I Bought and Fixed a $600 Dodge Ramcharger Hooptie
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- My first classic car, and the journey to get it back on the road. A 1986 Dodge Ramcharger Royal SE AW150 5.9L Automatic. An SUV version of the Dodge Power Ram. A brief history, and background of my rescue, and the restoration process.
The coolest thing about your truck is you learned and fixed it all in yourself. That satisfaction is priceless.
As a fellow Ramcharger owner I'm impressed with what you have done. There are not many of these around now days. So if you find one that can be brought back to life it is well worth it. Can't wait to see what you do to it next!
Mine is a 91 running and driving with issues of course , bought for 1,000
Yes indeed!!...
I had to rebuild the fuel pump on my '90 AW150
And clean the fuel tank out....TWICE...(sat for 10yrs).
how many pounds do your RAM charger weigh.
Just picked up an 85 prospector with the 5.2 great trucks just need TLC
Depending on area availability they are allover in Canada Alberta
Bought a 1987 should of went to the scrap yard alot of Pennsylvania rust had a solid frame after a lot of building sheet metal, completely installing new floors, Rebuilding all the inner fender wells, front and back, installing new body mounts a labor of love, just couldn't send her to the crusher, the interior is like brand new, long hours at the garage, she is turning out looking like a new ramcharger again, it will be worth it in the end
80 Bronco owner here. Appreciate all these different yet very similar wagons
$3k-$4500 for a practically brand new vehicle is pretty darn good!
2 years later they are now worth far more now its silly
Had an 1980 Plymouth Trail
Duster XL or LX. Had all the bells and whistles. Not to many people knew they made em. "What,? a trail blazer?" Not even close, you don't see the Plymouths at all. The front grill and the stacked double headlamps. Beautiful truck in blue and trimmed out. Top came off. One of the best trucks I've ever owned. It was beautiful, big, loud and obnoxious. Best SUV in 1980. Still looking for another one. Hard to find in good shape.
I’ve never laid eyes on one. Probably 20 ram chargers over the years, never a Trail Duster.
An ‘87 Ramcharger with the 318 my first vehicle! I fucking loved it! I broke and fixed that ol’ girl more times than I can count!!! That was 15yr ago and now I’m back in the market for one!!
May be a little biased but this is true. I have a ramcharger (83 318) and 2 buddies of mine 1 has a blazer 1 has a bronco and the RC has been able to do the most of all 3 so far without getting stuck or just plain not being able to go up something in 4 low. I love the Rams
I bought my '90 back in March for $800 from the 2nd owners...just got it running nicely recently and am enjoying it quite a bit....
You stole it. The most reliable dodge ever made. I have owned 5 of these. Beautiful. Enjoy your ramcharger. Floors are easy to replace. Mine all had Rust floors.
I have a 87 ramcharger and it is such a beautiful machine and the inside looks brand new and the engine only has minor issues. I struck gold with this truck and these trucks are so underrated they are very reliable.
I had a 79 trail duster. Roof was very heavy. But best thing was the fully flat rear cockpit. I removed the seat and tossed in some blankets. Roof off, blankets/pillows drive in movie theater and i might have some kids running around i don't know about. Just kidding. But man if i could have one now.
i have a 1982 Dodge Ram charger royal SE i bought brand new in 1982 i have over 500,000 miles and have never touched the power train Radio cruise control clock heater works perfect it needs body work now i had body work done in the 90s but i live in north Dakota and winters are hard on the unit and i am 82 yrs old and to big of a project for me now all glass is perfect shape no cracks also still has the RAM head on hood
Love the work you did and time you put into restoring what I believe is the best vehicle Dodge ever made! Great job!
Love these trucks, starting to become rare in my area.
Just picked up a 1983 Ramcharger 4x4. Got a great deal on it. Can't wait to start getting it where I want it.
Very well presented. I've been resisting the temptation to build another rod or something so I thought maybe I'll build up my 86 Ramcharger 4x4 work truck. It's kinda rough but almost rust free. I think I will and get the original 360 out and start there. 408 stroker maybe. God bless.
Don't underestimate that 360 with a set of smog heads and a slight cam you have something that should be stronger than the 400 the 360 is the best engine dodge ever made
really enjoyed your acquisition info on this gorgeous Ramcharger. As along time lover and admirer of ANY Dodge trucks / Ramchargers from the 70's and 80's - it's awesome to see them back on the road . thank-you for dedication to these classics. - Brad from Vernon B.C. Canada
An Iraqi was here, amazing effort bro, God bless you
Wow, thank you very much. Flattering to know where I’m being watched from.
Awesome truck. Awesome video. I would love to see more videos of your awesome RamCharger
Nice...I have a 1985 all gold 70,000 original miles. 318 CA truck...has some rear quarter rust...still very restorable
Growing up I drove dad's Dodge Ramcharger with 318 had side pipes you had to jump out of it or got your leg burnt I forgot to tell a few people felt bad hit a huge hole going fast beside a railroad track do it up on end came down no damage busted through snowdrifts got stuck beside a pond flag down a tractor going by on the road and he pulled us out got it stuck on purpose in a high school parking lot on a 8-ft snow pile principal comes out yelling at me get that thing down bunch of kids standing around going hell yeah thanks for this video it brought back memories and good job on all your work you've done!
As a dodge fan, I gotta say. Dang nice job. I was always a pickup man. Until a coworker found a early Ramcharger that supposedly had an original 4 speed. He wouldn't sell. For three years I asked, he just wouldn't sell.
I’m currently wrestling with whether I’m going to sell it. I don’t think we’re going to see decent gas prices for a long time if ever again. It’s like letting a child go after all the work though. 😂
@@Thegoatlockercars I understand. I really do. I rebuilt '86 CJ-7 from the ground up. Body off, frame down, suspension off. Pumpkins open, new brakes everywhere. Redid the motor, tranny, t-case. Steering gear rebuild. Replace body and floor pan metal through 80 percent of the tub, didn't expect to find what i found. And four years later, I'm selling it because of my legs. It kills me to do so. It's my fifth child. But, I have little choice. So I promise, I do understand.
@@jeepanimal2943 I’m thinking I might get an old 300CD Benz. Undecided right now. If that happens, it’ll probably be a video eventually.
It's about time to hear someone call it a 2nd Gen. Every buddy calls the a 1st Gen but that's because they are stupid and listening to and repeating what they heard someone else say . Thanks for calling it what it is a 2nd Gen
I’m thinking of starting my restoration on my 85 Ramcharger, your giving me the confidence to begin!
Very well done video. No over the top shenanigans. Please maintain this vibe as your channel and name grows.
I had a blue 87 just like this one. Tires were a little bigger but had a 318 crate with 2500mi on it. Had blue interior, billet alum grill. It was my favorite vehicle I've owned. Was the closest thing to a Dodge Charger I could find haha
I had an 87 with 318 4x4 from 2003-2006. Interior was absolutely immaculate from previous owner putting seat and carpet covers. Minnesota salt had killed the body. I still washed and waxed it on the regular. Very fun and reliable truck. Still miss it!
I am impressed! I've always liked this vehicle. I've seen a few around here in NM. I'm gonna be looking more closely.
Great video, thanks ! I had an 87, 360, 4speed manual, NP 241. I removed the electronic ignition system, installed my ole favorite points type distributor. I miss it now 💝
600 dollars that was a steal the sum of the parts are worth more than the whole. I paid 3000 for a ratty 76 trailduster three years and close to 9000 more I have a solid great running truck. Way cheaper than a new pos when you buy an old truck you have to go thru everything hours on the internet hunting parts. Best to find a parts truck I paid 2500 for a 78 and a 79 power wagons now I have enough parts to upgrade my duster with 3/4 ton axles an still build a 78 power wagon these trucks are worth saving
I never really cared for dodge till got a 1998 ram 1500 with the 318 about 2 years ago for 800 bucks and she's started everyday over those two years and got me everywhere I needed to be, now all I want is 1960s d100
paid 2k for my 84 ram charger in april 2020 for as of december 2020 i’m 12k deep and lovin it more every day...i love it
Awesome work! I've got an 89 with a very similar story, I'm nowhere near as far along as you. I'm located in Mobile Al so maybe I'll see ya on the road someday!
Looking good. I have a 1988 D100 LE with TBI 318 I've owned since 1995. Been sitting in the back yard since before the 2008 gas price hikes. I need to get in gear and get it registered as an Antique now that it's old enough and it's easier to get on the road.
I just got one, and now I gotta start the cleaning up. I'm excited!
Dont have a clue who ya are but partner im proud of ya!
Checking out Ramcharger videos because i got one about a year ago and have been getting it fixed up.
Im currently trying to find some nice bumper builds. My bumpers are kinda bent up and i figure if im gonna drop some coin on em i might as well get something beefy for a winch. God bless brother. You earned a sub. 🤙
Nice RC! Funny, I picked up an 83 Prospector here in Indiana that came from Pensacola! Rust free, 87k. All that stuff had been gone thru already. Rad,
A/C all new, everything brakes, exhaust, all mounts, even new tires on the turbines. $2500. Had to find a tank pick up for it. Summer only here, my only other driver is an 82 slant Miser d150 shorty.
Congrats brother - looking great. Trying to breath some more life into an '87 at present and man o man does the TBI want to give me grief. I'll be looking for more updates on your ride.
Can you remove the tbi and install a regular carb?
@@Thegoatlockercars it depends what state you’re in, I’m in CA, so if mine was TBI, I couldn’t change to carb as far as I know, but you can charge from carb to FI
87 is still carb. 88 was first year of tbi
Buddy I am very touched by your passion and enthusiasm, it’s very inspiring to see how much you went through, but the RamCharger was communicating with you and you were sensitive enough to hear and feel so you could troubleshoot and solve everything, I love them Dodges cos we don’t see them at all in Australia 🇦🇺, I only ever seen one down under ever and it was for sale on just cars magazine, I’ve got an extremely rare Ford SR Country / Bronco made in Brazil on the 67-72 Bumpside F-100 body short wheel base and fibreglass removable top , same as you , my neighbour had one when I was a kid and he Geraldo used to take us to the school in it so like yourself I am personally attached to mine .
Looks beautiful I love the silver and red interior absolutely killer combo I love the old school 70’s General Lee wheels such a classic wheels and I love how you’ve paint the engine and put it back all nice , man congratulations they are beautiful SUVs so legendary see them in the 80’s classic Hitchhiker movie !
All the best from Adelaide South Australia 🇦🇺
Awesome job. Love the look of these trucks.
Fellow Ramcharger owner as well. You did a fantastic job saving this 86 Ramcharger
Thank you, I ended up selling it to a neighbor, I miss it, drive past it every day. 🥲
@@Thegoatlockercars nice rescue brother just wanted to say, my mom had one of these 4x4 with a 9inch lift I've been seeking a clean one for a while now... And also I just wanted to ask if by any chance do you still have the brush guard that was on it from the thumbnail?? I would be interested in buying it from you
@De Wal No, it went to the curb in 2020. It weighed a gazillion tons. The truck unsquated significantly when removed.
@@Thegoatlockercars damn it must have been a strong piece and I know it was meant for a chevy that's why I had to ask if you might have still had it I think it at least weights 150 to 200 lbs basically about the weight of adding a transmission to the front end lol
Oh man I used to have one and really want another one.
Really cool Ram Charger!!! Seems you have put a lot of time and effort into it and looks like it has been worth it!
It was, but then gas happened, so it went to a new home. I miss it.
@@Thegoatlockercars Ahh man hate to hear that. But at least you got it back on the road where it can go on for many years and serve a purpose!!!
@@JZ_Cars I went rollerblading past the house where it’s parked today. Almost got emotional 😂 the memories of the labor.
those are the exact same wheels i'm putting on my 90 Ramcharger. nice!
This is amazing I'm thinking of getting one too and fixing it up but just listening to all the work you put into it gave me a headache.
I sold it to a neighbor. I miss it, but there's no way I could afford driving it now with 9-10mpg and everything at least 30 minutes away. I'd love to get another someday and put a diesel in it. I purchased a 1982 300CD recently, that will be in a video the next chance I get to film it.
Ram is great car. Thanks for that movie.
Great find and work completed. My father had a 75 or 76 Trailduster years ago, had the removable top cut down and made a super short bed pickup with top still removable. He had a piece of reinforced metal installed behind the seats that connected to folding back window. Great toy.
I've had 2 of these given the opportunity I would love to have another
Got love those old dodges always worth fixing up I say anyways
Nice job!!!
78-79 4x4 360 best truck I ever rode in
In the market for one. Prices are high for ones in good shape. I've been seeing prices of 20 to 30k for anything with 100k miles or less on them.
Great video…you walking towards the camera remind me of Troy McClure
I have a 1990 and a 85. Great vehicles.
Nice job
As a Bay Area kid in California and a certified carnut....Coastal cars are subjected to the Ocean air and condensation....rusting out from the top down. Unlike, say, Minnesota winter vehicles that rust from the bottom up. Vintage cars from the Valley are the best. Dry, low humidity, and a bit less wore out due to the drier weather in general. But you better hurry...old wrecking yards are slowly going away.....like a lot of yards in the states.....the wrecking trade is looked down upon by activist and the government.
Cool bro I own a 1984 D250 Prospector 318 CID 5.2 two barrel
You got the deal I did. Mine is my precious.
Awesome old school utility vehicle I recently picked up a Bronco in the Tampa Bay area I thought it was interesting that it is designated as a u150
Too late I'm sure but Richie's Paint and Body in Kinard florida. He has a very low overhead he's out in the country and he doesn't charge enough I also have a 89 Dodge Ramcharger which I love Ramcharger which I love
Nice truck.
We just did a full paint job on a 92 at my tech school full trim delete looks sick
Great work! I would love to get on of these some day, hoping for a 93, but all of them are so cool honestly.
I’d imagine that some of the even newer ones from Mexico can probably be brought into the US now too.
Seems the public found out in the last 10 months. Multi site search nationwide on AutoTempest brought back around 10 hits running 8 to 40k in varying shades of nice. They were all cleaned up trucks, most more stock, a few mildly built. The I noticed the 8 and 9k ones were current or starting bids on ebay. Will have to click around on craigslist and marketplace. Nutso, they're nice, could see if they were hooked up custom head turners, 5.9 Cummins swaps and atlas tcases or something for the money we're seeing, or maybe virgin 5k miles collectors hidden in a vault or something. It's like 60s bronco pricing. Market sees people snapping them up after being priced out of all the others and pow, 25 and 40 k for "rust free runs and drives".
I keep getting server errors posting my comment after an edit, there might be 4 duplicates now.
I miss my '82. Never should have sold her.
so cast iron heads j heads usually dont warp. aluminum heads warp easier. iron heads will however crack.
timing and distribution is key but also in these truck a aluminum radiator and additonal fans not a bad idea.
however the issue you will have is when you do the knuckles the axles and the transmission.
The Dodge Ramcharger actually was produced through 1997. from 1994-1997 it was produced for Mexico, but you can still find them today
Love the wheels! So ugly, so pretty. My parents had one when i was a kid, my favorite vehicle.
I had an 87 ramcharger. We put a souped up 440. Headers trick heads and big cam. Predator carb and that beast was 700 plus hp dyno at 780 max . Mopar muscle
Heck for 3000 that’s still really good considering you have ac. Can’t even get a running bronco for 3k
Bought an 87 D150 for $250, and I’m doing something similar with it.
I want to get another someday. I miss mine 😂
I have a 86 as well I am excited to know that I have a chance with it lol
They’re fun vehicles. Gas sucks, but still fun 😂
Love my ramcharger. I just need to rebuild it. Need help too
Im work on my 1990 as we speak
In Mexico the continued to 95 and came back from 99 to 01
RamChargers are very popular these days
There are several reasons owners in your area
About to dive into a restoration but ran out of money
Feel like selling it now
I empathize
Ooops, mine was a 78, I think. Still had carburetor
Your awsome !
I own a 1991 and it’s in excellent condition and I’m having issues also with it overheating, so you recommend me taking the engine apart or where should I begin ?
I’d flush the cooling system in case there’s gunk in it, then plop in a new thermostat, and finally timing, if your timing is not right you’re going to get hot and fast… as happened with me. I’m assuming you have fuel injection, so that’s something I’ve never messed with. But those three in my experience are critical. I forgot to mention that there wasn’t even a thermostat in the engine when I took it apart. If you don’t know who’s messed with your vehicle, don’t assume things are where they should be until you’ve seen it yourself.
Nooooice 👍🏼
Stop showing people these! They are going to skyrocket 😂
Prices are hovering around 10 k I have zero rust!
I have 17 of these
why would you need more than 1 or 2 though
You did what I'm doing to mine. When I bought mine they told me that the running gear was perfect but it was a lie .all of the running gear had to be rebuilt and a lot of body work has to be done . Did you have to replace any of your axles after see those bearings because it you seem that the axles would have some movement up and down on them
It didn’t eat into it hardly at all, so they’re good. Idk if it’s just super hard steal or what.
Was the donor truck's front axle damaged in the wreck? You could have eliminated the Center Axle Disconnect since 84 is the last year that does not have CAD.
I don’t know for sure, but the front drive shaft shot through the transfer case, and blew the back out of it. I didn’t want to delete it anyway, I’d rather turn a knob in the cab with the posi-lok vs getting out constantly to lock the hubs.
@@Thegoatlockercars The CAD compromised the strength of the axle. Not a problem for mild driving. The 84 comes with Non CAD axle, but with Auto Locking Hubs. You don't need to exit the truck to go into four high or four low from two wheel drive. Many hubs were switched over to locking hubs after the factory hubs wore out. Manual locking hubs are less convenient but reliable.
@@auteurfiddler8706 Gotcha. The ones on the 84 parts vehicle I had were manual so I don’t know. I live in Florida, and only have 31s, so I’ll probably be fine.
Do you have a spare rear hatch push button to open it I can’t find one thanks
I’m in the panhandle too. How can we connect?
Ohhh my God man do you still the other American racing Outlaw ll wheels that was in the 8:05 minutes ??? I am looking for those wheels for my SR Country please let me know if you wanna sell them ?
Thank you
I'd like to get some wheels like that for a Durango. What brand are they?
Their stock ram wheels from the 80s. Turbine wheels
I had an 89. Thing was a beast. Why are tou selling it?
Because it sucks gas, I don’t off road enough, and nothing is close to me. The geography around the Pensacola/Milton FL area makes it where you can’t get anywhere directly because of water, bridges, or military bases.
I’m planning to replace it hopefully with an 85 Mercedes 300CD diesel coupe
I am wondering were some of the parts you sources for restoration
LMC truck, parts vehicle, rock auto
Hey I just picked up a 92 in North Florida myself (I'm straight south of Tallahassee on the coast) do you still have that brush guard from the thumbnail? And do you know where I might find a dash pad? Mine is MIA 😝
Brush guard went to the curb over a year go, you wouldn't have wanted it anyway, for a K5, and the whole front of the truck unsquatted significantly when removed, super heavy. I'd imagine LMC has pads. I was just down at St. George Island a couple days ago by the way, probably close to you.
Their unique, but there's a reason the military went with GM.
Yes, a Diesel engine, cost, and a war weary fleet of M37s and first gen rams.
Interior looks in real good condition. Where did you get the new AC compressor?
Rock auto, it’s the UAC compressor. Had to modify a bracket to make it fit, and the clutch gap was off. Other than that, no problems.
@@Thegoatlockercars ok thanks
Procharge it
Does anyone know where I can get interior trim pieces for a 1993 ramcharger?
Go on Facebook, the group Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster lovers. Usually there are people parting out.
What is the size of the wheel entire you have on that ram charger?
They’re 31s and I think 10.5 wide
where did you find the parts?
A totaled 84, and mostly RockAuto