Ballenxj wrote:
And yeah, Griff is a bit of alright, isn't he?
My wife has strict rules about people complimenting me!! Expressing appreciation for things I do is okay ... otherwise, I wind up needing new hats, welding helmets, and safety face shields.
@Chris - The first seven digits of your VIN are significant:
F3 - MB300 chassis
3 - Compact Mid-Line Wagon (Custom Sportsman); Conv. Cab w/ Utiline
J - Unassigned GVW (not listed in most VIN tables)
T - 360-4 engine w/ 2 barrel carburetor
9 - 1979
V - Warren Truck Compact manufacturing plant
Digits eight through thirteen - serial number
So, you have a one ton chassis with a heavy duty truck engine. Assuming your title has 1979 for the year, you've don't need to worry about split-year issues.
I'd be interested in knowing if the VIN on the title matches the chassis VIN. (Yes or no would be sufficient.)
If a parts store doesn't have a listing for '79 MB300 -- or their parts lists are incomplete -- have them look under '79 B300. There may be some differences but most parts will be the same for MB300 and B400.
If you now have a four barrel carburetor, it means someone swapped intake manifold and carburetor. If you have a two barrel, it's probably a Carter BBD. (I have a couple 'parts donor' BBD laying around.)
The 360-4 means a heavy duty truck version, which are usually collectively called -3 engines. These typically had heavier duty internal components, like forged or shot-peened crankshafts, stronger connecting rods, special pistons, and so forth. (-3 engines are very desirable among race car builders ... so it's somewhat rare to find them still in motorhomes.)
BTW - Fargo was the 'badge' for Canadian and Australian MOPAR trucks ... identical to Dodge trucks, except for obscure government regulations and laws.
