1955 Dodge Body Swap

Does anyone have knowledge about swapping the body of a 1955 Dodge Pickup onto a Dodge Dakota or Dodge 1500 chassis?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Wayne

Have you looked thru the STREET RODDERS section here at Moparts? May not find an exact year match, but Dakota swaps have been discussed enough that you may get some ideas.

Welcome to the site!

member "poorboy" is THE expert on dakota chassis swaps.
also, welcome to the board as well !

Thank you, I will do that.

D1500 is to wide for a 55 pu. You need a Dakota. Check this out https://board.moparts.org/ubbthread...n-a-2005-dakota-chassis.html#Post1313950

Thank you for the link, it was helpful and appreciated

I looked into this when I had my old 51. It is a lot of work. You can also cut the entire front clip off a Dakota and use that. Fatman's had a frontend kit also. I think it runs around 4k complete. Then I thought about running a Gen I Hemi, but ended up getting the old I6 running/driving before I sold it. If you use the entire Dakota you will have to modify the fire wall and floor. Check here for more info. https://p15-d24.com/

I am building a 1955 Dodge 1/2 pickup on a 1992 Dakota with a 390 Magnum and automatic transmission. How difficult is it to keep the TBI and original ECM or should I Can switch to a carburetor? If I switch and eliminate the ECM how do I get the transmission to shift?
Anyone have a suggestion?

I am building a 1955 Dodge 1/2 pickup on a 1992 Dakota with a 390 Magnum and automatic transmission. How difficult is it to keep the TBI and original ECM or should I Can switch to a carburetor? If I switch and eliminate the ECM how do I get the transmission to shift?
Anyone have a suggestion?

If you use the transmission out of the 92 Dakota, and it is an OD transmission, it is hydraulicly shifted instead of electronically controlled. You can rig up pressure switches and relays to make the trans work normally. As far as controlling the engine, you may need to switch the ECM and wiring over to OBD2 style, which is 96 and up. To make the computer work well with a 390 CI motor, you will need to get Flyin Ryan Performance to tune the ECM for you.

Thank you very much for your insights. Do you think it is reasonable to save the complete wiring harness or would it be just easier to change to carburation?
I really appreciate your help!

Thank you
Wayne

That is your call on the carb or EFI
Which one do you like or dislike working on the most
I would choose the more challenging one, but that is me, not you

That is an interesting statement and one I agree with, but my experience has been restoring stock classic cars; Model T’s and old Chevys. I have never built a “resto-rod” or custom like this before. I am fine with the fabrication, body work and painting, but I am new to this custom engine stuff.
Are you familiar with an article I could read about switching from TBI to carburation. I have search the internet, but can not find what I need.
Thanks

This is a current thread in the Truck section: https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3166022/1/no-frame-cutting-swap.html

If that doesn't answer your questions, feel free to start you own thread. There's plenty of good knowledge/experience around here...

Mike, I am thankful for your input. I started that thread a couple years ago.
I tried to start a new thread, but for some reason could not figure out how to do it. I send an email to the administrator but that person never replied. If you could tell me how to start a new thread, I would gladly do so as I do know that would be the correct way to get the information I need. If you could tell me how, I would be very appreciative.
Thank you,
Wayne

Sure.
Log in, go to the truck section (Sandy's Truck Stop), somewhere near the top left you'll see a box that says "New Thread." Click on that and type away...

Wayne, Fat Mike's walk through will get you onto the Street Rod section. There are a ton of old Dodge truck sheet metal on Dakota chassis threads there. Lots of people with lots of experience that would reply pretty quickly.

A build process is pretty difficult to do on Moparts with only being ably to post 4 pictures at a time, and this section isn't really where the kind of build you are looking for should be. I have a picture heavy build thread on a 49 Dodge on a Dakota 4x4 chassis in the street rod section. Its not an easy project, but it sure is worth the effort to me.
Just as a highlight, a before, a couple during, and an after pic for you.