No matter how many years beyond the glory days of van culture we go, there’s still immense appeal wrapped into a period-correct cruiser like this 1990 Dodge Ram Van 150. While its street swagger is undeniable, what’s more remarkable is how it still looks like it could go back in time to 1975 and be perfectly at ease in it new surroundings. Tht fender flares, deep dish poverty-spec wheels, air dam, and painted mud flaps/spats make for a very aggressive appearance – and that’s oftentimes all a van needs for several enthusiasts to want to bring it home. Find it here on craigslist for $16,500 and thanks to Barn Finds reader Zen for the tip.
It’s easy to forget that this van was sold new in 1990. Given how little the basic design of the Ram Van changed over years, every generation just sort of blends together. I’d like to know how long this Dodge remained stock before an owner decided that it needs some personalizing, as anything sold in 1990 was well past the expiration date of when van culture was at its peak. Sure, in the late 70s and early 80s, you’d expect to see a van with all these cosmetic enhancements tacked on. In the early 90s, however, this style was very much on its way out. A 1990 Dodge Ram Van was just a plumber’s work van, or a carpeting contractor. In this case, someone clearly decided to mix business with pleasure.
It’s interesting: despite all the van-tastic improvements on the outside, the cabin remains quite subdued. There’s no obvious assortment of couches, sinks, beds, cubbies and wall-to-wall carpeting, but there may have been at one time. That actually seems like the most plausible scenario, that this Dodge was a party wagon on wheels, and then an owner decided to pull out all of this expensive retrofits before selling it along or trading it in. The carpeted walls and custom headliner seem to suggest this interior was pretty wild at one time, but it will be up to the next owner to take it from stripped out to ready to boogie.
The seller includes a photo of the original window sticker, further adding to this Dodge’s allure as well-cared for survivor. The Dodge left the factory with the heavy duty option, which upgraded the alternator and battery, and also incorporated dual-stage fuel injection, a front sway bar, air conditioning, power brakes with front discs, and the venerable Dodge 318 engine. The window sticker notes that the original color was Light Blue Metallic, which the van appears to still wear. The engine was good for around 170 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, and while it won’t win any drag races, it will look phenomenal attempting to do so.
Let’s see, who was that guy in the movie, “Drive In?” had a van like this but couldn’t get a date with a blow-up doll. That’s what these vans remind me of.
In the real world we had a van for a service truck. Served the purpose quite well but it was far from the fender flares and trick stuff. I do remember taking the shop crew to a local machine shop ‘Customer Appreciation Night.’ The guys set up some lawn chairs in the back and we actually had a lot of fun. Boss wasn’t too happy about it smelling (he claimed) like a distillery the next day though.
Do any of you remember the Coke Denim Machine? For some silly reason that’s one van I really liked. I still wouldn’t kick one off my driveway.
I remember that van. Does anyone remember the ‘Primer Donna?’
Too cool geo. The antenna is icing on the cake.
These wheels are called “smoothies”. And they use a “baby moon” center cap. These are not just wide factory style “steelies”. They are available in many sizes and widths. Plain steel or chrome. I bought a brand new 1979 Dodge 200 van with the 318 and the 4 speed overdrive transmission. Dodge Racing Green. That only saw towing and hauling duties after it’s first “sleeping duty” at Road America. Never had an issue and was a great truck/van.
dual stage fuel injection ?. Aint them 318’s had only basic throttle body efi back then. This could be a fun project
I’m not sure how heavy duty this was intended to be. The B-150 was the equivalent of a light half ton pickup, less than 6000 gvw. The sticker is not very legible on my phone, so not helpful. What I see is a base Tradesman 127″ wb (?) with a V8 and air. Stock vinyl seats and an interior that looks to have been sent out to a converter for floor, headliner and walls. Maybe someone’s idea of the race wagon come camper. Seldom seen and a cool trip down memory lane.
And those Dodge van seats are very comfortable. I even used a pair AND the first row bench seat in my 1971 Ford Crew cab. The stock rear seat in that old crew cab used a stock front seat. But because the rear doors were so short it made you into a contortionist to use the rear seat. The shorter van bench made entrance easy. And the kids appreciated the fold down arm rests.