Dodge : Other Pickups Gov't issue

This beauty(?) started out in life as a US Forestry Service truck. Then. as the story goes. turned into a driver. then a hunting & fishing utility vehicle. and then sadly. parked and left to die a slow death in the unforgiving Arizona sun. But. this story has a happy ending!

My son and I came across this fine piece of Detroit engineering at an estate sale a few months back. After sitting for 12 years. it was headed to the scrap yard when we stepped in and gave it another chance. Why would someone do such a thing for such an ugly and unbecoming representation of your hard-earned tax dollars (assuming. of course. you are old enough to have paid taxes in 1978). you ask? Because it was the right thing to do. You motorheads will understand.

So. enough of the story -- here's what you should know:

Good: It runs great. Sailed through emissions. Has a new clutch. radiator. water pump. alternator. hoses. belts. plugs. plug wires. fresh tune up. valve cover gaskets. tie rods. lights. brakes. u-joints and a number of other small things that it needed to be roadworthy.

Cool Factor: It runs and drives! It's a step-side. A longbed step-side. When's the last time you saw that? And it's lowered -- van control arms up front. drop shackles in the back. Oh. and it has a single cherry bomb muffler that sounds awesome. We also painted up the wheels and added chrome lug nuts. If that doesn't scream cool factor. nothing does.

Not so good: It has a little rust in the floor. but in no way resembles a Flintstone car floor. Speedometer and wiper motor doesn't work at the moment. but seeking replacements. And. the wood in the bed needs replaced.

There's probably a number of other small things that one without the vision might call 'bad' but that's really an interpretation thing -- you know. the whole 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' thing.

Basic info: 318 V8 engine. 4 spd granny gear trans. power front disc brakes. power steering. 150K miles. Clean. currently registered title in my name.

Seriously. this truck has the right patina and all sorts of cool factor and ratrod opportunities going for it. We did our part and brought it back to life -- now it's someone else's turn to further polish this turd into the diamond that it so deserves to be. We're done. And ready for the next challenge.

Truck is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end auction at any time.  Sold as is - no warranty. no returns.  Transportation the responsibility of the buyer. Truck could probably handle a drive within 500 miles of Phoenix or more if you are the adventurous type.

Also published at eBay.ca

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