[immattj]

I think ill get an OE upper hose unit and grab a aftermarket inlet just in case the plastic breaks again.
Doin the lower as well. View attachment 3430

Modstock, if you are still out there, how did this Moroso piece work out for you? Do you have any problems getting it off when it's hot?

 

[Modstock]

I just got the OE unit. Haven't picked up the moroso piece yet. I think the diameter was bigger, not sure it's been awhile.

 

[immattj]

I just got the OE unit. Haven't picked up the moroso piece yet. I think the diameter was bigger, not sure it's been awhile.

Modstock! That was quick! I didn't know if you were still around.

Anyway, ever since I read your Moroso post, I liked the idea of having a separate aluminum filler/union with two individual hoses so I went ahead & ordered one (& hoses) a while back ago. I was doing my "yearly Dakota service" & I figured I'd swap out the upper rad hose (that I put on last year with the 5 year flush) and . . . the rad cap is a total bitch to get off (especially when it's hot).

But anyway, thanks for coming back to this when I checked in with you.

 

[Modstock]

I wonder if it needs a light sanding around the rim. Probably expansion while it's hot.

Since I have most of the mechanical stuff fixed and squared away, it was time to fix the radio. It had a sony aftermarket unit already installed but every time I hit a big bump it would shut off. Also made a horrible screeching sound out of the passenger speaker.
I grabbed a pair of 2ohm front speakers also.

New unit installed , it even fixed the noise but afterwards the speakers were installed. Sounds much better.

 

[immattj]

I wonder if it needs a light sanding around the rim. Probably expansion while it's hot.

Since I have most of the mechanical stuff fixed and squared away, it was time to fix the radio. It had a sony aftermarket unit already installed but every time I hit a big bump it would shut off. Also made a horrible screeching sound out of the passenger speaker.
I grabbed a pair of 2ohm front speakers also.

New unit installed , it even fixed the noise but afterwards the speakers were installed. Sounds much better.

That one's on me, Modstock--the stupid factor was kicking in. When you unscrew the rad cap, it goes into one set of detentes, and then you have to unscrew a bit more it so it finds one last set of detentes, & I wasn't doing that last little twist & it wasn't sitting in that last detente. One of two things (or possibly both): when I installed that Moroso union/rad filler I had already been out in the garage all day & my blood sugar was probably dropping or/and early Alzheimer's kicking in.

So everything is good & I will put that one year old hose in the back for a spare (although it might be kind of a bitch to do that on the side of the road unless I had something in the truck to get one of the hoses off of the thermostat housing/or remove the 'stat housing). I did note that the Moroso rad filler/union is A} a real TIGHT fit (which is better than being a sloppy loose fit) and B) that the ridged areas on it that the rad hoses have to slip over is not chamfered, it is just squared off, making me see that as a possible early wear/leak area. Probably me just being paranoid, and since I change out my cooling system hoses on a schedule, by the time the ridges would wear through the hoses and blow a leak, I probably would have changed them out anyway.

Good deal on your stereo, it sounds like that Dak is turning out to be a real nice truck for you.

 

[Modstock]

Cool, I may still order that just in case.

The stereo sounds really good with the new 2ohm speakers, has good bass. Enough that I don't need to install my subs.
A few weeks ago I ordered a small Dakota model kit. Im gonna dress it up just like Dusty. May even a replica trailer and do some small areo testing.
These are kinda hard to find lately and people want $$ . Paid about $40 .

Went camping up in Idaho 3hr drive. It did good going up but coming back home It was 80°. Had a strong headwind all the way. Had to let it cool down twice before a hillclimb. Not overheated but getting up there enough knowing a hill wasn't gonna help. Think I may put a 180 thermostat soon. This truck hasn't been through the hot season with me towing yet.
Is there a bigger radiator I can install on this ?

 

[Modstock]

Been a long time since I've done a model. I couldn't find any paint close to the factory color.
Military dark yellow was the closest tan at the hobby shop.
Sneak peak. Gonna add some clear in a few days. It looks good with the silver.
Just needs a topper on the bed.

 

[immattj]

I love it!

 

[02GenHandMeDown]

That looks awesome! I build a lot of 1/64 models myself: Joshua B (@bignboostedcustomtrucks) • Instagram photos and videos

 

[Modstock]

Well it's all done. Feel free to geek out. 😉
I may add a topper and push bar one day but don't want to ruin it.

"It wasn't enough to build a Dakota but then ya had to give it a mini-me. "
😆

 

[02GenHandMeDown]

You killed it!

 

[Modstock]

Just ordered the jet performance 180° thermostat from summit racing.
I got 2 trips coming up with big hill climbs in the heat but I usually try to get up em in the morning.

 

[Modstock]

Seen this mod done to the rear seats on dodge 1500's and other makes. Wanted to make room for a tool set.
Trying to be more organized.
Took out the seats and trimmed the upper hooks to just below the weld.
Seems like alot but there's still a inch plus of travel to lock the backrest in.

Also moved the jack to the other side to make room for the tool kit.

 

[Modstock]

The truck has been sitting since my last post. A day before our planned trip, I came home feeling like heat exhaustion hit me. Turns out it was covid. Recovered but felt weak the next 2 weeks.
Before the trip I was watching (slim potato head) on YouTube about using a snowboard as a wind deflector to increase gas mileage while towing a trailer. Getting the wind up over the front of the trailer.

I was going to test this with the model but decided to go ahead and mounted a small kids snowboard at the very rear of the topper.
1st trip (bc) I had noticed an increase from 10mpg to 13.5mpg. Not bad .

I ditched the small 115cm board cause the ends touched the top when flipped upside down and went to a 130cm board. Having the board upside down is to get the waxed side up.
Still haven't tested this new board yet but coming up soon.
I can also fold it down for when im not towing. Pics 2 and 3 got mixed up.

 

[Modstock]

I came out of the store the other day to this. Kinda rare here.

 

[Modstock]

Question;;;;
Do any of you have problems with the doors freezing shut ?

I've tried spraying silicone on the door weatherstripping but it's not those.
It freezes up near the top when snow is on it. Sometimes no snow and just freezing cold does it.
I have to grab the bottom of the door while holding the handle open.

Is it the door design up near the top???
Can't drive my truck. 😢 help.

 

[immattj]

I don't drive my Dak in the snow/salt, but when it's just plain cold I've never had the door frozen shut (I've only had that happen on other stuff during ice storms). But it rarely gets real real cold where I am at, & even though it just recently did, I was driving my GMC due to snow/salt.

On that note, my GMC windows were frozen badly, and no matter what I did I couldn't get 'em down. PIA at MacD's drive through, so I took my heat gun to the driver's window. It might take a while to do the whole door, but you might try that. If you do, it would probably be best to wear rubber boots and stand on something dry. Just in case.

 

[Modstock]

Here's my 2 latest adventures. I like winter camping and my Dickinson wood stove makes that possible. Enjoy.

 

[immattj]

Looks like you must have got your door opened!

 

[Modstock]

Yeah, I poured hot water over the top of the door. Had to grab it from the bottom and pull.