I bought my dream truck! I have always wanted a Power Wagon from the 70’s. When I was a kid a lot of my friends dads were driving around in Machos and I just never forgot about how great the 70’s Dodge trucks looked. And now I have one! I would appreciate some guidance from the gurus here as I am not a mechanic and I am also finding it hard to find parts. I’m loving the idea of rolling my sleeves up and getting dirty and slowly putting this old girl back together. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated if you have built one of these trucks up. I’m currently having fun learning to do body work and upholstery on my bench seat etc. Lots of things to fix like my fuel Gauge which doesn’t register, brakes feel wrong. Like I said, I would truly appreciate tips and tricks from the community. Proud to be an owner of this truck and to be a part of this community. Some specs of the truck below.

engine 360
short bed
full time 4x4

 

the only thing i can think of is never brake back window took 6 months to find a used one. well could of had one made but didnt have cash for that also not sure on a 78 but there is voltage reg on back of gauges if not there it will kill the fuel gauge in seconds

 

i will have to look but i think i still have a couple repair manuels for that gen of truck i could send you depending if i can find them

 

The fuel gauge may just be a bad ground. If it reads empty all the time, it's often the ground. If it reads full all the time, it may be a short in the power line to the sending unit. Mechanical parts are fairly easy to get as a lot are shared across models and years. Body parts, not so much. Interior work will let you make it like you want and save some major bucks.You'll find after you do it a while, your hands and forearms will get really strong as you use a LOT of muscle doing it. Body work is as much art as mechanics.

There are several aftermarket companies out there to supply parts plus there's always Fleabay. I prefer to buy local but so many chain stores have run the local shops out of business, then afterwards raised their prices and reduced stock, it's cheaper and faster to buy off the internet.

 

LMC Truck is a great source for reproduction parts. Good luck with your truck and congratulations on finding your dream vehicle.

 

Don't let yourself get too hung up on factory correct. Cars and pickups are transportation. If they weren't meant to be driven, they wouldn't have wheels. Those factory correct show cars at Amelia Island have to have the correct bolts, the seams in the upholstery has to be correct, and the general fit and finish has to be a certain way. Keep in mind the truck is YOUR truck. If you want to paint it purple with pink polka dots, go for it. Obviously, you like the Macho package so go that route. If you want a nicer radio, put one in. You can do a lot of personalizing and still keep the basic look that you like.

 

I believe Phoenix Graphics has the Macho decal packages.

 

One thing i would add is go over the electrical system. This plagued the 70 trucks and like my power wagon had the same issues. Although i kept my amp gauge (upgraded the factory set up) a simple volt meter will do. Problem is there is a lot amps running threw the wires and will heat up the connections at the bulkhead connector at the firewall and the amp gauge itself. Check out this article.

 

Try LMC.com, you can get a free parts catalog just for your truck, and It lists everything.