Topic: My weird 1917 Dodge build

[Timmayy1]

I'm new here and this is my first attempt at a Rat Rod. I've built other cars (still am) so this is new to me. My sisters husband passed away earlier this year. To help her out with some of the funeral costs I gave her some $$ for his old 77 Dodge Ramcharger that's been sitting for many years. My nephew, who is almost 40, said he last drive it in high school. Anyway I just want the frame and drivetrain. The body is rotted beyond repair. I have a 1917 Dodge 4 door open tourer body laying around so I figure I can put them together.

[Timmayy1]

Ok, first of all I traded my lawn tractor for the 1917 Dodge. I only had about $300 into the tractor. I think I did pretty good.

[Timmayy1]

Here is the Ramcharger, I already did a little dismantling before I took a pic. I have the body off in the second pic.

[Timmayy1]

The Frame is all good. No rot. I got some good wheels on it so it will roll, took the front calipers off because they were frozen.

Took out the plugs and squirted oil in the cylinders. Let it sit for a few days. Now I can turn the engine by hand.

I'm picking up a new starter and will try to get it to crank. If it does I'll change the oil and filter and take the valve covers off and pour oil in there before I really crank it over. I got the gas tank out and will clean that up.

[McLovin]

Kool. Make sure your valves ain't sticking and you should be OK. I've freed up several engines. It may be an oil drinker for a while til the rings reseat. Fill up the oil and check the gas! HAHAHA. Good luck

[Blackwater]

I'm looking forward to seeing this one on the road!!  It'll be a great addition to the collection of misfits that live here!!!  

Is the Ramcharger 4X4 and are you gonna leave it that way if it is???

[Timmayy1]

Yup it's a 4x4. Just got the starter back from rebuild. Now I have to get some battery cable and set up power to it and see if it will turn over. I also got the the big rotted off-road tires dismounted off the rims. I'll sandblast them and paint.

[Blackwater]

Orta' be one neat ride with 4WD!! 

I LIKE IT!!!

[Timmayy1]

Ok with the ramcharger body off I got my two sons to help me mount the body to see how it will look. Dragged it out of the woods and gotta get it near the garage so I can start more work.

[Blackwater]

MAN!!  That's got some great potential!! 

The cowl and windshield frame on Lockjaw is a '24 Dodge!

KEEP IT GOING!!

[Timmayy1]

I got the motor out today. 318 Dodge. I'll go through it to make sure it's up to the task. I had to make a frame rail for the body. I tried to make the other one but it started raining. Tomorrows another day.

[McLovin]

Looking good