BF Auction: 1978 Dodge Ramcharger

Seller: Doug M iddlestetter

Location: Redmond, Oregon
Mileage: 123,600 Shown
Chassis #: A10BE8S261917

Title Status: Clean
Engine: 318 V8
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual, 4X4

Long-time Barn Finds Reader Douge M (aka 914Shifter) has asked us to auction his 1978 Dodge Ramcharger. He sent over such a detailed description of the truck that we decided to post his text in the auction, so you get all the info directly from the source! We have added our thoughts about this Ramcharger at the bottom of the listing. If you’d love to have it, you can bid below.

Features

This 1978 Ramcharger is Dodge’s answer to the Ford Bronco and the Chevy Blazer. It features a sporty removable hard top, a rare 4-speed manual transmission, a 318 motor, full-time 4-wheel drive, power steering, power brakes, front disc brakes, original factory spoked wheels, an optional rear bench seat, chrome sport bumpers, and a center console (custom made—not a stock one—but it holds coffee nicely).

History

This classic Dodge Ramcharger is in very original condition, having been off the road for the last 20-30 years (plates last tagged in 1993). It belonged to “Joe,” a neighbor of mine. I have passed it daily for years and always admired it. One day it had a “For Sale” sign in it, as Joe was moving to Idaho. We worked out a deal, and I have since enjoyed tinkering with it and getting it back on the road.

Joe states that the car was sold back in the late 80s or early 90s by Treasure Valley Motors in Ontario, Oregon. It went to an owner in Bend, Oregon, and was purchased by Joe in the early 90’s. Joe said he did not drive it but always wanted to restore it. But he never renewed the tags from 1993; it just sat in his driveway. Then, about five years ago, he took it to a local small-time mechanic for a new motor, but the mechanic put the plug wires on wrong and did not drain the old gas, so the rig sat for another five years until I bought it. I have gone over most everything on it to make it road-worthy again and have fixed several items listed below.

Work Done By Previous Owner (Joe)

The new crate 318 motor has fresh oil and less than 5 miles on it when parked. A fresh air filter, plug wires, and a “Mexico” long-block tag support Joe’s narrative. Also, the compression test is in the 125-135 range.

When the motor was replaced, a new clutch and TO bearing were installed, per Joe and photos from underneath.
Fresh oil in transfer case/transmission per physical inspection, new aluminum radiator installed.
There is very little rust on the car—we live on Oregon’s dry “desert” side. The only structural rust I have found is minimal under the front floor mats. There are no holes on the driver’s side, but there are a few on the passenger’s side—see photos.

My Improvements

Seats reupholstered in original factory color.
New 33×10.50×15” tires, lug nuts, center caps.

New fuel pump, carb, plugs.
Dropped fuel tank, flushed, new gas gauge sending unit, the tank is “poly,” so no rust in the tank.
New windshield, seal, wiper blades.

New heavy-duty battery.
New rear “Sport” bumper
There are many miscellaneous items, such as chrome trim, emblem, shift boot, window regulator, speedo cable, LED dash lights, dash circuit board, and blinker harness.

Overall Condition: The motor starts up nicely, the car runs and drives smoothly, the clutch and gears work great, and the 4×4 shifter is stiff, but all ranges work. Power steering and power brakes work great, although braking pulls a little -it may need a front-end alignment. The seats are very comfortable, and the glass is good. The heater works great, and the wipers were working, but they stopped. I’ll be checking that out. Items needed are rubber seals around the doors and between the removable top and bed. The muffler is still an old, original “Chrysler” brand muffler, and I just installed a new tailpipe. Runs nice and quiet. One of the shocks for the rear lift-gate window is new, but the stud on the lift gate needs repairing. Joe also said there may be a small electrical “drain” on the battery from somewhere when the car is off for an extended time. I had the mechanic check that out, but he said he had no problems with that.

Body & Paint: There is evidence that the car has been repainted once, which I am sure must have been long ago, as the pictures will attest to. There is some surface rust, as seen in the photos, but the body and underneath are in excellent shape (except for the front floorboard areas mentioned above). There are minor dents, mainly on the driver’s side. Pictures may show, but it is hard to see them. Overall, the bottom line is that the car can be driven as-is and still be a lot of fun, or one can improve it as you go. It is already old enough and classic enough that you get a “thumbs up” from those who know what you are driving. (Remember, it is 46 years old and still drives a bit like an old pickup!)

Why Am I Selling?

I am retired and usually work on foreign cars for fun (Barn Finds handle: “914Shifter”), but I could not pass up this local American classic. It’s so easy to work on and has been really fun. However, I have more projects waiting for attention!

These Ramchargers are fun and a nice change from the typical Bronco or Blazer. Like the Bronco, they have seen strong growth in interest and value. Also, much like the Bronco, it’s getting more difficult to find solid rigs that can be driven without complete restorations. This example has some rust but doesn’t appear to be critical. We recommend fixing any rust in the floors and treating the rest of the body to ensure it stays solid for years to come. While the current look isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly eye-catching and could be preserved as is. You could drive this as is or fix it up while enjoying it.

So, would you restore this Ramcharger to its factory-original condition or leave it as is and enjoy some off-road adventures? Whatever you decide to do with it, we hope you enjoy it as much as Doug has. If you have any questions for him, leave them in the comments. And make sure to cast your high bid below!