pitched forward when the car slowed or stopped was a parental right arm that, seemingly automatically, extended in front of me. I expect a parent who adopted the same practice today would be considered a child abuser.
I had the same truck in the ’70’s when I lived in Utah. I bought it for 600.00. It was my hunting truck. It wasn’t very fast,I think it topped out a little over 60mph but was bomb proof. It had no rust and a good heater
Well im glad my old truck brought back good memories for u Thank u for sharing them
I had a 53 “Spring Special”, but with a 4spd and one piece back window. Given the condition of this one, I would consider leaving the exterior as is, but I would have to redo the interior, especially since there’s been holes drilled in the dash. That horn ring looks like it belongs there, but I’ve never seen one on a truck from this early in the decade, but maybe Dodge had such an offering, no other make did. I’ll be interested in seeing where the price goes.
thank u for ur input This has been a tuff decision for me to make if i should keep this old girl or let it go thanks again for noticing some of the small things that make this truck stand out on its own
You’ve been a good caretaker of this old girl, and it shows as a drivable piece of American history and friendship-one that I’d drive as often as possible.
GLWTS, lct, and may the new caretaker have the love for her that you have shown her.
His and her ashtrays? Or legals and left-handers?
lol !!!
Would love to have this. Same age as me and I’m a Mopar guy. Watching and considering.
Nice truck! Rats, too new for the old butterfly/bird wing hood…so no “butterflies are free”, papillon or Jonathon Livingston Seagull puns about the doghouse.
I think this one has the hood yer talking about. Note the handles on the side. Was this the first year for this style of rear fenders? Some ’53’s have this style and some have the basic round ones. Optional ? midyear change?, just wondering.
This one still has the “gullwing” hood, which was used until 1957. 53 was the first year for the new style rear fenders, all 53s had them, and they were used through 1985. Or so.
This truck really appeals to me and I’ve not been too keen on anything Dodge. Cool truck,
Can any of you comment on sourcing parts for this truck – Engine stuff , glass, seals? thanks in advance.
That’s the one bad thing about old Dodge trucks, very little aftermarket support. Try Google, I hate saying that, but there’s sometimes a lot to be found, you never know, also go to the parts section in a Hemmings magazine, good place to look for parts, used and NOS.
Robert’s Motor Parts in Massachusetts.
https://www.robertsmotorparts.com/
The late 1940s to mid 1950s is my favorite era for trucks, all brands included. The only thing I don’t care for is they replaced the ignition switch with a generic parts store model.
Does that ID plate say 97 gross hp and 36 net hp? Efficiency definitely was not the goal of Dodge circa 1953. I would love to have a truck from this era and build it with stock looks but a late model drivetrain from the trucks respective manufacturer. My brother has my Dad’s old 1954 Chevrolet 3100 series truck. It’s all stock appearing but has been upgraded to a 350 and a 4 speed. The first time he took me for a ride it dawned on me that the trucks from that era are surprisingly light weight!
Yes it has 97grooss and 3600 RPM
No mention of a 12 volt generator or alternator conversion and yet that’s a 12 v. battery sitting there. Bet she starts well!
Wow running and driving and current bidding is still below $5k. I agree to keep it as a survivor and enjoy it cars and trucks like this are going up in value and its harder to find ones that haven’t been turned into a hotrod
My dad had one of these old dodge trucks he got rid of the rusted out box that was on it, and made a wooden flat bed in the back. He also put on duel rims,tires on the back that would fall off at times.it came with a factory four speed transmission.he had his own manual choke hooked up that would sometimes break so i would have to climb up on top of the fender and hold it open for him so it would start sometimes it would fire up then quit while it backfired knocking me off the fender and dad would be yelling screaming at me with profanity why did you let it go for?I almost got it started then once it did fire up we were all smiles and grins then lol i had to do this to get it started when it was below zero outside it was like only thing that would mostly start up in the winter time.it didn’t have a heater that was supposed to be working toi,but you had better dress warm we even put heavy blankets in the cab of the truck too so you wouldn’t freeze to death in it.at today’s standards this would as for me as child abuse no kidding lol.back then you did what you had to back then!
I have this exact same Pickup I’ve owned it for 40 years I’m in the process of restoring it now Mine is in much better shape living in CALIF. all it’s life, had the engine rebuilt & the idiot that did it put the bearings in wrong & it blew up on the way home Long story short, I ended up buying a 52 Plymoth 2 door wagon just to get the newly rebuilt flathead for my Pickup the thing cruises at 70 mph easily so I don’t know what they did to the engine but it runs really smooth & has a lot more legs than the original, I love it & will probably keep it till I die or give to my son when I do.
I wish I could justify buying this. I would sort everything mechanical, do a limited interior restoration, and replace the glass and seals. The wood in the bed might not be that bad. Especially for a truck that won’t see any hard work.
It might respond well to some treatment with the right oil. I’ve brought back a lot of wood this way. It’s a slow process but if there isn’t any rot, just dried out and cracked, it sometimes works very well. Whoever buys this should be in for some real fun.
Yes it has 97grooss and 3600 RPM
I have this exact same truck sitting in my yard I’ve owned it for 40 years 4th owner, trying to restore it , it’s in great condition I installed a rebuilt flat head 6 that I got out of a 52 ymouth 2 door wagon that I bought just for the engine & then gave the wagon away along with the old truck engine, it hasn’t been driven all that much since I installed the rebuilt engine in it, doubt it has 25,000 miles on it & runs excellent 3 on the tree & cruses 65, 70 easily, no rattles & drives nice & smooth.