Vehicle Description
1978 Dodge D150 SE Adventurer Short Bed Pickup
"The Dodge D150 was a variant of the 3rd Gen Dodge D Series that
debuted for the 1978 model year. The D150 was a light duty, half
ton pickup truck offered in short or long bed configurations, with
sleek Sweptline or fendered Utiline bedsides. These trucks were
powered by a range of engines over the course of production, with a
225ci I6 or a selection of V8s ranging from 318ci to 440ci. These
engines were paired to both manual or automatic transmissions, with
drive being sent to the rear wheels. Production of the Dodge D150
ended in 1980, when Dodge trucks were renamed as the Dodge Ram."
Thxclassic.com
For consignment, a 1978 Dodge D150 Adventurer SE short bed pickup
with a title verified 136,247 actual miles, with a rebuilt engine
and transmission. Given trim levels, cab types, body styles, drive
configurations, and gross vehicle weight ratings, an astounding
thirty models were available from Dodge in 1978, and as the
brochure proclaimed, "Look to America's fastest growing truck
company for the one pickup that will serve you best, whether for
work or at play.".
Exterior
Repainted in 2014, this truck is adorned in alternating layers of
silver and black with wide side molding that adds even more
layering. The chrome grille is flanked by round headlights in a
square bezel that takes in the marker lights which are inboard
providing Dodge with a distinctive face. Out back, an almost
dizzying design covers the mid panel of the tailgate in a black
frame inside of a silver base, flanked by simple tail lights over a
chrome bumper and twin exhaust tips. The 15-inch US Mag wheels are
a fantastic addition here as the original wheels were likely
steelies with hubcaps. A clean roof and drip rail on the cab is
flanked by large side mirrors and its solid rear window looks over
the glossy, silver bed. Imperfections include some bubbling down
low, and a mar in the chrome trim of the molding.
Interior
A simulated woodgrain insert is framed in black vinyl on handsome
door panels which also have carpeted kick panels and a decorative
red trim line. Contoured black vinyl buckets occupy the cab with a
center buddy seat for the third occupant, all in great shape. More
woodgrain on the steering wheel leads to a completely "wooded"
instrument panel where round gauges are situated next to a unique
AM/FM push button radio over the vent panel. As an Adventurer, the
wilderness is never too far away, so another band of faux woodgrain
runs the width of the mid dash and underscores the nameplate on the
right. Black loop carpet, loose in some spots, covers the floor
while an ivory stitched headliner and visors live on the
ceiling.
Drivetrain
A super clean engine bay houses the rebuilt, date correct 400ci V8
equipped with a mild performance cam, an Edelbrock Performer
intake, and a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor. Setting the truck in
motion is a date correct and rebuilt A727 Torqueflite 3-speed
automatic sending power to the 9� inch rear while power brakes are
configured as front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
The oil pan and transmission glisten amongst a clean underside that
has its share of light surface rust, but no errant fluids or grease
build up. Dual exhaust runs in tandem to one side of the driveshaft
through glasspack style mufflers before splitting and then exiting
via chrome tips. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and
leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
The bucket seats are a nice diversion from the typical bench as we
pump the gas and turn the key, bringing the 400 to life with a
healthy exhaust note. After moving the column shifter, we set off
onto the test loop where the truck provides no surprises, just a
powerful drive and straight tracking with the fatter 255/70R15
tires and fantastic visibility through big windows and a tall ride.
The horn and radio are not working but all other functions operate
as they should, and our adventure ends soon after it began. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
The 1978 Dodge truck brochure is a masterpiece of marketing. It
also documents one of the earliest promotions of trucks for regular
use rather than simply a dedicated work truck. "Built for him and
her. Dodge conventional cab pickups. For the man who wants to move
anything from cement blocks to sports gear. Plus ride and handling
to ease a lady through her chores.". And just like that, Dodge
D150's from the era are uncommon enough to be specialty vehicles,
and this one is a well sorted and comfortable example unlikely to
see cement blocks anytime soon. If you're low on Vitamin D, now's
the chance to pick up a daily dose every time you hop in this
truck!
D14BJ8S318710
D-2 Wheel Drive
1-1/2 Ton
4-Standard Cab Sweptline Pickup
B-6001 To 7000 GVWR
J-400ci V8
S-Warren, MI Assy Plant
318710-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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