I thought I would share some picture of the ongoing progress bring her back to her former glory. So some may know this truck sat for a few good years due to mechanical issues but progress has been made and she is being driven daily now. My wife bought this truck at the end of 1999 with only 21,000 miles. It's a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.2. Here of some pictures of where I am at after replacing the front main and bezel. Now it's time to save up and get the top part. The only thing I haven't fixed is the front vents. They don't open up and it looks like I may have to remove the box behind the dash to get to that hose to fix and get connected back to the main that goes to the motor. I just didn't have time to get into that since it's Sunday but will get to that when I do the top.

 

Comin' together nicely.

 

Thanks. I found the full OE carpet for about $150.00 and Head liner runs around $90.00. That's really not bad. My plans is to replace the seats with new foam and cover. Most of the plastic is in good shape so my plans are to paint everything to freshen it up. Steam clean the fabric on the doors. Would have done the same to the floor but 25 years of use. It would just be better to replace it. Passing it on to our daughter ( As mom wanted) is my intentions to make it look and run as good as the day she bought it. I am actually enjoying this as well.

 

And that makes the project so much better.

Daughter gonna be able to afford to feed it though? Gas is coming down, but, still pretty steep.

 

Yes it does. I did notice after replacing the fuel injectors the gas millage has been a lot better. I drive it mostly to work and back and the store and such and I fill the tank every two weeks. I fill it back up around 1/4 of a tank. I haven't done the math but will try to remember to reset the trip meter. Since she already drives , she will be fine with the fuel part. I know I have dealt with up and down prices since I was a young adult.

My concern is this big EV push and how it's going to effect gas engines? I read Dodge is making the switch in 2024. That is where my concern is. It will take some time to take full effect but that would be years simply due to the cost and what the general public can afford. Time will tell.

 

I don't foresee gas disappearing any time soon. Internal combustion engines either. There are some things that EV's just can't do. Towing being right there at the top of the list. Folks are going to be wanting gas engines in their work trucks for the foreseeable future. Eventually though, yeah, gas engines are going to go away. But, not for at least another decade, or more.... yet.

 

I don't disagree with you at all. Seeing it get to this point has taken some time since the main dash cost wasn't cheap and the hunt for a donor wasn't easy by any means. I'm very please to say it's getting there. I still have some painting to do since finding a match wasn't much of choice but once it's all done. Most wouldn't even know the color is off some. I will continue to post new pictures as the progress gets to where I would like it to be and to hopefully be able to help others if needed as well give them the boost they may need to do the same. Once I do the floor carpet. I am going to repaint the legs of the seat since they are looking a little rough. I will answer any questions asked if I can. Thanks for looking.

 

I was thinking about this the other day. I know they say the paint colors are on the door tag but I can't seem to find out the correct code for the silver on the lower bottom. What I have found isn't really clear if its correct paint. I did find out Chrysler from the local parts store wasn't right. It has what appears to be a gold tint to its grey even though the can look pretty damn close. I repaired an old job done back over 15 yrs ago when the truck was hit. Minor damage was done so it has a very skim coat of bondo to smooth it out,Main thing was to repair the cracked spot where it was starting to rust. That's all done, just now to color match it back up.