zattafact

Looks like I have an '88 Dakota coming my way. It's a long bed which means shortening the frame as opposed to lengthening. Going to strip everything but the firewall. Hopefully use the modern steering and all. It's also an A/C truck which will allow longer trips in,the North Carolina heat when the job is done. Planning the disassembly of both very carefully. Will have to put new mounts for a v8. Oh well. Thinking about making a small coffee table with the flathead and a lamp with the tranny. Shame though, both are complete and moving. Got to start looking for a rear bumper. It's the one major body part I don't have. Seafoaming the bolts this weekend in prep for fall breakdown. Say a prayer for me. Especially since I don't have a clue what I'm doing!

Bud, thank you. Is there a thought on what year Dakota would be best? I have no problem parting my '87 since repairing it is pricy. As a woodworker, I thought about templeting the '53 with plywood and laying it on the Dakota frame would give me an idea what to do. I guess the biggest question is where is the start point? Would it be at the front wheel center lines?

Dave there's no question I'm using a pro welder. I'll just do a spot or two so I can say I did it. I'm going to do mostly the sheetmetal and non-critical joints. I'm pretty cowardly when it comes to the important stuff. Thank you though. It's good to have guys here to remind you "first things first". I'm also on "standby" for a welding class at the local community college.

Bud it seems you are the go-to guy for Dakota Swaps. I got prices exceeding $5000.00 to update the '53 frame to allow for a small block and modern running gear even supplying an '89 Ram pickup as a doner for parts! I was so bummed I didn't renew my membership to the club. I even listed it on ebay. Fortunatly, the only guy to come see it told me not to sell and swap to a dakota frame. It just so happens I have a 1987 dakota with a bad engine. So I'm back on the project. I have a B-4-B-116. I want to maintain an origional exterior appearance and fill the engine compartment with a 360 Six Pack and a 4 speed. So, my question is, have you written a how-to manual yet? I've figured a couple basic things out so far. I need to stretch the wheel base on the Dakota 4" and change to V8 engine mounts. I was a mechanical designer in a previous life so I'll understand most everything. cutting and welding is another matter. I'm going to be practicing on scrap angle and sheet metal with good friends guiding me. Any suggestions other than relisting on ebay?

Hello guys, (and girls I would imagine). Hope everyone is doing well. I need help finding out if what I'm hearing is accurate. I have a '53 B4-B-116 Pilot that apparently is rare. In one of his books, Don Bunn said he's never seen one. Of course that was back in '94. I've purchased several books, none of which helped. Anything y'all may know would be helpful. I'm trying to decide what to do with it. I wanted to do a resto/rod but if it's actually rare, I'd prefer to sell it to someone that wants to do an origional restoration on it. (I have a bit of purist in me). Thanks, Joe. Anyone wanting to call can reach me at 919-413-7955.