I'd like to get some advice from you guys first of course. I've been missing my Ram ever since we traded it in, and I'm really getting the itch for one bad. Of course this time I'll be going a bit older (okay a lot older) but these were some of my favorite bodystyles when I was growing up. My dad had one when I was very small, a blue lifted rc/sb, and then he had a red 78 longbed that was a monster. So I've always kind of had a special place in my heart for these year trucks.
I'm looking to buy one cheap as a project, about $1000 or less. There seem to be plenty of them on craigslist etc occasionally around or under that price. They aren't any showstoppers at that price of course, but I'm ok with them being rough as I'm looking at making this a really long term project, just messing with it when the extra cash permits. My dad used to paint cars, so I think with him teaching me we'll be able to do a lot of the body/primer work on our own as well. What I want to know is, are there any particular years/models/conditions I should avoid? It seems like A LOT of these trucks have rusted out floorboards. How big a deal is that? Remember I'm not looking at building a showroom beauty in a weekend, I'm not rich so that means I'll have plenty of time to hunt/work/hustle lol.
fins2fuselage
09-27-2008, 05:21 PM
I'd like to get some advice from you guys first of course. I've been missing my Ram ever since we traded it in, and I'm really getting the itch for one bad. Of course this time I'll be going a bit older (okay a lot older) but these were some of my favorite bodystyles when I was growing up. My dad had one when I was very small, a blue lifted rc/sb, and then he had a red 78 longbed that was a monster. So I've always kind of had a special place in my heart for these year trucks.
I'm looking to buy one cheap as a project, about $1000 or less. There seem to be plenty of them on craigslist etc occasionally around or under that price. They aren't any showstoppers at that price of course, but I'm ok with them being rough as I'm looking at making this a really long term project, just messing with it when the extra cash permits. My dad used to paint cars, so I think with him teaching me we'll be able to do a lot of the body/primer work on our own as well. What I want to know is, are there any particular years/models/conditions I should avoid? It seems like A LOT of these trucks have rusted out floorboards. How big a deal is that? Remember I'm not looking at building a showroom beauty in a weekend, I'm not rich so that means I'll have plenty of time to hunt/work/hustle lol.
Roman,
Now is indeed the time to buy -- while everyone is all hysterical about gas mileage.
I don't know of too many weak points between models (except perhaps the freakin' ammeters -- see my "Convert Seeks Volt Meter Conversion" thread), but I must admit I prefer the '72 - '78 with its "power" hood and single round headlamps. Of course, that is purely subjective. The earlier ones (but only the '72 & '73, I think) had the gas tank mounted in the cab so if that bothers you, avoid 'em.
Rust and electrical gremlins are the biggest problems. I have heard that the frames can crack, but I have never had one with this problem. I have also never had one which didn't need the automatic tranny rebuilt, but perhaps that is simply my own bad luck because those 727s have a tough-as-nails reputation.
I currently have a '72 D-100 long-bed for sale on E-bay. It is a bit rusty, but the floor pans have been replaced (the RIGHT way) and it is otherwise pretty sound. It will take somewhere north of $1,000 to separate me from it, however.
While you are on E-bay, search "Dodge other trucks" in the category "other trucks" and perhaps you will find something which better fits your budget.
Good luck hunting!
Jeff
bherder
09-27-2008, 11:32 PM
Nice rig.... How come you're getting rid of it?
4404spd
09-28-2008, 07:43 AM
If your going with a 4x4 the 72-74's had drum brakes on them kind of a pita. But I would love to have a 79-80 dual square headlight ext cab 2wd to fix up.
fins2fuselage
09-28-2008, 09:02 AM
Nice rig.... How come you're getting rid of it?
Bherder,
Because I bought the '78 D-150 Club Cab a couple of months ago, and I just don't have a need for the D-100 now. The '78 is well-equipped and set-up for towing, the '72 is not.
I don't want to let it sit and rot, so it might as well let it go to someone who would enjoy it.
Jeff
bherder
09-28-2008, 10:22 AM
Bherder,
Because I bought the '78 D-150 Club Cab a couple of months ago, and I just don't have a need for the D-100 now. The '78 is well-equipped and set-up for towing, the '72 is not.
I don't want to let it sit and rot, so it might as well let it go to someone who would enjoy it.
Jeff
I'm surprised Speed isn't buying it... he's close and his wife lets him have eleven-teen trucks...:D
You guys are lucky. There's a guy a few miles away with a very decent 77' Trail Duster for sale, but my wife keeps telling me "You can't have any new toys, until you finish your old toys.." :bawl:
fins2fuselage
09-28-2008, 01:04 PM
I'm surprised Speed isn't buying it... he's close and his wife lets him have eleven-teen trucks...:D
You guys are lucky. There's a guy a few miles away with a very decent 77' Trail Duster for sale, but my wife keeps telling me "You can't have any new toys, until you finish your old toys.." :bawl:
Bherder,
For all I know, Speed is one of those who is bidding on the truck on E-bay.
I haven't seen him on here lately, or perhaps we are simply not commenting upon the same threads.
Jeff
3jvj
11-02-2008, 09:20 PM
75-80 t/d or rc. 75 if you can find one (no door rail). The only thing cooler than a 70's dodge truck is a full convertible. my .02-JJ
Speed Dragon
11-03-2008, 10:24 AM
I'm surprised Speed isn't buying it... he's close and his wife lets him have eleven-teen trucks...:D
You guys are lucky. There's a guy a few miles away with a very decent 77' Trail Duster for sale, but my wife keeps telling me "You can't have any new toys, until you finish your old toys.." :bawl:
Dude I got too many already, don't be tempting me :thatfunny I'm getting another this week too lol, a '78 short bed stepside S6 truck :cool: Price is right though, and I'll probably part this one out (except for the bed, which is going on my '80).
Plus I gotta fix the frame on the GLHS, buy carb needles for the 240Z and fix the floorpans and rear fender/rocker panel, drop and clean the tank in the Shelby Z, put the drivetrain, wiring and interior into the Lebaron, clutch master cyl on the RX-7, pull the drivetrain out of the '84 Shelby to go into the GLHS when it's fixed, get the '67 Coronet running and put a windshield in it, put the bed back on the '73 Club Cab, put a fender on the Tercel, intake gaskets on the Diplomat, floorpans in the Rampage and get it running...
I think I managed to talk myself out of bidding :D maybe :stk: It is a very nice truck though, if I had the extra cash I probably would bid on it.
fins2fuselage
11-03-2008, 06:03 PM
Dude I got too many already, don't be tempting me :thatfunny I'm getting another this week too lol, a '78 short bed stepside S6 truck :cool: Price is right though, and I'll probably part this one out (except for the bed, which is going on my '80).
Plus I gotta fix the frame on the GLHS, buy carb needles for the 240Z and fix the floorpans and rear fender/rocker panel, drop and clean the tank in the Shelby Z, put the drivetrain, wiring and interior into the Lebaron, clutch master cyl on the RX-7, pull the drivetrain out of the '84 Shelby to go into the GLHS when it's fixed, get the '67 Coronet running and put a windshield in it, put the bed back on the '73 Club Cab, put a fender on the Tercel, intake gaskets on the Diplomat, floorpans in the Rampage and get it running...
I think I managed to talk myself out of bidding :D maybe :stk: It is a very nice truck though, if I had the extra cash I probably would bid on it.
Auction's over, Speed. No sale.
$1,350 takes her home.
Jeff
bherder
11-03-2008, 07:47 PM
Plus I gotta fix the frame on the GLHS, buy carb needles for the 240Z and fix the floorpans and rear fender/rocker panel, drop and clean the tank in the Shelby Z, put the drivetrain, wiring and interior into the Lebaron, clutch master cyl on the RX-7, pull the drivetrain out of the '84 Shelby to go into the GLHS when it's fixed, get the '67 Coronet running and put a windshield in it, put the bed back on the '73 Club Cab, put a fender on the Tercel, intake gaskets on the Diplomat, floorpans in the Rampage and get it running..
Aw shit Speed .... For YOU? Couple hours MAX.... ;)
HeadlandRam
11-03-2008, 09:55 PM
There is a reason they call him Speed bheder ;)
Speed Dragon
11-04-2008, 10:33 AM
Aw shit Speed .... For YOU? Couple hours MAX.... ;)
HA I wish :cool: Actually, more like a week and about $5-10k to play with :rck:
1972-D100
11-04-2008, 10:46 AM
Hey Speed, maybe Bherder can adopt you, that way he can support his two kids going to Washington St. and all your projects, since his wife won't let him getting any more for himself!!! JK Bruce!
Speed Dragon
11-04-2008, 04:25 PM
Hey Speed, maybe Bherder can adopt you, that way he can support his two kids going to Washington St. and all your projects, since his wife won't let him getting any more for himself!!! JK Bruce!
Heck yeah man :D
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 04:34 PM
OT: Yo speed, when did you move?
Romac: There are a couple trucks for sale by my friend but it is out of what your willing to pay,5,000 and willing to travel.
Speed Dragon
11-04-2008, 07:17 PM
OT: Yo speed, when did you move?
About a a year and a half ago ;)
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 07:47 PM
Wow, Have I been out of it for THAT long? :crazy:
By the way, Speed did you get my last pm?
bherder
11-04-2008, 07:53 PM
Hey Speed, maybe Bherder can adopt you, that way he can support his two kids going to Washington St. and all your projects, since his wife won't let him getting any more for himself!!! JK Bruce!
Hell, I'll adopt Speed! My little 'tax deductions' are almost all grown up and gone! .... Mmmmmm I'll just say Speed AND his wife are from ..... Nigeria .... Yeah, that'll work ......
So Speed .... Are you and the Mrs. willing to pretend to be 8 year-old black kids and speak Swahili ?? I'll split the difference with ya ... :D
Yeah, I could see that RC being mine soon .... :D
bherder
11-04-2008, 07:56 PM
Wow, Have I been out of it for THAT long? :crazy:
Yup Kyle .... Haven't seen you here in a looooooong time... Welcome home!
Buy yourself a truck yet?
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 07:58 PM
I'm talking to a guy about one right now, 2 for 1 deal but both need alot of work. :D
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 08:01 PM
Hell, I'll adopt Speed! My little 'tax deductions' are almost all grown up and gone! .... Mmmmmm I'll just say Speed AND his wife are from ..... Nigeria .... Yeah, that'll work ......
So Speed .... Are you and the Mrs. willing to pretend to be 8 year-old black kids and speak Swahili ?? I'll split the difference with ya ... :D
Yeah, I could see that RC being mine soon .... :D
Bheder, You owe me a new keyboard and mouse now. :thatfunny
bherder
11-04-2008, 08:03 PM
since his wife won't let him getting any more for himself!!! JK Bruce!
Hey 72' .... Just wait till the kids are out of college (Unless I adopt Speed, then it all starts over again..) ..... I'll get to go freekin' NUTS .. :D :D :D
bherder
11-04-2008, 08:05 PM
I'm talking to a guy about one right now, 2 for 1 deal but both need alot of work. :D
How much 'work' is a lot of work?
bherder
11-04-2008, 08:07 PM
Bheder, You owe me a new keyboard and mouse now. :thatfunny
Turn them upsidedown over night ... They'll dry out ... :D
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 08:15 PM
How much 'work' is a lot of work?
A ****-load basically,
One truck Needs a motor and a tranny (Had a 318 and 727)
Other has a SL6 with 727 but the Tower o' power is seized up because the Dip-**** thought it was a good idea to take off thethe carb and not bother to cover the intake manifold.
One is a White, long bed with no rust
Other is a Short bed , Green with a crap-load of rust on the floorboards
But If I do buy I can use my friends shop and all his tools. :D
bherder
11-04-2008, 08:29 PM
A ****-load basically,
One truck Needs a motor and a tranny (Had a 318 and 727)
Other has a SL6 with 727 but the Tower o' power is seized up because the Dip-**** thought it was a good idea to take off thethe carb and not bother to cover the intake manifold.
One is a White, long bed with no rust
Other is a Short bed , Green with a crap-load of rust on the floorboards
But If I do buy I can use my friends shop and all his tools. :D
No rust is ALWAYS a good thing ... Heck, with a seized engine, you should get it for next to nothing.... Used engine and/or tranny should be fairly cheap....
HeadlandRam
11-04-2008, 08:34 PM
The Price is good, 250
I am going there tomorrow, I will post pics
Speed Dragon
11-05-2008, 12:01 AM
Hell, I'll adopt Speed! My little 'tax deductions' are almost all grown up and gone! .... Mmmmmm I'll just say Speed AND his wife are from ..... Nigeria .... Yeah, that'll work ......
So Speed .... Are you and the Mrs. willing to pretend to be 8 year-old black kids and speak Swahili ?? I'll split the difference with ya ... :D
Yeah, I could see that RC being mine soon .... :D
I'll give it my best. Does it have to be understandable Swahili? :thatfunny
