Moparts

55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis

Posted By: Dabee

55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/02/12 12:07 AM

I’m building a 55 dodge truck street rod and plan to put the 55 body on a Dakota chassis. I also have a complete gen III hemi drive train for the project. I have found a 2005 chassis three miles from my house that I can pick up cheap. Has anyone used a 2005 Dakota chassis for a street rod. I was told to look for a 2000 or earlier chassis. Is there a big difference between the 2000 and earlier chassis and the 2005?
Posted By: moparpollack

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/02/12 12:28 AM

I'm using a 95 Dakota for my 39 Plymouth project. So far the project has been simple and pretty easy. If you look on the HAMB there are a few projects using the Dakota chassis.

The rack being up front makes locating the engine easy. The only change I have to make on the chassis is the fuel system because I'm using a carb instead of fuel injection. Cutting the bed sides off made the bed floor easy since it was in place. The bed floor will be shallower than stock but I'm fine with that. The bed floor kicks up so trying to make a deep bed will be a challenge.

Setting the ride height and making the cab mounts was a little challenging since I didn't have a lift to hold things in place. Changing the bolt pattern is a matter of changing the rotors. The truck us wide enough that a b body rear end is two inches narrower than the stock Dakota rear end.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/02/12 04:07 AM

After 96, changing to the 5 bolt wheels gets real complicated. You would be better off using the 6 bolt wheels. They make nice 6 bolt wheels now.

Can't tell you any difference between a 2000 and a 2005, those are way too new for me. Gene
Posted By: moparpollack

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/02/12 01:37 PM

The older caps fit the spare steelie wheels so it's. Cheap fix for a minute or until you decide on wheels.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/08/12 03:43 AM

I’m getting ready to put a Dak front clip on my 55 Dodge pick up and would like to see some photos of Dakota clips already done. Can any of you guys that have already done a Dakota front clip on an early MOPAR street rod post photos of the attachment point? I decided to keep the back part of the 55 chassis but will be using a triangulated coil over rear suspension instead of the leaf set up. Thanks.
Posted By: rattler

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/08/12 07:46 PM

I married an 88 Dak frame with a 57 truck frame. I joined them with a half-lap joint at the rear of the cab. I didn't like the idea of all the stress being at the front of the cab. After you join the frame halfs, it is just a matter of cutting off the truck cab mounts and rewelding them to the Dak frame. You can set your cab ride height then. If you need some pics, I could send them from my home computer.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/09/12 03:02 PM

Rattler,
I thought about joining the chassis behind the cab, but didn’t know if it would allow for lowering the ride height. I would like to see your pictures; I’ll send you my email via back channel.
Thanks
Da Beast
Posted By: rattler

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/09/12 07:02 PM

I'll try to send you some pics this weekend if I don't forget.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/10/12 04:35 AM

Thanks!
Posted By: 65rbdodge

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/10/12 08:35 PM

88 dakota on to a 47 desoto. i had no references to go by and did what i thought was right. hopefully i wont die the first time i drive it.










Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/11/12 01:08 AM

Thanks that looks close to how I’m thinking I need to do mine. Having never done this before I’m looking for confirmation I’m not about to do something stupid. I have built full tube chassis race cars before but this is my first street rod project and attempt to mate two chassis.
Posted By: rattler

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/11/12 02:42 PM

That looks good. One of the reasons I didn' do mine like that is that 57 trucks narrow quite a bit just behind the motor center, making pipes and sush a tight fit.
Posted By: 300by500

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 12/29/12 06:35 AM

A friend of mine dropped his field-find '52 "Binder" onto a late 1990's LWB Dakota. He said the length of the frame is much easier to modify than the WIDTH, and the the width of the Dakota chassis fit perfectly once he shortened the frame. He even kept the Dakota floor, firewall, dash, ECU, gas tank, etc.

It was a 6-lug truck, so he ordered black steel wheels (cheap) and used some old wheel covers he had lying around.

Most important: pay attention to the track width comparisons between your truck and whichever Dakota you use.
Posted By: rattler

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 12/29/12 03:18 PM

Agreed on the track width. That is the biggest problem when people use a full size truck frame under an old truck. The track is just too wide and the don't look right.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 12/31/12 05:03 AM

Quote:

Thanks that looks close to how I’m thinking I need to do mine. Having never done this before I’m looking for confirmation I’m not about to do something stupid. I have built full tube chassis race cars before but this is my first street rod project and attempt to mate two chassis.




If you have built tube chassis race cars, this frame splice and swap will be a walk in the park.

I have a 48 Plymouth business coupe sitting on a 90 Dakota frame. I used the frame, floor pans, firewall, box floor and the full Dakota drive train. My biggest issue was the 48 body was rotted out bad. its not pretty yet, but I put almost 4,000 miles on it last summer. Would have put a lot more on it if gas wasn't so expensive and I was so broke. Gene

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Posted By: MOPARS#1

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 12/31/12 06:15 AM

The point that is being missed here is that a 2005 Dakota tread width is much wider than the earlier Dakotas. I have a 55 setting on an 89 Chassis and with proper wheel selection up front everything will work out. Measure twice cut once!! Take your tape and check the original 55 width against the 2005 and earlier width, My own opinion is the earlier chassis are lighter and easier to fit the early cabs to. You can also buy dropped spindles for them! Joe
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 01/02/13 05:59 PM

if im not mistaken,the later dakotas starting in ?? are strut front end,not using an upper A arm,,i would think that would make it super involoved to use a strt front end frame,,

65 dodge your splice looks great,,
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/07/13 11:57 AM

anything ever come of this? i dropped a 58 on a 92 dakota chassis
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/08/13 11:12 PM

Well I'm making progress on the 55 pick up. I have the triangulated rear suspension in and have the Dakota front clip tacked on. I'm going to fit the gen III Hemi engine, transmission, cab and fenders in place before I do the final weld on the Dakota clip. I tried fitting the engine and transmission this afternoon. It' going to be a tight fit. The engine mounts need to be moved back so the pan will clear the crossmember.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/08/13 11:15 PM

Well I'm making progress on the 55 pick up. I have the triangulated rear suspension in and have the Dakota front clip tacked on. I'm going to fit the gen III Hemi engine, transmission, cab and fenders in place before I do the final weld on the Dakota clip. I tried fitting the engine and transmission this afternoon. It' going to be a tight fit. The engine mounts need to be moved back so the pan will clear the crossmember. I'll try posting photos later once I figure out how to reduce the photo size on thisI Pad.
Posted By: ChallengerGary

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/13/13 09:42 PM

Can't wait to see the pics
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/18/13 02:10 AM

Engine and trans mounted.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/18/13 02:11 AM

Chassis.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/18/13 02:15 AM

Triangulated four link with coil over.

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Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/18/13 07:45 PM

looking good Russ!

Canadian Beer
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/19/13 11:24 PM

Ready for the 05 Dakota floor pan and fire wall tone installed

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/19/13 11:27 PM

Floor pan and firewall going in. I still have some trimming to do before I start well dining it in place.

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Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/24/13 03:13 PM

Your hard atter for an old guy Russ!
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 02/26/13 06:37 AM

All done welding the 05 Fakota front clip to the 55 frame. Now to finish up welding the Dak floor and firewall into the 55 cab.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/02/13 02:55 AM

05 Dakota fire wall and floor pan all welded in and sealed. The job was much easier than I thought it would be.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/02/13 02:59 AM

Engin, trans and cab all mated to chassis and everything lines up great.

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Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/06/13 01:18 AM

Quote:

Engin, trans and cab all mated to chassis and everything lines up great.




wow how familiar that looks. here's my 58 on a 92 dakota frame.
http://fordodgetrucksonly.forumotion.com/t27-rapid-s-58-big-window

ANY UPDATES?

Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/07/13 04:12 AM

I would love to chop the top on my truck, but I'm not that brave. I'm leaving the body as is for the rat rod effect. The only body work I'm doing is rust repair and of course the new fire wall and floor pan, which was done to accomidate the Gen III Hemi engine and trans installation. The drive train, interior, suspension and everything else is going to be first class. I'm building this truck to be driven any ware and not have to worry about door/stone dings. This truck is going to be my daily driver.
Posted By: rattler

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/07/13 07:33 PM

Hey Russ, I was going to chop the top on my 57 too, but I'm glad I didn't. I'm 6' 3" and 225 lbs. and just have enough room with the stock roof.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 03:01 AM

I hung all the sheet metal on it yesterday to check out how everything lines up and to check tire size. I lucked out everthing lines up good. I stripped it back down to the bare frame today. Now I'll prep the dram for paint.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 03:01 AM

From the front.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 03:03 AM

The Hemi in it's new home.

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Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 04:03 AM

I like the way this truck is coming out, it should be a fun daily driver. Gene
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 01:25 PM

Quote:

I like the way this truck is coming out, it should be a fun daily driver. Gene




Thanks Gene, it's always good to get positive feed back when your in the middle of a first time project. It's going to be fun seeing the looks this truck is going to get when it passes someone on the expressway doing 80 mph. I don't like the way the front end sets. Its to high, so I ordered a set of two inch drop springs from Belltech for the front and raised the back one inch.
Posted By: Robbins

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 05:52 PM

Quote:

I like the way this truck is coming out, it should be a fun daily driver. Gene




Me too!
Posted By: 65rbdodge

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 07:19 PM

looks good!
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/08/13 11:16 PM

your moving along well
Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/09/13 06:35 PM

It's looking good Russ!
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/12/13 10:21 PM

Quote:

The Hemi in it's new home.




sure looks good in there
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/22/13 02:02 AM

All done with the chassis. Working on the cab now.

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Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/22/13 11:52 PM

very nice.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/23/13 03:52 PM

Quote:

very nice.




Thanks, installing the Belltech 2 Inch drop coils in the front and raising the rear one inch really improved the stance.
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/23/13 09:44 PM

are the belltech spindles a good quality? what are you doing for wheels?
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/24/13 01:19 AM

They don't make a dropped spindle for 04 and up Dakota. There isn't enough clearance for the ball joint on the lower control arm. It hits the rim. My only option was the 2 inch dropped coil springs. Yes they are nice quality and went in real easy. Cost from Summit with my racers discount was $135 plus shipping. I think dropped spendles run around $500 a pair so the springs were a better deal.
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/24/13 01:39 AM

Quote:

They don't make a dropped spindle for 04 and up Dakota. There isn't enough clearance for the ball joint on the lower control arm. It hits the rim. My only option was the 2 inch dropped coil springs. Yes they are nice quality and went in real easy. Cost from Summit with my racers discount was $135 plus shipping. I think dropped spendles run around $500 a pair so the springs were a better deal.




they achieved your purpose correct
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/24/13 05:05 AM

looking good so far
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 03/24/13 01:01 PM

Quote:

Quote:

They don't make a dropped spindle for 04 and up Dakota. There isn't enough clearance for the ball joint on the lower control arm. It hits the rim. My only option was the 2 inch dropped coil springs. Yes they are nice quality and went in real easy. Cost from Summit with my racers discount was $135 plus shipping. I think dropped spendles run around $500 a pair so the springs were a better deal.




they achieved your purpose correct




. I'll know better once I get the sheet metal back on. But, yes so far they look like they are going to get the job done.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/11/13 03:14 AM

It's been a while since I posted an update on my 55 truck project. I figure I'm about two to three weeks away from getting it on the road. Drive train is all done, I'll have the wiring done tomorrow, carpet should be here in a couple days, all the sheet metal is on except for the doors. Still need to instal the glass and fuel cell. I'm using the Dakota fuel cell with the Hemi fuel pump installed in it.

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/11/13 03:21 AM

From the side

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/11/13 03:24 AM

Engine

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/11/13 03:27 AM

The bed flor was in great shape so allidid was sand it and reseal it. The Dakota fueltankwillbe mounted in the bed and a sheet metal box built around it.

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Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/12/13 12:42 AM

Your doing great Russ!
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/12/13 04:27 AM

Quote:

The bed flor was in great shape so allidid was sand it and reseal it. The Dakota fueltankwillbe mounted in the bed and a sheet metal box built around it.




looks great,,,,is there no room under for the fuel tank ?or a reason your mountingvit in the bed ?? keep up the good work,,,
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/12/13 08:16 PM

There is no room undrneath for the Dakota fuel tank. I decided to. Use it rather than buy an aftermarket tank and fuel pump. This is a low budget job.
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/14/13 05:58 AM

Quote:

There is no room undrneath for the Dakota fuel tank. I decided to. Use it rather than buy an aftermarket tank and fuel pump. This is a low budget job.




ok kool nothing wrong with a low budget ride i have one my self
Posted By: Robbins

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 07/14/13 08:35 PM

Looking good!
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/15/13 10:05 PM

The 55 is almost done. I have a few little things to adjust and shoot a clear coat on it. I have been driving it for a week now and have already put over 400 miles on it. The 5.7 Hemi runs great and the truck drives really nice. I'm very pleased with the results. Have a look at the you tube linke below.

http://youtu.be/ilU3XUiLmJA
Posted By: HOT IN AZ

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/16/13 02:54 AM

I'll have to admit I'm not a fan of these trucks, but your build just did wonders for this early styling. I LIKE IT, exceptional build on a budget. Would like to see it with paint. Rick
Posted By: 300by500

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/16/13 04:11 AM

Awesome job! Looks GREAT!

If you haven't built a cover for the gas tank, a section from a 50 gallon drum (new or one with nice patina, oil company logo, etc.) would make a cool cover.
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/16/13 07:50 AM

Quote:

The 55 is almost done. I have a few little things to adjust and shoot a clear coat on it. I have been driving it for a week now and have already put over 400 miles on it. The 5.7 Hemi runs great and the truck drives really nice. I'm very pleased with the results. Have a look at the you tube linke below.

http://youtu.be/ilU3XUiLmJA



sounds good nice stance,,if it were mine i would paint it,just my opinion,,but very kool,,,what did u use for electronics ? factory EFI ? or CARB?
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/16/13 01:58 PM

I used the factory EFI with a Hot Wire harness.
Posted By: fstfish66

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/19/13 07:25 PM

Quote:

I used the factory EFI with a Hot Wire harness.





sweet
Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/22/13 04:52 PM

You did great Russ can't wait to get a ride in it!
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/23/13 06:06 PM

You will in Sept!
Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 08/26/13 11:46 PM

turned out great!!! anymore videos coming?
Posted By: Dodgem

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 09/19/13 05:02 PM

Russ out front of Hyper henry's place in Kitchener Ontario Canada.
Russ was hear for a 2 day visit we were all over the place with that truck everywhere we went people are taking pictures and some asking questions it runs real good!
GOOD JOB RUSS

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Posted By: rapidtransitrick

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/03/13 11:29 PM

just too cool
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 10/05/13 07:53 PM

Quote:

just too cool




Thanks, on Oct17 we are driving the 55 to Myrtle Beach for Cruising The Beach. I already have over 4000 miles on it.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 05/30/20 03:39 AM

For all you guys that followed this build back in 2013, the truck now has just over 50,000 miles on it since competed and is still running great. It’s my daily driver. Sorry but all the photos are no longer accessible on this forum. They got dropped a couple years ago when the site format was updated.
Posted By: SattyNoCar

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 05/30/20 01:56 PM


Thanks for the followup! Still a very cool project!

The pics are still here, you just have to click the link to 'download' them and you can them.

That being said though, any current pics?

beer
Posted By: Andyvh1959

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/07/22 05:42 PM

Great to hear. My 56CDAK journey is just starting. I bought a solid 56 big window Dodge which will go on my 2001 Dakota chassis. Everything from the Dak cab will go into the 56 as my daily driver. So as a daily driver is the fuel mileage reasonable? I plan to use a remanufactured long block 4.7V8 with a 65RFE automatic, which I hope on highway driving will get me 20+mpg. It should be turning less than 1800 rpm at 70. Curious too, what it's like in colder weather to drive a vintage style cab. Is the heating/windshield defrost equal to what it is in a 2005 Dakota? I'm in Green Bay so the weather here is similar to Ontario.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/08/22 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by Andyvh1959
Great to hear. My 56CDAK journey is just starting. I bought a solid 56 big window Dodge which will go on my 2001 Dakota chassis. Everything from the Dak cab will go into the 56 as my daily driver. So as a daily driver is the fuel mileage reasonable? I plan to use a remanufactured long block 4.7V8 with a 65RFE automatic, which I hope on highway driving will get me 20+mpg. It should be turning less than 1800 rpm at 70. Curious too, what it's like in colder weather to drive a vintage style cab. Is the heating/windshield defrost equal to what it is in a 2005 Dakota? I'm in Green Bay so the weather here is similar to Ontario.


I have a 49 Dodge truck on a Dakota chassis build here on Moparts. I've driven my truck through a winter (north west corner of IL) with actual snowfall, frosted glass, and 0 degree weather, my truck sits outside when not being driven.

Your 56 should get pretty close to the same mpg as the Dakota got, if you keep the EFI. The shape of the body won't have much effect unless your truck only sees lots of highway miles, then a slight difference due to aerodynamics may make a difference of 1-2 mpg. My 49 with a 5.2 Magnum and a 46RE and 3:55 gears on a 94 Dakota 4x4 chassis got just under 18 mpg @ 75 mph with 235 x 75- 15 tires. Around town is 10 - 13 mpg. The 56 cab is more aerodynamic then the 49 is.

I would strongly suggest that you add sound deadener/insolation to the inside surfaces of the cab (in addition to door & kick panels, and a headliner), especially the roof, firewall, back of the cab, and floors. That stuff makes a huge difference in keeping the heat in during the winter, and keeping heat out during the winter. I use the self stick stuff made from butyl rather then the stuff made from asphalt, the asphalt stuff can melt if the temps get over 90 degrees during the summer. I used stuff called NOICO, but since it came from Russia, it may not be available now, but you should be able to find alternatives.

You also need to be sure your wipers are up to the task, if your 56 still has the vacuum wipers, they are not going to cut it. You will need well functioning electric wipers, and a windshield washer would be a great addition as well.

When you are hijacking stuff from your Dakota donor, be sure you get the heat/ac box and the defroster duct work for the Dakota and adapt it into the 56 dash, The 56 defrosting system needs a lot of help. The Dakota heater & defroster duct work clears the windshield pretty fast, keeps it clear, and warms the cab in about a mile with a 195 stat. Its a cold ride before that 1st mile. Heated seats would be a great option... Gene
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/10/22 04:37 AM

The windows on my 55 fog up really bad in cold or wet weather. I beat it with liberal amounts of RainX on the outside and RainX ant fog on the inside. The problem is my classic air AC Heater system doesn’t circulate fresh air from outside to remove the moisture inside the cab.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/11/22 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by Dabee
The windows on my 55 fog up really bad in cold or wet weather. I beat it with liberal amounts of RainX on the outside and RainX ant fog on the inside. The problem is my classic air AC Heater system doesn’t circulate fresh air from outside to remove the moisture inside the cab.


This is the primary reason I used the heat/ac box out of the Dakota. That box has a fresh air duct at the top of it (Pic 1, extreme right side of the pic about center of the frame, the black oval.) You can also see the Dakota duct work mounted to the cowl, It attaches to the heater box on the smaller square to the left of the outlet with the green foam (The green foam is the AC outlet, I do not have the AC functioning yet.). I am never concerned about heat, all the air in the heat/defrost part runs through the defroster duct. There is enough heat in the cab through the defroster duct work to make the cab very comfortable after a few miles of driving, if the cab is sealed well enough. To me seeing is more important then being warm.

Pic 2 is the hole I cut into the cowl for fresh air. It is about 3" high x 5" wide. on the left side of the hole you can see the fresh air inlet for the Dakota Heater box. If you were looking straight at it, that inlet for the Dakota heater is centered in the opening. I made a simple duct work to connect the hole with the heater inlet out of light gauge sheet metal.

Pic 3, The hole I cut probably can get water flow from under the hood when it rains. This picture shows how I built up a water trough for the water to run around both sides of the hole. Everything clears the hood by about 1/4". I can't find a picture of the duct work I made, I was sure I took pics, but who knows at this point.

Pic 4 shows the cover I use through the summer. Without the cover, there is a lot of under the hood heat comes into the cab. The cover hooks under the top edge and over both sides and is held in place with two screws on the bottom edge. When the truck got painted, the entire cowl above the body seam was painted body color. I have not removed the cover yet this year, but with the predicted temps for the next 10 days, I will likely remove it tomorrow. With the cover painted body color, it blends in nicely, it may not look so pretty after its been removed and installed a few times, but that sort of thing comes with it being a daily driver.

If I can't find pictures of the duct work between the cowl hole and the heater box, I'll try to get a couple then. Gene

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Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/11/22 04:31 AM

I had to move my fire wall back 6 inches and the radiator forward 2 inches to get the 5.7 Gen III Hemi in the truck. There isn’t enough room under the dash for that Dakota heat ac unit. The Classic Air mini unit barely fit under there.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/12/22 04:45 AM

Originally Posted by Dabee
I had to move my fire wall back 6 inches and the radiator forward 2 inches to get the 5.7 Gen III Hemi in the truck. There isn’t enough room under the dash for that Dakota heat ac unit. The Classic Air mini unit barely fit under there.


I can understand that for sure.
How well does your glass seal?
Do you have insolation in your cab?
Does the Classic Air have AC that is directed through the heater core and then through the defrost ducts?
Can you pull fresh air up through the bottom of the kick panel into the Classic Air unit or is there no option for fresh air into the Classic Air unit at all?
Posted By: Andyvh1959

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/12/22 06:20 PM

On the 55 and 56, when the PS hood is up there is a vertical surface above the fender facing to the side, up to a seam on the firewall under the hood Could that be a space for a fresh air intake to the cab? Make the cutout on that vertical face, cover it with S/S screen mesh (like that screen used for gutter guards). Then add a vertical seal just forward of the screen, and above the screen, back to the welting for the hood when it is closed. Stop the hood welting just where it meets the seal for the fresh air intake. If the seal were thick enough to require some compression when the hood is closed it would seal off the fresh air intake from the engine compartment. But fresh air can enter under the bottom edge of the hood just above the RH fender. So the screen is covered from outside elements and separated from the engine compartment heat. Inside under the dash area form a duct that rises from the bottom edge of the fresh air intake so that any moisture that could get in would have to travel uphill to get into the ducting, so that should minimize any chance for water/snow to get drawn into the cab.

This would be similar to the fresh air intakes for the cab on my 2001 Dakota. When the hood is closed a seal forward of the intake area is compressed by the underside of the hood, thus sealing the fresh air intake from the engine compartment. But the trailing end of the hood extends past and over the fresh air intake to keep water, snow, ice, etc from flooding into the cab fresh air intake. Whatever the size is of the ducting coming out of the cab blower, make the intake tubing about 1.5 times that cross section to make sure the blower is not working harder to pull in fresh air. The fresh air intake duct would then go to the blower housing suction side where the fresh air/In-cab air damper would be.

Poorboy, on your installation where you show the cutout under the hood for the fresh air intake, the area I refer to is further to the left (looking back to the windshield), lower below the firewall flange and vertical, versus where your cutout is higher and above the firewall flange under the hood.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/12/22 09:16 PM

I responded by PM, but for anyone that might be reading this, the 48-56 hoods close on top of the forward 1/2 of the cowl. The hood sides are support by a center piece, and both sides are held closed by latches that pull the hood down against the cowl and the bracket at the radiator support. The cowl part behind the hood is exposed to everything outside. The cowl part under the hood is exposed to everything going on under the hood, and the entire cowl has to support the rear end of the hood sides. The original seal for the rear of the hood was a welting that as nailed through the cowl. Most replacement seals are rubber, but the welting is available for restoration purposes. The front part of the cowl seals the engine compartment from the passenger compartment.

You can remove that under the hood part of the cowl forward of the step for the hood seal, but you will have to figure out a way to seal the engine compartment from the passenger compartment, and you have to provide enough bracing to support the rear of both hood 1/2s and the center hood hinge piece. You can pull the fresh air for heat/defrost from under the hood, but you will want to keep that opening to a minimum because you will pull under hood odors, under hood heat in the summer, and under hood cold air (until that air warms up) in the winter. You also create a possible place for an under hood fire to enter the passenger compartment. A small hole (about 4" in diameter) will provide plenty of fresh air for a heat/defroster, and will reduce the chance of an under hood fire getting into the passenger compartment. A hole that size can also be filtered to reduce unwanted odors, and a closable door can stop unwanted heat in the summer.

Most modern outside vents pull outside air through louvers in the hood, or gaps between the hood and the windshield. There is a box under the fresh air intake with water drains and a protected from direct rain area above the expected water line where the fresh air enters the cab. The heater boxes usually have a drain at the bottom to remove any water that has gotten into the box. Modern heat/ac units are designed to pull required fresh air (or recycled air from inside the cab) into the system with as little added moisture as possible. Then they add a way for any moisture that has entered the system to get out before the fan can push that moisture against the glass. Ac systems both cool and dry the air. Modern heat/ac systems funnel the cool dry air through the defroster system to first dry the air, then pass that air through the heater to warm the air. The dry warm air is forced against the glass as fast as possible. The warmer, the dryer, and the faster the air moves, the faster it clears the glass. A system without fresh air and without ac can clear the glass, but it needs to get rid of the excess moisture to be more efficient.

If your glass is slow to clear, its possible there is too much moisture in your cab. Poor glass seals and poor door seals are a good place to start to reduce the moisture in your cab. If water is coming it, you have to figure out a way to at least slow it down as much as possible. Total seal is the best option, but these old Dodges had lots of gaps around the glass and doors.

Condensation is the next biggest culprit. If you don't have some form of insolation stuck to the inside of the cab sheet metal, you are probably adding moisture through condensation forming on the inside of the metal that is warming inside but cold outside. Your defroster fan is pushing that moisture directly against the glass.

Wet carpets? Brush as much of that snow off as you can before you get into the truck, and fix the holes in your floors.

the air coming out of your defroster has to be as warm as possible, and it has to be moving as fast as possible. Most of the old heaters have fans with blades moving the air. Modern fans have squirrel cages moving air. Squirrel cages move the air about 2x faster then fan blades will. Are the duct work and vents designed to move as much air as fast as possible? Smooth surface walls and easy curves move more air then rough inside surfaces and 90 degree square bends.

Lastly, is you glass clean? Dirty, smoke, or antifreeze coverd glass takes much longer to clear then clean glass does.
Posted By: Dabee

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/12/22 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by poorboy
Originally Posted by Dabee
I had to move my fire wall back 6 inches and the radiator forward 2 inches to get the 5.7 Gen III Hemi in the truck. There isn’t enough room under the dash for that Dakota heat ac unit. The Classic Air mini unit barely fit under there.


I can understand that for sure.
How well does your glass seal?
Do you have insolation in your cab?
Does the Classic Air have AC that is directed through the heater core and then through the defrost ducts?
Can you pull fresh air up through the bottom of the kick panel into the Classic Air unit or is there no option for fresh air into the Classic Air unit at all?
.

Glass seals fine. Moving the fire wall didn’t impact the windows.
Yes I have insolation. I replaced the original fire wall and floor with a firewall and floor from a Dakota. I used the Dakota insolation.
Yes the air is directed through the heater core then to the defrost ducts.
There is not enough room to pull air in through the kick panel into the classic. So that wasn’t an option.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/12/22 09:36 PM

My 54 Dodge originally had a hole (about 3" diameter) in the firewall near the heater for fresh air. Under the hood was a short tube with a butterfly valve that was at one time cable operated. I suspect originally it had an expanding paper/wire tube that connected it to the grill area near the radiator. Even a hole connected to the Classic Air unit with duct work through the firewall and going towards the fender would help a lot. Any fresh air would be better then none.
Posted By: Andyvh1959

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/24/22 04:36 AM

I just saw a video of a 55 Ford F1 build onto a newer chassis. Just realized what those louvers are for on the PS of the cowl just aft of the hoodline, most likely for the cabin fresh air intake. The louvers are only on the PS of the cab. Always wondered why the old Fords had those louvers on one side of the cab. That would be cool on the 56 Dodge but a louver section would have to be welded into a cutout section of the cab side cowl to make it work.
Posted By: poorboy

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 11/25/22 02:16 AM

Mid 50s Chevy and GMC trucks had a small door on the side of the cowl that opened & closed from inside the truck for the fresh air. That part of your Dodge truck is covered by the back part of the front fender, and any opening would open between the cab and the back side of the fender. On the original Dodge trucks, that area was also exposed to anything the front tire could kick up and send back into the area. With modern inner fenders that could protect the possible fresh air door location from the tire kicked up stuff, you would be pulling the air from under the bottom of the fender or between the engine compartment and the inner fender. That probably wouldn't be a bad place to pull the air from during the winter, but it could be pretty hot air during the summer. Rigging up a door to open and close in that tight space could be an issue (it could open inward where there may be more room, or outward). Inside of the cab, that location would be the passenger side kick panel between the dash and the floor. That air would then have to be ducted into the HVAC box. On my 49, I just moved that fresh air intake to the top of the cowl, which made the duct work easy. I could have probably taken the time to create a door that would open and close, but the cover for the summer was quick and easy, but the cowl fresh air vent on my truck still functions for the summer use. My AC is not functional at this point yet, but may be in the future.

I might also add that I have my EFI computer mounted in that passenger side kick panel area on my truck. Locations you can place the computer are pretty limited on the old cabs, those wires only reach so far and since most measure resistance, making the wires longer probably isn't a great idea.
Posted By: Andyvh1959

Re: 55 dodge truck on a 2005 dakota chassis - 12/14/22 02:08 AM

My 56 C3 today was flat bedded from the seller's driveway to my FIL's pole building, now resting quietly, safe and dry amoug his collection of Jodn Deere, Oliver, Massey Harris and Ford tractors.

Russ and Gene, your cool Dodge classics on Dakota chassis's are my inspirations to do my 1st chassis swap. It will be a long and challenging build, and I hope to have a truck close to what you've both built. You both should be very proud and satisfied with your efforts. Maybe someday I'll park my turquoise 56 next to one of your trucks.
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