There’s nothing better than a clean short-bed pickup truck. Yes, there are better vehicles in terms of driving enjoyment, but from a value proposition, it’s pretty hard to beat. First of all, a pickup in any form is a useful tool to have around the house, making dump runs a treat instead of a chore. Then, there’s the fact the proportions are perfect and short-bed trucks like this Dodge are just fine-looking vehicles. Finally, you’ll never lose your investment on a real-deal short bed, as enthusiasts will travel far and wide to pick up a good one. This Dodge looks to be in awesome condition with just 50,000 miles and is listed here on craigslist for $12,000. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.
The candy apple red paint certainly adds to the eyeball appeal of this pickup, but I’m also drawn to the wheels: I have the same design on my 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS project. The seller’s rollers are in much better condition (mine are actually at a powder coater at the moment to see if they mask the numerous cosmetic flaws.) The wheels and tires are actually brand new, along with several other components. These include new brakes, new steering linkage, new belts and hoses, and an MSD ignition. The seller claims they spent the last several months going through the truck inside and out, and given the low mileage likely indicates it was pretty decent to begin with, it’s not a surprise to see this one present so well.
And the interior proves it just keeps getting better. No obvious flaws in the upholstery or door panels, and the dash appears to be crack-free. The low mileage history really pays dividends here, as the cabin does look like that of a truck that has been used sparingly over the years. You really can’t fake this sort of thing, as lower mileage vehicles just feel that much nicer inside. A high mileage project – especially in truck form – really does feel aged inside unless you manage to find the rare owner who obsesses over the details even as a vehicle ages out of style. Speaking of, the only reason the seller claims to be selling is because they bought a new car and can’t keep both. Oh, by the way – look at the steering wheel. Zero signs of wear.
V8, rear-wheel drive, and a short bed: does it get any better? I don’t think so, aside from maybe finding one with three pedals. The seller doesn’t say much about the drivetrain, but one would assume it goes as good as it looks. The Dodge D150 hasn’t taken off value-wise as the Chevy C10 has, but I think that makes the Dodge a sleeper on the collector truck marketplace. I feel like a short-bed C10 in similar condition would be listed with a $20,000 asking price, so the Dodge looks like an absolute bargain in comparison. If you do go to check out this Dodge D150, make sure to ask the seller if you can keep the awesome “sunset” California license plate.
Always kicks up my BS meter when the truck is wet in all the pictures. Under hood looks a lot more like 150K.
Curious. I agree, my engine compartments look new at 50k. What other clues are there? Perhaps a back-story or history for us skeptics would be nice. Either way the truck overall looks good from the computer screen.
Cool little truck! Given the currently outrageous prices in the collector car market, this seems like the way to go for some cheap fun!
Would this be a 318 or the smaller V8 of those days?
My black’88 had a 318. It also had the new fangled fuel injection that looked like a big two barrel card with injectors in the venturis.
The smaller motor would of been a V-6, but only in a 4X4. The inline 6’s were gone. I believe the 318 in 86 and up were roller cam motors, had one in my 86′ 5th ave.. Good running car, so this truck should be the same. Good cleaning job, but needs paint. If all else is ok, then the asking price is something to work with.
Appears the hood and top has already been painted. Red does not do well in the sun. The fenders and top rear is a tail- tail sign.
Maybe I am mistaken, maybe it was the 90s that Dodge offered smaller V8s. From the Jeep line up, like 280ish CIs?
What v8 was smaller than the 318 during this time?
318 was the smallest they were putting in the trucks at least. You could get a V6 or an inline 6, but only the 318 and 360 were available by mid to late 80s.
I agree 100% ,this is a great find. If I could buy it I would, it is a matter of time and distance. To talk to the buyer, negotiate the transaction and take the leap of faith and get there is not an easy thing to do. I also cringe when so many comments or negative and skeptical. I guess I am just an optimist, the truck gives me good vibes.
Sharp little pick’em up truck.
I’d like it even better n the long-bed version but I know I’m in the minority there, right? That’s ok, I’m used to it. Don’t you people haul lumber and plywood?
Anyways, I’m not calling the guy a liar re: the mileage but I have a question: Is it common for a 50K mile truck to need new steering linkage? Yes, I know it’s 34 years old but I assumed linkage wore more from use than age. I’ve had lots of high-mileage vehicles and I’ve never replaced steering linkage, (although previous owners could have).
The steering linkage in these is a known bad area that most owners replace at first chance. It’s not awful enough to make it dangerous, but if you’re jumping from a newer vehicle back into one of these, it feels terrible enough that you’ll want to upgrade it.
By 1988 Dodge was only selling about 70,000 pickups a year.
Less than 10% of what either Ford or GM were selling annually. Dodge nearly killed off the pickup line. But the addition of the Cummins diesel breathed new life into the line. One issue is replacement parts can be a bit difficult to find. I’ve owned a ’93 Cummins 4X since 2006. Oddly enough, parts that were hard to find then seem to be more available now. Currently I am trying to find a leak in the fuel pump. What a hassle! but my current financial situation forfces me to attempt the repair.