THE BIO
It's a B200 Tradesman (109"Wheelbase) with a 360 4bbl engine, 727 Torqueflight transmission , & for now, a puny 8 1/4 rear differential w/2.71:1 ratio.
When the budget allows, it will get a 8 3/4 w/3:55 sure grip.
While it may not look like much in the photos, this beast did fit the following criterea I set when looking for my first van project:
1. It had to be $1,500 or less (I traded a $400 tool shed for this one).
2. It had to be a Dodge (My favorite make).
3. It had to be a B200 with the 6,400 lb. GVW (H.D. 3/4 ton w/less smog equipment).
Standard B200 GVW is 6,ooo lb.
4. It had to be a Tradesman model (didn't want to pay for Sportsman interior I wouldn't use anyway)
5. It had be 109" wheelbase (like the look of "shorty" models and don't need extra WB).
6. It had to be 6-door model (slider side door & single rear door wouldn't work w/ planned mods).
7. It had to have no windows in cargo area (windows wouldn't work w/ planned mods).
8. It had to be a 1977 (last year for in-dash ignition, steel dash, etc.).
9. It had to have a rust-free floor/frame (needed to drive immediately and wanted good, safe foundation for build).
10. It had to have V8 (preferably 360) and TF trans (preferably 727).
(didn't want to have to find/buy/swap drivetrain before begining build).
