The Dodge B Series (aka Ram) was a range of full-size vans produced by Chrysler from 1970 to 2003. In 1994, the front end was redesigned to resemble the all-new Dodge Ram pickups, with a refresh in 1998 that moved the engine forward for improved crash protection. The seller’s 1999 edition has had some recent mechanical work done and a custom paint job applied. Plus, a Therm-O-King refrigerated box (aka “reefer”) has been added inside that’s an optional purchase. Located in Austin, Texas, this interesting van is available here on craigslist for $19,500 with the ice box or $12,500 without. Thanks for this unusual tip, Pat L.!
We don’t know much about how this special van came to be. The custom paint has a logo on it that says “Astro” which may apply to the food truck business Astro Kitchens ATX as the logo on the van looks a lot like the company’s online logo. That would explain the need for a cooler box inside the van. We’re told the van has just 35,000 miles and recent work includes tuning up the air conditioning and adding some suspension pieces and a new radiator. Dodge’s Magnum 3.9-liter V6 powers the van and it should be rated at 175 hp. We’re told the van runs great and is said to get decent gas mileage for its size.
The van is offered with or without the new Therm-O-King “Coldtainer.” It’s an F0915/FDN portable freezer container that has 32 cubic feet of storage that doesn’t seem to be permanently mounted. We’re told this freezer was added in late 2021 for $7,400. We don’t know if the cooling unit has been used yet. Perhaps the concept was to deliver frozen foods to customers, though the internet describes the business as a “food truck” which implies fresh food. The seller only provided two photos of the van and none of the freezer, so the last image is of an installation from Therm-O-King.
Oh oh, Russ, combine that title and a van, I’m sure this group can’t resist. Just to be clear, vans and reefer went hand in hand. “Normies” never drove vans. If you drove a van, you were up to no good, GUARANTEED,,according to my old man, anyways. I’m not sure if the fridge adds anything except weight, the 3.9 wasn’t a fire breather to begin with and this probably was just a mobile cold storage and not driven much. No shortage of vans like this.
For me to be seen driving this in public, I’d definitely need the “reefer”
LOL! I’m with you on the reefer Bluetec320.
Put a piano in the back and have your own Reefer Madness!
LMAO! I just flashed back to the crazed piano player in that flick. Great Visual. Thanks for that.
I did some work for a guy who owned a 80k square foot warehouse and tucked in the way back was a 96′ Dodge van,short wheel base. It was covered with a tarp and on blocks. It had sat for 17 years with just under 30k miles. His widow knew I was interested and ended up selling both the van and an 87′ AMC Eagle wagon w/ 65k for $1000 to get rid of them. Installed a new fuel tank and radiator, complete tune up,and fluids and still drive the van as my work truck. With just over 77k,no rust,and the 3.9 is great on gas and hauling a bit of weight. The Eagle is the next project.
Seafood hauler! Money maker. Nice!
guys round here use something similar to bring seafood (all types) the hr’n a half here from either/both ‘the Cape’/Mass Bay or Long Is Sound. Thnx for the pic. They usually put it ina p/u. I remembered the ThermoKing as a perkins powered cooler on the big box or straight jobs & road tractors. Love to re-power my bronk w/1 of those 4 cyl diesels.
I also remember the dodge van as it’s 2nd gen (1st?) was the longest @ the time w/the tacked on sheet metal rear (past the axel) in the ’70s to give a 231 inch length (not WB). Not sure (a ford guy here) but those monsters musta run the 440. Looked abt like this one, the longest running body I think (1970 – ’98?)~
Had a 1974 LWB in 1986 with the tacked on extra rear bodywork. Paid $1100 for it, on the road. Factory 318, and IIRC it didn’t have a secondary on the carb. Ran like a clock, I beat on it for years and still miss it
cheers
bt