MARACOONDA AUTOMOTIVE APRIL BLOG

Maracoonda extends our sincere concerns to everyone who is suffering the disruptions and extreme challenges this despicable virus has caused which is common to all.

Continuing our Dodge Ram story….

1954 Dodge

The B-series pickups was popular, but between fashion and function Dodge chose a new look for their 1954 C-series pickups. They redesigned them from the ground up. The cab was lower, more glass and a new curved windshield.

Six-cylinder engines carried over, but new optional Hemi V8 [then called ‘double rockers’] appeared midyear on the lighter duty trucks. The efficient, expensive-to-build Hemi engines overpowered the competition, from the 133 horsepower 241 and to the 172 horsepower 331.

The PowerFlite automatic also debuted in 1955, with two gears and the half-ton pickups could get an overdrive unit on the manual three-speed.

1957 was a huge year of change.. hooded headlights, duotone colour schemes and Dodge started calling their trucks ‘Power Giant’ justified somewhat by their 205-horsepower 315 ‘double rocker’ [Hemi] V8. The biggest six-cylinder moved up to 120 horses, too.

Other 1957 additions were a hood that opened completely, power steering and brakes, tubeless tyres, a push-button three-speed automatic [replacing the two speed] and a 12 volt

electrical system.

1958 Dodge

The 1958 trucks were similar, except that the hooded headlights were replaced by dual headlights, which were now all the rage.

1959 had a few style changes but the 1960 Dodge light duty was available in many configurations. The six cylinder was by far the biggest seller, especially on the base model, where it outsold the V8 by nearly three to one.

Although the Dodge trucks had just been redesigned in 1957, Dodge lost market share throughout the 1950s, with sales only starting to rise in 1962.

Modern buyers might be amused by some of the options –

heater $49.70 or $68.10, depending on whether fresh air intake was desired; rear view mirror $3.30; turn signal $20 to $28.50; AM radio $59 and right-side sun visor $3. These are just a few of the options offered.

Bright, spacious, comfortable Dodge cabs had rich new colours, with harmonizing seat fabrics; a huge wraparound windshield: a 56”-wide seat with coil-spring construction; and optional foam-rubber padding.

Custom Cabs added an armrest for the driver’s side, variable-speed electric wipers, insulated dash lining, sound-absorbent door panels, insulated head-lining, foam-rubber seat and seat-back padding and dual sun visors.

Dual headlights were new, as were whitewall on D-100 and a bright-metal trim package including side mouldings, headlight panels, bumpers, and lower grille bar.

The Tradesman was made to order for electricians, painters, repair-men and others. It had up to six lockup compartments for tools and supplies plus floor space for larger items.

Chassis cabs were also available for aftermarket fitters.

1959 Dodge

The Standard Catalogue of Light Duty Trucks noted that Dodge also introduced a new series of medium and heavy duty trucks for the 1960 model, with the first-ever Chrysler use of

Cummins turbodiesels; 250 of these were ordered by the Pennsylvania Highway Department alone.

The new D series for 1961 was bigger and tougher than before. The wheelbase of each model grew by 6”, while the frames grew stronger and added a cross member, and both front and rear axles were stronger. A pair of modern six cylinder engines helped efficiency.

Chrysler’s latest technological wonder, the alternator, was added to its trucks in 1961. This was a major advance, because it did not cook batteries like generators, yet were able to charge the battery during idle. New manual transmissions were added, as well, with greater

capacities; a four speed automatic was also available. In 1962, Dodge trucks sales rose sharply when it announced that improvements would be made as they were developed, rather than waiting for a new year model; not to mention the new heavy duty six cylinder engine, four door six-passenger crew cab truck, with new medium-duty Perkins diesel engine, and new wiring protection package. Then in August 1966, the 50/50 warranty was bought out for trucks.

Circa 1962-63 Dodge

In 1963 Dodge started making their own crew cabs in their factory, as competitors simply converted already-made crew cabs.

The high-performance truck market began with Dodge’s Custom Sports Special, a 1964 model which include the formidable 4426 Wedge engine. This truck’s high performance package included a 426 Wedge engine that generated 365 horsepower and 470lb of torque; it had a three-speed automatic, power steering and brakes, tac, dual exhausts, and rear axle struts. Not a big seller, but it did generate a lot of buzz.

I’ll continue next month with this interesting story…..