My mother in Law inherited an 85 D150 from her father a couple of years ago, it wasn't pristine but in decent shape. Fast forward to last November, she hadn't changed the oil in it, done any maintenance, or generally cared about it in the least. I set up a deal to get her a gas saving car if she gave me the truck.

So I now own the truck outright and she has a much newer Ford Escort to go to work in. If she kills it then she's SOL. Now I've got to figure out what to do with the truck.

From decoding the VIN I can tell its a 2WD long wheelbase with the 318 in it. The AC/Heater doesn't work most of the time, it needs new brakes/rotors/tires, both tail lights are busted, and doesn't run that well. The body is in very good condition though, no rust that I could find and only a ding or two here and there. The paint is the two tone tan and brown, its in decent shape. I'm stuck on where I want to go with the truck, I already have my 4WD take it anywhere kind of truck (05 Chevy 2500HD) so I probably won't do a 4WD swap.

One idea I had was to make it a cruiser, true dual exhaust, new paint and chrome, nice street tires, rebuild the 318 and generally make it into more of a show truck. However, my redneck side (it has the majority vote btw), is telling me to go with the new paint, brush guard, rollover bar with KC's, knobby 31x10.5x15's, and some serious pipes.

I'm generally a Chevy guy so I'm way out of my comfort zone on this one. From engines to chassis codes to options, I'm clueless when it comes to all things Dodge. Below is the output from the VIN decoder I found as well. If someone could give me more info on what this truck had I'd be grateful.

You entered the VIN Number: 1B7FD14T1FS712846

1 Country of Origin USA
B Make Dodge
7 Type of Vehicle Truck
F GVWR 4001-5000#
D Truck Line 2wd
1 Series 150 or 1500 for 94 & later
4 Body Conventional Cab
T Engine 318/5.2 2BBL or 360/5.9 4BBL (Federal) for 82
1 VIN Verification
F Model Year 85
S Assembly Plant Warren Main Plant or Dodge City for 88 & later
712846 Sequential Serial Number

 

Take the VIN to the dealership and ask for a build sheet. It is free and will tell you everything that is in the truck.

 

You think they'd email it to me? Currently in Afghanistan and unfortunately there's no Dodge dealer here.

I guess I could get my wife to do it but she's already asking questions of why I needed the VIN and what exactly was I doing. Little does she know that a box of parts will soon arrive.

 

they might be able to email it to you if they have it in there computer.
http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=U

 

Thanks, shot them an email. Let's see if they respond.

 

Crazzywolfie, I took your suggestion and sent in a request for a build record for my 1982 D350.

Here is there response, seems there is a gap in their record keeping:

----------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for contacting the Ram Customer Assistance Center, in regards
to your 1982 D350.

Unfortunately due to the age of your vehicle, the information you are
requesting is unavailable to us in our system. We suggest that you
contact the Chrysler Group Historical Foundation. The Chrysler Group
Historical Foundation has much information on historic and vintage
vehicles, as well as other historic information available.

For a fee, they will provide:

- Build records on 1967 and older cars
- Service manuals for vehicles built from 1932 forward
- Copies of most owner's manuals
- Stock photos of most vehicles
- Much more

Send your request to:

Chrysler Antique/Historical Foundation
One Chrysler Drive East
CIMS 488-00-00
Auburn Hills, MI 48325-2778

You can also visit their web site at: http://www.chryslerheritage.com

Thanks again for your email.

Customer Service Representative
Ram Customer Assistance Center

 

ya. i was thinking it might be a bit of a long shot since the older the vehicle the less likely its info was ever entered into a computer. my 81 is not very stock anymore anyways so it is not like a build sheet would have help me. i did get one for my 91 but now apparently the dealer can't print me up one for my 93 but they can show it to me on the computer. they told me if they where to print it for me they could get fired. i have been meaning to email dodge and get it but been a bit too busy.