See post #135

 

..sorry. Didn't know if you've had a chance to do that yet.

 

I hate to seem like I'm nagging about the flares, but if they're going to be made available I really need to know sooner rather then later as my tax return is due any time now and is like to plan out the budget for things I have planned for my truck.


Thanks.

 

It's never easy....So I discovered with my front end swap of a '94 to the '90, the bumper mount holes on the frame aren't in the same place. The bumper mounts on the 87 to 90 are more rectangular and shallower, and the mounting holes are fixed in an equilateral (or at least isosceles) triangle. The mounts for 91 on up, are angled, and the holes, while on an adjustable plate, form a scalene triangle, and they aren't parallel to the ground in orientation like the 90 mounts.

Comparing it to my 95, it appears the front hole is the only one in a common location. So I made a template from the mounts and commenced drilling new holes into the 90 frame. For now, I just drilled one more hole in each to mock it all up. Looks pretty good. The gap between the grill and bumper is maybe a 1/8" wider than on my 95, but that's because the front hole is a little lower on the 90 frame than the 95. But not enough room to move that one.

Anyway, here's a picture of the freshly painted truck, bumper, grill and headlight doors. I went with a nice satin black for the grill stuff. I think it looks pretty good.

 

I would be interested in your fenderflares if you'd like to sell them. Let me know a price shipped to 43732. Thank you for your time.

 

Front fenders on and engine plumbed mostly. Need to install the regulator and fuel lines and a couple of brake fittings...coming together slowly but surely. Lots of little odds and ends and then wiring the engine bay.

 

Very Nice !

It's great to see another convertible coming back to as good as new. (or better than new)

I haven't done a thing on ours this winter.
Everything else seems to take precedence.

One issue I haven't decided how to tackle is weather stripping.
I have mused about 3D printing the special corner pieces etc., and bonding them to off the shelf extrusions.

Ideas ?

EDIT:
I agree with the flares, they do look good without them.

In the Interest of "completeness" (and because the truck doesn't need paint), I'll be reinstalling the flares on our truck.
They can cause rust from the mounting screws and by trapping debris behind them. I'm planning on bonding rare earth magnets to the flares. That was there are no screws, and they can be removed for washing. The question is: How many magnets ? Too many and I suspect it will be very hard to pull them off.

 

Hey stranger....long time!!! I was just mentioning to another member that we haven't seen you around lately. Good to know you're still kicking.

I have no idea for weather stripping...fortunately none of mine is cracked or missing. I've been using Bondo black to refurbish the fade....it brings them back to brand new looking. I do need to replace the top and haven't figured that out yet....might have to hire a professional.

I do have cracked door belting...I bought some replacements not realizing that the vert doors are wider. So not sure what I'll do there yet....someone mentioned cutting down ram door belting so maybe.

I do need to replace all those spungy pieces in the hood cowl area...I have a 95 to pattern them off of and a couple I pulled off the 90...not sure what to use...it's almost like pool noodle material.

also need to replace the mud shields in the engine bay...I have the old ones to use for patterns...I've read about using roofing felt...any other ideas?

I've learned alot on this vert and the evolution of the dakotas from 87 to 95...they should have never lumped them all together as Gen 1! Cause lots are different.

 

Acetone works well on rubber if used sparingly. Wearing rubber gloves, I use an old rag and wipe it on, then rub it with the rag.

That may have been me.
I compared them to my 96 Ram and they appear like they would work.
Attaching them would be different. Might be possible to combine the original pieces from the Dakota, with "new" Ram pieces.
I wandered around a junkyard with a tape measure to see what would fit and if I remember correctly, the earlier Ram ones were close.

Mine are in good shape so I don't need to fix them on the Dakota, but I DID make some out of bulk, roll, rubber mat material for my 3/4 ton. It's available in thicknesses, and nice and cheap. I wanted some extra thick stuff and found some that had the typical diamond step pattern on the top. Just like the rubber truck bed mats.

 

Truck is really looking nice!! I look forward to your updates, especially with the wiring and how you run the exhaust. Thanks for posting.