BHD

When I purchased this truck, none of the body lines were good, probably from years of fighting fires in the state game lands. I did the best I could to get panels to line up, but since no panel is without dents and dings I just had to call it good.

73CrewCab

Late 60's-70's Mopars had some of the worst fit and finish from the factory...anything you can do will be an improvement. And if you didn't have dents and dings, you'd have to worry about it getting dirty or a scratch. I'll tank faded paint with dings over perfect body and paint any day....at least for a truck. Makes it more fun to use and less BS to worry about. Your truck looks awesome, sure wish mine was red instead of white.

BHD

I know what you mean. I spent a lot of money on my '90 W250, and I hate to drive it here in Pennsyltucky between the months of October and May, I do take it out when I need to, but it gets a good bath to wash the crud off promptly. I don't plan to mess with the paint on the '74, its tough paint. I need to try to match it to paint the bed, which may become a headache. If so, I'll blow some John Deere Blitz Black on the whole truck.

Azzie

Great looking truck. I'm about to start my first project and you've just added 30 things I've overlooked. Lol. Mine is an old fire truck and thinking about keeping the paint as well. 1978 W200/5.9 conversion starts soon!

BHD

I like the look of the old paint. Besides, paint doesn't make them run any better.

The best advice I can give you is: research, research, research. I have yet to see 2 CrewCab conversions done the same way, but each one I looked at gave me good ideas for mine. I started gathering up parts right after I bought the truck, and it sure helps make the project flow easier. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site, so if you have any concerns, don't be shy. I'll be watching your thread.

BHD

Finally! It moves in and out of the shop under its own power! 7 months of messing around and it can drive up and down the drive way!

BHD

I still have a load of work to do, but it's coming along nicely I think. Warmer weather is a motivator for sure.

BHD

I need to fab up a BHAF, tie up some loose wiring and plumbing in the heater core. Then it's on to gauges, bed, bumpers, seat belts, sound deadining, stereo, and weatherstripping. Not in that order of course.

oliver foster

Looking good. It is a great day when you go from pushing it around to driving them!

Azzie

Looks great. Will start coming together now for sure.

Azzie

BHD..
What are you doing for suspension. I'd like to do around a 2 inch lift on my 78 W200. Can't find any definitive info on springs that can handle the CTD. Thanks.

BHD

Thanks!

The kit that is on it is a SkyJacker 4" kit with factory '93 blocks in the rear. It clears 315/75R16s. The springs are soft, so I plan on running an air bag system in the rear to haul the trailer and some kind or ladder bar to eliminate axle wrap.

I recommend the 2.5" SkyJacker kit that deletes the rear block, I have been running it on my '90 W-250 with no issues for over 10 years. I have 315's on it, but they rub on lock.

Azzie

I'm running a 285/65/18 on it roughly 31.50. Thought about four inch but didn't know how it would look. I don't want to go to high as my son will one say drive the truck and want it to handle decent. Sag quit abit when CTD gets mounted in I suspect. Did skyjacker steer you straight on heavier shackles for the CTD in front?

BHD

I bought the SkyJacker kit that was rated for the Cummins. I have never upgraded the shackles on any of my trucks, including the RamCharger I built 3 years ago. There is a post in the 1stGen section about a front shackle issue, but haven't experienced one yet, both my '90 and the RamCharger have quite a few miles on them with no suspension complaints. As far as handling is concerned, I think they drive better with a suspension upgrade, at least as good as a 6000 pound leaf sprung truck can handle!

Azzie

BHD-
Since you been helping me out and I got my skyjacker 4" lift today I went back and looked at your truck. I'm glad I went 4". I like the the way your truck sits. I went 4 in the rear with new leaf springs since my fronts were flat and the rears look saggy. I hope that is what I'm looking for. Would like for it to sit level. Anyway good looking truck and that 12v sitting in there has got me inching to get my rig going.