buds truck Posted April 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 last set of pix consists of the floor to kick panel braces, firewall to cowl braces and the space I will fill at the top of the cowl. the 4th pic shows where the stock Dakota master cyl will rest. it looks like it all will work with some mods. more to come later when time allows. Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallblockjunkie Posted April 12, 2009 Report Share Posted April 12, 2009 looks good Bud. I have mine apart again to start priming and painting the frame. While that is going on also polishing the corvette susp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodscavenger Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 You rock!! That is awesome. Keep it rollling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwcars88 Posted April 13, 2009 Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 looking good Bud you have really got a lot done since the last time I was there. I will be going to Alaska in May will stop by if I get a chance. I will be going in for a pacemaker on Tuesday can anybody tell me if I can still use a welder with a pacemaker? When your done with the pick-up, can I park my project in your shop. I know you won't be able to leave it alone. Is that the same color as your car? Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted April 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2009 looking good Bud you have really got a lot done since the last time I was there. I will be going to Alaska in May will stop by if I get a chance. I will be going in for a pacemaker on Tuesday can anybody tell me if I can still use a welder with a pacemaker? When your done with the pick-up, can I park my project in your shop. I know you won't be able to leave it alone. Is that the same color as your car? Wayne Wayne, You are welcome anytime, I will be gone from May 1st thru the 10th. Taking the granddaughter to Disneyland with my wife. We keep saying it's for her, but I think maybe it's just as much for us.... It would be best to ask your doctor about welding, I have heard pros and cons, but will keep the surgery in prayer for you. As far as parking your project in my garage after the truck is done.... If you did, you never know what you might bring home..... and yes, same color for the truck as the Plymouth. Just can't get enough of that color. thanks for the kind words, Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted April 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 ok, guys. I have been busy putting the Dakota front floor in the 53. it actually went a whole lot easier than I thought it would. I just put the front part in as there was no need to go rearward of the front of the seat as the floor was still solid. With this floor and cowl set up, I can use the dakota master cyl, gas pedal set up, emergency brake set up, and possibly the ac and heater too. pix tell the story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted April 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 some more pix of the inside floor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted April 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 and the last. still need to finish the welding, but happy with the results so far. You will notice that I had to radius the front of the cowl to match the dakota cowl. This was to gain tire clearance since it sits low on the frame. Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
48Dodger Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 You're a good storyteller Bud.....lol. I have to invite myself up to Washington, I wanna see your truck!!! I like the idea of using the firewall from the Dakota, only makes sense cuz of all the components you are using. Go with the AC. That truck is gonna travel, ... you'll glad to have cool cab. 48D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert49 Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 Hey Bud! I am new to this site but I found this site through my search to find people who indeed might be as crazy as myself! I am currently stripping down a 1999 dakota R/T with 66k on it that is going to be my donor frame engine and such for a 1949 pilothouse body. I like what you did with the firewall. my cab is fairly solid as things don't rust out here in colorado very quickly. But I think I am going to switch the firewall in for the benefits of the pedal assembly and Heating and A/C unit I have just started a week ago (found the 49 two weeks ago) And have the dakota cab stripped out and body off the frame. And now to strip the body off of the 49 frame and start to measure and prepare for the next stage of insanity! do you know if anyone has tried to do the swap to the later model dakotas and if they ran into any different problems other then the 6 bolt wheels that everyone seems to hate? Thanks so much for the pictures and information! Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotRodTractor Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 Hey Bud!I am new to this site but I found this site through my search to find people who indeed might be as crazy as myself! I am currently stripping down a 1999 dakota R/T with 66k on it that is going to be my donor frame engine and such for a 1949 pilothouse body. I like what you did with the firewall. my cab is fairly solid as things don't rust out here in colorado very quickly. But I think I am going to switch the firewall in for the benefits of the pedal assembly and Heating and A/C unit I have just started a week ago (found the 49 two weeks ago) And have the dakota cab stripped out and body off the frame. And now to strip the body off of the 49 frame and start to measure and prepare for the next stage of insanity! do you know if anyone has tried to do the swap to the later model dakotas and if they ran into any different problems other then the 6 bolt wheels that everyone seems to hate? Thanks so much for the pictures and information! Al I have everything measured up to swap a Pilothouse onto a '98 Dakota frame - but have decided to cut the front clip of the Dakota off and build everything behind it from scratch using the Dakota rear axle. But I plan on using a flathead Chrysler motor and that is driving some of my insanity. I'm think going to have custom steel rims made with the correct bolt pattern and backspacing to take car of the wheel issue - but I need to get a little further down the fabrication path to take some solid measurements - I might just reuse the Pilothouse rims and correct the bolt pattern issue if the backspacing will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert49 Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 I also thought about that but the truck is already a mix of parts and the r/t has the 5.9 in it already in it so I figured I would make this a daily driver with comfort. I figure that offset rims shouldn't be a huge Issue to find or have made. But I haven't found anyone who's done the swap to the newer frame so I haven't decided if its because of cost or because of something else... guess I will brave the unknown and start up a thread with pictures as I get further along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zattafact Posted July 16, 2012 Report Share Posted July 16, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave72dt Posted July 16, 2012 Report Share Posted July 16, 2012 When it comes to frame stretching or shortening for that matter, you want a welder that's good at it and not someone who's learning. It's a safety thing, for yourself and anyone on the road with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zattafact Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted July 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 the only posts I have on this are the ones posted here, you can do a search on my threads. I am certainly not the guru on these swaps, you might want to check out what 52DodgeB3B has posted on his swap also. If there is anything I can do to help, please ask, I will be happy to help in any way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zattafact Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted July 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2012 The 87 frame will work well, I am fond of the 1st generation Dakotas, but 2nd Gen may work, you would have to check track width. I am not sure if your 87 has the 5 or 6 bolt wheels, but both work. yes, you must get the front wheel center line correct. The first thing to do is to remove all the body parts off the Dakota.... but you probably already knew that..., then measure all applicable parts of your old truck before disassembling. I actually took off the 53 sheet metal and made a complete frame to body mounting jig so everything would bolt on easily when I first tried to set it on an S-10 frame (too narrow of track. then I did the proper research and found the first generation Dakota was a good fit). However you do it, make sure your measurements are correct including height, centerline and wheel centering. As was posted before, if you need to either shorten or lengthen your frame, please make sure someone with quality experience does this for you. Hope this helps, Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zattafact Posted July 31, 2012 Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted July 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2012 rear bumpers are very hard to find, good luck on that one!! If you have not done something like this before, make sure you are making a good decision. Many a truck has been scrapped when someone got in over their head. I have been doing bodywork since 1968, and it still gave me the heebie jeebies..... as far as the motor, if it is a running unit there may be someone on this forum that would love to get their hands on it. I sold mine on this site. You might want to update your info with a city and state. Good luck, I am here to help if I can. Bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 You must have cut out the original dash. With the 54' cab, newer dashes will fit. Another advantage of the 54" cab is that us old guys can take a nap in them, would be easier if the steering wheel was smaller or tiltable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted August 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 I have a 49 Plymouth dash welded in. I like the style of them better..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted August 1, 2012 Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 I found this cowl / dash and bought it for the gauges. Then I cut out the dash and made a 'boys' cave' for my grandson in my shop. Point is, with the windows out of the cab, it isn't that hard to cut out the dash. If memory serves me correct, don't the Car dashes bolt out. If so, then the dash swap, though a bit tedious, is not that big a challenge for a good body man. Nice work, enjoying the chronology. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buds truck Posted August 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2012 you are correct, the car dash unbolts, but has to be welded into the truck. The next thing up my sleeve is taking the 50 Plymouth steering wheel I adapted to a Chev tilt column and taking about 2 inches out of the diameter but still retaining the stock flavor of the wheel. stay tuned..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave5711 Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Going back to your earlier floor, and firewall pics. That looks great dude! This rig is going to have some style, and be put together in a pretty decent manner! Strangely, I never thought of using a donor firewall, when doing mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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