I just bought a 1985 Dodge Ram 350 from my neighbor. it is the 360v8, 4sp manual single rear wheel long bed ram. the bed has been converted, it looks factory but it now dumps.

story is that the ram was going to australia and was purchased by a chrysler employee before it left the states. this guy had it in his barn, and he died. he never drove it. his wife sold it, and i bought it.

it is right hand drive, kph and liters. so thats a little strange. it has 643 original kilometers on it. i didn't forget a zero, its not a mistype. thats it. there is no rust. the paint is damn near mint. its sat in a barn so its a little faded but not bad at all. the interior is mint. it still has the original tires on it. i bought it to use for my tree service business but am reconsidering keeping in mind the low miles. is this something i should be selling to someone who will keep it in its present condition? is it worth something? or should i just use it as planned?

its honestly perfect. it drives better and tighter than my 2006 chevy colorado. it is a new truck, its just from the 80's. starts and runs perfect, absolutely no problems. what you guys think?

 

How about some pics?
Sounds like a keeper but not for working.

 

It's odd enough being RHD,but being a basically brand new RHD? I'd stash it back someplace dry and dark. Doubt it'll ever be a Hemi 'Cuda convertible in value, but most trucks are beat to death and junked. Why trash it?

 

thats really sweet. pictures please!
i wonder if the RHD is factory - there are some companies which convert these. thats quite a find i cant say im not jelous.

....also, isnt the 4 spd manual wierd too? I thought there were all 5 manual and 3 auto (plus od)

 

sorry, i don't have the internet at my house so i have to wait to respond either at work or at my moms house. i'm at her house now.

i'll post up some pictures tomorow, i've been meaning to go through it and take a bunch. got the camera, just need the free time.

 

As requested, again, sorry for the delay. The white on the mirror supports has faded down onto the paint on the doors. it wipes off, but i have not touched it. as its sits is how i got it.

i did put a couple miles on it today, took it on the highway. it runs great.

here it is














the only thing not factory is the dump and the rhino lining in the bed. its been ziebarted and rustproofed today, but as you see it is how it sits.

 

That's interesting. It's got the early dash in it. Backwards. Some research seems in order to see if all export RHD trucks got that from Chrysler,or if it was done by a private firm.
Is there any evidence of welding/patching on the firewall or is it stamped one peice? What about where the steering box mounts? How was that done? Clutch etc.? Underneath the cowl panel on U.S. trucks is the tag with all the option codes. Those numbers and the VIN may help you track down where the truck was built. Was there any paperwork with it?
A careful cleaning and compounding and I bet the paint comes right back. Get the hubcaps with the deal? I'm definately envious. Truck is worth restoring in my opinion.

One thing, do have the urge to grab the window crank when you shift gears?

 

i wonder if the little vehicle info plate in the doorframe is on the right or left side?