Following in Bud's path. 52 on a Dakota Frame

[52DodgeB3B]

Just finished cutting the frame just gotta square it up before final welds.

Got the firewall and floorboard outta the Dakota and about to start stripping down the old girl and get it prepped for welding.

[Dan Babb]

Welcome.

Would love to see some pictures of your progress.

[52DodgeB3B]

[Todd B]

You have bigger balls than I do!! Good Luck.

Todd B

[ggdad1951]

just make sure to take out that converter!

[nj viking]

Nice..

Figure it all out and take lots of pics and measurements; then I won't screw it up much when decide to go that route.

I'm liking it so far.

viking

[buds truck]

cripes, that looks familiar........ hmmmmm........ wonder why:D

[52DodgeB3B]

Tried to complete final welds today. Man it has been a long time since welding, they look horrible but think I got some penetration may have someone else redo the welds.

Starting to tear into the 52 floor panels out hood off just simple stuff for now.

Don't wanna tear into too much cause it still runs and drives fine. Get the dakota where I need it first then blow apart the 52.

[Dave72dt]

Grind the backside smooth and fishplate it. That'll help. If it doesn't show good penetration on the backside, V where the weld site is and weld it on that side also, then the fishplate. If you want more strngth, box it after the fishplate.

[buds truck]

Grind the backside smooth and fishplate it. That'll help. If it doesn't show good penetration on the backside, V where the weld site is and weld it on that side also, then the fishplate. If you want more strngth, box it after the fishplate.

I agree, PLEASE make sure the welds are sound, you do not want them to fail you while on the road!!!!!!

[52DodgeB3B]

put together

Drivers side

Drivers side top

passengers side inside withe bracket on top

passengers outside

Drivers inside with bracket

I think I may have a pro just box it out for me.

[sniggle_t]

Butt joints are inherently weak. I usually key the joint instead. I would definitely have a pro look at this and fish plate/box it. What scares me most is in that last pic the frame isn't welded all the way.

Not trying to sound like a jerk but please have a pro look at this for your own safety.

[JBNeal]

The problem I've had with structural butt joints is cracking beyond the weld from vibration. A small crack will propagate parallel to the weld until joint failure. Looking at the location of the welding on this frame, it may be beneficial to box the frame from near the crossmember to the leaf spring hanger, as well as grinding the butt welds flush and adding fishplates to the channel outside web & flanges that extends about 4 inches beyond the butt weld. Boxplate & fishplate thicknesses should not exceed the thickness of the channel.

[52DodgeB3B]

Gonna call a welder tomorrow am thinking I will use a fishplate and then have him look and see if he recommends anything else.

[52DodgeB3B]

I think it is a large improvement rewelded the brackets on the inside of the rails.

[52DodgeB3B]

[Plymouthy Adams]

I know this is the truck side but with the exception of how you joined the frame..you doing close with your Dakota as to what I did last month with the P15 Bz Cp...the later 1197 and up to 2004 I know are more the better Dakota frame for the pre-49 car..where as the early generation is better suited for the 49 through 52 sedans...I think you need some fish plates on the joints..but I may be speaking out of order as I am not sure if this is your finished product..

thought I had some more recent pictures of the finished tunnel and floor but evidently have not downloaded them from the camera...

[52DodgeB3B]

this weekend the cab should be off the 52 and the welding finished on the frame of the dakota. Got a guy coming on Sat to weld on some fishplates and the wiring is pulled on the 52 so now unbolt and buy some beer for buddies to help lift it off.

[Plymouthy Adams]

good to know the frame joints will be fish plated..makes a world of difference..I have been at the lowering the body back to the frame stage for a spell now..but, got a push to get things straight about the place for spring and visiting relatives. Am sure you will find as I did the difference of the Dakota sunken floor compared to the older flat floors..but in cse of your truck you may be able to use the entire floor..I had to section the floor of the '04 Dakota to where it would connect to the flat floor..my pans were in good shape and made this rather easy..firewall was a breeze..good luck...I know you haveing fun..I sure did..

[52DodgeB3B]

Here it is just clean it up and spray a little paint on it to keep it from rusting.

[Dave72dt]

That looks much more likely to stay together.

[sniggle_t]

That looks great. Keep up the good work and post lots of pictures

[52DodgeB3B]

Got the bed off and cut cab bolts she is ready to pull off thinking next weekend maybe.

[52DodgeB3B]

good to know the frame joints will be fish plated..makes a world of difference..I have been at the lowering the body back to the frame stage for a spell now..but, got a push to get things straight about the place for spring and visiting relatives. Am sure you will find as I did the difference of the Dakota sunken floor compared to the older flat floors..but in cse of your truck you may be able to use the entire floor..I had to section the floor of the '04 Dakota to where it would connect to the flat floor..my pans were in good shape and made this rather easy..firewall was a breeze..good luck...I know you haveing fun..I sure did..

we will see about the floor about to pull the cab and cut the floor out to get it ready for the new floor.