Appearing to have been worked pretty hard during its life, this 1978 Dodge Power Ram 150 4×4 pickup comes across as a diamond in the rough in the seller’s description. Maybe I’m being too picky, which could be the case, but it sure has a lot of dings and dents on it. They have it posted here on eBay in Spokane, Washington, and they’re asking $9,000, or you can make an offer.
It’s hard not to notice the bent grille in the first photo and the one above. I was bummed, but then read the seller’s description: “good condition grills for these are hard to find these days. The condition here is a testament to how well this truck has been cared for.” I was thinking how bent that one is and how hard it would be to straighten out, but maybe I’m way off, and it’s really a nice grille? I love the front bumper winch and the overall seemingly solid condition, though. You can knock a $1,000 off the price if they keep the front bumper and winch, by the way.
Then there’s the driver’s side, ouch. “Only has a few minor defects/dents that could be easily straightened.” What am I missing? It looks like a nightmare of dents and creases to me, but maybe not? Dents and all, it does look solid as far as rust goes. I love the seller’s optimism, though: “large dent on rear driver’s side fender (full replacement bed side panels are available at a low price. or the existing sheetmetal could be straightened.) -has a few other shallow dings & dents here & there, but overall has very nice sheetmetal!” It just looks like it’s been used pretty roughly for a very long time to me, unless all of these dents and creases happened on a single event; otherwise, why not fix them as they happened?
“Well preserved original interior ! The only repair needed is to driver’s side lower seat cushion upholstery.” Ok, I’m with them there, the interior does look really nice, other than the driver’s side of the bench seat. There aren’t any underside photos, but the detailed photos of the sills and other areas show what looks like a solid truck. Here’s the rear of the bed. And here’s a brochure on the ’78 Dodge pickups. This truck has a Georgia license plate on the back, just to put that out there, as it’ll come up in the comments.
The engine bay looks incredible compared to the rest of the truck! Has it been hit with a spray gun in there on the firewall and other areas? Maybe not, and who cares? I know I’m being overly-critical, and I love Dodge pickups, so I need to let the beat body go and concentrate on the good parts. Like the 318-cu.in. OHV V8 with 135 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent through a transfer case and TorqueFlite automatic to all four wheels. It’s been in storage since August of 2025, which is also when they bought it from the original owner. It’s said to run and drive well, but “sometimes has some smoke from the exhaust, perhaps due to a weeping valve seal.” Any thoughts on this well-used Dodge 4×4?
Diamond in the rough? Hardly. More like CubicZarconia.
The dent at the left rear of the bed is a concern. Compare the gaps between the cab and bed on both sides of truck. The difference shows the frame has been flexed. This can shift the cowl just enough to cause leaks in rainy weather. I’m aware of this from experience.
I had a 75 shortbed Power Wagon in high school. Cool trucks! Mine was a granny low 4 speed. This truck has been beat! It can be fixed up nice with a lot of $ and work. It needs a bedside for sure. Not a big deal, spot welds and a little cutting. The grill is available from LMC… I think 🤔 the seat cover same company 🤔 that front bumper winch thing? Is ugly lol. Sorry, I hate insulting an old vehicle but that creation could stay with the owner. Overall I like it, I think it would be doable in the backyard garage. Yes, I’d give it a new life