The seller of this dusty 1978 Dodge D150 pickup notes that it has been stored for 28 years, and may make a good foundation for a replica Lil’ Red Express truck build. Personally, I believe there are enough of those out there that a copy isn’t necessary, and would simply build this as my own creation – especially with that awesome stepside bed. Find this long-stored D150 here on eBay with an opening bid of $2K and a reserve in place.
I’ve always loved the Dodge tailgates of this vintage, with the raised features and Dodge name dead-center. It just offers more to look at than the typical approach to plastering the marque name in huge letters across the bed (I’m looking at you, Toyota). The bed with the exaggerated fenders has been copied and re-jiggered so many times for different vehicles, it’s hard to keep track of which trucks are original – but given the evenly faded paint, I’d say this Dodge has always had this stepside bed attached.
Of course, now I’m nervous I’ve got the nomenclature wrong: Ford used “flareside”, Chevy used “stepside” – did Dodge have a unique moniker for its space-robbing bed with bulging fenders? Research indicates Mopar utilized the stepside name as well, but I’m sure someone will disagree. What we can all agree on, however, is that this is an unfinished project that was likely far more complete when it went into the garage 28 years ago. The bucket seats look good, but it appears the transmission has been removed (or the stick is at least missing).
This may be the answer to that mystery, as the 318 V8 is mounted on an engine stand at the moment. The 4-speed transmission is likely on the ground nearby, and one wonders if this is a recent extraction or if the Dodge began its restoration close to three decades ago and has sat idle ever since. With 180,000 miles on the clock, was it time for a rebuild? Whatever the answer may be, the Dodge is definitely in need of rebuilding, but the question remains if it will become a Lil’ Red Express copy or a better version of its former self?
I would not turn it into a lil red express truck. I’d just restore it back to its former self. I like this era of dodge truck. I had a 1988 fleet side LE model with 318. I bought for $3k it was in beautiful condition two tone charcoal gray and silver with factory chrome wheels and bumpers. I’m an idiot for selling it. These were solid reliable trucks of their day my only gripe with mine was the poor gas milage it got which was why I sold it. I now drive a 94 3/4 ton 4×4 cumins diesel truck that I’ve fixed the rust on and love having. When we get winter here I can go anywhere in that truck it’s very good at plow its way through the snow.
I agree– restoration to original is the best plan. It’s a shame this truck is red, because the first thought of many will be to create a Li’l Red Express clone. I for one am sorely tired of seeing LRETs with their cheesy graphics and ridiculous exhaust stacks. This truck would look great in a medium green or blue.
in 1978, which is the year I own, the little red express was faster than a Corvette, with its 360 and its stacks
I currently have a mostly original, 51k mile 1989 W250 with the 360 TBI. As a 19 year old, I like it loud and fast, but the TBI motors can’t have much work done. It was my first car I got from my grandfather and I won’t get rid of it. I’m looking around for something like this truck, as dad wants to pull the drivetrain from my Polara I have and shove it in something like this (383 Auto). Sort of a Mopar Muscle Truck from Roadkill.
Speaking of snow it’s snowing here right now.
Lucky you!
Yep….good old 318 backed by mopar’s 4 speed overdrive based on the 833….snagged a few of those for my projects…..not easy to find a V/8 OD truck as most were put be hind the slant 6….should sell for close to opening bid….how far up north is this ?
I think he’d be smart to remove the reserve off and accept whatever bids he might get. It has an unknown amount of rust plus the engine and transmission are sitting in the corner of the garage. Who knows what else is wrong with it.
Steve R
And from the looks of the holes in the side steps it had stacks at one time.
I truely love this truck and would Love to get it for my Mopar collection.
Dusty Stepside is my new cowboy porn-star name.
I think Dodge called these utililine beds.
Thats exactly what I thought when I saw the holes.Id put the stacks on it again.
The water pump looks newer than 28 years would suggest.
Great stepside Mopar. Agreed with the above comments about NOT a LRE clone. I’ve never really liked those graphics. I think a 5.7 Hemi and a 5spd auto would be a great upgrade to an otherwise stock resto. Color change to an Ivy green!
A dark green Warrior would be cool.
Dodge called their stepsides Utilines through the 60s. I don’t know if it changed later.
As far as I remember, Dodge sold stepsides through at least 1983, possibly 1985. And they were still called Utiline. They weren’t very common by then, mostly only going to government fleets that wanted the absolutely cheapest truck possible.
Judging by the holes in the running boards ahead of the rear fenders, I’d say someone once had exhaust stacks on it.
The exposed fender beds were called the Utiline series (Utility line) . Please no more LREs .
Red “Warlocks” are much rarer and have no pipes or wood to restore and replace. Gold stripe kit over fresh red paint and every Mopar nut you meet will have to ask you if it’s the real deal!