1977 Dodge D300 Retriever 400 4spd 2wd Clubcab Dually factory built tow truck

Up for your consideration is a rare factory ordered 1977 Dodge D300 Dually with the Retriever package. This is a fully documented truck that is the real deal, and although deserving of a full restoration it could be a ready for years of cruising with some light mechanical and rust repair.

The truck retains an original copy of the Bill of Lading showing all of the options the truck was built with, including a 400 CI Big Block 2bbl gas engine, 4 speed transmission, this was delivered as a Clubcab, 2wd, dually and was equipped with Retriever tow truck package when ordered from Chrysler. The truck originally wore a stripe kit as pictured in the brochure. This paperwork shows the truck was ordered for a dealer in Eau Clair Pa, I cannot say for certain if they ever owned the truck but I do know it was purchased in the early 2000's from D & M Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Altoona Pa. It spent the next 15+ years as a small salvage yard in Spruce Creek Pa. There are a few more questions than answers in the trucks history, at some point later doors and fenders were installed. I assume this was done at the dealership and they were the parts available on hand. The Plymouth grill has been on the truck as long I've know about it, this seems to be a subtle way for the Chrysler Plymouth dealer to use old stock and take the 'Dodge' name off the truck at the same time.

I have put around 600 or so miles on the truck this year, we gave it a general once over, which required a new master cylinder for the brakes, valve cover gaskets were replaced and just a general tune-up, tires were not replaced with new but the tires on it now are safe and ready to roll. It's not uncommon for us to take it out Sundays for lunch and an ice cream cone, it is mechanically sound for around town. Currently registered and insured in Pa as antique with tag/antique bonded clean and clear Pa title. The goal was to have it in the fairgrounds for the Chrysler Carlisle show this July, which we accomplished without any major setbacks. The truck runs great its geared with a granny non-synchronized 1st gear, so it's essentially a 3 speed, but 55 mph is where it likes to cruise, it can do 60 mph but that's about as fast as it runs.

The truck has a lot of great options and is pretty well preserved to this point, there's a factory CB, AM/FM radio in the dash that still works, bucket seats, console, dash and glove box pad are in great shape. Transmission and clutch work well, engine runs smooth and does not have any issues idling in traffic. The PTO for the wrecker works as it should as well as the beacon light and the other lighting on the bed. The best part is it's all still there for someone that is looking for a rare Mopar to take to a higher level and enjoy without breaking the bank. Trucks are hot, big block 4 speed dually trucks just aren't around, and even less of them are factory documented special ordered.

This truck is a running driving enjoy it as you work on it project. I don't want to sugar coat it there is rust repair needed mainly on the bolt on suspension. The rear spring hangers are shot and need replaced, I would do the springs at that time as well. The front suspension has a fair amount of heavy rust and in my mind should be replaced with new (rust free) components and bushings/rebuilt entirely as well. The truck drives straight and is tight as it sits, front wheel bearings and ball joints are in good shape without major play. The frame does not appear to have any major rust through, but should be cleaned up and preserved. The pictures show the drivers side is slightly lower over the front bumper, this is due to the core support mount on the drivers side needing rust repair. The drip rail around the top of the cab is in great shape and does not have any rust through. The cab extensions from the frame out are gone in the rear of the Clubcab on both sides, so far the cab mounts appear salvageable. There's a 2 or 3in hole on the drivers floor board where your right heel rests by the gas pedal. The pictures show there has been metal added to the door jambs and lower extended cab area, also a piece of angle along the back of the cab. I have not had the carpet out to asses this area to this point. The bed sides have rust through but it's all flat steel and easily repaired if you choose to restore the bed. The passengers side door has a gap at the top on the front side, windshield has a crack on the passenger side, wiper motor needs new bushings, radiator seeps a little around the top tank etc.

Please ask any questions up front, I encourage anyone with a strong interest in the truck to not only ask questions but inspect the truck in person, I can get also more pictures without issue. With fall Carlisle, and Hershey just around the corner the truck can be available for personal inspection. I'm about 15 minutes south of the Carlisle fairgrounds. Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my ad.