1968 Dodge A-100 Pick-up One Owner 43 Years on 2040-cars

One owner for 43 years!

 

1968 Dodge A-100

Original California black plate truck.

 

This truck belongs to my wife’s Uncle Russ.  In December 1971 Russ purchased this truck from Van Nuys Chrysler-Plymouth in Van Nuys, Ca. for personal transportation and as a run-about for his manufacturing business.  The A-100 was just what he needed with adequate hauling capability and excellent visibility with windows all around.  The only thing Russ didn’t like was driving a stick shift around Los Angeles that didn’t have synchro in 1^st gear.  The solution was to install a 318CI V8 and automatic transmission.  Much better!  The A-100 actually did come with a V8 and automatic so the transplant took advantage of stock parts without modification.  The differential was also changed to match the V8 automatic. This A-100 is original with the exception of the drive train, which was installed more than 40 years ago, and is correct for the period.

 

Russ is 86 years of age now, and his definition of retirement is that he only goes to work 3 days a week, and he doesn’t drive the Dodge anymore.

 

The A-100 was used as a shop truck for a number of years, and then in the 80’s the shop-truck work was turned over to a Toyota T-100 and the A-100 just sat.  In the early 2000’s Russ decided to refresh the A-100.  The red and white paint showed its age and use, plus the truck was not reliable mechanically, and there were some other cosmetic issues.

Early in 2001 the engine and transmission were removed and taken to Mazzolini Racing in Riverside, Ca. Mazzolini’s were not expected to make the A-100 into a racing machine like the “li’l Red Truck” but to make it run well.  Following is a list of work done on the engine in addition to the normal rebuild job

Align bore

Deck Block

Balance

Turn and polish crank .030”

New valves

New valve springs

Hardened seats

New valve guides

New Pushrods, Rocker shaft and Rocker arms

2 sleeves

The 727 transmission was rebuilt at the same time. 

Following is a list of NEW items that were installed as the truck was being made ready for the road.

Master cylinder

Head liner

Wheel Bearings- Rear

Exhaust System – Complete

U-joints

Speedometer cable

Tires

Paint

Wheels  15X7 Magnum 500 x 4

King Pins

Oil Pump

Break Lines

Weather stripping

Edlebrock intake manifold

Torque converter

Flexplate

Carburetor

Electronic ignition kit

Starter

Battery

Brake shoes

Shocks

Brake Hose

Wheel Cylinders

Lug nuts

Motor Mounts

Radiator core

Heater core

Thermostat

Rear Springs

 

In August of 2001 the A-100 was entrusted to Julio’s Auto Body and Paint in San Bernardino for the bodywork and paint.  Rust was NOT an issue as this A-100 spent all it’s time in Southern California and had no rust. The truck was repainted with the original Red and White.  The windows were reinstalled with new rubber. New weather stripping was installed on the doors.  The Dodge looked pretty, sounded healthy and just needed some sorting-out to be ready for Route 66!  But things at the shop changed (the business got real busy!) and the final sorting-out did not happen and the truck was put in a shed.

 

In April 2013 Russ decided to sell the A-100.  Obviously he was not driving the truck and no one was enjoying it.  I helped Russ pull the truck out of the shed (it was covered with dirt) and we got it started, but it would not draw fuel from the tank.  A new tank was fabricated and installed the fuel pump was replaced and the carb was rebuilt. 

When the transmission was rebuilt a shift kit was installed, but Russ didn’t like the way it shifted, so that was adjusted so it shifts firmly but not violently. Now the goal of having a vehicle to enjoy has been achieved.

There are 2 things that Russ decided to let the new owner decide.  The chains that fasten the tailgate have not been installed, and a door in the heater has not been installed.

All The gauges work, but the fuel gauge seems to be backwards (When the new tank was installed), the lenses and reflectors are all in good condition, but I’m not sure of the operation of the back-up lights.

The original AM radio is in place, but you must be prepared to Sing, Rap or upgrade.  It does not work. I drive a vehicle with power disc brakes, the A-100 has no power drums, so it's harder to brake.

If you would like to talk to Russ about the truck call 909 815-9771 Pacific time.