2000 Dodge Dakota Sport

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PostPosted: Sun Dec 19, 2021 6:54 pm
This is the current project I am working on.
2000 Dakota Sport.JPG


It arrived here with the engine block in the bed of the truck, rebuilt heads on the rear seat and some other parts in a plastic tub with a lid on it.
2000 Dakota Sport 2.JPG


I started working on the engine as it needed to be rebuilt.
Crank Bearing Rust 1.JPG


Got it assembled and then installed in the truck but then it sat like this while I did the owner's 79 Freightliner and the '69 Chevy C-10:
IMGP0003.JPG

Intake mounting.JPG


This week I dropped the fuel tank and replaced the fuel pump module. Reinstalled the tank, hooked up the exhaust system, etc. and got it started.

Now I need to change the radiator as this one leaks, get a battery that fits and check all the fluids before taking it for a test drive.
Once I am sure it's running okay, I will move on to the body work and paint.
1968 Coronet R/T


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PostPosted: Sun Dec 19, 2021 11:20 pm
Are you pretty much staying stock with the body work? Looks like minimal body work but full paint job, right?
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!

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PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:08 pm
It is in pretty decent shape for its age.
Rear bumper looks pretty bad but other than that mainly a total repaint.
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31



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PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:06 pm
You and owner are aware of the issues the 4.7 family has?

Its a Good little power plant IF the Cooling system is Top notch!
IF its EVER been over heated replace ALL Valve seats OR buy NEW Heads.

Even with out being over heated They have been known to drop Valve seats.
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:38 pm
He told me that was why the engine was pulled to begin with. It had been overheated and warped the heads.
They purchased newly rebuilt heads to replace the warped ones. I sent the block and crankshaft out for machining before I ordered the rebuild kit for it.
Just installed the new radiator yesterday and let it run until it warmed up and the thermostat opened to level the temperature out.
So far so good.

Personally, I would never spend the money on this truck and told him so. However it was his wife's father's truck and he left it to her when he died. They guy said he mentioned selling it but she started to cry so . . . money is no concern to him.
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31

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PostPosted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:30 pm
Got the new radiator in and fired it up and let it run till warm.
RPMs were about 1500 and wouldn't drop down after warm up. Ended up being the Idle Air Control being defective. Fortunately one of the nearby auto parts store had one in stock. $75 later the truck idles at 650 RPMs after warm up.

Ordered some fasteners for the inner fenders and once they arrive I will get them installed and then take the truck for a little test drive. It will have to be just around the block because I don't have the bed on there and the plates are expired.

If everything checks out okay, it's on to the body and paint work.
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31

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PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:33 pm
I stripped all of the horizontal surfaces to bare metal and the vertical surfaces down past the failing clear.

Shot two coats of epoxy primer today.

Left Front mixed two parts white one part black.JPG

Passenger Side.JPG
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31

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PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 10:23 pm
So which epoxy are you using?
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!

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PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:11 am
This was 2 parts white and 1 part black of the forbidden to be mentioned brand.
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31

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PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:37 am
Ha, ha..... that's exactly what I thought it was..... the name that shall not be spoken..... :lol: I kind of got the drift that you were still using some of their stuff plus the Tamco....
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!
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