'68-'71 Dodge Trucks
Late '67 thru '68 Trucks
The changes from 1967 to 1968 Dodge trucks were little more than a new,
more oval grille design, optional two-tone paint schemes, and the
availability of the Adventurer package. Engineers
also changed the hood design to match the grille. With the camper market
still accounting for large sales numbers, Dodge ads aimed the "Double Life"
theme at buyers to highlight the comfort, looks and toughness of the latest
models.
1969 Dodge Trucks
1969 was a year of few, yet unique changes. As shown in the above picture,
both the hood and bumper design was updated for a sleeker and more
appealing appearance. In the drivetrain the dated front I-beam suspension
was revamped for easier steering, better control, and overall a softer
ride. Dodge highlighted these changes with the "Cushioned Beam" slogan
that was incorporated into various advertisements
from the time period. The interior of all light duty pickups also
received a new dash which was more like a flat angled panel spanning the
width of the interior. A fully padded upper portion added to passenger
safety and comfort, while controls and gauges were updated accordingly.
'70-'71 Dodge Trucks
On the exterior, a new grille and safety lights made the list of changes
for '70-'71 trucks. An easy-off tailgate was another innovation for the
camper crowd, as was a wiring provision for the electrical of slide on
units. On Camper Special models, a huge 25 gallon gas tank was made
standard, while a 23 gallon auxiliary tank was optional.
1971, being the last year for the Sweptline Era, was still a colorful year
for changes and additions. A "Dodge" decal graced the tailgate where
previously, the trucks had the letters for the Dodge name stamped into the
center of the gate.
The Sweptline Special
Image from Dodge Truck sales brochure
The most unique trucks for '70 and `71 were the
"Sweptline Special" and "Dude" package trucks. The Sweptline Special was a
ultra bare bones short-box truck equipped with all the necessities and very
few comforts. These items include a 198ci Slant-Six mated to a 3-spd manual
tranny. This truck was sold at a lower price than those offered by
competitors and targeted the commercial or utilitarian market. On the other
hand, the Dude package was clearly more fun as far as options and looks go.
A body length, c-shaped stripe fit the contours of the Sweptline box and
included the Dude logo. This truck was based more upon paint and tape
appearance upgrades rather than comfort or engineering advancements. See the Dodge Dude Pickup
Brochure below for more information on the Dude package.
The DUDE
Image from Dodge Truck sales brochure
For more information about Dude Pickups or to register your Dude in the Dude
Pickup Registry, visit The
Dodge Dude Website.
Jalopnik.com even featured the Dodge Dude Pickup! The Dodge Dude Abides: Adventures in Truck Marketing
Luke Talkin's `70 Dude
Images Submitted by Owner, Luke Talkin
Luke found this truck at an auction, and what a gem! It's a 1970 D-100 Sweptline Longbed
with the Dude package, which is a rare beast considering that a good majority of the Dude
pickups were 1971 model year trucks. The truck has seen 61,000 miles and has no signs of any
major repair work. Since Luke got the truck, he has added a set of headers, MP Electronic
Ignition, an RV cam, 4bbl intake and carb along with a tranny cooler for better performance.
Luke plans to restore the body of the truck and maintain the original color scheme along with a
repro set of stripes and Dude decals. Click on the thumbnail images below to see more pics of
Luke's `70 Dude Pickup.
Richard Smith's `71 Dude
Images Submitted by Owner, Richard L. Smith
Here's an excellent example of a very near-original 1971 Dude Pickup. This D-100 has only
70,000 miles on it and still has the original paint and interior in good condition. A 318 small
block powerplant lives under the hood while a 727 Loadflite transmission does the gear
changing. To see a couple more views of this clean, original Dude Pickup, click on the
thumbnail images below.
Images Submitted by Steve Dreibelbis
Above and below are three images of a `71 Dude Pickup sandwiched in-between another Dodge Truck
and some Mopar Muscle. Click on the thumbnail images below to see a couple more views of the
truck.
Thanks to Chris Lublin and Steve Dreibelbis for use of various '71 Dodge
Truck sales literature items which were useful in creating this page.
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