Ok, here's the deal... my daily driver is a 85 d150. 318, 2 wheel drive. currently doing all the body work and about to swap out the front grille for the 93 style. Planning on lowering it, but have a few interior questions...
A. Seats.
The bench has to go. What seats work best in these trucks? I really like the newer buckets and want to go with black leather. Any ideas?
B. Heating/Cooling controls
The mechanical controls have to go. They're outdated and simply don't work well. Has anyone swapped the electric controls? And how hard is this to do?
C. Dash Swap?
I hate the outdated rectangular dash. Want to go with something a bit more modern. Anyone ever done a dash swap in these trucks? And what dashes would fit? I know there would be a lot of fab work, but that's not a problem..
Any ideas, comments, or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Speed Dragon
07-31-2007, 12:30 AM
A. Seats.
The bench has to go. What seats work best in these trucks? I really like the newer buckets and want to go with black leather. Any ideas?
'81-93 Club Cabs have decent buckets and center console, that's what I put into my '72. Used 2 driver side mounting brackets. Won't be able to use the rails, but you really won't need them. As for leather, you could recover them. Dakota seats may work also. Ful-size '94-up Ram seats can be made to work but don't leave much room.
B. Heating/Cooling controls
The mechanical controls have to go. They're outdated and simply don't work well. Has anyone swapped the electric controls? And how hard is this to do?
C. Dash Swap?
I hate the outdated rectangular dash. Want to go with something a bit more modern. Anyone ever done a dash swap in these trucks? And what dashes would fit? I know there would be a lot of fab work, but that's not a problem..
Never made electronic HVAC controls for these trucks. I think I saw or heard of one guy who swapped in a '94-up dash. IMO though, if you want that stuff, you're better off buying a '94-up Ram w/ all that from the factory. Of course, if you're crazy enough to want to put that much time,effort and money into your older truck, then welcome to the club! :D
DiverDwnPowrRam
07-31-2007, 07:07 AM
Ya i agree with speed on the dash swap as the 2nd and 3rd gen uses cab forward designs and it is just not worth it. I have seen instrument panel upgrades there was someone here that posted...what two months ago a nice cluster.
ptannjr
07-31-2007, 09:41 AM
doing a custom dash build would be a great option since you dont mind the fab work. doing it from scratch would probably be easier too.
buck99
07-31-2007, 10:30 AM
Sounds like you need a newer donor truck thats been through a write off accident so you have all the pieces. But not so new that it has a body control computer.
Might be cheaper.
ilikesnackpacks
08-01-2007, 06:55 PM
i thought the 91-93 trucks had electronic hvac controls? were they just redesigned mechanical controls?
Speed Dragon
08-01-2007, 08:42 PM
i thought the 91-93 trucks had electronic hvac controls? were they just redesigned mechanical controls?Yep. At least all I've ever seen have been that way.
Mopower79
08-01-2007, 08:54 PM
Its been done guys... & its been done very well!!!
Check this out...
First generation interior in a 1980 Ram-Charger!!!
PIC'S!!!..
Man-O-man did this turned out SWEET!!!
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/1980Ramcharger/160792.jpg
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/1980Ramcharger/160851.jpg
And finally the link to his gallery!!!
Link:
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/ew/mygallery.asp?id=8284
Just genius!!!... I.M.O. :rck:
NeDodgeguy
08-01-2007, 09:27 PM
That's a 98 up interior. It looks way nicer than the strange 94-97 interiors...
Holy smokes that Ramcharger is teh s3x
ilikesnackpacks
08-01-2007, 11:01 PM
holy hell where can i find a how to on that???
C1DoG
08-02-2007, 12:18 AM
ok that is just sweet :D
C1DoG
08-02-2007, 12:21 AM
Is there a bench seat from a newer Dodge that will fit an 82 d150? Like anything 90s and up
