Build Card

[Mkeller131]

Can someone decipher what this build card is telling me? Any guesses as to what this truck did early in its life based on this?

[53Crusher]

Build Card

I can pick out a few obvious things for you.

You have a 1948 B-1 PW which was one of 4547 trucks produced that year in Detroit. There were 411 made in LA, California for a total of 4958 trucks in 48. If you still have the original engine, the code stamped near the front drivers side of the engine should be T137-9234 and the drivers side frame rail should have a serial number of 8390797 stamped. It had the 5.83 front and rear gears. Winch should be a MU-2 and the first two numbers will be the year it was built. Probably 47 or 48 and then the sequential number following.

It originally came with a Winch/PTO and the Delux body style. Delux body style included vent wing windows, a dome light, armrest on the drivers door, and dual interior sun visors. There may be others options included in the delux body that I am not aware of. It was Delivered to Westville, PA for sale.

I tried to order a build card for my 53 but the microfiche has been lost by Dodge....

Here is a link to some other build card examples that might help you more.
http://www.t137.com/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=15

[Cheyenne Dave]

.....don't forget the air ride seat....

cd

[Mkeller131]

thanks! Do the black dots everywhere represent something or we don't know ?

[Tom Petroff]

thanks! Do the black dots everywhere represent something or we don't know ?

The black dots represent a punch hole in the card that the card reader used.
Think first computer.

Every dot or hole marks the option the truck has.
Tom

[53Crusher]

Punches

Here is an explanation I found on another site. Tom is exactly right. Punch card for a very early computer.

The punches mean the exact same thing as the text at the top of the columns. There are two rows of 45 columns on each card. A single punch is an odd number. That same punch along with a punch for a 9 makes it an even number. Top punch is a 0. Next down is a 1 or 2, third line is a 3 or 4, fourth line is 5 or 6, fifth line is 7 or 8, last line is the 9. The alpha characters use combinations of 2 and 3 punches.

[preaction]

punch card

My 47 WDX card has a punch for draw bar, is this a generic term and would this have come with the truck from the factory ? My truck came to me with a draw bar looking part or parts does anyone have a pic of what this part looks like, thanks Paul. EXP hub is another Im not sure of.

[preaction]

Draw bar

Tom, I looked at the pics on your site of your draw bar and mine is similar but different.

[53Crusher]

Draw Bar

Here are some pics of a draw bar.

[preaction]

Draw bar

Tim, your pics seem to show two different bars is one of them from the factory ? I will get some pics of mine to post.

[53Crusher]

draw bar

The older draw bar is OEM, but somebody welded extra plates on it and added the cable clamps.
New draw bar on my truck is a reproduction from Todd Somers. I've included a picture from his info.

[preaction]

Draw bar

Tim, do you know what year time frame the repro is made from ?

[53Crusher]

draw bar year

I am only aware of one factory draw bar. Looked at my 1948 parts list and my 1956 one, both show the same picture I posted.
I would also add that my 53 had all the holes to mount this. Nothing had to be drilled. They were all there waiting to add the draw bar.

Do you have a different style or info on more than one type being made?

[CSCameron]

Any contact info for Todd Somers? Is he still making the repros?

Thanks,
Clark

[Tom Petroff]

Clark,
Todd made those 10+ years ago, and they are Spot on.

try
ToddSomers@yadtel.net

Or page him over at Joe's
Tom