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What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:28 am
by BartK
I am new to the old Dodge truck world, and I plan to start a resurection blog, but I figured I should know a little more of what I am talking about before I go there, so can someone give me a quick lesson? What I am working on is a 1966 D100 318, 4 speed 3:91 posi step side pickup. Someone mentioned that this would be a utiline, but I do not know what that is or why. Does it have to do with step side versus fleet side?
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:00 am
by MadMC63
At the risk of having my knuckles smacked with a ruler... Utiline - Utility Line. Work truck for farms and such.
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:08 am
by 712edf
BartK wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:28 am
Does it have to do with step side versus fleet side?
Utiline = Step side
Sweptline = Wide bed
Dodge trucks from 1961-1971 were known as "the Sweptline era", whether they be sweptlines or utilines.
72-93 Wide beds were still referred to as sweptline, even thought that fender "crease" was no longer present. 72-85 (last year of production) narrow beds were still referred to as utiline. The 72-93 trucks were themselves called Lifestyle.
Bucky
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:52 am
by BartK
MadMC63 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:00 am
At the risk of having my knuckles smacked with a ruler... Utiline - Utility Line. Work truck for farms and such.
Thanks for the info!
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:53 am
by BartK
712edf wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:08 am
BartK wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:28 am
Does it have to do with step side versus fleet side?
Utiline = Step side
Sweptline = Wide bed
Dodge trucks from 1961-1971 were known as "the Sweptline era", whether they be sweptlines or utilines.
72-93 Wide beds were still referred to as sweptline, even thought that fender "crease" was no longer present. 72-85 (last year of production) narrow beds were still referred to as utiline. The 72-93 trucks were themselves called Lifestyle.
Bucky
Thank you Bucky, this clears up a lot of confusion for me!
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:10 pm
by soopernaut
Stepside is a Chevy term although an internet search will probably give you the wrong information.
In Dodge/Fargo terms a sweptline bed has the fenders in the cargo area. A utiline has the fenders outside the bed. All 61-71 trucks were Sweptline Era trucks regardless of the bed type.
Chevy has fleetside/stepside
GMC has wideside/fenderside
Ford has styleside/flareside
Jeep has townside/thriftside(later sportside)
IH has bonusload/regular
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:47 pm
by 712edf
Most use the term stepside the same way they use the terms Crescent wrench, Channellocks, Styrofoam, Saran Wrap, Skilsaw & Coke. They are not always referring to the actual brand.
Bucky
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 4:37 am
by PwrWgnDrvr
Probably cuz there is a "step" on the "side" of the bed.....simple, eh?
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 6:14 pm
by BartK
soopernaut wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:10 pm
Stepside is a Chevy term although an internet search will probably give you the wrong information.
In Dodge/Fargo terms a sweptline bed has the fenders in the cargo area. A utiline has the fenders outside the bed. All 61-71 trucks were Sweptline Era trucks regardless of the bed type.
Chevy has fleetside/stepside
GMC has wideside/fenderside
Ford has styleside/flareside
Jeep has townside/thriftside(later sportside)
IH has bonusload/regular
Great information, thanks!
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 6:16 pm
by BartK
712edf wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2018 5:47 pm
Most use the term stepside the same way they use the terms Crescent wrench, Channellocks, Styrofoam, Saran Wrap, Skilsaw & Coke. They are not always referring to the actual brand.
Bucky
Understood, and I agree. I never knew each brand of truck had their own name for the bed configuration. Probably some licensing/copyright issue. Thanks again Bucky!
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 6:17 pm
by BartK
PwrWgnDrvr wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2018 4:37 am
Probably cuz there is a "step" on the "side" of the bed.....simple, eh?
Well, that is kind of what I thought, but then, I am a pretty simple guy.
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2018 7:49 pm
by MadMC63
Based on what I've read online since reading this all three domestic manufacturers had their own specific name for that type of bed and the common slang, because of the steps, became "Step Side". Each manufacture changed its designation at least once or twice over the years. As far as the Chrysler Corp is concerned I can find nothing that explains "Utiline" specifically. I noticed in all of the original sales brochures as well as the parts manual for the Dodge trucks the steps are called "running boards".
Re: What is the difference between utiline and sweptline
Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:56 am
by BartK
MadMC63 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 11, 2018 7:49 pm
Based on what I've read online since reading this all three domestic manufacturers had their own specific name for that type of bed and the common slang, because of the steps, became "Step Side". Each manufacture changed its designation at least once or twice over the years. As far as the Chrysler Corp is concerned I can find nothing that explains "Utiline" specifically. I noticed in all of the original sales brochures as well as the parts manual for the Dodge trucks the steps are called "running boards".
Thank you MadMC63! Well, I guess I do not feel so bad now for asking what seemed like a stupid question. I really appreciate everyone stepping forward and sharing information. As soon as I can get some time, I will start a restoration thread to keep anyone who wants to follow my efforts to get this little honey back on the road!