Hello everyone. I’m a new user from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Where our Texas Rangers will be watching the playoffs from home this year. I just kind of wanted to introduce myself to you all.


Anyway I have a question or two. I just bought a 1994 Dakota 2 dr extended cab with the 5.2L, Auto, 160,000 miles And the bad Red paint per Dodge rules. I also own a 92 Dakota single cab, short bed, 3.9L, Auto, 116,000miles. Same bad Dark Green paint. But my dad bought it new and gave it to me in 1995 so it’s special to me. He passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2009.


Now the questions are all on the 94. The horn does not work, the buttons on the steering wheel seem to stick. Not sure if this is common. And can the buttons be replaced without changing the steering wheel and Air Bag? I need a lot of interior trim pieces from the sill plates, trim around top of doors, console lid, window channels, Door seals, Power Window/DL switches, etc.. I haven’t had much luck finding those types of items online. The door seals can be found but the prices are from super cheap to very expensive, I’m not sure what are good parts.


My emergency brake release handle is in the console but it doesn’t fit the cable and stem that releases the emergency brake. I need a fan shroud, coolant recovery bottle. I hope you’re starting to see the picture. The young kids at the local national parts store just stare at me a lot.



I am use to restoring Chevy trucks, Camaro’s, Chevelle’s, Nova’s etc.. You can almost buy these parts at the local 7/11 store.


So I am asking for advice to find good stores for Dakota parts. RockAxxx, doesn’t seem to carry Interior trim parts, my local knock off stores don’t carry Interior trim parts.
I’m just looking for some advice and maybe what you’ve done in a semi-restore like I’m doing. I just want a clean affordable project.


Sorry I didn’t intend for this to get so long and drawn out. But if you can help I would appreciate it. And I hope I can return the favor. Have a Blessed Day.
Wesley

 

Check the FAQs section a few posts above this thread. There are factory service manuals on here to download. Also check the classifieds on here cause ive bought a good bit of parts from other owners. Actually if im not mistaken there is a early Dakota on there getting parted out now.

 

interior parts, I would hit a junkyard for exc the headliner for that I'd hit JoAnn or hancock Fabrics and spend about $15 on new headliner material and recover your own done it twice now (2 different trucks) after having paid $125 over the years on each of 3 or 4 vehicles to "have" it done much easier than I thought...

 

You can pop the buttons off the steering wheel with a small screw driver. Jump the connections with a piece of wire and if the horn still doesn't work you will have to use a volt meter and figure out if you have power to the buttons,then to the horn, then check grounds. Find the wiring diagram for the horn in the service manuals.

As for parts, junk yards are your best bet. If you can't find certain things, I have most of what you need, but i'm in PA and shipping for anything big could get expensive.