Merging a 50's Dodge Panel Truck with a 1999 Durango

I have been trying to determine for the better part of the last five years what the best approach to getting a dakota/durango drivetrain/suspension match up to an older Panel truck. I thought about dropping a body on a frame and drivetrain, but then over the summer I saw a panel truck on ebay that had a durango dash. I started to look at the photos in more detail and believe it was more durango then i realized.

Fast forward to a week ago when I spot an ad on Craiglist for a 1950's dodge panel relatively local for a bargain price. I had previously picked up a 1999 durango that needs the transmission gone through but was otherwise complete ( I have a 98 daily driver). During the conversation while loading up the Panel the seller tells me "you know I was told a Dakota firewall is the same width as this panel truck". This got me to thinking, my not use as much of the durango as I can, frame, partial floor, firewall, interior... this would mean a much easier time getting parts to keep it on the road.

So here is the start, a relatively rust free, minimally dented mid 50's panel truck. I will add photos of the Durango and progress as things move along. My wife has a photography business so this will become her rolling billboard/work vehicle when completed.


Edit: Let me not forget, both Mopar Ron and Poorboy have served for much of my inspiration to get moving on this project. Once I get my son's satellite out of the shop this is going to be full steam ahead.

I have no technical advice to offer, but have tagged this as a favorite. Updates of your future success will be appreciated!

That should be a '54. You can tell by the one piece windshield that doesn't 'wrap around' like the '55-up trucks do.

I'll be watching this closely too. Back when I was in HS, a friend of my Dad's had offered to GIVE me a '54 Panel like this. It had been a Schlitz beer truck. Truck needed w-a-y too much for a 17 yr old to tackle so I never too him up on it. Later, I would day dream about putting the body on a Dakota frame, maybe even a Dak 4X4 frame (I wanted to build it to road trip and camp in).

Good luck with it!

I too have a 50's Dodge panel, and after tomorrow, will have a 108in wb 96 Dakota Sport that will donate its vital organs.

Kind of the way we built plastic 1/25th scale models in the 60's....just a big gob of airplane glue, get your head a lil dizzy, and stick it together

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Like i explain my 57 to people- it's just a bunch of cutting and welding.But, you will be surprised how many times you wake up in the night figuring out how to mount some bracket, brakes, motor or something else.

What chassis do you have under your '57?

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Like i explain my 57 to people- it's just a bunch of cutting and welding.But, you will be surprised how many times you wake up in the night figuring out how to mount some bracket, brakes, motor or something else.

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NICE TRUCK!