Unregistered users may browse the website, but in order to participate in the forums and view select pages (such as "Club Contacts" and "Classified Ads") a user account is required. Click HERE to email the webmaster and request a free account. The National DeSoto Club uses real names rather than pseudonyms. Notify the webmaster of your user name preference (Johnathon Doe vs. John Doe, etc.), preferred email address, and password request.
I am "fortunate" to have 2 decent S17's and other spare parts. My latest idea is to take an S17 and try to swap the chassis with a Dodge Dakota P/U as I had heard about and use all the parts left over to make the second one pristine.
Do not be offended by my swap idea, I am a realist and my dream of coast to coast high road/low road needs to be fulfilled in a more modern drivetrain than my current donor car.
I have googled and searched but have not found the clear cut answers I am looking for.
Anyone willing to help me out with some information and a nudge in the right direction?
1952 Firedome S17
wheelbase 125.5"
length 208.4"
width 74.9"
1991 Dakota extended cab
wheelbase 130.9"
length 203.2"
width. 69.4"
I have seen the old Chevy and S10 pickup swap and am aware of some of the issues there. My thinking is the V6 3.9L engine which makes about the same horsepower as my 276 ci Firedome V8.
Larry,
I have an S11 sitting on "98 Dakota Std Cab, Long bed chassis and running gear.
Modifications included 14" engine setback and triangulated 4 bar rear axle with AirBagIt air springs (to make up the one inch difference in wheelbase). Also, the Dakota front frame horns are massive and ended up much higher than the S11 bumper. I'm not sure how they will align with your S17.
According to my notes you should be looking for an extended cab, short bed with a 124" wheelbase to match up more closely with your 125.5" wheelbase.
Another issue that we (me and 20+ high school juniors at Butler Tech) encountered was the fact that the Dakota frame is almost 12" narrower than the S11 but the major cowl mounts were same length location and just needed to be "narrowed".
I have a powerpoint of the entire build (featured in the DeSoto Adventures Magazine) that I could send to you. (Another good reason to become a NDC Member!)
You can contact me via the DeSoto Adventures email: desotoadventures@gmail.com
Geoff Overley, Editor
DeSoto Adventures Magazine
Geoff,
Thank you for the reply. I am happy to look at any and all info you might have.
It was truly a sad day when I gave up on chasing parts and service and decided to do a body swap. I love Desoto's and all the little things that can drive you crazy while owning one (at least I used to).
I searched for 3 years to put together a package of extra parts to do a total resto on my green Desoto and realised I did not have the energy or time to do it, so I placed it on eBay the other day, maybe someone else has the time and energy.
So, I do realise the conversion will not be easy but when I am done my daughter and son can drive our Firedome with safety long after I am gone, I hope!!
Thanks,
Larry
I finally replied via email.
Thank you!!!!!
