Project T-35:Ram 3500 Dump Truck

[AsTroSS]

It all start in January 2006 when I saw damaged Dodge Ram 3500 diesel in eBay.
Because I am located in Europe ,my decition was based on pictures and description.

Specs: 1994 Dodge Ram 3500, dump truck ,diesel ,automatic

According to pictures: nothing so serios , just new front fenders, bumper and hood and we are ready to drive.

And I brought it

To fix this easy damage , I also found used but good fenders,bumper and hood

Here are the pictures of the truck

[AsTroSS]

Approx 3 month later I recieved it.

At this time I were compleatly stupid and I tought straight front axle means allways 4wd -> its not in Cab and Chassy application.
This truck was 2wd , with straight fron axle.

..... and easy fix -----> no,

Frame: bent
front axle : bent
front contol arms: bent
steering : damaged/ bent
cab: damaged/bent
radiator:damaged
intercooler pipes : damaged
interior : damaged
driveshaft: damaged

engine: at least it start with jumpers
underhood wiring: cut off



To buy this truck was:

[AsTroSS]

After 1 year depression, I decided to fix this truck.

At first: cab, engine and tranny off

The frame was badly damaged. I think big Semi must have hit directly to left front wheel, because damages are so serious.

So next step was to cut off damaged front part of the frame and weld new one back.
To buy used american car parts are almost mission impossible, I found new frame from long wheelbase truck (extended cab and long bed) , but somebody have cut approx one feet from front frame .


Here is pictures : half truck and frame jig

[AsTroSS]

Here is few pictures more at arrival day.

[AsTroSS]

Now some positive pictures.

I pressure wash the frame, bed and axles with 550 bar abrasive washer (its like wet sandblasting) and 2 layers of primer and 2 layers of main paint (its marine grade 2 component epoxy , no corrosion anymore )

Also in fron end are all new joints, bushings,bearings, controlarms .........

[AsTroSS]

And more information :

engine: compleatly overhauled , just need to testrun and new paint
driveshaft : waiting new paint and istall
suspension: just component install
brakes: just install

My next job : I have to paint the cab in near future.


More updates : soon ,if I have something to show


Here is picture of cab

[Blackdog]

Bad start but hey it is looking good so far. Sight unseen that just sucks.

[AsTroSS]

Update

Yesterday:
Hood, front fenders and doors are almost prepared for base paint.


Today:

Cab and hood are pained with base paint. I had only 2 liters base paint and it was not enuf to paint fenders and doors



Next week mission:
1. to paint fenders and doors with base paint and prepar to main paint.
2. to paint complete cab with main paint



Notice: cab is assembled to 1500 chassy ,because its more compact

[AsTroSS]

Update:

Now cab is painted.!!

I took 2.5 weeks for preparation and painting.

This was my first paint job and after 4 layers of main paint (and 2 layers of primary) I am happy with result.

Now you most of you ask , why 4 layers?

1. after first layer was visible some dents and body filler
2. second layer was not equally covered
3. 3 layer almost good, but not perfect
4. 4 layer , I will accept it


My next step:
1. paint engine + tranny combo (black) and install to truck
2. lift the cab to Dump truck
3. body assembling .........................

Looks like winter will come before I can finnish this project.

[displacedtexan]

Looking good!

[AsTroSS]

My co-worker made joke on me, they lift carbage container to my 1500 chassy with painted cab.

Now it looks like carbage truck

[RacinDuallie]

Lookin good Astro!

[jacket106]

any updates? or too cold to work on it?

[AsTroSS]

Originally Posted by jacket106

any updates? or too cold to work on it?

Sorry ,no update.

Its snow everywhere and I have been too busy .

[6BT2500]

wish i saw the post eariler i have a left frame cut behind by garage

[AsTroSS]

Finally I have some update information.

Engine and tranny are back between frame rails and also Cab are installed.

Its not very much, but still some steps forward to finish this project.

[SirSmokesAlot]

Hows she coming Astro?

[AsTroSS]

No update.

(I have been overloaded with my work, with last half a year I have been in home only few weekends.)

I have 3 big projects:

1. house building
2. to keep my Ram 2500 running
3. and the last will be Ram 3500


Soon I will try to regiter it,currently it have still American Salvage title.

[AsTroSS]

This tuck will use 2 different wheels, back 4 will be original duallly wheels , but in front I will use single 2500 wheels.


Why not use dually wheels in front?
Its only question about money and maybe little bit look.


Because front left wheel and dually adapter was damaged, I decide to remove them from bouth side . (It will be also too costly to buy new pair of adapters and at least on wheel)
My front 2 wheels are some aftermarket 16'' chrome wheels from mid '90 Dodge Van.

I think the look with this wheels are better than stock dually wheels.


I will try to make some pictures, because one picture says 1000 words.


Here is picture:

[BFD99]

you've come a long ways with that truck! Looks good man!