Hey guys, popping back in with another project. Paid waaay too much for this 1990 4x4 Vert Dak in a copart auction, but I really wanted it. It's got some side swipe damage and will need some body work as well as an upper control arm and some suspension bits. 86k miles and the interior is in great shape, especially the seats. Rust situation is not perfect, but better than any of my other 3 daks. Pretty excited to dig into this one.

 

I think I would document the current paint very well *lots and lots and lots of pictures* and then see if I could get the current sheet metal fixed for a droptop.

The front fender and bed aren't any real big problem, but I'm not sure how well a regular door skin would work on your truck.

But.

*is envious* MAN that truck is gorgeous!!!!

RwP

 

Thanks Ralph, I was pretty thrilled to find it. I'm trying to find parts now and stuff like the upper control arm will have to be salvaged, no new ones available. Do you happen to know if they are the same for all first gen years?

I'm thinking about buying an entire parts truck for the front end stuff and maybe try cutting a stock door down and swapping the glass over. Id also love to make the wing windows openable.

 

UCAs are identical 1987 to 1996 for 2WD, and also for 4WD, but not 2WD and 4WD ...

SUPPOSEDLY you can swap a 1997+ front suspension frame out; but don't quote me on that.

(Besides, it'd be nicer to keep it mostly original being a droptop IMO; however, you do you with it; it's yours.)

RwP

 

Thanks for the info, found some UCAs for it.

Yeah, current plan is to keep it original. It has to be 100% stock OEM to pass the enhanced inspection process it will need to undergo to change the certificate of salvage into a certificate of title w/ reconstructed brand. Fortunately, it still has the original cats and smog systems intact.

After that, I'm not sure what I'll do. Probably enjoy it a bit as is, but I'd guess the LA V6 is going to leave me wanting after all the magnum 318 fun I've been having. It's going to have an R-title, so it's value probably won't take any more of a hit if I engine swap it. As for looks, it's going back to stay red, but the ghost flames will be gone in favor of some original dakota sport decals. I also need to track down some wheels for it.

 

Friggin' AWESOME!