Not trying to discourage you, but you're going to find that Dakota owners don't enjoy a lot of aftermarket support. Fotunately, this means there aren't nearly as many custom Dakotas as there are other trucks. So, you're going to have to work harder than somebody with, say, a Chevy S-10, but it's going to be more unique when you're done.

As for getting the rust, etc. fixed on the bed, you might be better off finding a used bed for it from an Arizona truck or something.

Good luck, and make sure you take lots of pictures.