Dodge introduced the D/W Series of trucks in 1961 and it would enjoy a three-decade run. A styling rework came in 1972 and the trucks became smoother in appearance, akin to the treatment given to the 1971 B-body Mopar intermediate automobiles. This 1977 D100 (half-ton) runs well and has an extended bed for hauling longer stuff. It doesn’t look pretty, but if that’s not important, just keep using it. Located in Pelzer, South Carolina, this rough-n-ready pickup is available here on craigslist and may be bargained-priced at $3,495. Hats off to PRA4SNW for this Dodge Boys tip!
For whatever reason, the “D” Series refers to 4×2 trucks while the “W” Series applies to the 4×4 editions. Besides being sleeker looking, the restyle of 1972 also introduced an independent front suspension and recessed taillights to protect again damage during the loading/unloading process. Chrysler upped the amount of galvanized steel in these trucks, helping them to do a better job of warding off the rust bug. The basic engine in the D100 was the 225 cubic inch Slant-Six and that’s the little engine in the seller’s P/U.
If you’re looking for a work truck and don’t care what it looks like, what’s not to like about this 1977 Dodge? The seller indicated it has a lot of new parts, which include the battery, starter, radiator, front brakes (disc), wheel bearings, and the clutch for the 3-on-the-tree manual transmission. The tires have plenty of meat left, so perhaps this is a truck that could go to work the first day.
The red paint is quite faded and there is some rust in the lower portions of the front fenders that needs checking out. We’re told the pickup does need floor pans and the seller is sending replacements along for the seller to install. The odometer, which reads 78,500 miles, is on its second go-around, so this truck has seen plenty of use in the past 46 years. Will that continue with you behind the wheel?
Just because it isn’t pretty does NOT mean it’s not a good truck. this author does not get that the worn patina look is popular in the classic truck world.
I disagree with Russ Dixon here. Not a work truck Nope!!
If the price was right, would make a nice farm truck for a young beginning farmer (if there is such a thing anymore). I do not see this as a big buck investment, but a nice reasonable work tool.
Hi Grant. I don’t think a professional farmer could afford to risk his livelihood on this. They can’t lose a day to a throw out bearing or leaky break cylinder. Maybe a hobby farmer, or one more well established with a Ram in the yard for back-up. Cheers bro.
Bub I don’t think a young farmer needs a 70K Dodge in his shed to haul feed sacks. If he does, then he either is supremely stupid or really isn’t a young farmer, but an entitled one who had a farm handed to him. These days, that seems to be the norm, so maybe you are right. Actually, he had a new pick up that is all spit polished that he drives around, and Juan and Hose do the actual farm work.
Russ, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t, LOL!
CarNutDan, there are many commenters that both agree and dis-agree with you. It’s ultimately up to the buyer. Please don’t take it out on Russ.
AC truck, long bed, 225. Almost perfect if it only had a 727 and 383.
non working a/c. no belt
Good Article Russ. In my opinion the 72-80 Dodge pickups were the best looking of all post-50s trucks -including today’s. Years ago I sold my 74 D100 short box- it was an ex Corp of Engr rig with 16” tires and a 318 auto…Tough as nails-drove great and generally rust free …I have an 80 C10 short box and a 75 F100 short box But Really miss the Dodge!
Oh, the perfect work truck. If you take good care of it, it will last for years and get you through all sorts of weekend projects.
Before Dodge (heaven forbid you call them that now) got to be such a success, these were the “Rodney Dangerfield” of trucks. Just “got no respect”. For whatever reason, truck buyers then were very brand loyal. Farmers were particularly loyal, and the choices were few. Many refused to buy a Ford or GM, and went with Studebaker. When Studebaker went out, it was IH. When IH went out, it was Dodge. Pretty silly, as one truck wasn’t any better than any other, stubborn pride, was all.
This is an okay find, it certainly is what it is, an old truck, with stories that would curl your hair, if any left, that is. I doubt its a farm truck, as farmers NEVER had A/C, and that hitch is a bit much for the power on tap. You can see the gas pedal mashed to the floor while sitting still. Kidding, the pedal is off the lever, but still, that’s where most spent their time, mashed too the floor. A testament to the Slantys tough nature. Again, I’ve been ’round and ’round about the amenities( or lack of) with trucks like this. Geared for 55 mph, I all but guarantee, you’ll have a line of Subarus behind you before you know it, getting madder and madder with every mile. Don’t be surprised if you get the finger once they finally get to pass you.
When i finally pass a Subaru on my Shovel; i give them the finger too!
omg factory a/c in this vintage is sooooo rare. almost as rare as power windows. (i’m only average sized and can’t reach the passenger crank when the sky opens while driving).
the bed is in great shape, the fenders and floors are easy peasy. i might even have the dash parts in the bin.
looks like it’s road trip time.
That is dealer installed air conditioning, not factory AC and power windows weren’t available in dodge trucks until 1980.
Definitely a dealer add on with the single cylinder (York?)Compressor, but There were PLENTY of old Sweptline (1960-1971) pickups that had factory AC. Most were Camper Special, Dude and Adventurer level trim. However, I don’t ever recall a Tradesman level truck having AC before 1980.
oh i know the windows weren’t (i’ve always had to add them in. but i have never seen a dealer air install with the control head changed and the vents cut into the dash. every dealer air i’ve seen in these has been an under dash unit.
all of the Dodges of that era had rotten floor board on drivers side
Not to say I don’t love this old truck because I do. Fact remains it’s an old truck, great for its intended purpose, hauling small loads, while being affordable transportation.
I’m getting somewhat tired of everything over 20 years old being a “classic”. So many of us are being pushed out of “barn f
inds” by folks thinking they have a classic, when we ARE looking for a barnfind!
It’s nice to see one like this today. This is when trucks were much more plain and simple, unlike today. They were meant for work and not luxury. A slant six?? 3 on the tree?? They last forever. Engine was probably the most reliable Mopar engine of all time. The rust here is an easy fix. It’s a winner.