Body Swap '48 d24 sedan to 2001 dodge dakota

[Bradley bb]

I have a 48 dodge d24 delux. I am doing a shell swap with my 2001 dodge dakota. (Taking the bed and cab off and replacing it with the 48 body.) I plan on starting the project next Wednesday. Any tips or pointers? Even things to think about would be appreciated. Lastly, I don't need to hear that it's a waste. or that not preserving the original car is a sin. 

 

Also if somone wants a chassis for a d24 deluxe sedan, I will give it for free with pick up out of burgettstown pa. Not rust rot, rewards, or cracks.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I subframe just the front with the Dakota....to me, that was the easiest way to go.....

 

your go-mobile do what you wish.....mine drives like new money and I love all the accessories that were Dakota....especially the AC this time of year.

 

 

Edited July 1, 2023 by Plymouthy Adams

[Bradley bb]

This is amazing.  LOVE the colors you picked! This post just convinced my soon-to-be wife that this isn't a waste of time. So thank you! And I heard somthing about the transmission being bolted to the cab of the dakota? Is that true

[Bradley bb]

11 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

I subframe just the front of the Dakota....to me, that was the easiest way to go.....

 

your go-mobile do what you wish.....mine drives like new money and love all the accessories that were Dakota....especially the AC this time of year.

 

 

Don't want to be a bother, but photos of the enginebay would be amazin

[Plymouthy Adams]

I cannot imagine the tranny bolted to the cab mine is a 5 speed on the floor.......automatic, anyone's guess...this engine pic is right before I put the front sheet metal back on....but will give you a clue....you will notice the electrical rerouted as needed and the ABS brakes tucked back inside the body and under the power booster...the AC line got one slight notch for clearing the right inner fender....the air cleaner box will not fit stock...suggest a mod similar and not ever fight the issue.

 

 

[Bradley bb]

This is amazing. I have a 8 cylinder magnum in my dakota, but I also think the d24 had more engine space, so it will even out. Last question, did you keep the original dashboard? If so, how compatible was it when hooking up speedometer, ignition, and light switches/signals? 

[Plymouthy Adams]

the dash on the left side was modified to accept the Dakota cluster...the radio and ashtray area modified for AC vents and a remote stereo display only Very thin..!  The glove box modified for the AC but did lock out the passenger air bag.  Dakota column with active air bag, pedals, console all in place as are the bucket seats and the seat belts, special panel for the AC/HTR control panel.  The passenger compartment light went to the trunk.  Long story short everything Dakota is on the car but the Dak wipers and the Dak radiator....suggest Griffin for unobstructive air flow of original rad support....again each builder has their own objectives and how to get there.  Is it doable, by all means...but forewarned, you will need a large laydown area for the task.  Doing body to frame swap, never have done that but have a number of Dakota subframe jobs to my credit.  The Dakota frame has the same center line as that of my 48.....but the suspension in the front by A-arm design has a 3/4 inch lower stance.  Rakes out nicely.   I have a nice sideswiped Dakota V8 with floor shift standard tranny but reserved for one of the 62 Dodge Darts.

 

 

Edited July 1, 2023 by Plymouthy Adams

[Bryan G]

While I'm all about stock for my own vehicles, I have respect for someone keeping it Mopar, and I've been driving Dakota's since 1992. I'm thinking the 2001 is a good candidate vs later ones that use the CANBUS, which seems to complicate all sorts of little things.

[Dan Hiebert]

Your car is a Custom Town Sedan.  The Customs have the trim spear on the rear fender and the stainless trim around the windows.  Town Sedan has the "regular" opening rear doors vs. suicide.  I'd look forward to following your project, I know a few folks that have done body swaps onto a Dakota chassis with other brands, but so far not a Dodge, much less a D24.  

[Plymouthy Adams]

the town sedans are unique and far and few between...we can go a bit higher on the Custom line with Special word attached given your dash knobs are black and not tan.  If tan, standard dress, if black, higher dress and often has electric fuel cap release, parking brake light, reverse light  and few other stock features that I fail to recall at this moment.  I have a 47 Town Sedan Special and a 41 Town Sedan....hard to pin down production data but think it was approx. 16000 per annum.