My new '87 Ramcharger build thread

[rxinhed]

Some time has passed since my last post. I have simply been driving my truck and haven't spent much time because of lack of funds/energy. I have partially removed the rear interior panels seeking a location for my amp and CD changer. I painted up an electrical switch box for use an interior trunk (measures about 6 cubic feet) with a locking lid. Many unknown and discontinuous wires have been removed from the engine bay and interior. I sold off the BIG MOPR plates finally, couldn't stand to drive a depressed truck afterall.

I spent a little time last weekend to simplify the front end appearance, removed the fake KC lights and grill guard, and changed engine oil. Tonight, the questionable side steps were removed.



A different part of the same project was completed last Friday, when I hauled home a Bantam trailer. More on that in the expo trailer section. We have now traveled about 6K miles, shocks are overdue and will be the next replacement done.

 

[redthies]

It's looking good, but if you come across some cheap wheels (factory turbines?), those ones on there really gotta go! :yikes:

 

[sprueitt]

Nice RC. I love those Ramchargers, they wheel great and are tough. I have owned 5 and loved each one. One of them was a 440 tunnelram sand racer called Baja Bee. Loved it.






Then I got bit by the 6x6 bug when I saw the first T-Rex come out, and now that is where I have sunk my money. If I could I would love to buy another Ramcharger like yours. Hang on to those hurricane Mag Wheels, they don't make them anymore and Mopar purists are always looking for those. My favorite.

 

[rxinhed]

...some cheap wheels...

My plan is to upgrade to 3/4- or 1-ton axles and forgo the 5-lug rims anyway. I like the extended wheel wells that Metcalf applied on his Do-it All Dodge, allowing fitment of big tires. My intention of 37" tires is a bit away, though. The wheels and tires I have now will be transferred to the Bantam trailer I recently acquired.

 

[rxinhed]

View attachment 142554

Liking you rig now, for sure. Must be an adjust from the 'compact' wheel base of the Ramcharger. Did you use a trailing arm, or bogie setup, on the rear? When I saw T-Rex, I thought it needed a service body.

 

[rxinhed]

Today was the end of my weekend and I had previously painted the previous electric conduit box for a trial installation. Just before sundown, I had the interior vacuumed and pretty, then had my son help load the box aboard for some pretty pictures. As carefully as we could, we slid the box toward the folded rear seat. After my son went in, I shot the next pic and pulled the box out for the last pic...and I heard too late the carpet ripping under one of the slide mechanism too late, damn! It'll be covered, but the thought that I was stupid! :drool:

 

[rxinhed]

I was away from my Ramcharger for work assignments in Wyoming and Nebraska for the months of March and April. I've been attempting to transfer the stereo system from a Montero parts car to the RC for the last few weeks. I've removed interior trim panels in order to fit the 'extra' Boston Acoustic speakers, amplifier and CD changer. Unfortunately, I am cutting into original trim panels to perform the work. Not since I did the same to my last muscle car, an original owner '68 Buick GS400, have I had the same angst placing the razor knife and drilling holes. I'm finding a general lack of suitable spaces for the larger things, shucks.

I removed the stereo gear from the parts Montero several years ago, then moved the pieces to various other locations as my wife wanted the space my stuff occupied, then we moved all our stuff about 200 miles to our little ranch. Now, finding the wiring and connectors is challenging. Driving around with no tunes and the interior in disarray is losing appeal. This weekend I hope to conclude the installation and move on to roof rack and CB.

Cheers.

 

[rxinhed]

Too long since my last post. I still have not completed the stereo and CB installation, and the rack has been sidelined while I wait to buy a welder. I had taken the day off for an appointment and had the afternoon free. As a result of my fortune, I spent some beautification time with my Ramcharger. I decided the flat OD wasn't working with a burgundy interior and remedied that with satin burgundy for the side insets. I used about 1.8 rattle cans, probably due to a slight breeze turning to a gusty wind.

Pics:

Then, the outside temp was too high for the masking tape and I went inside for a nap. My paint job isn't concourse, but is a factory combination...and it looks fine at 20 feet!

 

[Sock Puppet]

Looks pretty good in the pics!

 

[RU55ELL]

Wow, that turned out very nicely!

 

[rxinhed]

Had a nice afternoon with the grinder, drill and cut-off saw, and played a little with the Conferr rack I purchased cheap at a yardsale about 5 years ago. The rack had been direct mounted to a Jeep hardtop and the support structure flattened to fit.

I spent an afternoon in January with my shrinking hammer and a body dolly to restore the shape of the supports, then was shipped to Wyoming/Nebraska for work. In the interim time, my wife decided she didn't like how/where I left my things in my part of the yard, and she had everything consolidated to her wishes near the barn and my parts cars. After the cows and horses walked on and over the rack, other delicate things and breakables, she wonders why I was upset so much. Gee, I don't know. :snorkel:

I have no welder (yet) and have to solve issues using other means. As the support rails were now all catywampus (spelling), I devised a hidden way to restore structure and support across the rack using channel. The channel is conveniently the right height to also support an expanded steel floor inside the rack. A few minutes of drilling tomorrow and I'll be able to mount the rack on my Ramcharger.

 

[rxinhed]

Rack mounted yesterday afternoon, just in time to survive a little rain.

 

[storey618]

looking great! how did you go about mounting it to the roof?

 

[rxinhed]

I used Riv-Nuts in nine (9) positions and 1/4" hardware, ample silicone to seal, and cross-fingers. The rack survived a freeway trip to work today. Now, I need a little wire-feed welder to further secure the expanded steel...very noisy bouncing around.

 

[Dawgboy]

Nice rig. I do love the Mopar trucks. I keep thinking I want to find a donor Ramcharger and bolt it's drivetrain onto my van.

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