1979 Dodge - Li'l Red Express

[Magnet]

2021

After many years of not being driven, the 1979 Li'l Red Express was taken to a small show and shine car show today. The paint, and many parts, are well over 30 years old. A few more parts still remain to be installed as well as more attention to detail needed.

Thanks for reading.
Darcy Bast

https://i.ibb.co/5hCXfBT/lilredjul2021-A.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1Lf573g/lilred2021.jpg
The part numbers for the above items are based on the 1979 Factory Dodge Trucks - parts manual for the High Performance Li'l Red Express.
The correct fan shroud - part # 4089 573, including hareware. (This was a very challenging find !)
Correct New OEM Rear Shocks - Mopar Dura Ride - part # 4086 419
Correct New OEM Heater Control Unit - part # 3635 731
Correct New OEM Prop/Nuts for Side Trim Board - part # 6031 515
Correct New OEM Voltage Regulator - part # 4091 050
Correct NEW OEM Starter Relay - part # 4111 541
Correct NEW OEM Distributer Cap - part # 2444 507
Correct NEW OEM Interior Arm Rest - part # 3824 033.

Thanks for reading.
Darcy Bast


2020

The 1979 Li'l Red Express project is progressing.

Freshly installed Trim Box Wood !
https://i.ibb.co/QJf47wY/lilredwood2020-A.jpg
New Adventurer 150 Emblems.
https://i.ibb.co/n6gcWgx/LRE4.jpg
Obtaining a factory correct and original 1979 Li'l Red Express am/fm 8-track radio was a challenge !
https://i.ibb.co/dLrWDnQ/Factory-Lil-Red-8-track.jpg
In efforts to bring the truck back to it being complete and correct, I have obtained the certified trim box wood for the sides and the end gate. Five coats of lacquer is a time consuming process.
https://i.ibb.co/PY8DRgW/LRE3.jpg

Thanks for reading.
Darcy Bast

2019

The 1979 Li'l Red Express project has progressed since 2018.

As a first step, I have decided to focus on bringing the truck back to it being complete and correct. The Li'l Red Express has the original motor, external chrome and is about 90 % complete and correct. Over the past year, the correct factory 8-track radio (OEM Part # 3501 458), Adventurer 150 emblems, spare tire carrier hardware and a few other items have been obtained. I am now currently researching in my spare time some NOS (New Old Stock) correct factory Mopar parts to bring the truck back to a point where it is real nice again in memory of my Dad.

Thanks for reading.
Darcy Bast


https://i.ibb.co/RPq4pGN/LRE2.jpg



2018

Here is my story about a 1979 Li'l Red Express.

It was approximately in 1988 when my dad and I purchased this 1979 Lil Red Express. Actually, it was my dad that purchased the Li'l Red Express at my insistence and relentlessness, because I was very young at the time and had no extra spare money. Over the years, the Lil Red Express Truck was maintained, driven sparingly on occasion and always parked outside in the Canadian elements. Since my dad passed away in 2007, the Li'l Red Express has not been driven. In mid 2018, I obtained garage space for the Li'l Red Express. I have been recently thinking about doing some work on the Li'l Red Express. At this point, I am not exactly sure on the direction or plan for the truck, but my aim is to bring the truck back to a point where it is real nice again in memory of my Dad.

The photo below of the Li'l Red Express was taken in August 2018 and the truck has been virtually untouched since 1988.

Thanks for reading.
Darcy Bast

https://i.ibb.co/Yy4PQLR/LRE1.jpg