1948 Dodge 1 1/2-Ton Flatbed Truck

This 1948 Dodge 1 1/2-ton flatbed truck is finished in dark green over a tan vinyl interior and is powered by a Cummins diesel 4-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels.  The truck received a full restoration including a refinish of the body, as well as powder coating of the frame, suspension, and various underside components. The truck features a wood flatbed with stake sides, a dual-wheel rear axle, and all new gauges. Located in Tulare, California, this Dodge truck is now offered for sale with a clean California title in the sellers name. 

The truck is finished dark green and features chrome trim on the grille, as well as chrome headlight trim rings, door handles, and emblems.  The custom flatbed features a black powder-coated frame with Apitong wood floor with oak side stakes, and rear bumper with integrated taillights, tow hitch receiver, and trailer wiring plug. Running board steps for both driver and passenger side are finished to the body with grip pads installed for traction.  The glass is free of pits or cracks including the three rear windows and two-piece windshield.

Black painted, five-lug 20” wheels are mounted to new Samson tires on all four corners, with a heavy-duty dually rear axle.  The suspension consists of parallel leaf springs both front and rear while stopping power is provided by manual drum brakes on all four corners.

The interior features a single bench seat upholstered in brown vinyl.  The dash is painted dark green to match the exterior of the truck, along with all other interior metal surfaces.  A fitted black rubber mat covers the floor and surrounds the twin-stick shifters for the manual transmission and transfer case, while black vinyl covers the headliner and door panel inserts.

Instrumentation includes a large, centrally-mounted Stewart Warner 80-mph speedometer along with supplementary Stewart Warner gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level.  Additional AutoMeter gauges are installed below the dash which provides readouts for water temperature, voltage, and fuel level as well.  Knob-type controls for headlamps, panel lights, choke, and throttle are also housed in the dash.  Though true mileage is unknown, the truck has approximately 300 miles on it since the restoration was completed.  

Power comes from a Cummins 4BT diesel 4-cylinder engine with mechanical fuel injection which was added during the restoration. The block and components were cleaned and painted prior to installation and the most recent service was performed in April of 2020 when the restoration was completed.  A 4-speed manual transmission transfers power to the dual-wheel rear axle.

Additional photos showing the underside are provided in the gallery below.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 10/23/20 12:02PM PDT:  Updated from 2-Ton to 11/2-Ton