Sirriggs
Senior Member
As we know, bringing a 2nd generation Dodge Ram backs to its glory is more a labor of love then a investment for cash. As some may know in here. I have been doing that to my late wife 1999 Ram 1500. This truck will be passed down to our daughter once my time is done here and my goal is to bring it back to its former glory. ( That was her wishes)
I am going to have the transmission rebuilt this coming year. The motor is strong and runs great. Dash....Well that's in the works. I got the new bezel and should be ordering the top dash part this week but the main structure needs work. Found that at a salvage yard( They don't like the term Junk Yard these day's.lol) but had the daughter car so when I put it in the truck. Forgot the lid struts didn't work and boom it fell down and smashed it so my great deal of $40 bucks went to pieces. That was my fault. Anyway, I believe I may be able to take two and make one so not all is lost. As most know some parts are very hard to find.
Next will replacing brake system all the way around with new drums, discs and parts. Interior more cleaning up with new head liner and driver seat cushion and cover. Steering wheel leather replaced. I was under the truck the other day and both upper and lower ball joints looked bad so that's on the list as well. I'm sure more will come my way as I go through her but over all the truck is in really good condition. My wife was good keeping it well taken care of. She bought it used in 1999 before we met. I believe it had 21,000 miles on it. It still has low millage 162,000 on it. I believe I have the time at 53 to meet my goals with it. Money as always will predict the time line on it completion. I do have a transmission guy I know is honest and will do it for $2,200 with a 3 year warranty which I feel is very fair. This truck has been my therapy for my loss and helps me feel good about its purpose. Don't worry. I'm not asking for any help money wise. I would love to hear others reasons for their labor of love on their trucks.
Thanks for reading this and good luck with your projects.
I am going to have the transmission rebuilt this coming year. The motor is strong and runs great. Dash....Well that's in the works. I got the new bezel and should be ordering the top dash part this week but the main structure needs work. Found that at a salvage yard( They don't like the term Junk Yard these day's.lol) but had the daughter car so when I put it in the truck. Forgot the lid struts didn't work and boom it fell down and smashed it so my great deal of $40 bucks went to pieces. That was my fault. Anyway, I believe I may be able to take two and make one so not all is lost. As most know some parts are very hard to find.
Next will replacing brake system all the way around with new drums, discs and parts. Interior more cleaning up with new head liner and driver seat cushion and cover. Steering wheel leather replaced. I was under the truck the other day and both upper and lower ball joints looked bad so that's on the list as well. I'm sure more will come my way as I go through her but over all the truck is in really good condition. My wife was good keeping it well taken care of. She bought it used in 1999 before we met. I believe it had 21,000 miles on it. It still has low millage 162,000 on it. I believe I have the time at 53 to meet my goals with it. Money as always will predict the time line on it completion. I do have a transmission guy I know is honest and will do it for $2,200 with a 3 year warranty which I feel is very fair. This truck has been my therapy for my loss and helps me feel good about its purpose. Don't worry. I'm not asking for any help money wise. I would love to hear others reasons for their labor of love on their trucks.
Thanks for reading this and good luck with your projects.
