I'm in the very early stages of an LSR build with an '84 Dodge Rampage. Seldom Seen Slim suggested that I should start a build thread, and I agree that it's a good idea to start one. Even though I'm still in the "tear apart" stages, I thought I'd start posting photos, and hopefully will get into the good habit of keeping up with the photos and information.
Anyway, as with most car projects, this one starts with an interesting story. I've always had a soft spot in my heart (head) for the '80's Dodge FWD vehicles. One of my first cars was an '80 Dodge 024, which was equipped with a VW 1.7L gas engine. This was the predecessor to the 2.2L Dodge 4-banger that came out in '82 or so.
So, as I'm coming home from a bicycle race on a recent Sunday afternoon, I see this Rampage sitting on the shoulder of the highway, within 3-4 miles from my home. I think to myself - "hmm, you don't see one of those everyday". Then the next morning, it's still parked there on the side of the highway. I didn't have time to stop then, but I decided that I would come back at lunchtime and leave a note if it was still there. So I went back at lunchtime, lo and behold, it's still there - no license plates on it, but no visible damage. I figure, "what the heck", maybe the door's unlocked. Sure enough, the door is unlocked and the key is in the ignition. So I laid my note on the seat with my phone #, and tried the key. Nothing, not even a click, but the radio display lit up. I shut the door, step back to take a few photos, and a Missouri State Trooper pulls up, lights flashing.... He asks if everything is OK, and I tell him what I'm doing, as I ask how long they will let it sit before towing it away. He tells me at least 48 hours, to allow the owner to retrieve it. I hope back in my car and head back to work.
On my way home, the Rampage is gone, and I figure that I may never see it again. However, the next morning, a guy calls me, saying that he got my note. I ask him about the Rampage, and he says he had just bought it, and was on his way home when the engine let go. He said that another engine came with the Rampage, but that he didn't feel up to putting it in. I made him an offer for the Rampage and all the extra parts - he accepted, and I showed up at his home about 75 miles away (he had the broke-down Rampage towed to his house from the side of the highway). Here is the first of my photos, with the Rampage on a friend's trailer, about to be unloaded at its new home (my house).
Ooops, I forgot to upload the pics to photobucket - will post soon.
SteveM.