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There are varying degrees of darksider. Modifications to your truck that are not stock like disc brakes, IFS, any engine that did not come in it from the manufacturer, update to a later rear end, etc., are all dark side but I suppose a Chevy engine is the darkest!
Yes, I am a subhuman darksider because IMHO there is no such thing as a truck too nice to modify (make better)...
My definitions would be:
purist= 100 pt. restorer must have oem bolts and nuts.
lightsider= mostly restored, safety items mechanically updated i.e. brakes, lighting, engine in same family, no automatics unless was OEM.
darksider= anything goes. Owner's vision build.
I'm more on the believe on the "Black and White". Lightsided isn't a concept to me... You have Darksider or Stock... Someone that adds safety parts (seatbelts, radial tires and modern brakes) to make sure it's safe but has a stock era correct engine, stock era correct trans, & stock style body I think should still be a stock style truck. Darksider are like mine, Hot Rod, and yes mine has a Bowtie engine and trans (not because of cheaper, but that's what I know and it was already in when I bought the truck), plus I want to have modern radio and AC. Yes I also have disk front brakes and 9" rear. I want my body to look stock, but even Henry didn't stop at the Model A, he changed things year by year, I want to make mine the way I envision mine. I even have non ford taillights thanks to the PO.
If your asking me, I'ld call it a nice looking stock truck. I would still call it a stock.... I think you did a improvement on the driving experence by adding the T5 (BS were used in many manufaturers vehicles, even Ford).... Engine bolt on, it's still a flathead... attach some pics.... My rear wheels are also Dodge
depends on how you like your toast... There's a infinite number of shades between straight off the loaf and charcoal dark. Define each as you see fit, that's what this hobby is all about.
If your asking me, I'ld call it a nice looking stock truck. I would still call it a stock.... I think you did a improvement on the driving experence by adding the T5 (BS were used in many manufaturers vehicles, even Ford).... Engine bolt on, it's still a flathead... attach some pics.... My rear wheels are also Dodge
Would you call this stock? Chevy engine and transmission, Chrysler T-bar front suspension, Chrysler rear end, Chrysler rear springs, disc brakes, Chrysler tilt column, Chrysler rims, 57 Cadillac hubcaps, and a Dodge Truck radiator. I think it's considerably on the darkside but it doesn't look that different from a 49 Merc with Dodge wheels...
I personally think it should just be called your truck with modifications from stock or customized. I will be honest, when I first started hanging out here, I thought the word "darkside" was referring to a Ford truck with a Chevy powerplant. If you get right down to it, just about any truck other than an absolute concours restoration or one that was parked in a barn 60 years ago could be thrown into the darkside category based on the way it is used around here.
Would you call this stock? Chevy engine and transmission, Chrysler T-bar front suspension, Chrysler rear end, Chrysler rear springs, disc brakes, Chrysler tilt column, Chrysler rims, 57 Cadillac hubcaps, and a Dodge Truck radiator. I think it's considerably on the darkside but it doesn't look that different from a 49 Merc with Dodge wheels...
Would you call this stock? Chevy engine and transmission, Chrysler T-bar front suspension, Chrysler rear end, Chrysler rear springs, disc brakes, Chrysler tilt column, Chrysler rims, 57 Cadillac hubcaps, and a Dodge Truck radiator. I think it's considerably on the darkside but it doesn't look that different from a 49 Merc with Dodge wheels...
From the outside it doesn't look to much different then mine on the outside
So yours is in the ranks of Darkside, ones you open the hood and as people look at other changes you've made it becomes clear...