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
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.
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 automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
