Correcting a mistake

[AN/ARC186]

One thing I've never understood is why Dodge didn't use it's Ramcharger base to build a CUCV.
My son is getting ready to head to North Carolina for a job and his old 84 Ramcharger was pretty tired.
So, rather than do a normal rebuild he decided he wanted do turn it into something more like an M1009.
New engine, rebuilt transmission and a NAPA stores worth of new parts we set to work.
Bought the RAPCO 383 CARC substitute to paint it with, starting in the engine bay.
FT POWELL found us a CUCV bumper and grill guard complete with clevis's, thanks Ed!!
Dug through my stuff and came up with an antenna mounting bracket that was posing as a doorstop.
The build is underway! Pics to follow...

 

[hwcurtice]

Subscribed to this build!

 

[drician]

Sounds like a fun project. Subscribed.

 

[kabar1]

Looking forward to update.

 

[wheelspinner]

Oh man I always wanted one of these. Good luck. I used to live right down the street from you on McChord AFB.

 

[srodocker]

All I have to say is this dang thing is loud....

 

[hwcurtice]

A week later, and....?

 

[M813rc]

Dodge did compete for the CUCV contract, including offering the Ramcharger. Ford competed too. Chevrolet won the bidding.

Cheers

 

[rickf]

I would guess that Ford and Dodge did not offer a diesel which was probably a requirement for the bid.

 

[nattieleather]

Actually it is my understanding that Ford offered the 7.3L Power Stroke. Dodge competed in the CUCVII with the 5.9 Cummins.

 

[swiss]

Actually it is my understanding that Ford offered the 7.3L Power Stroke. Dodge competed in the CUCVII with the 5.9 Cummins.

Other than head gaskets blowing on the 7.3L power stroke that would have been a cool truck.

http://www.internationalpowerstroke.com/73psd.html

 

[Danger Ranger]

This was looking like an awesome thread, but still haven't seen any pics...soooooo.

 

[rickf]

The 7.3 would have been way to heavy for the front end of a Bronco. I would have liked to have seen the redesign on that. That or the Cummins powered Ramcharger would be big time driveline destroyers. You would basically have to put one ton drivelines under either one.

 

[AN/ARC186]

Been busy working on this as well as my normal job. My sons been doing the majority of the paint and body work since it's his truck.

Replaced the worn out seats with new reclining buckets, fabbed up base adapter plates so they'd bolt in.

Got the engine and transmission in. Engine is a 5.9L 360 gas. Trans is the ol reliable 727 Torqueflite.

Modified an antenna mount to accept a standard 102" whip and set that in place. radio transmits and receives loud and clear.

Also had a sight laying around from a Gau-2B cradle so I figured I'd replace the broken hood ornament with something a bit more appropriate.

replaced the broken grill with one from a newer P/U

the last two pictures are before we started the work.

more to follow...

 

[hwcurtice]

What? No Puce colored interior?

 

[AN/ARC186]

Actually, the interior was originally red, he repainted the door panels and dashboard black. We replaced the seat belts with new 3 points and he has painted all the exposed metal that was black with 383 carc substitute green.

 

[hwcurtice]

Ah! The popular "Black exterior/Red interior" look of the era...

Wheres my puke button? I detest that color combo. I think the factory hated the dealers.

 

[AN/ARC186]

Well, after a month or so and many parts runs later we're 95% finished.
He'll be heading from the Great Pacific Northwet to N.C. on Tuesday to connect up with another Steel soldiers member. Thanks Dale!!
Still a few minor things to do once he's there but I figure it will keep him occupied.

 

[srodocker]

holy cow batman that is nice!

 

[jdknech]

holy cow batman that is nice!

What he said!