This 1979 Dodge Lil’ Red Express pickup was acquired from an estate sale by the seller, who began restoring it but has since decided to let it go. The truck has been a southern truck since new but it still has some rust issues to sort out, and while it does run, it sounds like more work is needed before it is a reliable runner. The seller points to some potential wiring issues left to sort out, but the extensive parts list seems to indicate a lot of heavy lifting has already been done. Find it here on eBay with bids over $4,500 and the reserve unmet.
The Lil’ Red Express came with a somewhat iconic bed that featured wood slats, all of which appear to be missing here. This is not uncommon, but it’s a bit surprising considering the truck spent all of its life in Florida. To do this one right, a new bed will have to be built, but fortunately, the seller is including new wood for the bed and bed sides, along with the necessary hardware. The parts list in the listing is extensive, but it’s hard to tell what’s been installed and what hasn’t; clearly, he hasn’t gotten around to restoring the bed.
The 360 does run, and the seller can provide a video of it driving to any interested parties. The list of parts and/or completed maintenance is lengthy, including new headgaskets, starter solenoid, water pump, fan clutch, radiator and hoses, distributor, spark plugs, wires, and more. More parts will be needed, according to the seller, who points out that due to some electrical gremlins he was weighing purchasing a complete engine wiring kit and potentially a new starter. Any interested buyers should check and see which parts have been installed and which ones are still in the wrapper.
Perhaps in describing the restoration as being half-completed, he is indicating the mechanical refurb is nearing completion but that the bodywork is next. That phase of any restoration project is always the most unpleasant, as you inevitably discover surprises and the costs can skyrocket quickly. The seller shares this photo of rust in the bed, and also mentions that water has been getting underneath the windshield gasket and leaking on the passenger side (floor?) With the restoration left undone, is anyone tempted to bring this Lil’ Red Express across the finish line?
Considering the rust repair needed, a paint job, repairing the bed and whatever mechanical work remains to be done, the earlier Lil’ Red Express with the matching trailer for $12,500 looks like the better deal.
Have a hard time telling if this is a real Express or a dressed stock D150. That, the cheapy paint job applied over suspect body work at some time in it’s past, and the amount of rust (visible and hidden) in this truck makes the $12,500 truck look like a real bargain.
Looks like more rust hiding in expensive places to repair. Why buy this when better examples are around.
Seller began restoring it, but things came up. Things like discovering a lot more rust and problems than he originally thought. Restoration cost would far exceed truck’s finished value.
I agree,yesterday’s offer was much better.Having said that,the one that sold at BJ on Wednesday for $15k (+fee),proves once again, that one should be patient and wait for the best one available.I say this, whilst squarely in the midst of several projects,that will verify that building makes absolutely no economic sense !
I’ll often times enjoy the prospect of fixing a rusty Wisconsin vehicle rather than the humidity-rusted structure of a Florida jalopy..
I didn’t see a Carfax or AutoCheck Report available, but I don’t think this truck was only located in Florida it’s whole life unless the owner never once brought it to a car wash. The second indication is the condition of the floor mats. As anyone in the salt belt can attest to, it certainly looks like a build up of salt mixture on the carpeting on the drivers side. Not the passenger side where the windshield is leaking.
I think this truck has topped out at five grand and the reserve hasn’t been met. No mention if the tail gate is there. No pics of underneath the cab. And while it looks like all the Lil Red specific parts are there,it has the wrong front bumper, and the interior isn’t trashed,the bed rot is kinda scary.Would have to see this one in person before handing over any $$
Back in the day, I never really got the attraction of trucks like this. Yet I looked them over then and I read the comments on this one. Curiosity killed the cat and this truck may just kill the cat’s wallet. Good luck to whoever buys it, but not this cat.