ou may have wondered why you don’t see many vintage 1961-1971 Dodge D-100 pickup trucks, commonly referred to as Sweptline models, out on the road and/or at shows. It’s something that many of us think about all the time, and the reason is due to a few factors. First off, production numbers of these trucks at that time were overshadowed by the amount of Chevy and Ford pickups. Were Dodge trucks simply less desirable than these other two American auto manufacturers? Sales figures show that Dodge trucks constantly trailed competing C10 and F-100 pickup sales. What does all that mean for today’s Dodge pickup fan base? Quite honestly, fewer survivor Sweptlines fit to rehabilitate.

Aside from the fewer number of Dodge Sweptline pickups out there to find and build, another issue fans of these trucks face is much less aftermarket support compared to what Chevy and Ford fans have at their disposal. There is just less incentive for builders to dig up a Dodge for a complete overhaul, unless the desire to drive a Mopar hauler isn’t phased by the added hurdles en route to the finish line.

Instead of focusing so much on why folks don’t build as many classic Dodge trucks, let’s move to put a spotlight on those who HAVE successfully built their own unique version of the perfect Sweptline pickup. Allow us to take this opportunity to introduce you to two gentlemen: Leo Botello of Houston, and Tony Leal of Orange, California. Leo has a superclean 1962 D-100, and Tony owns a sleek and mean 1964. While these two trucks are only two years apart, their respective style is different enough to take note and examine a bit closer.

Leo has built his Dodge truck in true Pro Touring fashion. He decided to stick with Mopar power by inviting TTI Speed Shop in Houston to plant a 2008 Dodge 6.1L Hemi engine underhood. “Mopar guys are a loyal bunch,” Leo boasts. “Going with an LS engine would’ve been sacrilegious.” While in the shop, it was outfitted with a C&R Racing custom radiator and water pump, JBA long-tube headers, as well as TTI’s own custom-fabricated intake tube and 3-inch stainless exhaust system.

To harness all that power, Leo wanted to make sure the suspension could live up to that healthy engine performance, so he utilized the factory chassis and installed a modified Scott’s Hotrods IFS and rear four-link setup. RideTech coil-overs were selected instead of airbags since Leo was interested in creating optimal ride performance that could be proven at the track. Great care was taken to take full use of the tap shift functionality of the NAG1 transmission, which was ultimately achieved after some masterful ingenuity. The truck’s stopping power was addressed next by assembling a complete Wilwood braking system to bring the 20-inch American Racing VF502 Cross Up wheels to a halt.

On the other hand, Tony began the build of his D-100 in a somewhat similar spirit to Leo’s. “I was tired of seeing the same thing out there,” he admits. Tony also selected a Hemi powerplant—a 2016 model that he enlisted the help of local Old Anvil Speed Shop in Orange to whip up custom headers and a 4-inch exhaust setup that flows through Vibrant mufflers. A custom cold-air intake system helps the engine to breathe as best as it can. To keep things cool, a Mattson custom radiator with dual Spal brushless fans, along with one-off upper and lower rad hoses put together by Old Anvil do the trick.

The approach to this suspension build scrapped the factory Dodge frame altogether and instead used a full-custom Porterbuilt chassis with cantilever shocks and Watts link in the rear. Now, instead of opting for coilovers, Tony gravitated toward an air-ride system complete with AirLift 3H air management system with Flo air tanks and Aldan American shocks at each corner. To plumb all the necessary air, brake, and fuel lines, Arizona High Test stepped in to provide the necessary stainless hardware. Tony also selected quality Wilwood braking components to slow the roll of the 22×9 and 22×12 Avant Garde F411 wheels.

While both Dodge trucks feature impressive suspension systems designed to suit each individual owner, the divide in style really comes into view with their differing exteriors. The debate of patina versus paint is one that will always be a topic within the custom classic truck community, and both have their own selling points. Obviously, Leo leaned toward the side of the fence that prefers a spit-shined appearance, and the single-stage PPG Silver Ice paintjob does clean up well—it’s clean without being completely over the top. Opposite of Leo, Tony went for the natural barn find finish with a 20 percent [gloss] clear to lock in the natural aging without subjecting the truck to further rusting and extended wear. While it’s hard to choose a preference between paint and patina, as each is a matter of personal preference, both offer a distinct look and degree of maintenance that speak to truck fans on a case-by-case basis.

Another aspect that comes into play when comparing the styling of these two badass Sweptline trucks is their interior spaces. Following suit with the performance spirit of the build, Leo incorporated 2007-2013 Silverado bucket seats that were redone by Cy-Fair Upholstery. The paint and upholstery work in the cab is smooth and cool with a modern twist of the Dakota Digital gauges and Kicker audio system that’s powered by a Retrosound head unit and installed by DS2 Mobile Solutionz. Tony’s truck, however, offers the much warmer appeal that a comforting man cave offers. The naturally worn painted surfaces, distressed leather split bench seat from Snowden, and all the leather detailing done by Ceballos Customs, give it that familiar feel. Other features include the Sparc Industries steering wheel and Classic Instruments Nostalgia VT gauges. Both interior spaces make use of the conveniences of A/C systems (Vintage Air on Leo’s truck and Restomod Air on Tony’s truck), pounding audio setups, as well as upgraded instrumentation to add to their own styling cues.

When it comes down to it, both of these Dodge D-100 Sweptline pickups are stunners in their own right and saying one is better than the other in any way would be a disservice to them both. While the styling motifs are at opposite ends of the spectrum, there’s no denying the quality and execution of all aspects of their customization. Which style do you prefer? Painted or natural patina finish? Air-ride or static suspension? Modern or vintage design aesthetics? It all boils down to personal taste—there is definitely no wrong answer.

Whichever truck you do prefer, we all must agree that seeing two classic Dodge trucks in a sea of C10 and F-100 models is a welcomed sight. Hopefully there’s a revolution of more D-100 pickup builders to unleash their unique creations onto the show scene. There’s definitely a call for a wider diversity of trucks out there, and the more customized pickups of all makes we all have to enjoy and study from the better.