tribute build to my deceased son, his 1948 dodge truck

l bought it in 1994 and ln 1995 l started the truck for me. my son. 9 yrs old at the time "helped" me on it. one day he said that the truck was his and l said OK. l planned to give it to him on his 16th birthday and teach him to drive in it.

2 weeks before his 16th birthday he drowned.

l was devastated and put the truck in storage, could not bring myself to work on it without him around to help.

abour a year ago my friends said either sell it or finish it, don't let set and just go to hell, you are disrespecting the memory of your'e son.

well, we dragged out of storage on june 10, 2010 and started the build.

we did a one year thrash and got it running and driving.

we finished about 3 weeks ago and l am so glad they talked me into getting it running.

l am having a good time driving it and it brings back some great memories of me and Jimmy working on this truck.

pics of what it looked like a year ago when we started.

Later

 

sorry to hear about your son

got any pics of it done?

 

more pics of working on her.

we put the rearend on top of the leaf springs and C-notched the frame to lower the rear-end to get rid of a 9 degree drive-shaft angle.

l put a 1977 nova sub-frame in her and the motor sat to high with the nova/camaro mounts. we modified the motor mounts wiht a 1972 chevelle bottom/frame side and used 1966 mounts on the top/engine side. this moved the engine down 1 1/2 inches and back 1 inch.

to clear the firewall we used a wheel barrow to create a recess for everything to clear.

Later

 

Man I am so sorry that that happened to you and your family. I am glad to see you getting it on the road as a tribute to your son's life. I can't wait to see it finished!!

 

recessed firewall with wheelbarrow pics.

Later

 

He will be riding shotgun in spirit, so sorry to hear that, I can only imagine what its like to loose a kid.

 

love the wheel barrow as a motor cover, that is one of the best ideas i have seen in a while. will probobally use that idea for my 50 dodge

 

the motor is a 300 HP large journal, steel crank 1969 327 chevy.

trans is a 200R4, 1973 camaro 12 bolt posi rear end with 3:36 gears.

she drive just like a mid 70's camaro. l was pleasantly surprised at well she rides and handles.

Later

 

So sorry for your loss.

Cool that you are going to finish it. A nice tribute to your son.

 

first cruz

VD0 guages, bucket seats, ididit tilt coloulmn and a B & M shifter.

 

with the finances being so tight right now l am going to drive for a while just as it looks now.

maybe if l hit the lotto, a big bright shiny candy apple red

Later

 

Kudos to you. I can't imagine how difficult it was to get it out and get started, but now you have a tribute to Jimmy and he will ride with you wherever you go, God Bless.

 

It looks perfect as is, the lad is smiling down with a big grin. So proud of you to activate this project in his honor. Outstanding! ~sololobo~

 

Way to go man, that surely is a fitting homage to your son.

 

If I was closer I would love to help on a project like that. Great work!!!!

 

Sorry for your loss. The truck looks good, glad to see your friends getting behind you on the project.

 

Sorry for your loss man, it has to be the worst loss when its your child. My son has had a few buddies go and a parent worries.

I think its great and healing to finish the truck in your sons memory. I put my dads name in memory of on the back of my race car.

That is a bad azz lookin ride

 

Sorry to hear about your loss... I'd bet your son is right there with you when you are driving it.

 

I can't imagine how that feels and pray I never find out but god bless ya for getting the truck going!

 

Nice truck and God Bless You !

 

Wow I would leave it looks bad ass like it is.But as a tribute I would paint it however your son would have wanted you to.Either way I bet he's loving it cause its BAD ASS!!!!!

 

Best use of a wheelbarrow yet.

 

Congratulations on getting her on the road. It looks like it was a pretty daunting task to get started on it. What an awesome way to honor the memory of your son, and follow through with a dream, a promise. As someone said, he is smiling down at you now, and will always ride shotgun. You can never sell that truck.

James

 

Very cool! Sorry to hear about your son brother.

 

Sorry to hear of your loss. Great job in finding the will for your son to finish the truck. You would make him proud. "Heaven's Co-pilot"

 

Good work,

be proud

Your son is !

Sorry for your lost.
R.I.P.
godspeed.

 

wow! you have come a long ways since we last talked on the phone. Looks like we need to talk again!!! You are sooooo far ahead of me and my truck. You should be proud. Bud

 

truth.

 

I don't love the truck, but I respect the hell out of it. You have good friends, I've seen a lot of cars/trucks that just sit and rot in similar situations.

You're son would be proud.

 

Outstanding tribute to your son. I am so sorry for your loss.