My first Mopar - 79 Dodge D200
 

Spreading my wings here and I have been talked into re-wiring a 79 Dodge D200 truck for a local active duty GI serving in the USAF. This is my first time looking under the Mopar hood and see how they work.

Subject of my attention is a beat up 79 Dodge D200 sporting a rotted flat bed deck and a 360 on life support under the hood. The myriad of wire nuts, splices and garbage hanging out in the cab and around the engine bay is astounding. This thing was never meant to leave the farm from its origins in South Dakota but alas its living in New Jersey now.

So today in my lap sits a generic 12 circuit harness the owner purchased. We are going to gut the cab and engine bay, yank the motor and trans (some auto I have no idea yet) and come up with a plan. First order is delete the ballast and upgrade the 12 volt ignition (super surprised it was still 6 volt in 79). Then I would like to update the charging system. I am pretty familiar with GM externally regulated alternators and how to upgrade them. Lots of info out there on the subject. Dodge not so much.

Do any of you guys have insight as to what may be a "pseudo-bolt on" V belt alternator that provides more AMPs and reliability over the factory externally regulated unit. I'm trying to stay with off the shelf stuff so the owner can head to the local parts store for goodies. I see some guys use 2002 Van units but information regarding the how's and what's is just about zero. I'll try to get some pics this week and post them. She's rough for sure but lots of potential. Any information would be super appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

Re: My first Mopar - 79 Dodge D200
 

6 volt?...wow...I sure wouldnt have thought that...I remember in the 70s my uncle talked dad into buying dodges..I sure dont miss them...funny thing was my uncle worked for the dodge dealership but drove a 61 Chevy truck...