LOOKS, SOUNDS, AND RUNS LIKE A DEERE

ALLISON 1000

The Allison transmission behind the Powertech provides an unexpected yet welcomed surprise. Sourced from Custom Automatic Conversions, the 1000 series automatic is of the six-speed variety, and makes use of the SAE #3 bellhousing to accommodate the John Deere engine. A custom-tailored flex plate and a standalone controller make the use of the Allison possible, both mechanically and electronically. Gear selections are made on the steering column—by way of a repurposed 20 series throttle lever.

CUSTOM, ORIGINAL, AND AFTERMARKET PARTS

Unfortunately, a lot of the things you can’t see on the Mollet’s Dodge are some of its nicest features. Everything sits on a frame made out of 2x4-inch, 0.187-inch wall rectangular steel tubing, which integrates the factory I-beam axle up front and a

Dana 70 with a limited slip in the rear. There are disc brakes all the way around, as well as air bags and a precisely-clearanced, 3-inch exhaust system culminates with a tail section that matches the contour of the rear fender above it. As for suspension, Jody built the front radius rod setup, along with the rear four-link.

BRIGHT WHITE

Working out of a makeshift paint booth erected at the family farm, Jody shot the truck in Bright White supplied by PPG.

The same PW7 paint code found its way onto the bed, bumpers, and steel wheels, while fresh John Deere green was applied to the truck’s various accent pieces. DCM Customs kicked in a host of components that were vital when reassembling the old Dodge (especially weather-stripping), along with the ’48-’53 replacement aluminum radiator that bolted right in.

NICHE ENTHUSIAST APPEAL, BUT APPRECIATED BY ALL

So how has the finished product been received by the general public? If earning four trophies at its first three shows is any indication, we’d say it’s a hit. The attention-to-detail and craftmanship is apparent to everyone that is lucky enough to see the old Dodge in person. However,

One look inside and you know it’s all ‘Deere. And if you’re a John Deere enthusiast you know it’s all 20 series equipment, too. The yellow vinyl seats (still covered in plastic), the rear fenders repurposed as armrests, the grab handles-turned door handles, the steering wheel, the gauge cluster, and the throttle and hydraulic levers are all 20 series paraphernalia. Even the accelerator pedal (though turned around backward) and the tractor cab upholstery can be found in 20 series machines. To keep things simple, the floorboards were hit with spray-in bedliner.