1949 DODGE ROUTE STEP VAN VINTAGE PANEL! METRO DIVCO STYLE ICE CREAM MILK TRUCK

Description for Dodge Other 1949

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1949 DODGE ROUTE VANMILK TRUCK

This is an old step van, lso called multi-stop trucks/van. These are very cool old vans and have unique art deco styling.This van is similar to an international metro or divco van, ut more seem to be more difficult to find. This particular route van was bought new in Montana and owned by one family until this year. It has a ton of character and has neat vintage auxillary lights, adder, nd other old knick knacks on it. I believe this is the shortest wheelbase van you could buy. It was a snap-on tool vending truck at one point and also a mobile diesel repair van (it was probably both at the same time). The snap-on logo is still above the windshield. The previous owner did in-frame cummins rebuilds out of this small van. It still had many diesel parts in the van and cabinets when I bought it. There were some old cummins cylinder liners also. These old vans are very popular with rodders and vendors They make great rolling advertisement vehicles, obile stores, ood trucks, offee shop, r mobile studios. They also look cool chopped or lowered and customized, ut look really neat restored to original also. There is room in the back to stand up and put camper quarters, harley, ooking equipment, peed parts, -shirt vendor, r? Maybe the first gasser milk truck? The patina on this is perfect for a ratrod style traditional rod. Here are the details. I have more pics I can send also. I've added some pics of other cool vans on here to show the potential. Thanks.

DRIVETRAIN

The route van currently does not run. This van has an inline six-cylinder with four speed manual. It is not the original engine. It is a gmc motor, hat looks to be a 270. They did a good job putting it in, nd the engine is a better motor than the original flathead. The GMC engines were known for there torque and had more power and reliability than the older flathead design. This van was running when parked but has not ran in a long time. This van has independent rear suspension, nd it had a problem with one of the short rear drivelines and they had taken it out. Most likely a u-joint. Several extra drivelines are included. I believe it will run and drive without any major mechanical work, ut it will take some work and freshening up. The brakes most likely need bled and checked out, aybe more. The transmission and clutch appear to work. It shifts and the clutch holds it from rolling. It steers.

BODY

The body needs restoration. It has rust in the rocker areas you can see in the pics, ehind the doors. The only other rust is in the rear corners, bove the bumpers. There is rust on the rocker area, elow the entrance step on the drivers side. It has the usual dents and dings. It has some light filler from an "old man" paint job that is probably 30 years old. Frame is clean. Floors and floor supports are nice. Not a ton of rust but some, nd it will need work to get her ready for paint. Mostly complete. Glass is flat and easy to replace, nd some is broken. All doors function. I'm not sure that the rear doors latch but they open and close. I think they latch though. The body is better than it looks in the pics but does need work and resto. For an un-restored work vehicle that is 66 years old, he rust is minor. I would personally drive it as-is because it has lots of character and the patina is perfect for a rat van. Maybe lower it and ad some cool rims though. I'm told they sell adapters to use a more modern bolt pattern wheel on these rigs.

INTERIOR

This van has old cabinets in it that are kind of neat with many shallow drawers. It has a propane heater, lthough I don't know if it is usable. There is not much for upholstery in these besides the seat, hich needs re-done. The van has 100's of little leather hooks in it that the diesel mechanic had parts and tools hanging from. They may not be pictured because I only had room for 24 but I have pictures of everything. It had many invoices in it also from the diesel mechanic from years ago. It appears it was being used regularly and then probably parked when the driveline had a problem. It just sat then and they didn't clean it out or anything.

OVERALL

This is a neat little van to restore. I go to many car shows and it's rare to see these, ut they do get all the attention when they are there. Many mechanical parts and some emblems etc. are most likely interchangeable with dodge pickups of the same vintage. Feel free to ask questions. I do have many more pics available. I can help arrange shipping for you also if needed. Thanks and happy bidding.