1978 Dodge B100
This is my 1978 Dodge B100 custom van, acquired from fellow DML
member Bob Tom. Bob originally ordered the van stripped, with a
318, and was responsible for the conversion which includes a bed,
swivel captain's chairs, cabinetry, a hardwood floor, carpeting, etc.
He also swapped out the 318 for a healthy 340. The van had been
sitting for a while by the time I got it in the fall of 2005. Bob
kept the 340 but I've got a good number of parts from the original
318.
My plans for this one could change, but basically I intend to put
it back to the way it was when Bob built it in the late 70s, with
the possible exception of a color change. There are a few rust
issues that need to be taken care of, it needs a repaint, and some
mechanical issues need to be addressed, including the motor, naturally.
Speaking of which, this is the area of most uncertainty. I do have
many of the original 318 parts, but if I go the 318 route, I'd probably be
better off with the Magnum version. I might use the original short block
and convert it with Magnum heads, or maybe if I come across a complete
318 or 360 Magnum, I'll just drop that in. Or, I might stumble across
a 340 to use. Its tempting to think about dropping in a big block,
but the engine bay is so cramped that this would just be asking for
trouble. 
Whatever motor I end up with, I will probably use the Megasquirt EFI
system for fuel.
I haven't had a chance to dive into this one yet, but I am hoping
it will essentially involve little more than a refreshening. A new
motor, some mechanical maintenance, a little bodywork and a repaint,
and hopefully it'll be good for another 30 years.
Back to Jon's home page
Jon N. Steiger / jon@jonsteiger.com
