Posted by Eric in WI on August 18, 2000 at 08:29:50:
In Reply to: RE fixing up my frist truck in WI could any one help with parts posted by Dads old power wagon 1975 and (my frist car at almost 17years) on August 17, 2000 at 22:19:53:
Gee, I just sold a 75 last winter! They are great trucks! Where are you located, which part of the state? Since you are from WI, you already know that there are no parts worth having anymore (rust!!) but if you go to www.moparts.com and check out the online swap meet, there are many parts available.
Unfortunately, most of the parts I get for my current Power Wagon come from Canada and E-Bay. The dealers will have nothing available, but if you get to know one of the parts counter guys, he may be able to help you locate some mechanical things.
If you're fixing up the body, stay away from the imported replacement panels if at all possible. Use Tabco patch panels instead. That is, if you can't find decent parts elsewhere.
Also, if you need a mechanical part beyond brake pads or wheel bearings, your local parts store will have to special order them. NOBODY stocks parts for these things. After all, most 70's Dodge trucks were rusted wastes by the early 80's, and have been junked and crushed long ago!
You can paint it yourself. Look down this forum to find the post about some guys body work video and buy it. A very inexpensive lesson! If you're still squeemish about doing it yourself, just have Maaco do it.
Were you lucky enough to get a big block truck? Oh yes, one more thing, it seems to be popular wisdom that any body part from 1972 to 1993 are directly interchangeable- they are NOT! Be careful when someone selling you a body part says it'll fit. It will fit, but will it fit correctly? Will the contours line up? Are the door strikes the same? Are the tailgate latches the same? Are the hood latches in teh same location? That sort of thing! I just bought a 1973 radiator core support for my 79 (round headlight) and the headlights are 1.5" on center in different locations, and the mounting studs are a good 12" different! Also, the hood latch mechanism is so different that I can't use the darn thing at all without some serious work!
Keep posting your questions here, and over at moparts.com . Our 70's and 80's PW's are sometimes considered second class citizens here at this board, but the good folks at moparts will help any mopar related question (even AMC, Jeep, Rambler, and the occaisional Lawn Boy!).
Good luck with your new truck!