Putting Clark 5 speeds in pickups

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Bret Ludwig - 22 Jun 2006 18:18 GMT

I was looking for a cheap tow rig and came across a '73 Dodge two
wheel drive with a 383 and a Clark five speed from a "retard bus" (the
short wheelbase school bus). The truck was originally an automatic, it
had the auto steering column and brake pedal, cut down to clear the
clutch. it also has another neat feature, a York AC compressor
converted into an air compressor with a working compressor clutch.
There is also a second, Sanden Sankyo compressor for A/C) and a ND
alternator instead of the Mopar one. It has a power steering pump too.
It appears very well done. However the owner wants $6500 for the truck.
It's very nice but obviously a mechanical mutt. It has bucket seats out
of a Japanese car too, maybe the same one that yielded the alternator
and compressor.

The owner says these are fairly common in North Florida. Anyone down
there know about this? $6500 is not that cheap for me.

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Roy - 22 Jun 2006 19:55 GMT

> I was looking for a cheap tow rig and came across a '73 Dodge two
> wheel drive with a 383 and a Clark five speed from a "retard bus" (the
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> The owner says these are fairly common in North Florida. Anyone down
> there know about this? $6500 is not that cheap for me.

For $6500, you should be looking at a 93+

Roy

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Greg O - 23 Jun 2006 02:11 GMT

Sure it was not $650?? ;-)
Value is in the eye of the beholder in this case!
I would not touch a "Johnny Cash" special like that for any where near what
he is asking!
Greg

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Bret Ludwig - 23 Jun 2006 17:34 GMT

<<snip>>

> > The owner says these are fairly common in North Florida. Anyone down
> > there know about this? $6500 is not that cheap for me.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> I would not touch a "Johnny Cash" special like that for any where near what
> he is asking!

As a '73 it is out of most state emissions inspection programs. (And
entitled to a flat low registration in my state.) It is a fully rebuilt
truck with new rear end gears and axles, brake drums, brakes, front
discs,(all stainless/brass lined cylinders and calipers) a rust free
cab on new mounts, urethane (not basecoat/clearcoat) paint, clean
interior, with less than 20,000 miles on a handbuilt, semi-blueprinted
engine with all receipts and a factory rebuilt Clark 5 speed. The guy
is taking a serious financial loss as he spent as much to build it as a
new stripped truck would cost. It has a serious sound system with
outboard amp and a very nice Sony radio with satellite radio and six
disc changer control. The bed is Rhino Lined and he has two spare
wheels and tires (aftermarket white spokes, powdercoated) and a spare
starter, carb, distributor (points type: electronic is on the engine)
and all the manuals.

I already bought it last night. My insurance agent tells me he can
only write $3800 in coverage on it, but that's livable. I think I did
OK.

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Roy - 23 Jun 2006 18:16 GMT

> <<snip>>
>> > The owner says these are fairly common in North Florida. Anyone down
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> only write $3800 in coverage on it, but that's livable. I think I did
> OK.

Find a appraiser that is approved by your insurance company and get a stated
value policy.
Good luck with your new toy!

Roy

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Greg O - 23 Jun 2006 19:35 GMT

> I already bought it last night. My insurance agent tells me he can
> only write $3800 in coverage on it, but that's livable. I think I did
> OK.

It sounds better than you first described it!
It is probably a good truck. Just hope the fellow that screwed all the
pieces together knew what he was doing, or it could be a nightmare!
Greg

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