Dodge released its Ramcharger in 1974, and early examples featured an unusual door design that saw the upper door frames attached to the optional hardtop. Our feature Ramcharger is one of those vehicles and has received a long list of recent TLC. It is a solid turnkey proposition that a new owner could enjoy immediately, while its hitch receiver and V8 engine make it an excellent tow vehicle.
The seller’s approach to the sale of this 1974 Ramcharger is interesting and, I must say, refreshing. The vehicle retains most of its original Bright Yellow paint, which carries the marks and scars that prove it has been enjoyed as its creators intended. However, the Black on the lower extremities, hood, and tailgate has been refreshed. This is where the seller’s approach will attract many. He admits there was rust requiring attention and has addressed the problems. This would leave some questioning whether it was a case of slapping on some Bondo and hoping for the best. However, he includes a link to this YouTube video, showing how the rust was cut away, and new steel was carefully welded in. He then applied the Black paint to return those sections of the Ramcharger to their original form. A second video shows the tailgate being stripped and refreshed, and the original wheels being sandblasted and repainted. He removed, polished, and restored every piece of external trim, hand-painting the red sections of the Ramcharger badges and the original black on the dog dish hubcaps. The glass is in good order, with no significant flaws or defects.
Dodge offered 1974 Ramcharger buyers a choice of V8 engines to power their new purchase, with this classic’s first owner selecting the 360ci version. They teamed it with a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission and an NP203 transfer case. The engine produces 210hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque, making the Dodge an effective weapon in most circumstances. The news for potential buyers is positive, with the videos mentioned previously revealing how the seller refurbished the brakes and fitted new Kenda Klever tires to the restored wheels. The Ramcharger runs and drives extremely well, and is ready for any adventure with the new owner behind the wheel.
Potential buyers could be waiting with baited breath because the seller indicates he has a third video in the works that track the Ramcharger’s interior restoration. We see him dismantling it, and looking at the finished product reveals it received a similar level of TLC to the exterior. He removed and repainted the roll bar, adding a new carpet set before bolting it into place. The seats received new covers, and he refurbished the door trims and timber on the center icebox. The final piece of the puzzle was to add a Bluetooth stereo for tunes on the move. He indicates the vehicle originally featured air conditioning, and while the components are included, the system requires a rebuild. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing.
This 1974 Dodge Ramcharger has generated considerable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Liberty Lake, Washington. This may partially be due to its inherent desirability, although the seller’s candid and unusual approach will have attracted many. Seventeen bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $14,300, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim. It will find a new home fairly soon, and it will be fascinating to know the buyer’s approach once it is safely tucked away in their garage. Would you complete the restoration of this classic, or would preservation be your preferred option?
Be a fun vehicle for all seasons⛱️🦌❄️
That’s actually not a half door, just saying..
Correct, but it is the term Ramcharger folks use to describe the ’74 models with window frames attached to the hardtop. What alternative would you suggest? “Doors with window frames attached to the hardtop” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.
It’s interesting to see how many of these large utilities were built with automatic transmission and a nicer interior. The idea of a stripped down unit must not have resonated with customers.
In 1983 I must have called 30 Ford dealers in Florida and Georgia trying to find a base Bronco Custom. All I wanted was A/C, the 300 six and manual transmission. Not one was in stock, plenty of XLTs. One dealer point blank said there was no money in the base vehicles. Ended up with a CJ-7
I owned a 78 and did not know the early years had the top of the door mounted to the roof. I never liked the door frame attached to the door. The early Blazers and Jimmy’s kept the open door un til 76. Once I took off the top and drove the truck without it I began a love for topless cars and have had them ever since. Miss my old truck, 318 4 speed.
Sold with a high bid of $25,100.
Steve R