Rising interest in square-body 1970s and 1980s Chevrolet pickups is boosting the value of trucks from that era. Former workhorse vehicles, like this 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 4×4 recently offered on eBay, are now collectibles.
Badge Engineering
The Trail Duster is a Dodge full-size, two-door Ramcharger wearing Plymouth badges. Trail Dusters were built from 1974 to 1981 in numbers far lower than the Ramcharger. Estimates peg the total volume at approximately 36,000 units over the six-year production period. They were rare then—and rarer today.
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These vehicles were built to work. It took two years before a passenger seat became standard equipment. The Trail Duster sits on a robust carbon-steel frame with front and rear solid axles and leaf springs. The standard drivetrain pairs Chrysler’s venerable 318-cubic-inch V-8 with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Big-block V-8s were optional. Buyers could choose either a steel roof or a dealer-installed vinyl soft top.
Plymouth eventually softened its off-road wagon. Two-wheel-drive models were introduced in 1975. An optional Sport Package included:
- High-back bucket seats
- Center console with removable ice chest
- Color-keyed vinyl door trim panels with assist straps
- Woodgrain instrument panel
- Sport rear bumper and badging
Rotisserie Revival
JCJ Customs - opens in new window or tab. of Fort Worth, Texas, performed a frame-off and rotisserie restoration on this Trail Duster. It has been a Texas truck since it was new. The restoration retained its rust-free original sheet metal and floors. The restorer stripped the body to bare metal and refinished it using Axalta’s Standox - opens in new window or tab. two-stage paint. Much of the truck’s trim, including the quad-headlight grille, head- and tail lights, parking lights, and turn signal lights, is new old stock (NOS).
The powder-coated frame is fitted with rebuilt suspension components, a Chrysler 9-1/4-inch rear axle featuring new gears and a limited-slip differential, and a rebuilt Dana 44 front axle - opens in new window or tab. equipped with period-correct manual locking hubs - opens in new window or tab.. The rebuilt brakes include the factory front disc brake calipers - opens in new window or tab.. The original NP203 full-time transfer case is still in place, accompanied by a Mile Marker part-time kit that disengages the front axle when 4WD isn’t needed. Chrome Method wheels - opens in new window or tab. resemble the original painted spoke wheels. They mount beefy BFGoodrich All-Terrain - opens in new window or tab. radials.
The Trail Duster’s once-utilitarian interior is now posh. Buckskin leather covers the seats and door panels. The dashboard, gauges, and steering wheel look brand new. Air conditioning from Classic Auto Air - opens in new window or tab. keeps passengers cool, as do fresh breezes when the new vinyl SofTopper - opens in new window or tab. top comes off.
Dyno-Proven Horsepower
A date-code-correct 1971 340-cubic-inch V-8 that looks like it came from a Duster - opens in new window or tab. muscle car powers the Trail Duster. It boasts a long list of aftermarket parts, including:
- Forged crankshaft
- New valvetrain
- Ported cylinder heads
- Ceramic-coated Hedman headers - opens in new window or tab.
- Custom exhaust with Thrush mufflers - opens in new window or tab.
The engine produced 329 horsepower on a dyno. Those test sheets are included in the sale. Also included are an owner’s manual, brochure, factory shop manuals, and restoration receipts and records.
The Trail Duster has gone fewer than 800 miles since its restoration. Its $79,890 Buy-It-Now price seems steep at first glance. Yet, it’s comparable to restored examples of Ford Bronco - opens in new window or tab. and Chevrolet Blazer - opens in new window or tab. competitors. For that money, you get a rarer vintage SUV.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.