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We didn't win the contest, they picked a Honda...

Hot Ridez Hook-up Entry: 1983 Dodge Rampage 2.2 Sport
Homepage: http://www.personal.psu.edu/sdb12/rampage/HotRidez

Scott and Joy Barbara
[Personal Information Withheld from Webpage]

HISTORY & BIO
Dodge only made the Rampage for three years, 1982, 83, and 84. They are fast becoming extremely scarce due to rust problems that plagued Chrysler's L-Body vehicles. Rampages are highly sought after by collectors with the 1983 model being the most desirable. Our truck is an 83 and has a 2.2 liter engine, automatic transmission, air-conditioning and the "Sport" package, making it even rarer than other models from the same year. It's also next to impossible to find a Rampage with an automatic transmission.

Our Rampage was purchased in 1992 by Joy's father for her 16th birthday. He was a salesman for a dealership in Jersey Shore, PA at the time and when the Rampage came in, he immediately jumped on it before someone else did. He had to hide it in a ditch near the dealership to keep other potential buyers away. He loved that truck and especially liked to show it off. It was in fairly good shape when he purchased it, but the summer of 1995, rust had started to form on both doors and all four fenders. Scott stripped most of the paint off and fixed the rust spots, then gave it a fresh coat of paint. The interior was also fixed up and by August, it looked good enough to enter in the "Last Cruise" in downtown State College. It didn't win anything but it did generate a lot of comments, especially when a person who owns a local car dealership came within an inch or so of hitting it with his Lamborghini Diablo! The truck was driven every day for 9 years before it had to be retired due to continued rust problems. Funny thing, it finally gave out after Joy's dad passed away in 2001, almost like it had a connection to him.

After graduating from College with degrees in computers, Scott began building web pages and he and Joy decided to build a site dedicated to the Rampage. The site has resided on several servers, but remains relatively unchanged in its current home at the address on the top of the page. Since its creation, the web site has become a favorite among Rampage enthusiasts. Correspondence has taken place with a number of individuals from all over the country, and even Canada, who have stopped by to see it. Recently Scott received an e-mail from an individual with the same name as Joy's father with a subject line reading "Rampage." "I about fell off my chair and was hesitant to open it for a while," he says, "I thought I might be getting email from beyond the grave!" Fortunately it was just an eerie coincidence, but it makes a neat story.

These stories are only a small sample of what this vehicle holds in its past. We would love to share all of them, but we could fill several volumes if we were to tell them all.

So now here she sits under her little cocoon in our driveway waiting until the day she can be restored to her former glory. She's a rare little truck begging to have a new lease on life. To win this contest, and give her a new image would be so fantastic; words can not describe it. We are willing to let the customizers do anything they want, and we are certainly not opposed to having the truck used in promotions, so long as we get to drive it too! As far as accidental damage goes, it can't get much worse and since it is currently not running, we do not need it for primary transportation. The vehicle will need to be towed from its current location via roll-back.

Insurance Information for this vehicle:
Company: Erie Insurance Exchange
NIAC Code: 26271
Policy Number: [Withheld from webpage]
Effective: 07/02/2004 - 01/12/2005

PHOTOS
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Current condition
The Rampage under her cocoon since 2001 when she stopped running. Daily Driver from 1992 - 2001.
Right front
Right front - Paint chipped and rubbing off from age and weather
Left front
Left front - See note about right. Notice hood faux hood scoop and side scoops. Hood scoop says "Rampage 2.2"
Right side
Right side - Note rust along bottom, vehicle is on blocks. Tires do not hold air. Also has rare OEM Alloy Wheels, in poor condition. Considerable amount of amateur body work has been done to this side.
Left side
Left side - Note vehicle could not be easily moved for a better photo. Condition is worse than right side, broken door handle, more rust, front tire is shredded.
Left front
Back - Note, vehicle could not be moved for a better photo. Cover over bed was constructed from OSB and covered by a vinyl sheet. It sags very badly in the middle and leaks extensively.
Interior
Interior from right side, left side door can not be opened. Note shift lever is beginning to rust. Interior needs a lot of work.
Right front
Seats from right side, note rip in driver's seat, both are very faded. OEM.
Left side
Interior dash, OEM instrument panel with clock and tachometer. Only available on "Sport" models. Factory AM/FM analog radio.
Engine Compartment
Engine compartment, 2.2 liter with 2 barrel Holly Carb. Engine compartment contains a special plate. See below.
Scott and Joy with the Rampage
Scott and Joy with their Dodge Rampage.
Special Plate
Special plate in engine compartment, located on left front side by radiator. Reads "Special Handling Greater New York Auto Show EX Factory Date 12-23." Research has revealed no clues as to the significance of this plate.

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