`56 Plymouth modern front end swap advice
#1962414
12/03/15 03:24 PM
12/03/15 03:24 PM
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67R/T4speeder
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I have a `56 Plymouth car that I would like to put a 360 4-speed in and was considering a whole front suspension upgrade at the same time, maybe Heidts ??. Keeping the outside looking stock .
Any input from anyone that's been there done that would be appreciated.
pismopowerwagon@aol.com
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 04/20/20 04:25 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1962477
12/03/15 04:47 PM
12/03/15 04:47 PM
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John_Kunkel
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My '56 Plymouth with 360 and 5-speed has a '91 Dakota front clip spliced to the original frame. Modern ball joint suspension, power R&P steering and disc brakes.
Mine has 2" dropped spindles so I don't know how the ride height would be stock.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1962643
12/03/15 08:47 PM
12/03/15 08:47 PM
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WOW that make me want to drop it a bit Front width looks right too. Very nice incentive for sure thank you
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#1962693
12/03/15 10:17 PM
12/03/15 10:17 PM
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moparpollack
Lil Herman
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Lil Herman
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My '56 Plymouth with 360 and 5-speed has a '91 Dakota front clip spliced to the original frame. Modern ball joint suspension, power R&P steering and disc brakes.
Mine has 2" dropped spindles so I don't know how the ride height would be stock.
Any build pictures?
56 Plaza 63 D100 step side 67 Coronet, 68 Roadrunner, 69 Super Bees, 69 Coronet 500 convertible, 70 Roadrunner Post, 79 D150 360, and a severe case of Mopar a,d,d
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: moparpollack]
#1963167
12/04/15 03:28 PM
12/04/15 03:28 PM
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John_Kunkel
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The work was done by the PO.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#1964880
12/07/15 01:28 PM
12/07/15 01:28 PM
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67R/T4speeder
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My '56 Plymouth with 360 and 5-speed has a '91 Dakota front clip spliced to the original frame. Modern ball joint suspension, power R&P steering and disc brakes.
Mine has 2" dropped spindles so I don't know how the ride height would be stock.
Do you use wheel adapters to get away from the 6 lugs Dakota? Any idea what year donor truck is preferred? Thanks Andy
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: dogdays]
#1964881
12/07/15 01:29 PM
12/07/15 01:29 PM
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There are all sorts of mustang II-based front ends out there, such as Heidt's or Fatman, and they have been working for years. I believe with most of those setups you keep your existing framerails. The aftermarket is full of upgrade parts for this basic setup. The same basic setup was used on the Granada so don't let someone tell you it isn't strong enough.
The Dakota swap is very popular here and it looks like that's because it is a good one. People either swap the whole frame or else cut and weld the new front end to the old back half of the frame.
I wonder when Dakotas are going to become scarce, they aren't really valued for much else and they are scarce on the roads right now. Probably quite a few sitting besides barns, though.
The Crown Vic is way too wide for a '50s car and there's no easy way to narrow it, as the crossmember is an aluminum casting. The rack and pinion is another problem. Hard to make it shorter...On the other hand, the Crown Vic would be just right for my '50 Buick, now there's a thought.
R. Thanks I like the Dakota idea
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1965007
12/07/15 05:27 PM
12/07/15 05:27 PM
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John_Kunkel
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Do you use wheel adapters to get away from the 6 lugs Dakota?
Any idea what year donor truck is preferred?
Thanks
Andy
My lugs are 5 X 4.5" so it might be a '90 clip or rotors were changed...junkyard receipt says it was a '91.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1993462
01/18/16 06:03 PM
01/18/16 06:03 PM
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OK its not a Dodge I oops it a Plymouth Plaza I got excited with a new project. Found a Dakota the other day also. So here we go!!
Plaza straight six is suppose to be good runner so I will test it out where it is and if good I have `40 that could use it.
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 01/18/16 06:05 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1995691
01/21/16 06:35 PM
01/21/16 06:35 PM
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Found a decent truck for the swap, it has PS. PB. at least so those parts will come in handy. Dang it even runs so I can move it around at the shop tell I am ready. I have lots of measuring to do, better get a new tape measure ready.
Anyone need a service bed ? LOL
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 01/21/16 06:37 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1995833
01/21/16 09:21 PM
01/21/16 09:21 PM
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rickstershemi
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Found a decent truck for the swap, it has PS. PB. at least so those parts will come in handy. Dang it even runs so I can move it around at the shop tell I am ready. I have lots of measuring to do, better get a new tape measure ready.
Anyone need a service bed ? LOL Those Service Truck Beds make killer trailers I built a fleet of them years ago for my workers out of old utility trucks. Rickster
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#1998452
01/25/16 03:56 PM
01/25/16 03:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
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Don't know if these will be any help but they're pics of the frame splice on both sides of my '56.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: RodStRace]
#2002683
01/31/16 03:14 PM
01/31/16 03:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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That last shot is golden for those that have an old flathead car and want to know what is the issue with the steering when swapping in a V8. Notice how much of the box and column is in the same area of the exhaust on a V8. That's why people keep mentioning A body exhaust manifolds and moving the engine over a bit to the right. Sticks way out there for sure Hopefully I can find someone needing these `56 parts I am not going to use.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: dogdays]
#2007271
02/07/16 12:17 PM
02/07/16 12:17 PM
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finn
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There are all sorts of mustang II-based front ends out there, such as Heidt's or Fatman, and they have been working for years. I believe with most of those setups you keep your existing framerails. The aftermarket is full of upgrade parts for this basic setup. The same basic setup was used on the Granada so don't let someone tell you it isn't strong enough.
The Dakota swap is very popular here and it looks like that's because it is a good one. People either swap the whole frame or else cut and weld the new front end to the old back half of the frame.
I wonder when Dakotas are going to become scarce, they aren't really valued for much else and they are scarce on the roads right now. Probably quite a few sitting besides barns, though.
R. I know you aren't going the Mustang II route, but FYI, the Granada doesn't use the Mustang II design front suspension, but rather is a modified version of the high mount coil design originally developed for the 1960 Falcon and later used in the original 1965-1973 Mustang and 1962-1971 Fairlanes and Torinos. The Mustang II suspension was used in the subcompact Pinto and 1974-78 Mustang and Mercury equivalents
Last edited by finn; 02/07/16 12:19 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 3csalvage]
#2013068
02/16/16 12:53 PM
02/16/16 12:53 PM
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I see you are going with the dakote swap, for others the 2003-2008 IIRC crown vic set up is a very good one as well!!! It the use of Mopar parts the best I can that is stuck in my head
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2013302
02/16/16 06:42 PM
02/16/16 06:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
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poorboy
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The Crown Vic subframe has a wider track then a Dakota, which becomes an issue on many older cars & trucks. Around here its easier and cheaper to buy a running Dakota then it is to buy just a frame, but yes, you will want to look at the Dakota frame for rust before you part with your money. Areas of concern are mostly between the wheels on the lower part, especially near the trans crossmember and the joint area near the channel & the box joint. Don't completely condemn the frame if there is rust in those areas, if the rest of the frame is pretty clean. The bottom sections can be replaced with 1/8" flat stock. Your probably welding on the frame anyway. Like most modern stuff, they created a location where water can get in, but can't get out, so rust begins and self feeds. Gene
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2016829
02/21/16 09:15 PM
02/21/16 09:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
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dynamite
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I have a 56 Plymouth for about 9 years now .. I put the FMJ mopar front clip in it.. very easy install, especially if you are running a small block,,I bought a whole Chrysler 5 th ave for 200 bucks ,so I took everything I could use..the steering colunm went in like it was made for the 56..My only problem I used an RB 440 ,now stroked to 493 cid..I like this install as it was easy and the car rides very nice... 2 round trips to FL from NJ, and with a gear change it runs low 11's at 120 MPH..( this year I'm looking for 10.90's..) has been shown on here many times)Nr John K your 56 is NICE !! here's mine again ...I hope this comes thru ,, new P/C today ,
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2017535
02/22/16 06:12 PM
02/22/16 06:12 PM
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dynamite
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Thanks,, My 56 has an 8 3/4 posi. I use a 3: 55 gear for the 1/4 mile and I have a complete 2 : 7/6 center section for road trips...It also has Vintage air cond ,power windows , power steering, disc brakes..Get yours done and send some pictures .. Good luck Larry
Last edited by dynamite; 02/22/16 06:13 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: mopar or nocar]
#2018327
02/23/16 09:15 PM
02/23/16 09:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
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Sorry to intrude on you post but am curious if you guys have any input on my 47 swap that I want to do. I want to put a R&P in it and not having any luck finding the right people to talk to who have done this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you. Intruding doesn't bother me, but I would do a search back though some older threads your question might not get noticed on here. I saw two of those at car shows with conversions so I know it has been done. Cool looking cars.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: dynamite]
#2020139
02/26/16 01:21 PM
02/26/16 01:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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Has an 8 3/4 rear, 3:55 gears but have a 2:76 complete center section I put in for road trips..senf some pics of your ride ,, good luck Larry Do you know what the 8 3/4 came out of?
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2020291
02/26/16 04:25 PM
02/26/16 04:25 PM
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John_Kunkel
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The rear end in my '56 is from a '65-'67 B-body (59 1/2" overall width), perches moved inboard to 41" centers.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2020504
02/26/16 11:48 PM
02/26/16 11:48 PM
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dynamite
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I was told the rear was from a 1970 Coronet...I did have to relocate the spring perches..
Last edited by dynamite; 02/26/16 11:49 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2020851
02/27/16 06:20 PM
02/27/16 06:20 PM
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John_Kunkel
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Thanks for the pic and info John, Is there a reason you put lower shock mount over leaf spring? I assumed the PO used the perches from the original rear end that had the shock mounting studs in them.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2033730
03/18/16 12:53 PM
03/18/16 12:53 PM
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Mirada 80
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Great thread, looks good, I am looking at doing the same to my '55 Chrysler Windsor.
Keep your Mopar all Mopar
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2037089
03/23/16 12:40 PM
03/23/16 12:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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Waiting on this kit http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/ProductsYear/87.96Dakota.html Wondering if I need there oil pan too HMMMMMM They say LA will sit in same location as a Magnum but would rather wait and mock up with it to be sure before welding frames together. Just want to be sure on angle of block and firewall clearance. Since I had a Magnum block and V6 spool stock mounts were still in place I mocked up with bell housing and all looks good. Thanks Mirada
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2051096
04/10/16 03:35 PM
04/10/16 03:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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I couldn't take it any longer I had to find out what critters have done to the inside of this heater box. I was surprised to only find some leaves Now I can test heater core and reseal this part up. Sure like getting to all this while just standing where engine goes, super easy to do now.
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 04/10/16 03:35 PM.
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Re: Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2055532
04/16/16 01:49 PM
04/16/16 01:49 PM
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67R/T4speeder
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Heater core passed the test so cleaned everything up, fixed heater doors and resealed box and put it back on. The blower motor makes noise so I ordered a new one and will paint that mounting plate then. Was going to mount brake booster of Dakota but hard to tell where engine will sit so better wait.
Now all the hard to get to things are finished I feel better about welding frame in place now.
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 04/16/16 01:51 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#2055569
04/16/16 03:13 PM
04/16/16 03:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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The rear end in my '56 is from a '65-'67 B-body (59 1/2" overall width), perches moved inboard to 41" centers.
Do you have a engine compartment pic you can share ?
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2068607
05/07/16 12:19 AM
05/07/16 12:19 AM
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RUMBLON
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GREAT PROJECT!!!!!! Nice job. I have a 92 Dakota I just bought with a 318 magnum in that runs like a top. Its going into something. I have a 50 shortbed satudebaker truck but I also have a 35 plymouth 2 dr sedan and this 56 DODGE. I bought it as I knew where a damaged 2 door was that I thought I WAS GETTING. No deal so here it sits. I love 56s and the Dodge has a ton of chrome. Im looking for a 2 door project. RUMBLON
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: moparx]
#2070220
05/09/16 06:02 PM
05/09/16 06:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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looks good and that definitely won't go anywhere ! [now hopefully, it was done with the clip in the right spot ! ] just funnin ya ! looks good as i said before ! Thanks, I think I wore out two tape measures checking and double check then check two more time LOL
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2071625
05/11/16 07:17 PM
05/11/16 07:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,376
dogdays
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You just need wheels with the right backspacing. 1.5" more... Late 300 or Charger or Mustang would be where I'd start. R.
Last edited by dogdays; 05/11/16 07:21 PM.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: dynamite]
#2071631
05/11/16 07:28 PM
05/11/16 07:28 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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Has an 8 3/4 rear, 3:55 gears but have a 2:76 complete center section I put in for road trips..senf some pics of your ride ,, good luck Larry Do you know what your 8 3/4 is out of Larry? Seems a b-body will be very close in width drum to drum.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: dogdays]
#2071634
05/11/16 07:29 PM
05/11/16 07:29 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
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You just need wheels with the right backspacing. 1.5" more... Late 300 or Charger or Mustang would be where I'd start. R. So keep with the Dakota and use offset wheels?
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Re: Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2071645
05/11/16 07:46 PM
05/11/16 07:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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The Dakota axle. She's got some miles on her but I can rebuild if it's width will work . Spring pads are off a bit but that's no biggie to weld new ones.
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 05/12/16 12:13 PM.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: poorboy]
#2071987
05/12/16 12:16 PM
05/12/16 12:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
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67R/T4speeder
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Are those Dakota wheels on the rear axle now? Original Dakota wheels have the wheel mounting flange about an inch behind the front tire mounting surface (I'll post a picture of a Dakota wheel, front silver wheel is Dakota, rear black wheel is not.)
Early (66-70) B body rear is the most narrow 8 3/4 rear axle (other the the A body 8 3/4 that has the wrong wheel bolt pattern).
Other options: Jeep Cherokee, 73 & newer A Body ( disc brake car has 4 1/2" bolt pattern). Non Mopar: Ford Explorer 8.8 has 4 1/2" bolt pattern, newer ones have disc brakes, and limited slip with 3:73 gears is pretty common, and with the correct rear end yolk, you can bolt the small Mopar u joint up to it. Yes they are Dakota stock wheels on the axle pic, I took them off and measured mounting flange to flange and came up with 63" and Plaza is 60" . Nice looking car you building love that roof line
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2072056
05/12/16 02:40 PM
05/12/16 02:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
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Dakota rear axle is 63" drum to drum Plaza rear axle is 60" drum to drum
Drats!! was hoping to use Dakota
Whats in yours John? '65-'67 B-body, 59 1/2" drum-to-drum with perches moved inboard to 41". 15" X 8" wheels with no offset fit easy.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2072451
05/13/16 05:26 AM
05/13/16 05:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
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[/quote] Yes they are Dakota stock wheels on the axle pic, I took them off and measured mounting flange to flange and came up with 63" and Plaza is 60" . Nice looking car you building love that roof line [/quote] Finished product>
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Re: Plazakota
[Re: poorboy]
#2073885
05/15/16 03:38 PM
05/15/16 03:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Yes they are Dakota stock wheels on the axle pic, I took them off and measured mounting flange to flange and came up with 63" and Plaza is 60" . Nice looking car you building love that roof line [/quote] Finished product>[/quote] My Dakota has two silver and two black wheels , is this standard? Fun looking car
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Re: Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2074237
05/15/16 11:40 PM
05/15/16 11:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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My car had 4 silver wheels, but 2 wheels had junk tires that wouldn't hold air. The 2 black wheels had good tires that held air, and they were larger tires, so they had to go on the back, right? By the time the car hit the street, someone gave me 4, old, matching, Michelin tires. That was when I discovered the rear wheels were also a 1/2" wider then the front wheels. I finally painted the wheels earlier this spring, (after 4 summers on the road), just before I put the new tires on, all 4 wheels are now blue.
The car is a blast to drive. With the 3.9 V6, 5 speed it gets good MPG, and I can drive it all day for around $20! The car is light enough I could get a chirp out of 3rd with the old Michelin 235 x 75 x 15 tires, its got a 3:55 limited slip 8 3/8 Dakota axle (haven't tried it yet with the new tires that got put on last week).
The car is just fast enough to be entertaining without collecting tickets. There is a guy around here that says "Its more fun to drive a slow car fast, then it is to drive a fast car slow." I agree with him.
My wife and I enjoy going for rides in it, we took it on a 135 mile ride today. The car has heat & defrosters and insulation (no AC, we are not AC fans, windows down cruising for us) and is very comfortable riding between about 40 degrees and 90 degrees. Memorial Day weekend we are off on a 2200 mile vacation covering 7 states with this car. The car runs down the Interstate just fine, but on our trip, we are taking 2 lane highways for a slower more relaxing trip. Gene
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Re: Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2074821
05/16/16 11:21 PM
05/16/16 11:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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Leaving IL on US 36, traveling through MO, KS then moving north in CO to Loveland. Got relatives in Loveland, planning on staying there a few days. Going to tour the Rocky Mountain Nat Park. Then we are heading north through WY on our way to the Black Hills in SD. Planning on spending a day or 2 there, before heading home on US 20 through SD, IA and back to Freeport IL.
16 days, 2200 miles, 7 States, in the coupe! We are intending on staying on two lane highways, and only traveling about 5 hours a day. If there is something we want to see along the way, we intend to stop. We are leaving home May 28. No time restraints other then being home on Monday June 13 for work. Its been 25 years since we have taken a 2 week vacation! Gene
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2075965
05/18/16 04:58 PM
05/18/16 04:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750
Rio Linda, CA
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Before you make a final choice on engine location you might want to install the front end with the core support and check the relative location to the radiator core. Pic below shows my 360 in relation to the firewall and, in this position, the centerline of the water pump shaft is way low in the radiator core.
The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2077190
05/20/16 04:34 PM
05/20/16 04:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750 Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,750
Rio Linda, CA
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The headers are Hedman 79540-6. Passenger side fits without dents but the drivers side is close to the steering shaft so it's dented a little. Wouldn't be necessary if the engine sat higher.
The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#2083527
05/31/16 06:32 PM
05/31/16 06:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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The headers are Hedman 79540-6. Passenger side fits without dents but the drivers side is close to the steering shaft so it's dented a little. Wouldn't be necessary if the engine sat higher.
Are those Magnum port?
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Re: `56 Plazakota project
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2109312
07/13/16 12:36 PM
07/13/16 12:36 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Fitting wheel back on modified shaft, still not in far enough but just resting there to see if I like it.
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 07/18/16 11:59 AM.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2116626
07/24/16 01:40 PM
07/24/16 01:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Here you go, it is 4" c-channel, I wanted it to be bolted in so any fine tuning the body guy needs to they can shim either at sway bar bracket and center bracket like factory. Kinda like how sway bar tuck's inside it.
Thinking of boxing in bracket I welded to c-channel on engine side, what do you think?
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 07/24/16 01:41 PM.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2117111
07/25/16 08:57 AM
07/25/16 08:57 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,510 AZ
Mike P
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,510
AZ
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The wheelbase on that looks great! I've seen way more frame swaps where the wheelbase isn't correct for the body than ones that look like they are supposed to.
As long as your welds are good you probably won't have a problem with the bracket as is. That being said a boxing in the top of the bracket would give it a more finished look and peace of mind for you.
1957 Plymouth (Hemi, Dual Quads, A833 4 Speed 9 1/4 w 4.10) Sold 1937 Dodge Pickup (Hemi, 6X2 intake, 46RH, Dana 60 w 4.56) Sold 1968 Plymouth Valiant 2dr sedan (354 HEMI, 46RH w/4.30 gears)
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2117826
07/26/16 01:03 AM
07/26/16 01:03 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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Thanks for input peoples good or bad I like the input, I will box it in when I take front suspension off to rebuild worn parts. Need to make bumper bracket mounts now. O goodie more welding I like to weld And, your doing a mighty fine job at it! Gene
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: poorboy]
#2124972
08/04/16 04:33 PM
08/04/16 04:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Thanks for input peoples good or bad I like the input, I will box it in when I take front suspension off to rebuild worn parts. Need to make bumper bracket mounts now. O goodie more welding I like to weld And, your doing a mighty fine job at it! Gene Thank you Gene
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2158224
09/20/16 07:04 PM
09/20/16 07:04 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 237 British Columbia, Canada
Old Ray
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 237
British Columbia, Canada
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Upper steering shaft spliced together and welded. Hi Andy, the short version of a long story is I have a ‘56 Plodge two door wagon and was on the forward looking site and met Gary Sand who sent me to the facebook site which had a link to this site. Still with me? Great thread, love it. I have been building cars for 55 years (I’m 72 now) and by no way mean any criticism or anything other than the greatest respect, just a heads-up that might not even be applicable but might save you some major grief down the road. In many states and motor vehicle jurisdictions it is not permissible to weld on steering parts and if inspected would be a fail and if involved in any kind of accident probably result in a major lawsuit. I’m a newbie here but not with cars and life, sorry for any discomfort caused, its not intended. (Canadians are always apologizing) I look forward to reading your thread.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: moparx]
#2162692
09/27/16 11:50 AM
09/27/16 11:50 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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core support bracket looks good now. it will be up to the task with no worries of flex or unwanted sideways movement. Thanks I am going to make some rubber pads and metal shims to get body to line up similar to factory way.
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Re: `56 Dodge modern front end swap advice
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#2177678
10/18/16 02:10 PM
10/18/16 02:10 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Do you use wheel adapters to get away from the 6 lugs Dakota?
Any idea what year donor truck is preferred?
Thanks
Andy
My lugs are 5 X 4.5" so it might be a '90 clip or rotors were changed...junkyard receipt says it was a '91. Do you have spool mounts on your car John I cannot tell in your pics you shared? Having some difficulty getting bracket to frame on drivers side to clear rack using spools.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2177997
10/18/16 07:02 PM
10/18/16 07:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Anchor 2469 fitting a B250 `88 type Gene? Thanks for input. http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,1988,b250,5.2l+318cid+v8,1073449,engine,motor+mount,5552?a=Referer+www.google.com+URL+%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fdodge Sorry not too good at linking
Last edited by 67R/T4speeder; 10/18/16 07:02 PM.
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Re: `56 Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2178088
10/18/16 09:22 PM
10/18/16 09:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889 up yours
Supercuda
About to go away
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About to go away
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889
up yours
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Motor mount link I haven't been too impressed with Anchor motor mounts myself, rubber comes apart too easy.
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question. They say there is always the exception that proves the rule. Don't be the exception.
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Re: `56 Plazakota leaf pack ??
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2417694
12/13/17 12:18 AM
12/13/17 12:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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Leaf springs are pretty easy to deal with. You can make up brackets and pretty much mount them anywhere you want them. You just need the center bolt to end up where you want the axle centered in the wheel opening, and be sure the springs are centered side to side and the correct width for your spring perches on the axles. I suppose being square to the body center line would probably be good as well.
Personally, I would go for an over the counter spring set as close to the length of the springs on the rear frame you are using, and support the weight needed. According to the Standard Catalog of Chrysler, the 56 Dodges weighed in between 3,300 and 3,600 lbs, 1,700-1,800 lbs springs shouldn't be much of an issue for a good spring shop.
When I did my 54 pickup, I bolted 1/4" thick 4" x 4' angle to the side of the frame and bolted the spring brackets to the angles. Didn't give me any problems for the 50K miles I drove the truck. Gene
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Plazakota
[Re: 67R/T4speeder]
#2507213
06/11/18 07:44 PM
06/11/18 07:44 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668 Caldwell, Idaho
67R/T4speeder
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,668
Caldwell, Idaho
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Well my customer has pulled the plug on his Plazakota project and wants to sell it now . I have just been storing it for a while now for him to decide and after some thought has made his choice. I am bummed but hopefully someone will finish it. I cannot afford it or I would buy it. You people have been a great help all along and wanted to thank you.Keep up the build threads, I read them all the time. Andy
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