Hi, new member here with a project truck

[oldandintheway]

Hi, new member here. I thought I'd say hi and show you my new project. I'm new to old Dodge trucks, though I had a 76 Ramcharger 440 and a 69 Roadrunner 440/4spd.

Picked this up from my neighbor, it was her dads and it never left the west coast. It is nearly complete except for a few trim pieces that are missing and some busted tail lights/back up lights and a few interior pieces like the pass sun visor. Not sure about the motor, probably a 318?

[Hobcobble]

Welcome to the site!
Looks like an LA318 to me. The truck
looks pretty clean. It shouldn't take a lot
to get it into really nice shape.
Whatever your wants are.... post them
up on the Parts Wanted section.
John

[oldandintheway]

Thanks for the welcome John.

Can you elaborate on the LA318? I see 'poly' mentioned as well. I used to be a self proclaimed BB mopar expert but am clueless on the small block differences.

I know it has a 2bbl that I need to rebuild (won't idle but runs) but was wondering if moving to a 4bbl is easy/wise? I have time for that though. I plan on moving it up into my driveway this weekend, power washing it and starting to evaluate it.

All I know right now it needs:

left and right clear back up lenses
Right rear taillight
the trim strip on the pass door
left front fender wheel well trim and piece that goes from back of wheel well to door
pass sun visor
dome light

Not bad for a $200 truck.

Here is a shot of the interior.

[Jims68]

Very good deal on that truck.

The 318LA is the more modern 318. It is a smaller block engine than the older "Wideblock" "Polyspherical" engine 318. But, both are 318 engines. I am pretty sure that 1967 was the first year for the LA 318.

You may want to check out my Restoration CD too. Click on the links below.

Jim

[Hobcobble]

Thanks for the welcome John.

Can you elaborate on the LA318? I see 'poly' mentioned as well. I used to be a self proclaimed BB mopar expert but am clueless on the small block differences.

I know it has a 2bbl that I need to rebuild (won't idle but runs) but was wondering if moving to a 4bbl is easy/wise? I have time for that though. I plan on moving it up into my driveway this weekend, power washing it and starting to evaluate it.

All I know right now it needs:

left and right clear back up lenses
Right rear taillight
the trim strip on the pass door
left front fender wheel well trim and piece that goes from back of wheel well to door
pass sun visor
dome light

Not bad for a $200 truck.

Here is a shot of the interior.

I'd throw a Jiffy Kit into that carb [if the throttle body doesn't
leak fuel through the butterfly shaft] and give it a good tune
up. If you go 4bbl, you'd probably be in need of a different
cam [RV/Tow] and would also have to fart around with the
kick-down linkage. One good upgrade I'd recommend is the
MoPar Performance Electronic Ignition. You can get them
new from Summit Racing or Jegs for about $25 more than
the price you paid for the whole truck. Clear reverse
lenses/gaskets can be had from members of this site. Check
with Bud Thorp [aka PowerWagon54] for starters. The tail
light lenses can usually be found used by posting an ad in the
Parts Wanted section.... as well as the other items you're
after. That truck would fetch $2200 or better in my neck of
the woods. You did well!
John

[oldandintheway]

Hah, my neighbor was going to donate it to charity Glad I took a liking to it and saved it.

I also want to mention what a great site you guys have here. There was nothing like this around when I was restoring my roadrunner 20 years ago. All I had was a 'year one' catalog and an empty wallet.

Took a look at the VIN, and it turns out it's a '71G series D200 3/4 ton, LA318 as mentioned before, 727, Dana 60 w/ 3.54's, made in Missouri.

I'll know more about the mechanical issues this weekend. I plan on rebuilding the carb as one of the first priorities. I'll hit up the parts needed sections pretty soon, but have to let the wife get used to seeing it in the driveway for a bit before spending $$$ She'll soon enough ask me when I'm going to get it fixed up, then I'm good to go I'll take more pics and post them next week.

Brian

[wally426ci]

Looks like a good start!! I am sure people have what your looking for.

There is a Junkyard with the trim you need around here but it wont open until May sometime.

[MOPAR70]

Good lookin truck you got there!

[MOPAT]

NICE RIG!
The side marker lights in good shape are worth 'almost' what you paid for the truck.
There is a member in Walnut Creek that has a TON of parts {and knowledge}.
PWRWGNDRVR......................aka Terry H.
Have fun with your project.
Pat

[oldandintheway]

Thanks guys, I'm getting more and more excited about bringing it back to life.

Anyone know what current California smog requirements are in effect for these older motors? I heard they were exempt prior to a certain year but I'm not positive.

[EarlKann]

Thanks guys, I'm getting more and more excited about bringing it back to life.

Anyone know what current California smog requirements are in effect for these older motors? I heard they were exempt prior to a certain year but I'm not positive.

1975 model year and older are exempt. You're good on yours to do whatever you like!

[oldandintheway]

Thanks guys, I'm getting more and more excited about bringing it back to life.

Anyone know what current California smog requirements are in effect for these older motors? I heard they were exempt prior to a certain year but I'm not positive.

1975 model year and older are exempt. You're good on yours to do whatever you like!

Thanks for confirming that.

[DocsTruck]

That's a really nice truck !

[Jones]

Nice rig! Really straight!

Is that a textured roof or is the picture just teasing me?

Keith

[soopernaut]

Is that a textured roof or is the picture just teasing me?

Keith

Looks like it. I have one as well. If you aren't used to the newer Sweptlines you might not be familiar with them. It was a factory option.

[oldandintheway]

Yep, it's a faux vinyl roof.

[oldandintheway]

Well, I got it cleaned up just a bit this weekend. Came out better than I expected, but also revealed that the left front is worse than I thought. Still, I can't complain. I dug out my old 'direct connection' plate that used to adorn my Roadrunner. I think it looks perfect. Oh, and I found the jack under the seat so I put it back on the fender where it belongs, along with the handle and tire iron.

I was digging through the glove box which had 2 rotted road flares in it, and what do you think I found? The original build sheet and operators manual. When I vacuumed out the powder from the flare, the entire glove box insert disintegrated. I did find the missing visor, but it's busted. Battery is at .7 volts and my charger either isn't working or doesn't recognize that it is connected (has a safety) so I'm going to jump start it tonight and see where that takes me.

[Jims68]

That is cool that you found that sheet in the glove box!

Oh... I also own a Road Runner so... I guess it is true that birds of a feather actually DO flock together!

Jim

[64TRUK]

I have the same upholstery in my 64. I would hold on to those hubcaps, is it a complete set?

[oldandintheway]

I have the same upholstery in my 64. I would hold on to those hubcaps, is it a complete set?

Yep, all 4 and only one is slightly dented.