Scarlett D50

[parrell456]

Hello everyone! I'm hoping to check some more items off my "to do" list in the next few weeks, and post the new updates here, but in the meantime I'll start with a few pictures and history of my truck so far.

I've been working on my truck since I bought it in 2005, just doing what I can every summer and keeping it in storage during the cold months. It was my daily driver for only three months, atfter which I solidified my plans and got to work.

To date I have made mostly cosmetic changes, changing things slightly to clean up the body (filling, shaving). Mechanically the truck is near stock, only sporting new suspention and brake parts, and updated regular maintenance parts. Inside, there is an Eclipse head unit and a few PG speakers and amp; real simple but with good sound. There's also some new bucket seats, and I changed the colour from blue-grey to black.

Thats more or less it so far. Nothing outrageous, just my best attempt at making the perfect mini truck for me. Thanks for looking and of course, your comments and insight are always welcome!

-RHP

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/20558040002_large.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/20558040013_large.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/20558040007_large.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/Jennycleandash.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/20558040037_large.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/DSCN3708.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0398.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/20558040062_large.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/DSCN3721.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0038.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/RHP86D50.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/RHP86D504.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0061.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P7090202.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0157.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0154.jpg

[parrell456]

Also, here's the link to my CarDomain page with more odd pictures and info, and my Photobucket page with all of the above pics and the rest of what I feel are the best pictures I have of Scarlett.

-RHP

http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2055804/1986-dodge-mini-ram

[blindeyed]

One word.. WOW!! Looks absolutely stunning! Amazing how much work you put into it and how far it's come. By far one of the cleanest d50's I've seen!

What's the story on your avatar, notice you have the same symbol on your center caps. Kind of reminds me of one of the symbols from Lost (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Initiative) lol

And any info on your buckets and how you modified them to fit? Plan on replacing my bench sometime in the future, any tips or tricks you have would be great.

[4doorciv]

This guy is on the front page. Nice truck.

[crvtec90]

That truck looks right. Nice job. Goin V8 huh? keep up the good work!

[Payrion]

this truck is sick!!!!

[parrell456]

One word.. WOW!! Looks absolutely stunning! Amazing how much work you put into it and how far it's come. By far one of the cleanest d50's I've seen!

What's the story on your avatar, notice you have the same symbol on your center caps. Kind of reminds me of one of the symbols from Lost (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Initiative) lol

And any info on your buckets and how you modified them to fit? Plan on replacing my bench sometime in the future, any tips or tricks you have would be great.

Thanks for your comments! I've been making the truck exactly how I want it, so its always a bonus to hear that others like it too!

My avatar and the symbol on my center caps is actually the symbol of the Galactic Empire, because I love Star Wars like I love our trucks! As for the seats, my dad and I actually just fabricated two 'platforms' for each seat and mounted the factory 'feet' (I guess they're called?) underneath. The result is that I was able to use the factory holes and mounts, with the new seats stacked on top in a way, so I could keep the sliding mechanism of the new seats, which the factory ones didn't have. I may have some pictures of the process, and if I do I'll put them up as soon as I can!

-RHP

[parrell456]

That truck looks right. Nice job. Goin V8 huh? keep up the good work!

Hey thanks! Yeah, you know I'm not at all unhappy with the 4G54, because it still feels really strong and runs great. No leaks or burning, and after a winter in storage, it always fires up and settles right down to idle in just a few minutes. But, I think it would be really cool to be able to stand on the throttle and blast off with this little machine, and a V8 might very well be a good way to make that happen! My girlfriend's cousin has a '05 5.7L Hemi (wrapped in plastic and sitting on a pallet!) that he bought as a salvage when his truck was written off. He says it's mine for a few hundred since I told him what I would do with it! I've never done anything like this before though, so I'm not committing to anything yet, but if I can come up with a solid plan of attack, I'll do the best I can to make it happen!

-RHP

[foolonthehill]

Dropping the V8 in a first gen is a piece of cake. It took us three evenings of part time work, about 18 hours, to put the 360 in my truck. That's nothing to completely done and running. Go for it! One thing is that the stock Mitsu rear, while stout, simply does not have a high enough (low numerical) gear ration for the swap, which is why I'm narrowing a Mopar 8.75 to put in mine. A Mopar 8.25 would be plenty strong enough too, but probably harder to find a used LSD (posi to you GM indoctrinated guys out there) for one. Nevertheless, Randy's ring and Pinion can set you up with new axles, LSD, bearings, everything, for under a grand.
On mine, with the 2:76 gears and 27 inch tall tires, it'll turn 2650 RPM's at 80MPH, which is better than my wife's Scion xB at the same speed. The V8 has SO much torque, you just don't need a taller gear in it. The new hemi would be even better than my old LA motor (for a while).

[parrell456]

Wow thanks for posting this, my excitement for this challenge is now through the roof! Thanks for your support and advice, this is why I love MightyRam50!

-RHP

[Ram50Man]

OK, your back end on the truck.... HOW DID YOU DO IT? i wanted to do something like that on mine too, just havent gotten that far into yet. Ahh... man looking at your truck makes me miss my first D50, I love those body styles.

[l.k.]

nice ride glad to see you are here. Your truck is awesome man. I too am putting a v-8 in my truck ...95 mighty max.

[parrell456]

OK, your back end on the truck.... HOW DID YOU DO IT? i wanted to do something like that on mine too, just havent gotten that far into yet. Ahh... man looking at your truck makes me miss my first D50, I love those body styles.

Well I have the tail gate handle shaved, tail light skins over the factory light holes, and a full roll pan (if you remember on your first gen, there's a gap in the roll pan where the license plate goes). But I think the best part (and the most eyecatching part) is that the tailgate is welded shut, and all the gaps in the body are filled! Good luck with your project!

-RHP

[l.k.]

that is a lot of metal/body work right there....

just wondering how you went about shaving the bodylines and welding the tailgate shut. Some people just use the tailgate as a whole...some seperate the outter part...and the bodyline i have seen done different ways also.

[parrell456]

that is a lot of metal/body work right there....

just wondering how you went about shaving the bodylines and welding the tailgate shut. Some people just use the tailgate as a whole...some seperate the outter part...and the bodyline i have seen done different ways also.

Well to clarify I am not a body man and consequently I'm not responsible for the body work on this truck, but I am pretty good at caring for said body if that counts for anything! Here's what I do know: I bought some parts from Grant Kustoms http://grantkustoms.com/ (maintly the tail light skins and the roll pan with LEDs in it) and talked to the guys doing the paint for me about what I wanted. They welded the tailgate shut and did the shaving they needed, then ran a bead of metal (does this make sense?) along the remaining gaps before smoothing it all out for paint. Afterwards they colour matched a spray-in bedliner to save me some money rather than try and make it as nice as the outside... I don't know if that's why the tailgate was left intact, but I assume it is... I hope this is a good enough answer, for you. Sorry I wasn't the skills behind the results!

-RHP

[l.k.]

that was plenty good of an answer...as long as you keep it clean that is good enough...:)

i am thinking of shaving the bodylines on my95 mighty max thats why i was wondering...

thanks..

[4doorciv]

I like my tailgate. I use it a lot. Loading, unloading, it's a chair, sometimes a table. Lol.

[l.k.]

i like my tailgate. I use it a lot. Loading, unloading, it's a chair, sometimes a table. Lol.

mine will be pointless once i raise the bed floor...it will only be about the height of the wheels wells. Although i am thinking of having an enclosed area in the back that you access through the tailgate....who knows...

[4doorciv]

Can always make a trunk style thing. Open the tailgate and there is a box to store stuff not accessible from the bed. Keeps the chair there. ;)

[tgree812]

Hey bro truck looks sick! did you have to replace your cab corners? If so where did you get them?

[l.k.]

Can always make a trunk style thing. Open the tailgate and there is a box to store stuff not accessible from the bed. Keeps the chair there. ;)


that is about what i was thinking...what would i do without you guys....

ANY MORE PICS OF THIS THING.....

[parrell456]

Hey bro truck looks sick! did you have to replace your cab corners? If so where did you get them?

Thanks man! I didn't have to touch the cab or box, actually. The doors and rockers were replaced, but that's about it!

-RHP

[l.k.]

pics of engine bay....

[parrell456]

pics of engine bay....

Here's one. Not the best quality, but I'll be taking some more soon!

-RHP

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/26L.jpg

[parrell456]

Here's a few more random pictures.

-RHP

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P4070015.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P4070014.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P4070011.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P4070009.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_5887.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/May6.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/Jun21.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_0058.jpg

[crvtec90]

Do the first gen trucks have a factory harness going from the cab to the doors? Or did you have to make your own to power the door poppers. The second gen dont have any wires going into the door so it makes for adding speakers / power windows/ etc a little harder. Mine has some wires run through poorly by the previous owner and I would rather have a nice rubber boot to run the wires through.

[parrell456]

Nope, nothing crazy in the wire area in my truck either except the little ones for the door speakers. The door popper kit I got was an AutoLok one and was pretty heavy duty but as far as wiring goes, it was simple. My doors were so light that the springs that came with the poppers weren't needed to make the door open when you press 'open' on the remote...

-RHP

[l.k.]

do you ever bring it to the states? go to shows, or anything of that nature..man i love this truck.

[parrell456]

do you ever bring it to the states? go to shows, or anything of that nature..man i love this truck.

Hey thanks for the love, man! You know what, I've never shown this truck anywhere! I would really like to get it out this year (and I know I've told myself that before), so I'll try and make that happen. I live in the North Okanagan, so a trip to Washington or maybe even California wouldn't be too difficult for me. But that's in the future. One step at a time, right!

-RHP

[l.k.]

no problem man ....yeah that is a good ways to travel...well either way i think you would take home a few prizes. Anything new going on with it?

[parrell456]

no problem man ....yeah that is a good ways to travel...well either way i think you would take home a few prizes. Anything new going on with it?

Thanks for the vote of confidence, l.k.! Well this year's updates have started a little slower than usual. (I actually started a new career and have been attempting to get my finances in order). Still, here's what's new: I posted a new thread in the wanted section of the new site to try and snag those elusive mirrors, and began scouting local shops to help get my lighting nailed down (wiring, not my forte). Also, I have some black wheel nuts now that I think will look pretty BA!

-RHP

[camoit]

I live in the North Okanagan, so a trip to Washington or maybe even California wouldn't be too difficult for me. But that's in the future. One step at a time, right!

-RHP

If you come down here to California I will give you my set of first gen sport mirrors. But let me know so I can make a mold of them so I can start to make them out of carbon Fiber.

[parrell456]

Carbon Fiber? Nice! I would come down now if I could, but thanks for the offer anyways!

-RHP

[parrell456]

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/P6040002.jpg
Clay bar and carnauba wax, June 2011. A lot of slow, meticulous work, but as you can see by the depth of this reflection, it was worth it!

[Acuta73]

SHINY! Looks good!

Love your ride, btw. Lowered but not dragging, and wonderfully clean lines.

[renagadecoupe]

where did you buy the grill and front bumper from i need me a new one..

[parrell456]

where did you buy the grill and front bumper from i need me a new one..

I just went to a local parts place and they brought them in for me!

-RHP

[jackdangle]

Beautiful Truck!!! What kind of seats are those? I love it!

[parrell456]

Beautiful Truck!!! What kind of seats are those? I love it!

Thank you so much! The seats are from a Saturn, a second generation SC I believe. Not a direct swap though, a little fabricating was needed, but they were so worth it!

-RHP

[jackdangle]

what kind of paint did you use on your dash?

[parrell456]

what kind of paint did you use on your dash?

I'll get an answer for you asap!

-RHP

[parrell456]

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_1974.jpg

I'm working hard to get Scarlett "legal" and get her in some shows this summer. Here's a pic I thought was neat of the box, with more to follow as soon as my mirrors are installed! (Thanks, mikewarme!)

-RHP

[pennyman1]

I see you shaved the bedseams like mine - too bad that anyone who doesn't know the truck don't realize the amount of work it takes to do this mod or that a mod was even done.

[LethalEthan]

awesome paint! I love carnuba wax on red paint, red just seems to shine up better than any other color.

[parrell456]

I see you shaved the bedseams like mine - too bad that anyone who doesn't know the truck don't realize the amount of work it takes to do this mod or that a mod was even done.

True. You nailed it.

-RHP

[parrell456]

So I entered my truck in a local show 'n shine this past weekend, and while not only being the only Japanese import at the show, save for a drag-prepped S10 was also the only mini truck! Here's a few pics!

-RHP

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_1978.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_2010.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_2011.jpg
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_2012.jpg

[xlowerx]

Man, your truck is killer!!!!! That paint job and all that body work is just flawless!!!

I have a question, when you did the body work on all the bed pieces to connect them all together, how did you go about it? weld them all together? Fiberglass ? I'm about to start cracking down on the body work to mine!

[LethalEthan]

great pics. Do you plan to drop it any more?

[pennyman1]

On Geronimo, we welded all the seams up and added a custom roll pan with a notch. Since we forgot to look in the gas filler area for rust when we picked up the bed and then found there was no place to attach the neck anymore (the only rust on the whole bed btw) we also shaved the filler door and mounted the filler neck through the fenderwell on the drivers side. I plan to do the same on my 86 project truck as well.

[parrell456]

what kind of paint did you use on your dash?

OK I checked it out and it was a product from Pro Form http://www.proformproducts.com/ Pretty sure it was PF 728. I know it looks decent in my pictures but I'm not completely satisfied with how it went on; it dries way too fast! I may end up going over it again to ensure even coverage, but at this point I'm at least happy it's the right colour.

-RHP

[parrell456]

great pics. Do you plan to drop it any more?

Thanks! Well, I should say that the first pic I posted from the car show does nothing to show that I even lowered the truck at all, because I was parked at the top of a hill! I never moved the truck all day so you can see from the back it looks like it's note even lowered, and from the front you can see the cross member(?) under the engine is only a few inches from the ground! That being said, I have thought about drop spindles up front and pulling a leaf from out back, but it's not something I feel needs to be done right away, unlike when I changed from stock height to it's current height. I may have posted this pic before, but if you haven't seen it, it shows more accurately how low the truck is now, and I've been basing my lowering goals on comparisons like this for months! haha! Hey, thanks for the feedback, btw!

-RHP
http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/Scarlettscreencapture.jpg

[parrell456]

Man, your truck is killer!!!!! That paint job and all that body work is just flawless!!!

I have a question, when you did the body work on all the bed pieces to connect them all together, how did you go about it? weld them all together? Fiberglass ? I'm about to start cracking down on the body work to mine!

Thanks guy, it means a lot to me that other D50/MM guys like it! Well, I entrusted the bodywork to the professionals but it sounds like pennyman did something similar and knows exactly what was involved, but so you know mine was welded as well, and the tailgate and tail lights were reskinned with parts from Grant Kustoms.

-RHP

[pennyman1]

Since there is interest in how the seams were shaved, I will do a build out of the seam shaving on the 86 Ram project truck to show everyone how its done. This time around I am using a sir michaels roll pan with notch.

[camoit]

Do you have any pictures of the work in progress?

[pennyman1]

Haven't started yet - its going to be a winter project when I find the time between clearing out 3 houses, replacing plumbing in a duplex, and keeping 4 vehicles running.

[parrell456]

Thanks for your posts and comments everyone, but today Scarlett went into storage for the winter so I won't have any more news until I start again in the spring. My search for mirrors never panned out yet, but I'll keep looking! Here's a pic taken just before she was put away that made me think "maybe I CAN head to California with this truck..." hahaha see you again soon!

-RHP

http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z333/parrell456/1986%20Dodge%20D50%20Sport/IMG_2346.jpg

[camoit]

Your head lights. Are they a single low beam and duel high, or duel everything like the way I'm setting up mine?

[parrell456]

Yes, they are single low beam, dual high.

-RHP

[parrell456]

Happy New Year, mightyram50! Scarlett is in storage for at least a few more months, but soon my OCD will be partially at ease as I am awaiting delivery of... MIRRORS!
Finally, hey!? And get this: they are unused factory replacements, impecable, and in their original box! Yay!


-RHP

[Fordubishi]

Parrell I was thinking of trying to hit a few shows next summer in BC where are you located. I might even see you at a show sometime

[parrell456]

Awesome! I'm in the Okanagan/Shuswap...

-RHP

[Fordubishi]

Nice that's only a 4-5hr drive for me. I drove farther to do IASCA shows in the 90's when I was competing.

[parrell456]

I took the truck to a show 'n shine last summer. Turns out it was predominantly an antique show, so I was the only Japanese origin vehicle, and definately the only obvious custom... I'll definately do more shows this year and would love to be out there with you, just gotta find the right ones to go to!

-RHP

[Fordubishi]

I'll have to check the "cruse calender" we get from the speed shops around here.It lists the shows and dates from May to Nov. in BC,Ab,Sk,Mb,Montana,Washinton,Oregon and the major events in Canada and the US.

[parrell456]

Mirrors are here and everything turned out better than expected! Factory replacement screws and all!

-RHP
http://i.imgur.com/Z1HxCl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Z1HxC)

[pennyman1]

What a great score - can't beat those! Are you painting them body color?

[camoit]

Where did you find them at? Now all that Scarlett needs is a decal on the rear window and she is done.....

[parrell456]

What a great score - can't beat those! Are you painting them body color?

I'm undecided. I think I'll keep them unmolested for a while, because it seems like it was their destiny to be mounted on my truck when I try and imagine them being ignored and on a shelf for so long...


Where did you find them at? Now all that Scarlett needs is a decal on the rear window and she is done.....

Actually got them through Craigslist from a guy in Florida! The guy said he was a Chrysler parts guy for years and had a bit of a personal collection taking up a little too much space. He was selling an assortment of old parts he didn't see himself ever using, but the mirrors were the only MM/D50 part, the rest seemed like misc. V8 engine parts. I love the look of the decals and the font is great, just not sure about placement yet; I might go with a huge one on the rear window... I'll have to hold out until I get the truck from storage to do a mock up!

-RHP

[parrell456]

Hmm, or it looks like I could just do my part with a donation and get one decal of each size... Sounds like a better option then waiting!

-RHP

[parrell456]

So I don't have any photo editing software, but I guess I don't really need any... Anyways, I had to get a quick visualisation of what my truck could look like if I changed some colours around, since I was contemplating going to a black grille. I ended up using MS Paint and three minutes later I was done! If you squint you'll kinda get the idea, but which one looks the best?

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/3tmZAl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/0OupUl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/63V23l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OfTvIl.jpg

[Fordubishi]

Red bumper, Black Grill :P

[parrell456]

I didn't get the red right, but again, squinting helps!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/GI8Oyl.jpg

[Fordubishi]

Close enough. yeah that looks good. The bumper ties to the body and the black grill ties in nice with the other black stuff.

[LethalEthan]

black grill/chrome bumper ftw

[camoit]

I sent you a PM with a link to the photo shop software. Did you download? I like black grill chrome bumper.

[parrell456]

Yes I got your PM, but I'm not 100% on what to do, as in what to open or what to install... I will use it once I figure out how to get it though, so thank you for linking me to it!

-RHP

[Acuta73]

My vote is with Fordubishi, the more Euro look appeals to me.

He linked me that same stuff and I was too dumb to figure it out, too. lol

[parrell456]

I took these pictures last year when I (by chance) came across another local, running, first-gen D50. Wasn't sure if or how many I posted before, so here's all five. It was the second time ever that I saw another first-gen while driving mine...

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/EEq5hl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8PuW9l.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/S2jPfl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rbDTll.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/v8TjRl.jpg

[Fordubishi]

WTH was I doing in BC???? That's funny the white one looks like mine did when I got it with a blown engine. even has the hub caps and black grill

[camoit]

Did you put in a later model grill? I think the grill you have started in 82 or 83 and went to the end of production. The 79 - 81 had the single light or so I thought.

[Fordubishi]

yep single headlight was 79-83, mine is an 81 so looked identical to the white one beside Scarlett.

[pennyman1]

Actually the dodge d-50s ran a single headlight from 79 - 82, and ran dual headlights from 83 - 86. The MMM ran the single headlights from 83 - 86 to distinguish them from the Dodges. The white one parked next to you was most likely an 82 as that year grille was black with some models having a chrome bumper.

[camoit]

Actually the dodge d-50s ran a single headlight from 79 - 82, and ran dual headlights from 83 - 86. The MMM ran the single headlights from 83 - 86 to distinguish them from the Dodges. The white one parked next to you was most likely an 82 as that year grille was black with some models having a chrome bumper.

I thought it was something like that. This is the kind of info someone needs to put in the Wiki history section. If I get time I will copy it in there. But I'm not as hip on the information as Pennyman1. We need to squeeze all the information from his head and put it in there. There are a couple of other second gen guys on the board that we need to do the same thing with.

[pennyman1]

Hey, no squeezing my head... its already been flattened at work as it is. I just haven't had time to update things in the wiki or my club's website but that will be changing shortly, as I am going to make the time to do it.

[Fordubishi]

Might have been different in Canada too my current cab is an 83 (made 4/83) and is a single headlight but the header is set up for duel behind the headlight bucket mount.

[camoit]

Might have been different in Canada too my current cab is an 83 (made 4/83) and is a single headlight but the header is set up for duel behind the headlight bucket mount.

OK, so you are saying is that your radiator support has the dimples for duel head lights, and square holes for the adjuster screws, Correct?

If so, then the twin head lights had to have started in 82, OR they were in the process of tooling up and preparing for the conversion to the 4 head light truck. OR Mitsubishi was getting ready to start selling the Mighty Max.
If you have a first gen go out and look at the location of the adjusting screws. Then tell us if there is a left and right version head light bucket. I have a 79 & 80 and it has a left and right bucket. When looking at the front of the truck, it has 1 adjusting screw on the top and to the inside of each of the buckets. The Mighty Max only has a Right bucket used on both sides. Adjusting screw on the top and right side . The Left side was deleted to save on production cost and tooling. No need to run two different press machines when a universal right side bucket will work if all that is needed is to change the location of the adjusting screws and you are plaining on reworking the grill to a 4 head light system.

There has got to be a correlation between the head light mounts in the radiator support and the introduction of the second gen body style. We just need to nail down the year and month these changes started. Because that would mean the hole front clip from a second gen will fit a first gen.

Now if you look at Project Drgnmits in the second gen section he has single headlights. So??????? Some where, something, does not jive with what we have been thinking on the body styles. I think in the first gen trucks there is an early, mid, & late model truck.
Of course I might be trying to split hairs here but one thing I have noticed through the years is the first gen changed headlight styles. Then instrument cluster design. After that the second gen body style came out. Any body else seen this?

[Fordubishi]

This might help.

2400
Front headlight mount, 1983 Canadian D-50

2401
Rad support from back of headlight. As you see the header was stamped for 4 lights.

[camoit]

OK that is a single lamp set up, just like mine. But what about Parrell456, That is the one to see. He would have had to modify the plate with the adjusting screw holes.
I don't think the header plate is stamped for 4 lights. We need more people to put up there years.

Mine.
1979 and 1980 the same.

2402


At some point they had to make a change in the bucket headlight receiver to accommodate the new "universal" right hand bucket.

[pennyman1]

The first gen trucks first came out in Japan in 1975 as a 76 model with 4 round headlights. There used to be some pics on the site of those early models with 4 round headlights and a lip over the top of the bed with tiedown hooks, like the similar year toyota trucks. When Dodge started importing them, they changed to the single 7x6 headlamp and lost the hooks. Early 79 dodge/ plymonth trucks came with 1.6 l motors, but were replaced mid year with a 2.0 g52b motor. The real change on all 1st gen trucks is the front plate where the headlights mount. I thought of going to the 4 round light setup, but a grille like that would have to come from Austrailia or the Phillipines, and cost a small fortune. Although a set of headlights from a 80's 5 series bimmer would work too...

[parrell456]

Here's an album with "new" old pictures of Scarlett at different stages of the build (so far!). Unfortunately I never kept a consistent log of photos and info because of my intermittent time working on her, so this is more or less the closest I have to a behind-the-scenes of what it took to get this far, and it's not much. If anyone has a question about anything or any picture I'll answer to the best of my knowledge. Happy building!

-RHP

The album: http://imgur.com/a/smisV

http://i.imgur.com/WJ45ql.jpg

[camoit]

WoW,,, What a POS.... I'll give you $350 cash for it.... :) hahahahah

To bad you did not have more picts in the album. What a difference.

[camoit]

Scarlett has made page 3 of google images. Search for dodge ram d50. There are a couple others of from our board there. This is the benefits of making the front page with a cool picture.

[Acuta73]

I'm honestly glad that truck was so rough to begin with. Proves to me there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, and with any kind of luck, it's not just the damn train!

Mine needs at least that much TLC for the body/interior right now.

[crvtec90]

The rear view mirrors ever get installed? They are a great find of rare parts.....yet I think the truck would look better without them.
Either way its looking bada$$! it deserves google image status on page 1

[parrell456]

Wow, Google! Does that mean I've "made it"? hahaha. Yeah my truck was not very pretty when I started, but a little bit at a time and it started shaping up! I'm honoured if anyone likes what I've done and are inspired to create a truck of their own; it's a good feeling! crvtec, I haven't started work on the truck for this year (it's in storage) so those mirrors aren't installed yet. I agree with you though; after having them off for so long, it almost looks like a custom touch in progress, going shaved mirrors with a camera and screen setup. To be honest, I've thought about that being a possibility in the future, and as I see it in my mind, I think it would work and look awesome! But for now I'll get the mirrors on her and enjoy a 100% functional truck, finally.

-RHP

[parrell456]

So. Modern Mopar Magazine sent out an open invitation on Facebook for reader's rides submissions, so I said what the hell and sent them a pic of my D50 with a brief background. They actually chose Scarlett, even though I thought she might be a little too old for them, and posted her picture on their Facebook page! Definately proud right now and happy to give our trucks more exposure!

-RHP

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=397671063586227&set=a.185912034762132.42305.128749527145050&type=1&theater

[camoit]

how cool is that. Congrats man... Al least you used, "the picture" Now lets see if it draws more talented guys from around the world. Are they doing an article on the truck in the magazine? If so where do we find it?

Did you know that if you click the facebook icon at the top of the page, the board can update your facebook wall page automatically if you tell it to. A little box will appear next to the submit button below the editor. All you need to do is check it, if you want your comment sent to your FB wall page. Leave it unchecked if you don't want it posted.

[parrell456]

Thanks camoit! I don't think they're going all the way with this and looking to do an article. They may not even publish a pic when the mag goes to print, as it may have just been a thing for their Facebook page. If they do get a hold of me for more info/pics I'll let you guys know and give you all a shout-out, since I couldn't have accomplished anything without the knowledge, support and guidance from our little community!

In other news, Scarlett finally gets mirrors this weekend, and I'll be doing some work on the Belvedere as well. We have the parts we need (in transit) to get it insured and all that, so if anyone's interested there will be more pics of everything coming soon!

-RHP

[parrell456]

Did you know that if you click the facebook icon at the top of the page, the board can update your facebook wall page automatically if you tell it to. A little box will appear next to the submit button below the editor. All you need to do is check it, if you want your comment sent to your FB wall page. Leave it unchecked if you don't want it posted.

Yer a wizzard, camoit! hahaha
I just linked my accounts. The site/community were always great, but this is something else!

-RHP

[camoit]

Yer a wizzard, camoit! hahaha
I just linked my accounts. The site/community were always great, but this is something else!

-RHP[/I]

Just remember to put a check in the box each time you want it to drop a link in your facebook page..
So who is that sitting in your truck, and whats up with the chem suits while playing Risk? You need to put photos like that in the military section. Thats some funny stuff.
OH and the guys posing in the back ground with there feet on the cannons,,

[parrell456]

So who is that sitting in your truck, and whats up with the chem suits while playing Risk? You need to put photos like that in the military section. Thats some funny stuff.
OH and the guys posing in the back ground with there feet on the cannons,,

Yeah a friend of mine stopped by when I wasn't around, thought it would be funny to pretend she was driving off in the truck but keep it secret. I never saw that pic for quite a while; did a double-take when it showed up on Facebook! As for the CBRN suits, we were taking an "operational pause" during an exersise but had to remain suited-up, so we carried on! The guys posing are actually standing by a couple of UALS for loading 20mm into CF-18s.

Here's a picture I took with my phone from the weekend with Scarlett's new mirrors!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/dUzQMl.jpg

[camoit]

So where did the decals go? The cell phone just does not do it any justice.

[parrell456]

Well, I'm off to a slow start this season, but I'm not alone; it's been raining here since April so everyones been feeling it lately... Also, I spent a bit of money on my DD so for the past little while I've just been cleaning up some of the many loose ends on Scarlett. I removed all parts from the front end and will clean and repaint anything that doesn't look great before I put it back on (like the grille, which is scratched). Behind the grille and bumper looked pretty bad, so I prepped for about four hours and then did 15 minutes of spraying to clean everything up. Funny how little time is spent doing the fun painting part, and how much time is needed to do the tedious prepwork part... Next is get a new pair of bumper ends, get the grille looking perfect, and put it all back together again. In the meantime I might look for those LED headlights by Truck Lite that camoit posted a while back, and I've got to get my decals on before I take Scarlett in public!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/TjGMyl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OlBCIl.jpg

[Acuta73]

Ahh, nicely blacked out. That will look much better when ya get her together!

I certainly understand being slow, I seem to spend 10x as much time trying to find the bits and pieces I want/need than I do actually DOING anything.

[crvtec90]

The paint behind your grill looks better than the outside of my truck......good job!

[camoit]

If he makes it any nicer, one of us will need to go up there, cover it in mud, just to force him to drive it out of the barn and on to the lawn to wash it. The nicer it is, the closer it is to an American Express Card it becomes. You can have one, but you can only use it once a year in certain places. Then you feel dirty afterwords. :)


So if your battery goes dead how do you get in your truck?

[parrell456]

Hahaha nice analogy!


So if your battery goes dead how do you get in your truck?

Well I have a hidden lead coming off the positive post on my battery that also runs back to the solenoid on the drivers side door popper. If the remote or the battery dies, I ground the negative side of a jumper cable and clip the positive to my secret spot, and "pop", she opens up!

-RHP

[77amc]

....to my secret spot, and "POP", she opens right up:))
Sorry. it's the meds again..

E

[parrell456]

So, where have I been and whats become of Scarlett? Well, after a string of problems the grille is done (good enough for now at least), the front-end is back together again, and I took a few minutes to get some up to date photos. Next step is find the tail lights I bought and get my badge of honour up on the window so everyone will know I roll with mightyram50!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/ZjioTl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oDxBNl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/A24bRl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FI1xAl.jpg

[Fordubishi]

Any Shows in early Sept around you and can I crash at your place :worship:

[Acuta73]

So I take it that source I found for the grille actually worked?! Good to know, I had no clue at all if it was usable at all and/or if they'd actually have the damn things.

Looks damn good! I still kinda lean toward a stealthed grille, but that's just me I guess.

[camoit]

Damm it,,, Don't get me wrong I love the truck but there is just somthing wrong in this set of pictures. I can't put my finger on it.. But I think, the only thing it could be,,, is the tire and rim combo on the lawn. The tires look to thin VS the rim on the grass, camera angle. IDK,,,, there is just somthing out of place. Does anybody else see it???? The head liner photo in front of the barn it's not there. IDK. But there is somthing missing. Try putting a dog in front of it. Or a Cougar on the hood. I would say about 29 - 36 is the corect age.

[parrell456]

Camoit: I'm not sure what optical trickery your eyes are playing on you, but maybe you're just not used to seeing my truck with mirrors; add to that the new look of the grille and your mind might be saying "too much too soon!" hahaha! And I usually avoid taking pictures on the grass because the bottom of those 35 series tires just get swallowed, even in nice short grass as seen above! But I haven't been able to get the truck fully licenced yet so for a quick update, this was all I could manage! And good idea; I'd LOVE to have a photo shoot with my truck and a model, even though I think it's a little too mild of a custom, but it sure would be awesome!

Fordubishi: I know of one in the third week of September in Summerland, BC called the "Endless Summer" show or something like that. I haven't showed the truck once this year, and may not at all because besides me not having it on the road full time, I'm kind of in a "transitional phase" of employment right now, so unfortunately I wouldn't be able to host you if you came out for that show... Sorry!

Acuta73: Well I saved the link you sent me, but managed to salvage the grille I had so I haven't tried ordering from that site yet. I was this close to buying a new grille or scrounging for a nice used one, then decided to take the time and strip, sand and refinish the grille I already had. I originally just wanted a sillver one like before so it would match the wheels, so I could have left mine alone but it had a scratch in the front that was driving me nuts! After a couple failed attempts to get the colour right I had the ingenius idea to go black to add more depth to the front end, but do matching silver on the horizontal parts of the grille to have some nice contrast and tie the wheel colour to the grille like I originally intended. I may eventually get another grille and go all black as well, because I think that's a nice took also, and it only takes a couple minutes to change grilles, unlike days of repainting like I've already done!

-RHP

[camoit]

Yep ,,, it's got to be the mirrors. It needs to be parked on a putting green with a little hottie putting it in the hole. You couldn't sell pictures of it fast enough then. :)

[pennyman1]

To give my grille a unique look I used to spray one color from the back, then another color from the front, like black from the back and gold from the front. Makes the front color look like its floating in mid air

[parrell456]

To give my grille a unique look I used to spray one color from the back, then another color from the front, like black from the back and gold from the front. Makes the front color look like its floating in mid air

That is, a really cool idea!

-RHP

[parrell456]

ONE NEW PIC! Ok so the truck is out of storage again and I swear I'm going to make progress on it this year... I just ordered some new RED lap belts with aircraft-style buckles, and started working on my new shiftknob. Small steps, but that's all I got for now!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/3Mfd2Chl.jpg

[BradMph]

Thats a pretty girl you got there, reminds me of my Mitsy. My shift knob is a hand made teac wood custom grip and I love it. Has a hand and thumb placement with easier shifting now.
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/album.php?albumid=155

Presently doing long over due work with truck. From fuel pump to rebuilding short block. Just ordered 100amp alternator to run the accessories. I have owned her since 1987 and its an 86 and probably be buried in it, or maybe my MR2. Naaaa...both :grin:


That beautiful truck must be a pidgeons dream to drop on, I bet he would go back to the nest and tell the greatest story he ever told.

[parrell456]

This evening I banged out the first couple coats of PR4 onto my horn button, and did a test on my old imitation 8-Ball shift knob to try my hand at painting a sphere... I love the idea of using a genuine billiard/pool/snooker ball as my shift knob, but I'm concerned that painting one red will look bad (like my test one did tonight!) and tapping an actual red one might not be the right hue... Minor details. It'll come together!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/CW54xAll.jpg
My Grant horn button, looking better already...
http://i.imgur.com/pUvfIvNl.jpg
...And my test at painting a "pool" ball; looking crappy but I'll try again tomorrow!

[BradMph]

Don't Spray the ball, Dip it in the paint and let it drip dry. It will come out much better then spraying it.

[parrell456]

Here are some poor cell phone pictures of Scarlett from the last couple days. In one you see the LED tail lights in all their grainy-photo glory (note the markers aren't on, more on that in a second), and in the other pic you see Scarlett with an unkempt interior, yet sporting a nice Flame Red horn button and my experimental shift knob, also red. In this picture, she's about a meter in the air while a professional sorts out her haphazard wiring... It was a mess under there, but he got things squared away and we discussed my options to get everything finished and working as designed. This is good news; more to follow!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/TJrYjgel.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fnFXv6ql.jpg

[parrell456]

Don't Spray the ball, Dip it in the paint and let it drip dry. It will come out much better then spraying it.

I agree, spraying was a test since I hadn't done it before, and I wasn't a fan. If I can't get a nice red snooker/pool ball I will indeed be dunking one of the other pool ball "knobs" I got in case spraying was a no-go. The final product will look much better I hope!

-RHP

[pennyman1]

Be sure to coat the ball with some very hard clear, and use adhesion promotor on the ball before dipping to ensure the paint doesn't chip off.

[parrell456]

Be sure to coat the ball with some very hard clear, and use adhesion promotor on the ball before dipping to ensure the paint doesn't chip off.

Clear... hmm, I hadn't thought of that! Ok. Well how about this: I discovered "Plasti Dip" last night while browsing this and that online. It looks like an incredibly versatile and awesome product that I can NOT wait to try! So, a Plasti Dip shift knob maybe? It would be easy to do and provide some grip, wouldn't it? Like I said, I "discovered" it online last night so I have never used it before. If it's as good as I'm lead to believe then Scarlett will be looking fresh with tweaked colours for years to come!

-RHP

[DroppedMitsu]

While plastidip is pretty durable, I dont think it would be that durable with constant grabbing/friction

[parrell456]

While plastidip is pretty durable, I dont think it would be that durable with constant grabbing/friction

Good to know! Well I may as well give it a shot and see how it goes; I've only been able to put about 100 km on my truck a year, so if it doesn't work for me then together we have just figured out another do/don't of modding.... haha!

-RHP

[parrell456]

Grey 3 point belts out, red 2 point belts in! Not only that, but these belts have the cool aircraft type buckles!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/XCM7jZtl.jpg

[camoit]

IDK about Canada, But here in Cali-dictatorship you can't go from a 3 point to a lap belt unless the car came that way.

[parrell456]

IDK about Canada, But here in Cali-dictatorship you can't go from a 3 point to a lap belt unless the car came that way.

I'm not sure if that law exists here, but technically I need door handles, no tint, an ID light out back, and a licence plate on the front so... yeah I'm definitely bending the rules to build the truck to my tastes!

The laws in BC are funny though. For example, if you register a vehicle here and don't let it go un-registered over time, even if it's a rusted out hunk of a turd on "wheels" you can keep on driving it. DOT and RCMP never seem to stop anyone as long as they have a valid insurance sticker on their plates...

I say screw them. Scarlett is orders of magnitude better than many vehicles even a decade newer than her that I see driving here on a daily basis! Especially in terms of safe and high quality running gear, up-kept maintenance, efficiency, etc... saying nothing of paint and overall appearance!

-RHP

[parrell456]

Hey there, everyone!

Summer 2013 UPDATE! I was happy with my grey and black grille, but I felt that for a truck sporting the emblem of the Galactic Empire, it needed to be darker and overall more serious. I discovered Plasti-Dip recently like I said before, so my task was clear: get dark. As of last night, Scarlett's mirrors, bumper, and wheels all wear a nice coat of semi-gloss black Plasti-Dip, and I love her dark new look. I rolled her out in time to take a couple pictures, but it was dusk and she was filthy, so better pics will come eventually. (ADDED, but are they even better? We got rained on and were in a lame locale hahaha!) Even so, I was so happy with how it turned out, and how easy and how reversible this modification was, that I had to share. Thanks for looking and as always thanks for your comments, questions, and critiques. Long Live MM/D50!

-RHP

http://i.imgur.com/eRm5EDTl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NbWYRMsl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/HwD95Zpl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/E8xMfBIl.jpg

[pennyman1]

That does look so good...

[DroppedMitsu]

Looks great, I love plastidip it's pretty awesome.

[Rickdees]

If that's dirty and at dusk I wouldn't have known, I did chuckle when you mentioned it's dirty. I remember the one picture, in the garage looking down the side towards the freezer (It's just stuck in my head). I like the black, but I hardly noticed because of that spec of dust on the front fender. lol
Your truck is beautiful as always!

[BradMph]

someone stole your door handles, lol

[parrell456]

Hi guys. It's been a summer of change for me, and I'm moving. I love my truck and don't need to sell it, but its not being used. At all. Today someone walked by and offered me $5,000 (Canadian market, mind you) for her... Just looking for opinions from guys who love these trucks as I do.

-RHP

[DroppedMitsu]

If you sell it you'll most likely(almost 100%) regret it. I wouldn't unless you really, really, really, really, really, really need the money. You're truck is sooooooooo sexy

[parrell456]

Dude, thank you so much. I know I can keep it in storage so its not going to be neglected, I just used it so little that the purchase offer kind of caught me off guard. I could never build another one for five grand, not up here!

-RHP

[Fordubishi]

Life changes, in a few years you might find you have the time to enjoy the truck again in the summers. $5000cdn is chump change you can buy a good used beat up 5-7 year old civic for that. with all you have done the least you should ever take for your truck is around $10,000. But that's nether here no there as you can keep it in storage.

[BradMph]

You can store it here in the states. In fact I can give my address now if you like?:lmao: I promise to take good care of it until you wana drive it again.

It is a beautiful truck for sure, the only thing I would do to it is maybe a small graphic or a bold dark 1 1/2in wide highlight painted stripe down the side to give some lines to look at. These trucks have pretty lines and enhancing them sometimes brings out more to show.

Very Purdy Red too! If you sell it...she will haunt you until the day she runs you over as you look both ways to cross the street. I can tell you don't want to sell it, just reading your posting. :cool: Same year as mine too.

[camoit]

Hi guys. It's been a summer of change for me, and I'm moving. I love my truck and don't need to sell it, but its not being used. At all. Today someone walked by and offered me $5,000 (Canadian market, mind you) for her... Just looking for opinions from guys who love these trucks as I do.

-RHP

If you sell it for five grand, I'm going to come up there and beat your ass North to Baffin Bay, then with one swift kick of the steel toe boot you'll see Greenland pass under neath your sorry ass. I will make you the first human to reach low earth orbit with out a rocket.

[parrell456]

http://i.imgur.com/11mw1n9l.jpg

Hey guys and gals, I just wanted to say thanks again for all your support and to let you know that Scarlett is sleeping soundly in storage, and that I'm still her rightful owner hahaha! Also, thanks for the pep talks you guys, that was great! Anyways, here's the last picture that was taken of us together in 2013, where she's being used to haul around wheels and tires for friends and family as people were making the switch to winter tires/rims. Scarlett the "work" truck! I'll get her out again in the summer, so until then, keep on truckin'!

-RHP

[camoit]

OMG He is selling his truck. Just saw it on his FB page. :(

[geezer101]

Damn. Damn, damn, damn... that is a nice truck. Selling that would be like me cutting (more) off my arm.

[parrell456]

OMG He is selling his truck. Just saw it on his FB page. :(

Yes, kinda sad. I'm not pushing it out the door though, (and may have priced it to ensure I don't get any offers hahaha) so we'll see what happens! I'm far enough north that I didn't bring Scarlett or my motorcycle with me when I moved last; they're both still tucked away in storage. In any case, I could be moving again in 6-10 months, so like I said, we'll see what happens. If I'm back in a town with paved streets and more than 4 months of warm weather, I'll really want Scarlett to be there with me!

-RHP

PS the board is looking great, camoit! To this day one of the best looking and functioning forums out there!

[LukeGirard]

Updates for 2015?!?!?!?!?! She's so clean!!!

[parrell456]

Updates for 2015?!?!?!?!?! She's so clean!!!

Sorry, nothing to report, but I still have the truck hidden away in storage and I go through it each summer and tune it up. This summer I also began rebuilding a motorcycle as well, and that's happening a little slower than I expected... The next time I take Scarlett out for a wash/wax and tune, I'll be sure to get some nice pictures and add info for whatever updates I (inevitably) do! Thanks for your post!

-RHP

[Fordubishi]

What type of bike you rebuilding? I did an 84 Honda VF500 Interceptor last year and had a blast with it.

[tortron]

Last online 2015. Truck still in storage?

[parrell456]

Hello again MightyRam50! I'm back to let you know Scarlett was sold in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the spring of 2017. While I'm no longer a D50 owner, this year I built a 4x4 Ram 1500 Classic with Scarlett as my inspiration. I even had an extra decal from when I made custom center caps for Scarlett that I put on the rear window so I can think of her often!

Has anyone seen Scarlett in the wild? If I ever see her again I'll send some pictures as well!

Cheers,

-RHP

https://i.imgur.com/2g00BiMl.jpg

[parrell456]

What type of bike you rebuilding? I did an 84 Honda VF500 Interceptor last year and had a blast with it.

I rebuilt my '06 Suzuki GSXR-600 after a collision with a deer...
I agree, building the bike was a blast.

-RHP