Dodge : Other Pickups LIL RED EXPRESS

Dodge released the Lil' Red Express Truck In 1978 it was one of the most unique Dodge trucks that had ever been produced. The Lil' Red Express was not only a real looker but these trucks were also real performers also. In 1978 The Dodge Lil' Red Express was the fastest American made vehicle from 0 to 100 MPH as tested by Car and Driver magazine.

Because of a loophole in the emissions regulations the 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's did not have catalytic converters. what the Lil' Red Express did have was a special High Performance 360 C. I.   4-barrel small block engine code (EH1) which was a modified version of the 360 police engine (E58) producing 225 net horsepower @ 3800 RPM. The package also included Hemi style mufflers with a crossover pipe breathing through 2 chrome stacks located behind the cab. a special 727 transmission and 3. 55:1 rear gearing.

The 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck rode on GR60x15 raised white letter tires on 7-inch Chrome wheels up front and LR60x15 on 8-inch chrome wheels on the rear and there was no spare included. All 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's were automatics the interiors were available with a standard bench seat in red or black or with optional buckets and a fold down arm/rest console which was available both years. 1978 and some early 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck's used the "tuff" steering wheel.

The Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck was a hit with the public; 2. 88 were produced in 1978.

**NOTE: There is  no such thing as a"NUMBERS MATCHING" Li'l Red. nbsp; the actual terminology is.  "NUMBERS CORRECT" Lil Red". nbsp; since. nbsp; to be correct. nbsp; the engine and transmission numbers will not match the VIN.  
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**  VIN # VERIFICATION CHECK  **
For anyone wanting to verify that their truck is a true "Li'l Red". you can verify your VIN number by checking the number on the passenger side frame rail. nbsp; just behind the front. rear spring hanger.   If the frame is undercoated or rusted. you may have to sand it a little to find the number. but it's there!!  The 1978 VIN  (D13BS8J------)is located near the center of the frame rail. nbsp;the #1 1979 VIN  (D13JS9S------)is located near the bottom of the frame rail. and #2 1979 VIN is located on the bottom of the frame rail. as you will see in the photos.   The other checks for the VIN are. the Equipment ID label . nbsp;Equipment ID tag ('79 only)radiator support . nder the hood. compliments of Jesse Lane's '79 Li'l Red). nbsp;the Vehicle ID plate on the door of the 1978 and on the "B" pillar of the 1979. the Vehicle Certification Label on the "B" pillar and of course the title.   Just click on the highlighted items to find the VIN location.  
If there is an "S" in the fifth digit. you have a "Real Li'l Red Express Truck"
*****Special thanks goes out to Jeff Brown for finding the 1979 VIN on the bottom of the frame on his 1979 Li'l Red*****

(**ENGINE ID NUMBERS CHECK** To check if you have the correct engine. check the Engine ID "pad" on the right side of the block just above the oil pan.   The "Li'l Red" 360 engine  "pad" is blank and has no numbers.   If there are numbers in this location. the engine is not correct.   The only numbers on the engine block are located on the left side of the block below the cylinder head.   The first 2 indicate the year and production plant. (8=1978  W=Windsor Plant).  the next 3 numbers indicate the cubic inch displacement (360). the following 4 numbers are the build date. and the last 4 numbers are the engine sequence built that day. )

This truck has a new 360 C. I. crate motor with 4 barrel carb. installed just like the factory one that came in it. The original engine was tired. Since there are NO NUMBERS MATCHING ENGINES I dont feel this hurts the value at all. With that note. this one has had a mild cam installed and headers to give it better performance!! This one PERFORMS TOO!! I have drove it quite a bit. Its is A BLAST!! Plus a great sound the the new headers. It was put back together to look stock.   It has approx. ONLY 4000 miles on new engine and upgrades!! Runs very very strong!! You can haul items in the back and HAUL ASS TOO!!!!!

**1978 CAB / BED ID TAGS**
The only "NUMBERS MATCHING" items on a Li'l Red
Another interesting item on indentifing the originality of the 1978 Li'l Red Express is the small ID tags located on the drivers side. nbsp;top left firewall and a matching number tag located under the left chrome step on the front step support bracket.   These tags were installed to make sure the correct cab and bed were joined together during assembly.   Both tags will have the same ID number. however this number does not match any other numbers on the truck. it was for assembly only.   Trucks that have been restored. usually have these tags missing. since they are very delicate and easy to loose when the steps are taken off.

This was purchased from a 75 year old man who was "Thinning out his collection of TOYS". Kept in a large garage with a collection of other muscle cars - He said he was getting too old to have so many vehicles to play with.

This bad ass ride is great shape and runs out like a top! Its is equipped with AC. Power Steering. Power Disc Brakes and Automatic transmission. AC AND HEAT WORK GREAT!! The transmission has also been completely rebuilt and serviced. It shifts out smooth and strong. Plus the factory rear end has also been overhauled and serviced with new gears installed. It is Posi Trac also!! The wood bed has been redone and shows great!! All the wood is in exceptional condition for its age. The interior looks like new and maybe? The dash has been dyed red. however we can have it redyed stock black prior to pickup if wanted. All factory gauges and instruments function as they should. Equipped with the 100 MPH speedo! It still has the Factory Tuff Steering Wheel.   All the trucks lights and signals work properly. Bed lights even functions. The chrome is in great shape and the exhaust stacks look as good as new. The truck has a badass sound!! This awesome Ride comes with Vintage Period correct Centerlines!! Yeah Baby!! They are staggered and come with fairly new BF GOODRICH T/A's tires. The paint is new and looks great! The Lil Express appears never to have been wreck or damaged either. Its does have a few small chips in the paint on tail gate and rock chips on bottom of rear fenders. Nothing serious. just from use and driving to enjoy. There is NO RUST OR ROUT AT ALL in this truck!! The decals look great and have no issues. All Glass is in shape too. ith lite tint on side windows. This Lil Red ride is truly in great shape and runs awesome!! You can bury the speedo if needed!! I can't think of a thing this Badass ride needs other than another good owner and home!! JUST TURN KEY AND HAUL!! Any inspections are welcomed! If you have any other questions please feel free to call 540-537-1223 and leave message or text. or e-mail please at general. imports. alem@gamil. com. I will be glad to answer any questions I can. I just drove it again last night to check over before putting on ebay. I going to miss it. Its is a ball to drive and one hell of a HEAD TURNER!! No picking your nose in this one! LOL.

This truck is going for NO RESERVE!!! It will have a new home DO MISS OUT!!!!! Look on internet and check what other people are wanting for there LIL RED EXPRESSES!! This is a great investment ride!! Will continue to go up in value!!

This truck is truly a RARE find and a piece of MOPAR HISTORY! DO NOT LET IT GET AWAY!! Thanks for looking and GOOD LOOK ON BIDDING!!!! REMEMBER: NO RESERVE AUCTION!!!!!!!!!!!

Also published at eBay.ca

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