The Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster were first introduced in 1974. Between the years of 1974 and 1981 is considered to be the first gerneration. In 1982, the body was redesigned and the Trailduster was droped from production. The first generation Ramchargers and Traildusters had removable tops, where the second generation Ramchargers had fixed roofs and modified floor infront of the rear seats. Second generation Ramchargers also were equiped with a fiberglass liftgate.

History of My 1979 Ramcharger.


I accidently introduced myself to the Dodge truck line when I purchased my first Dodge Ramcharger. At the time I as driving a 1986 Volvo 240 DL wagon. Theres nothing wrong with Volvo and they have a great reputation for quality and safety. It was getting 25 MPG and running like a top. I continue to use it for running parts and a grocery getter. I had been looking for a 4X4 project vehicle for about a 8 months and I saw an ad for an 82 GMC Jimmy and a 79 Dodge Ramcharger. They were both driveable but the interior of the Jimmy looked like someone had done chainsaw qualification in it. The metal dash was ripped open like a tin can and I did not want to be replacing the entire dash. I felt he was asking to much for a vehicle that needed so much work. ($2000.00) Well, both vehicles needed work but the Ramcharger was in better mechanical condition so I took it.

The paint job would indicate that it had spent some time in the military but I found the original bill of sale from a dealer in Virgina to a private owner. Someone took a paint brush and fixed up a camoflauge pattern.

Me and the dog in Arizona prior to moving to the East Coast.
Winter 1999.

1991 Ford F250.

Viper Dog. Constant freind and companion. Chases lizards, toads, cats, buzzards, and turtles. Loves Country Music.

1960 Ford F250, stock 292 engine, 4 speed manual transmission. 1 Ton front and rear axels, 33 inch tires.

My grocery getter. 1986 Volvo 240 DL

My Background

I did'nt really get into trucks until the last 2 years. My first official vehicle was a 72 AMC Matador. It had once been a City of Tucson carpool vehicle and it was painted tan to match the color of sand. The Tucson stickers were gone but you could still make out the pattern on the doors. After that, I purchased a new 1987 Nissan Pickup and drove that for fourteen years. BTW, it still runs like a champ. Somehow, I ended up with my first project vehicle in 1998. It was a 1960 Ford F250 4X4. It had no transmission and a poorly installed 302 which I was told was a 351 Windsor. That project is alive and well in Arizona and I am in N. Carolina. Needless to say, that project is moving at a slow pace. Next I bought a 1991 Ford F250 for heavy duty hauling. It came with all the necessary tools to move the heavy loads. After getting stationed on the opposite coast (East) I had nothing to tinker with for ten months. I bought a Volvo when the fuel prices skyrocketed during the summer of 2000. Driving a four cylinder rather then the 91 Ford with a 460 was very easy on the bank account. The Volvo needed work and I repaired what needed to be fixed but I wanted something I was passionate about. The Ramcharger fit the billet. It is keeping me busy.