1981 Dodge Ram Custom Work Truck - Survivor - NO RESERVE

1981 Dodge Ram 1500 Custom

Bertha is great fun. I love driving this thing. She is rusty, dusty and a bit grumpy, but damned if she doesn't start and get me where I want to go all the time. I bought it this spring as I had a big job at the house and wanted an old truck to haul lumber and materials. Fast forward and I'm getting my truck back that I'd loaned to a family member and don't need it any more.
Here's the story I got on this thing. One family owned and was brought to Virginia from Indiana. The truck sat for 4 - 5 years before Grandpa gave it to Grandson. Grandson in Virginia went out to Indiana to get it from out in the yard - put in new fluids, a battery and tires and fired it up and drove it home. Grandson decided he didn't want it so I bought it. Came with a big fiberglass shell that I ditched. I have all 4 correct hubcaps for the truck, just thought it looked better without them. I will post a photo later along with shots of the interior.
This thing is not registered as an antique in Virginia, but as a regular passenger vehicle. I got it passed the Virginia state inspection, fixing the emergency brake and have an entirely new exhaust from the manifold back (incl. catalytic converter) installed at Midas. Taillights are also new.
As I said, she's a bit grumpy, but loves to run and seems to drive fine. Shifts well - think it's a 3-speed automatic. There is an AM radio that isn't worth much and no A/C. Heater works and there is a sliding glass window. In the photos, that is not a bedliner. That is me spraying in bedliner spray paint as the paint was effectively gone in the bed and I wanted to protect it. She starts a bit rough after sitting for several weeks, but when I'm driving it regularly, she starts immediately every time. Mileage is per the prior owner as the odometer has rolled.
There is rust on the left bedside and some on the passenger rocker panel. I've washed it and done the rubbing compound and wax in spots, but the paint is shot. It actually looks cool like this and I've gotten some great compliments. It's also got an interesting dent in the hood. I've wondered how it got there, but don't want to fix it.
I am all about full disclosure. It has an oil leak that I haven't really addressed. It's not a major leak, but I'd bet it needs a rear main seal and probably a valve cover gasket. Also, when it rains, water pools in the passenger floor. I believe it to be coming in through the weather seal around the passenger door. I've not bothered to fix that but I don't think it's an expensive fix. Only came with one key. Suggest making another one for sure.
Anyway, ask me any and all questions. Bertha is for sale AS-IS, WHERE-IS with no warranties expressed or implied. Title is clean. I can assist with shipping, but cost is full responsibility of the buyer. Funds are due within 7 days of auction's close. Once funds are received, will provide vehicle and title to new owner.
This could be a fun rat rod project maybe or perhaps a nice farm use vehicle as well. The bones seem solid... They definitely don't make them like this anymore.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Dodge
• Model: Ram 1500
• Type: Standard Cab Pickup
• Trim: Custom
• Year: 1981
• Mileage: 107,000
• VIN: 1B7HD14E7BS101627
• Color: Red/White
• Engine size: 6-cylinder
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Red
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!