Hi guys,

I need to share that little story with you before asking for pointers.
Few weeks ago, after buying a new boat (21 foot open deck), I decided to go back in the truck world. I sold my last truck in 2010, which was a Tacoma 2006, and always regretted it to some point.

So I went out shopping to test drive few brand new 2016 mid-size trucks. A test drove the Tacoma, the Canyon and the Colorado. I left those drives with not even a smile. For some reasons, something was missing.

THEN I stumbled on that old 4x4 2000 Dakota, V8, Manual and Quad cab. I had to check it out for an unknown reason. That truck was talking to me at some point.

BOOM I felt in love with it in less than 5 minutes. The truck is in perfect shape but it is not the point. It feels raw, the manual transmission is awesome, the back seats have WAY more leg rooms than the newer model and the V8 engine sound is amazing. Everything felt solid about it, so a "why not" started to haunt me.

Long story short, that old truck rooted in me, and fast. It delivered that feeling I was looking for, where all the newer trucks where not with all their electronic gadgets that will give up in 4-5 years from now.

I bought it on the spot...

So this being said, I think I will completely restore that jewel. I would like to lift it up and take off as much rust as I can. It is not that discouraging since the truck was treated with rust proofing for many years, so the rust seems to be at the surface only.

I read here and there that I could remove a lot of the rust with a grinder and a cup steel brush. But any links, tricks or products that you guys could share with me? I was not that successful finding a lot of information about getting rid of rust on frames.

I really want to do it and keep it for the years to come. That old Godzilla (named by my daughter like 2 minutes after she sat in it, also smiling) delivered where the new ones did not. I think I will jump in a restoration project over it…

Any feedback would be appreciated ...


Here it is, few hours after I got it ...


Dakota%202000%2001.jpg

 

Im with you on the 2nd gen quadcabs, I love em!! as far as rust, check under those fender flares, they hold water in there, also rear leaf springs, hangers, gas tank straps, etc, can all rust really bad on these trucks..if you have a lot of rust underneath and are serious about getting rid of it, just pull the bed of and go to town with grinder...life will be much easier..lol..

 

44dakota is right, pull the bed. pull the fender flares, (carefully, threre is 3m double sided sticky on them). also chech between the wheels and inner body.

i just undercoated the bed and front fenders on my 01 last fall.

another good spot to look at is right behind the head lights. that spot seems to rust out alot too.

4 1/2" grinder w/wire bush or corded drill will be very nice friend on this project.


nice looking truck by the way.