BangShifter Tom Loreto send us an email with the Craigslist link to this pretty awesome 1977 Dodge trailer hauler that actually started life as an ambulance. Clean as a whistle, unique looking, and packing a big block in the front, this former meat wagon was built in Connecticut (according to the seller) and now lives on the west coast. While the 1977 spec 440 isn’t a fire breather, it wouldn’t be to hard to touch up with a cam, a set of heads, and some pistons that created a scenario better than the 8:1 (or thereabouts) compression the engine has. While the mechanical end of the hauler is interesting, it is the bodywork that really sets this thing apart.
As this was an ambulance, we’re guessing that the original builder basically started with the van “cab” and base chassis behind it after ripping the ‘bulance body off which means that someone essentially hand built the passenger compartment of the vehicle and did a damned fine job of it if we can say so ourselves. We’re trying to figure out where the rear windows were sourced from because they’re cool in the way they slightly wrap the corners of the cab. Inside the passenger area, there seems to be ample room for comfort on long trips although the seller claims the that the carpet is kind of tattered that wouldn’t slow us down at all.
Eagle-eyed truck loving BangShifters recognized that the bed is a Ford dually piece and we think that it actually works pretty well in this case and it may be the first time we have ever said that about a “bed swapped” truck. Normally the wrong bed on a truck makes it look awkward and bad but we can see why the original builder chose this Ford box for the Dodge hauler. There is a body line or crease that starts right after the headlight and travels the length of the cab and the crease in the bed lines up with it perfectly so there is nothing to jolt or stop your eye from following it. Cool choice!
The dual spotlights, roof rack, perfect hubcaps, amber fog lights, and minto paint and body make this thing insanely cool. It is a little bit of a freak but that is kind of how we like them anyway. Would you rock this baby across the country? We would, starting today.
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CL AD LINK: 1977 DODGE HAULER MADE FROM AMBULANCE
The back end of the “cab” is actually the back end of a Dodge Van. Those wrap around windows were used on Dodge Vans in the early 80’s, I believe. It looks like he cut the rear end off of another van and welded it to the back of the cab. Looks kind of cool. I think I would have done something different for the bed, though, The right year Dodge truck bed would probably look better.
I agree. I was thinking it was the back of one of the “extended” Dodge vans. If so, it’d be tailor-made for a cut-and-past application like this.
Somebody in my area took an old ’83 Chevy long-wheelbase duallie ambulance, swapped the same year Suburban front clip onto it and spliced a pair of beds together to create a factory-appearing 10-foot bed. It’s got a 454/TH400 and its awesome
He should have used a Dodge bed instead of the Ford one, Maybe if I can convince the boss I need it I can change that.
wow looks factory i always wanted a dodge dreamer to haul the racecar i know ford did one also but i never seen a chevy though http://www.trucks2cars.com/car-detail/other-pickups/Dodge-Other-Pickups-DUALLY-DREAMER-1978-DODGE_121110424415.html
opps meant to add they are called dodge dreamers 78-79