1936 Dodge Stake Bed Truck

Dodge trucks sales hit rock bottom in 1932, but so did the rest of the industry as this was the year which proved to be the worst of the Great Depression.  Fortunately Chrysler’s fortunes reversed and sales increased by a factor of eight during the Glamour years of 1933 to 1935.  Mr. Chrysler was never one to sit still.  His company fielded an interesting, modern and advanced line of trucks in 1936.

The new trucks featured Fore-Point load distribution which was a fancy term marketing used for their construction.  Dodge engineers moved the front axles forward which shifted the load forward in relation to the axles.  This way the front axles carried more of the load’s weight than previously able.  Fore-Point resulted in greater stability and allowed for a minimum over-all length.

Another major change in the construction of 1936 light-duty trucks was the adoption of a truck-type frame featuring parallel side rails with double drops and five heavy cross members, like this truck, known as a stake bed.  Moving the front axle forward and the change to the frame meant that for the first time Dodge half-ton commercials were real trucks.

This great running custom pickup is a 1 ½ ton Flatbed featuring a 1949 Dodge 230 engine , a Spicer 5831 Auxilliary Transmission.  It was a full cab off frame restoration painted with Dupont Imron.  It has low mileage and is ready to show or work for you for many years to come.

Branson Auto Museum was conceived in August of 2007 and opened on May 15, 2009. Partners in the Museum,knew that the Branson area was hungry for car and automotive related things to do. Branson Auto Museum was originally scheduled to go into a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft. building on the Strip. When the partners discovered that the former crafts mall the "Engler Block" was available, they knew it would be the perfect fit for what they were planning. The buiding is layed out in sections that wander through the building which is the ideal setting for a museum. The charm and character of the building also lends itself nicely to a museum.