Vehicle Description
1977 Dodge B200 Tradesman Van
We're lucky to be situated close to Carlisle, Pennsylvania where
major automotive events are held throughout the year. If you've
ever attended Truck Nationals there, (or any other large truck
event across the country), you'll find Vanarama, a section of the
event containing upwards of 100 custom vans. They have wild murals
and paint schemes and even wilder interiors, often themed. They are
not only throwbacks to a time when custom vans were sort of fringe,
but they serve as artistic expressions in the highest form with big
efforts and big dollars being expended.
For consignment, a low key, award-winning, 8-track playing custom
van in the form of a 1977 Dodge B200. The single colored exterior
gives way to a custom interior that will transform you to another
place and time, without the use of illicit substances. Everyone is
overlanding these days, taking rigs equipped with the comforts of
home into the wilderness. Well, here's how we did it old school and
as to which way is cooler, well, that's up for debate. There's no
debate on this, today's van is shag-a-riffic!!
Exterior
Russet Sunfire Metallic covers this former cargo van which has been
customized with a kit that extends the wheel arches and front chin.
New side pipes have been added and a whip antenna helps with CB
radio reception, because in 1977, that's how we communicated. The
chrome on the side pipes and both bumpers is in excellent
condition. There's a three sided roof rack to tie luggage to and a
pop up vent on top. And that's the only window for the cargo area,
and as our consignor states, the van provides "ultimate privacy",
but more on that in the interior section. 15-inch aluminum slot
wheels are at each corner looking very period and tires are
staggered with 275/60R15 on the back and 235/60R15 on front. A
Dodge Charger gas cap is a nod to Mopars from the past. The paint
is in overall good shape but we do note some significant cracking
and separation of at least one wheel flare and some rust at the
bottom of a door and below the rocker panel. Other areas of
cracking flares and rust can be found throughout the lower section
of the van and more than a few spots of bubbling.
Interior
It's going to be difficult to understate this, but when we say
every surface that could be covered in triple colored shag carpet,
IS, we mean it. This includes the door panels, the steering column,
the A-pillars, and the dash...and we haven't even gone to the back
of the van. The bucket seats are saddle brown vinyl with plaid
inserts and look to be in great shape. The brown dash is about as
simple a dash as we've seen with just the essential gauges in
saddle molded plastic. A Pioneer AM/FM/8-track is in the center
stack above the engine cover which has a stitched vinyl in a 70's
fashion and a custom wood top and cup holders. This is our first
glimpse of the richly stained wood that we're about to experience
in the back. This wood also makes up the overhead console which
contains the ever-present CB radio and some storage. From there,
the ceiling is covered in the shag and flows seamlessly to the
back. Open the side cargo door and step over the wood threshold to
behold wood cabinetry trimmed in shag carpet and feeling very much
like a motel room near a mountain resort. The Poconos come to mind.
Moving rearward we glace up and note a plaque declaring the
rearmost portion of this van as the "Pump Room". While I can easily
elaborate on the meaning of this, we tend to keep things PG-13 here
in our Hallowed Halls, so you can let your imagination run wild.
The bed in the back is framed in wood and also turned wood posts in
spiral patterns. It's actually a welcoming place you want to kick
back in, and the entire wall space, including the rear door panels,
is covered in shag carpet. This muffles both inside sound and
exterior noise, so in case you wanted to, you know...sing inside
the van, people on the outside might not be privy to your talent.
And speaking of music, there's an AM/FM radio with an auxiliary
8-track player for your Dusty Springfield and Grateful Dead tapes.
Not to be overlooked are the wall mounted candle holders for when
your want to get the mood just right to sing your love songs. The
interior is in great condition and the materials do not look worn
or weathered.
Drivetrain
A 360ci V8 hides under the engine cover in the cab and is rated at
188 horsepower, fed by a 2-barrel carburetor. An A727 Torqueflite
3-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels via
9.25" rear and 3.21 gears. Power disc brakes are in front and power
drums in the rear and the booster is accessible through the small
front hood.
Undercarriage
The underside is driver quality with a good amount of surface rust
and areas of advanced surface rust that shows pitting and chipping
paint. We do note areas of body repair with mud from the back and
the door bottoms do have some invasive rust. Independent suspension
is found up front with leaf springs out back to soften things when
the van-is-a-rockin'.
Drive-Ability
Nowadays, big overland rigs have rear-facing cameras, and we would
definitely add one to this windowless wonder. You have to rely on
the side mirrors and that's fine when you're moving forward. The
van runs well and those wide tires handle the road imperfections in
our test loop well. There's a bit of creaking from the bushings and
you'll want to address that as it may interfere with
your...singing. Anyway, a good ride, not a ton of power but this is
for cruising to your next destination, not racing. We note the
front radio doesn't work. Bummer man, but no worries...there's one
in the back.
A throwback to a groovier time but also completely usable today,
this would make a great tailgate vehicle, camper, or just a place
to chill and listen to some tunes. There's an entire subculture of
van fanatics who will support you in your new venture and this love
machine has a lot of love to give. Keep on Truckin' and stop into
the mall soon!
B21BF7V073595
B-2 Wheel Drive Van
2-3/4 Ton
1-Tradesman
B-6001 Thru 10,000 GVWR
F-360ci 2bbl V8
7-1977
V-Warren, MI Assy Plant
073595-Sequential Unit Number
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
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person.
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