The 1978 & 1979 Dodge "Lil Red Express" trucks were a big hit in their time, and still have a loyal following; but this customer wanted something different, something that a tall person could fit in comfortably, carry more than 2 passengers, and still look good. So, the idea was hatched to build a model that Dodge never did - the "Big Red Express" - basically the same truck, but using a Club Cab model instead of the single cab.
Starting with a good running Club Cab model, and a short narrow bedside, the truck was torn apart, the frame shortened, floor rust repaired and sent off to paint...
http://scotlea.com/gallery/item/109-1979-dodge-big-red-express#sigProGalleria2134f1c7b4
Back from paint and really red. Now for reassembly, attempting to make it look as factory as possible (except for the custom door decals)...
http://scotlea.com/gallery/item/109-1979-dodge-big-red-express#sigProGalleriafe5ee2aec8
Bed wood prepped and installed...
http://scotlea.com/gallery/item/109-1979-dodge-big-red-express#sigProGalleria4302525e6d
Engine bay rebuilt with factory parts and a few blended custom touches. Stock 360 small block and 727 trans were rebuilt and reused.
http://scotlea.com/gallery/item/109-1979-dodge-big-red-express#sigProGalleriadbe2c2cb8e
Finished up and on the road - with lots of people telling us they used to have one too - NOT! This is the only Big Red Express known - because we made it!!! Pretty cool. The interior is a mix of old and new - using Chevy full-size Blazer seats and console for a better fit for the owner, and NOS dash and door panels. Dash gauges include the rare factory tach, and an engine vacuum gauge.
http://scotlea.com/gallery/item/109-1979-dodge-big-red-express#sigProGalleriafef25b7e93