Dodge redesigned their trucks in 1961 and came up with a platform that would see several revisions through 1993. The 4-door crew cab like the seller’s pickup joined the lineup in 1962 and would prove popular for job-site transportation. The “D” units had 2-wheel drive while the “W” versions were 4×4. This second-generation edition from 1968 is in rough condition but comes across as being mostly complete. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this crusty project is available here on eBay where the bidding has only reached $1,050.
When new, the D Series trucks were the first in the industry to use alternators instead of generators. And the Slant Six engine would be standard for the first time in light-duty trucks. The seller’s copy is a Sweptline which means it has flat side body panels in the bed area. The Sweptside’s cargo box was indented so you could step up to access contents. Both versions had dual headlights until 1965 when the trucks opted for massively framed single headlights per side. Those were toned down by 1968, but the seller’s truck seems to be wearing that set-up from 1965-67.
This pickup appears to have been once finished in blue paint, though much of that has faded away to white. It’s apparent that rust will be a major obstacle to overcome with this truck. Cancer is said to be worse in the driver’s side rocker, step, and floor, but it’s practically everywhere else in varying amounts. It doesn’t stop there as the interior is rough and the old truck doesn’t run. So, the seller isn’t being optimistic when he/she says the pickup “needs everything.”
Under the hood likely lies Dodge’s optional V8 engine, the Polyspherical-head 318 cubic inch unit that was introduced by Chrysler in 1959. There is no mention as to when the truck ran last, so you should assume the worst and you won’t be disappointed. The transmission is said to be an automatic. Trucks like these were common sights in the 1960s and 1970s, replaced by other renditions of a crew cab by all the major manufacturers. If you’re not averse to rust, would you take this on as a restoration?
Icon is selling a freshly minted restomod version of something similar for over a half million .And Y’all thought 13 grand for a mini-bike was a laugher !
These trucks are awesome. And when they were plentiful, could be had in all kinds of weird configurations. With the dark blue smears, I thought this might be an ex-Air Force truck. Many of them were that same blue throughout, but some of them had bland cream-painted interior metal like this one.
When I was racing, I towed maybe 12,000 pounds of racecar/trailer/tools/spares with a crew-cab Dodge with a slant-six and four-speed manual (granny gear and three speeds ahead). Folks wondered how the Hell I got all that moving with a leaning tower of power, then noticed the pull-switch on the shifter for the two-speed rear end.
It’d take a while to get that rig rolling, but after patiently shifting my way to top gear/top gear, it’d cruise 80 all day on relatively level ground. And did regularly. These can be great work rigs.
love your assessment, what was your average mpg?
Not a 68. Older.
It should be the red LA 318 by this point
Price if it sells for current bid price would make this a feasible restoration project.
Needs another 20 K to get it road worthy, too bad it isn’t a W.
Definitely is not a poly. Appears to be mostly ’68 with a mix/max of other years.
He explained that in the description. Someone put an older grille in it.
Rust means cut and tig weld, alot of labor and the rate is $75 an hour plus materials. $4,000 for body work, $3,000 for paint, $6,000 for brakes, under hood, bearings and seals. That’s a low ball guess.
6000.00 for Brakes?