Great thread, looks good, I am looking at doing the same to my '55 Chrysler Windsor.

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

Holding the broom up for now


I am pulling rear axle out of Dakota while waiting to see if I can use that on Plazakota also

I was happy the body mounts bolt is not rotted away and didn't break off. New bushing from Andy B. fit real nice too.

looks good - I put a front clip from a 79 magnum on mine in the late 90's but the project got side tracked.

Thanks Cuda,

I got the metal around body mounts straight now, no rust just beat up and bushings in place. Even the special body mounts bolts are still solid, that was a relief.

Now I need to do the biggie and get these two chunks of metal welded together.

nice job on the body mounts !

Awesome project! Keep us posted.

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.

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.

Do you have a engine compartment pic you can share ?

Here's a couple.

Thank you John

Getting closer to the weld-a-thon, but not lined up yet though. Inching it closer and closer tell it is right on, over lapping the two frames where I can to make a stronger weld.

I got my wheel base to match original so time to take apart again and clean some metal, then put together and close those gaps. I left them open since it is easier to get apart since it fits very tight together. Then drill those holes out I have marked to plug weld.

Drop spindles are on the way since I like how Johns car sits.

Spindles arrived

Double checking caster to help make sure frame angle is correct.

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

Good looking cars for sure, and I love Studies, my buddy has one I put a Camaro sub frame in about 15 years ago he loves it.

What brand are those?