So, you like the look of old Dodge pickups but there’s just not enough power there for you. Or perhaps you want a diesel truck but don’t like the sleek modern lines — ok, I’m stretching it a bit here, but go with me for a minute — and want a classic pickup look. Either way, this award-winning 1954 Dodge pickup might fit the bill. It’s listed for sale here on eBay with a buy it now price of $25,000 (remember what a newish or rebuilt pickup costs before you dismiss that) and lower offers will be considered by the seller. This industrial-looking truck is fittingly located in Industry, Pennsylvania.
The seller tells us that this tough-looking truck was a first-place winner at the 2020 Pittsburgh World of Wheels. Essentially, the builder took a 1954 Dodge that was pretty solid with mainly surface rust and installed it on a 1990 Dodge W250 chassis. Both ends of the suspension were rebuilt and modified for better performance and the truck features a 6″ lift over the stock W250 ride height. Many other special parts give me the impression that this was a well-thought-out conversion.
Although there’s no mention of it, the bed was obviously replaced during the modifications as well.
Here’s a look at some of the custom work that was done underneath the truck. The seller claims to have over 1,000 hours of labor into the end result and I can easily believe that. Those are 37/12.50/17 mud tires running on custom-constructed wheels.
Inside, the patina look was achieved as well despite the upholstery being new. Digital gauges have been added to the period-looking cluster. I quite simply don’t understand why the broken windshield wasn’t replaced unless that was faked as well (I don’t think so). I did find three sources for them at around $350 each if the cracks are real.
Here’s the Cummins turbo-diesel. In this configuration, the stock inline-six-cylinder produced 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. However, the seller details a few modifications, so we really don’t know what this particular one produces. It sure looks nice under the bi-fold hood of the Dodge, though. What say you — would you go for this restomod of a truck, or does it make you long for either a shiny newish pickup or an original 50’s one? Tell us in the comments, please!
Looks awful, but this is pretty cool. Should push a lot of buttons for many. To make these useful, this is really what should be done. Nice job, but this rusty look thing. I think it has something to do with the lack of color in our vehicles today. Black, gray or white, and I don’t think people even know what colorful vehicles look like, or care. I don’t care for black, gray or white vehicles, but I’d rather see that on this, than this foolishness.
The builder did a fantastic job with what he had here in constructing this truck! From what is most apparent here, the building is done well with attention to detail. My preference would’ve been for a last gen 5.9 and 6 speed (less troublesome) but I sure as heck wouldn’t push this out of my driveway.
Cool find, Jamie!
Apparently you missed the 10″ lift blocks between the rear axle and leaf springs? That is some stewpeed chit right there. And if the guy was dumb enough to do that, well, I wouldn’t trust a thing on the rest of the vehicle.
For the most part, the builder did a pretty decent job. That 5.9 fit in there a lot easier than I would’ve anticipated. Good engine although it’s getting to be the SBC of the diesel world. They won’t have a lot of trouble with it. If that’s got the VE (Vertweiler-Einspritzpompe) pump on it you won’t get much more (RELIABLE) hp than 180 although there are some who claim they’ve got theirs turned up to 400 (I would like to see the dyno printout for that one). You can get a lot more hp out of a P-7100 inline pump but it won’t fit in the same place; you’ll have to change the gearcase and install a rear support for the injection pump. Some people install high flow (read: high hp) injectors which are NOT a good idea with a VE (tendency to surge and misfire). I’m not very fussy about the 6 inch ‘pe#&er-stretcher;’ I have enough problems getting into one, bone stock, these days. I do have to admit that the stance isn’t too bad. Truck needs to be painted. Even that stock color is good…
Freaking awesome. Love it- looks great!
I like it. Good quality build except for needing paint. Also, I’d put an upper center link on that rear housing to keep it from twisting on those long blocks they raised the truck with.
Frankentruck!
Looks like a very solid build, but I dont think i would’ve gone with the digital gauges.
easier to hook up 1st gen. only starter and fuel solenoid to wire
By for more power than it came out of the factory with and the early Cummins were pretty dependable and got decent fuel mileage not that this truck is built for mileage. I think it is kind of cool looking in its own way. I’m not a huge fan of the patina look in most cases but it kind of works here. Personally I would want it to set a bit lower maybe 3” even if it requires smaller in height tires. The custom fabricated wheels would worry me a bit unless they are professionally done by a shop that builds wheels. I wouldn’t want a truck that the wheels wobble. The price is higher than I would be willing to spend but I’m sure he has way more into it.
Cool looking pickup. That is about it. A waste of drivetrain. The Cummins is made to work. It is made to pull. The only thing this rig would be actually be good for is to brag about the engine and roll the coal smoke.
I cannot see any practical use for it. Not like one would wish to make a cross country trek. I dunno. Give me the Crown Vic P71 camper recently posted. Cheaper and more useful and I happen to own a 1993 Dodge Cummins and know personally what they are. It is a truck I still work. If I want a pleasure truck I have a Toyota.
Freakin awesome, trucks got personality, my instinct say a 4 bt would be better in this. Although i drive my 12 valve 5 speed everyday its a purpose built rig, and its not as light as a 350 4 speed
hope the didn’t clear over the ‘patina’.
Like it all – but needs orig gauges.
Short WB for work, can U put a 5th wheel in the back?
(otherwise, Y that motor)?
I like this body style, had a 55 with a 331 Hemi in it. Fun truck unfortunately had to sell it shortly after getting it running. This one reminds me of one in a movie called Monster Trucks. Bet it would be fun. It has it’s issues and it’s a little overpriced IMO but that’s just me.
Well executed…This “Job-Rated” work horse looks tough and reliable! Nice job to the builder…Continue to innovate not duplicate.