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Tech => Projects => Topic started by: charlesm1982 on January 27, 2016, 04:13:24 AM

Title: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 27, 2016, 04:13:24 AM
I bought this truck from a mexican fella down in Dallas it had been in the family since 80's when his dad bought it from a border patrol agent in south Texas.... Fast forward to when I buy it from him parked next to his patio for the last 7 years or so not running.....it was used as a radio there's a mile of speaker wire different kinds of speakers and cd changer in the back the truck was started only to charge the battery lol....there's even a "La Cucaracha" horn  :035: lmao......it had a Rochester Quadrajet on it with every vaccum port plugged with 6 inches of hose and a bolt....chevy alternator....front driveshaft removed but is with truck....wiring harness is hacked!.......So far I've changed carb to a thermoquad from summit racing, fuel pump, oil, coolant & thermostat. Started driving the truck on the way home the damn starter cable melted which caused the starter solenoid to melt as well, bought new cables, starter and battery but before I put them on decided to fix the electrical harness I bought new wire some connectors and pigtails was planning to do it myself but 3 months have passed and I realized I have no time to build the harness so I bought a new one from http://www.mopartruckparts.com/ it came in at $267.07 high but as busy as I am with family and work I would never have time to build a harness. Its a 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4wd factory 440/727 no a/c only heat, original color is a orange. 
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 27, 2016, 04:29:07 AM
Some pics

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 27, 2016, 04:30:45 AM
This is some of the wiring cluster

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: rjtx667 on January 27, 2016, 09:12:26 AM
nice looking truck.

glad to have you around.  :headbang:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on January 27, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Cool find  :thumbsup:

Keep the horn, its a classic collectors item.  :035:

I think most of the 70's trucks have wiring just like that. Mine was a rat's nest of extra wiring from stereo hack jobs, cb's and I too had some funky horn. It didn't work or I would have kept it for sure.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 27, 2016, 08:06:21 PM
that is pretty cool. i wan't one eventually but finding one that is indecent shape around here is nearly impossible.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 28, 2016, 01:49:38 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on January 27, 2016, 09:12:26 AM
nice looking truck.

glad to have you around.  :headbang:

Thanks I enjoy the site.......Whats the story RamCargerCentral? People stop using it?


Quote from: SixGun on January 27, 2016, 11:20:04 AM
Cool find  :thumbsup:

I think most of the 70's trucks have wiring just like that. Mine was a rat's nest of extra wiring from stereo hack jobs, cb's and I too had some funky horn. It didn't work or I would have kept it for sure.

Oh man I got wires striped stuck in fuses, wires stuck in the battery terminals and tightened, speaker wire on the coil its funny  :017:....need to find good wiring schematic

Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 28, 2016, 08:47:05 AM
this is for a 79 so i am not sure if it will be 100% the same or not but i figure it has got to be similar. it has the wiring diagrams for a 79 ramcharger/trail duster
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7J17pYhhC6LSkxlNkFqSkJ3UWs
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: taz_man440 on January 28, 2016, 10:39:43 AM
Great find..  I know my 82 has a 360 & runs 100% better with a quadrajet than a Holly..  Good luck on the build....
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on January 28, 2016, 10:43:27 AM
When I was shopping around for an FSM, I was told by DodgeBoys that there was no FSM for 76.  You either go one year earlier or later.  I found one for 77 with updates from the 75/76 models.  Ebay can be cheaper if you have time to shop around for awhile.  I got in a bidding war for my 91 and probably over paid a bit but I sold the diesel truck addendum and made a little back.  DodgeBoys has your model for 77 but his prices can be a little higher at times.  He's a good guy but no credit cards or paypal if I remember correctly which was why I went elsewhere.  Worth a look at least.  An FSM has come in handy on many occasions.  A worthwhile investment IMHO.

:read2:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 28, 2016, 04:00:55 PM
if you are interested in getting a FSM rockauto can possibly get you one for a 75 or 77. there does not seem to be one listed for 76 like Richard said. you can get it in cd or hard copy but the hard copy is about twice the cost of CD. a lot of the time tho the basics are pretty much the same accross the board. all you need is a multi meter and you can solve nearly all the issues on these old truck. they are really pretty simple until you start upgrading them like me. then they become a nightmare for anyone other than me :laughing7:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 29, 2016, 01:56:51 AM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on January 28, 2016, 08:47:05 AM
this is for a 79 so i am not sure if it will be 100% the same or not but i figure it has got to be similar. it has the wiring diagrams for a 79 ramcharger/trail duster
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7J17pYhhC6LSkxlNkFqSkJ3UWs

Thanks man this is really nice easy to use!  :13:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 29, 2016, 02:06:19 AM
Quote from: taz_man440 on January 28, 2016, 10:39:43 AM
Great find..  I know my 82 has a 360 & runs 100% better with a quadrajet than a Holly..  Good luck on the build....


Thanks it was luck........the CL ad said it was a 76 Ram I knew they didn't start calling trucks Ram until 1981 so I clicked on it see what kind of surprise it might be...........With the carb I have 2 holley's I could of used but I wanted it the way it came with a Thermoquad!
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on January 29, 2016, 02:41:24 AM
Quote from: SixGun on January 28, 2016, 10:43:27 AM
When I was shopping around for an FSM, I was told by DodgeBoys that there was no FSM for 76.  You either go one year earlier or later.  I found one for 77 with updates from the 75/76 models.  Ebay can be cheaper if you have time to shop around for awhile.  I got in a bidding war for my 91 and probably over paid a bit but I sold the diesel truck addendum and made a little back.  DodgeBoys has your model for 77 but his prices can be a little higher at times.  He's a good guy but no credit cards or paypal if I remember correctly which was why I went elsewhere.  Worth a look at least.  An FSM has come in handy on many occasions.  A worthwhile investment IMHO.

:read2:

I found this little gem on ebay that supplements 75 & 76 but to complete you need the 74

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Dodge-Ramcharger-Trail-Duster-Shop-Service-Repair-Manual-Supplement-Book-/130741244409?fits=Make%3APlymouth%7CModel%3ATrailduster&hash=item1e70c911f9:g:jFsAAOSwf-VWao7I&vxp=mtr
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: bullboy0852 on January 29, 2016, 04:57:04 AM
That's not factory wiring? I thought they all looked like that? Lol good looking truck

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on January 29, 2016, 02:40:16 PM
I wouldn't worry about the 74 RC.  74's were very unique in many ways. It would be confusing.  Good price but if you were to find a 77 FSM for that price it would be ideal. You might contact the seller and see if he carries one.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on January 29, 2016, 03:04:24 PM
I looked back at my conversation with DB.  He pointed me towards one that had red writing at the bottom stating "Service procedures also apply to the 1978 models".  See pic below. At the time there were quite a few sellers and this ones jacket was a little rough but I picked it up for $9.99. He said not all 77 FSM's had that note at the bottom.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on January 29, 2016, 03:41:48 PM
Quite a few for $25 or less

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=factory+service+manual+ramcharger+1977&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xservice+manual+ramcharger+1977.TRS0&_nkw=service+manual+ramcharger+1977&_sacat=0

http://www.carmanuals.com/manuals/1977-DODGE-RAMCHARGER-PLYMOUTH-TRAILDUSTER-FACTORY-SERVICE-MANUAL-SHOP-REPAIR_301793953808.html
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 01, 2016, 08:39:07 AM
Today I should have the wiring harness!!

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 03, 2016, 02:46:04 AM
New Engine harness!!!

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 03, 2016, 02:50:33 AM
Found these on ebay.....

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: crazzywolfie on February 03, 2016, 07:31:13 AM
that looks like a pretty nice score. that harness looks like it is practically brand new
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 07, 2016, 11:26:57 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on February 03, 2016, 07:31:13 AM
that looks like a pretty nice score. that harness looks like it is practically brand new

Thanks!!!!..............Yes its brand new with oem wire color and labeling
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 11, 2016, 04:33:20 AM
The engine harness is in.....correct alternator on.....new starter is on....a flat out c*nt to get in & out w/440 and exhaust, previous owner had one bolt and nut holding it on then had to re-tap threads on tranny dig for new bolt and stud but all is well if it ends well right?.....ripped out all radio, speaker wires, disc changer garbage there was even 10ft. electrical cords plugged into one another used as speaker wire lmfao :dontknow:.....Did not try to start it up yet going over dash wiring with FSM first!
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 11, 2016, 04:39:03 AM
Here's couple pics....

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: rjtx667 on February 12, 2016, 07:42:51 AM
Looking good... hopefully you hear it running soon  :great:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on February 12, 2016, 03:47:42 PM
Its like opening Christmas presents when the mail comes!!

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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on March 05, 2016, 12:12:31 AM
There was a ford starter relay mounted on the LH inner fender that was half @ss wired so I went down to Oreilly's and ordered the correct relay. Somebody worked harder to rig this truck up this way than fix what was wrong with it! Lucky only the starter cables caught on fire last time it was running. If I get a couple of hours this weekend should have her running again.

I bought a 1976 Dealer brochure off ebay for $6. Looks like this was ordered by an individual its has the sport package with 440 auto, cruise, roll bar, bench seat, power steering, skid plates, engine block heater, heater only no A/C, 35 gallon tank, heavy duty shocks, stabilizer bar, Sunburst orange paint. Originally I think this was bought from somewhere up north and made its way to Texas down the line somehow.

 
Quote from: SixGun on January 29, 2016, 02:40:16 PM
I wouldn't worry about the 74 RC.  74's were very unique in many ways. It would be confusing.  Good price but if you were to find a 77 FSM for that price it would be ideal. You might contact the seller and see if he carries one.

I purchased the 1975 & 1976 Supplement Service manual first and after going through wiring diagrams realized I needed the 1974 FSM to get complete diagrams because 75 & 76 sup. manual only shows what's new in 75 & 76. In 1977 they came out with a new FSM lots of changes, which wouldn't have helped me.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: SixGun on March 05, 2016, 06:03:29 AM
Interesting I haven't run across that. Good deal.

Now get that cool truck going.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on April 25, 2016, 10:56:11 PM
Work on the Trailduster has been going slow. There's multiple shorts in the dash harness. I hook up the battery its sounds and looks like I'm welding lol. Almost every wire has been cut stripped and another wire twisted on.


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Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on December 19, 2016, 09:55:15 PM
It's been awhile....Thought I would post an update.

I burned up the brand new engine harness on the first test drive .......the red FLD wire on the back on the ALT. came off (when driving or I did not hook it up) grounded out on the exhaust manifold melted wires together back to the FW. rebuilt the harness, tested the alt. it turned out to be bad along with the brand new starter relay switch-grounding out internally.

After fixing the harness, replacing Alt., starter relay switch, did a tune up with plugs, wires, cap & rotor, coil, voltage reg. 

I did the AMP gauge bypass (www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/amp-gauges.shtml) added fusible links installing volt meter, gauges are still out working on wires that where stripped back for whatever reason.

Haven't started the truck gonna go over everything..... but not a lot time spent on the Trailduster...... Did heater core in Kia, got the Samurai running.
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: ProjectPW on December 20, 2016, 12:30:48 PM
Keep at it the dodge electrical gremlins CAN be tamed.... sorry to hear about the new harness going up in smoke... at least it is fairly simple
Title: Re: 1976 Plymouth Trailduster 4WD 440/727
Post by: charlesm1982 on December 29, 2016, 10:55:34 PM
It's alive again!!!!! Nothing caught on fire.......yet!

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