"bwp240" (bwp240)
11/05/2014 at 14:35 • Filed to: Wants, Truck Yeah!
6
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"bwp240" (bwp240)
11/05/2014 at 14:35 • Filed to: Wants, Truck Yeah! | 6
| 22 |
I want a 1989 - 1991 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible. Now I know you are thinking the age old non-collector guy question, "Why do you want one of these stupid things?"
Ever since I discovered its existence many years ago I thought it looked kind of cool. Since I own a practical car that gets decent gas mileage and only cost me $800,000 in maintenance every 3 years because whatever breaks is freaking expensive (slight exaggeration). That allows me to invest a small sum of money into something fun, impractical, and stupid.
Now there are many many vehicles that can fill this roll including a 911, Prowler, BRZ, etc.; however, I am poor and probably won't be able to afford one of those until Just for Men becomes a major part of my budget. But, I have found a car that can be fun and stupid, but is also a bit practical (and no, it is not a XJ220 Transit van), and I can attain it in a reasonable time frame. The Dodge Dakota Convertible...
Back when the original insane designers were at Dodge (there decedents are now at SRT), many silly ideas were thought of. Such examples as the Shelby Dakota and the Chrysler Laser came from this group. The Dodge Dakota Convertible is no different. Much like its Shelby counterpart the Dakota Convertible was commissioned through a partnership between Chrysler and some company that I can't remember and am too lazy to look up. Basically, Dodge built the Dakotas and the other company converted them (ha!) to convertibles. They then rolled out to the dealer lots. The model ran for 3 years (1989-1991) selling 2482, ~1600, and 6 each respective year. Are they the rarest cars known to man - no, but they are probably more comfortable and practical than the Chevrolet SSR.
So why do I want one of these fine pieces of motoring? Again, it is fun, im practical, and stupid. You can have all of the fun of driving a stick shift convertible on winding 2 lane roads in the middle of nowhere during the summer, put in in 4 wheel drive to get out of a ditch in the winter (sure it may be a little drafty and cold - wear a damn coat), tow a decent sized trailer when you move across the state, and haul home that new washing machine because the old one thought your floors were dirty and replaced them with water. It is a true all seasons vehicle.
These trucks came with options to please anyone: manual or automatic, 2WD or 4WD, or any combination thereof. It is the Mazda Miata of convertible trucks (not like there is really anything else). Best yet, they are relatively inexpensive, usually around $3k to $7k depending on miles. Some are listed for over $12k but these people seem to think that because it is restored and a "future classic" it is worth loads of money (not quite yet). You aren't going to find one mint, or under 100k miles for a decent price, but isn't that the "fun" part of a project car. Speaking of which, parts for this truck are plentiful, any part suited for a 1980's to the mid 1990's models should be able to fit somewhere on this truck. So if you want a convertible for the summer, yet you need a machine to claw through the snow in the winter, maybe a Dodge Dakota Convertible is right for you.
ly2v8-Brian
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:38 |
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That or a Shelby Dakota for your odd truck want.
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bwp240
> ly2v8-Brian
11/05/2014 at 14:42 |
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I do like the Shelby Dakota, but I think I would step up to the Ram SRT-10 in the performance truck segment.
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ly2v8-Brian
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:43 |
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but the Shelby is rare.
Sn210
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:44 |
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I hear you, I have a bucket list of 85 fun, im practical, and stupid cars that I want to own one day. I saw one of these Dakotas at Mecum in Monterey this past August, it's definitely cool.
and 100 more
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:49 |
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Well, where do you live?
http://collegestation.craigslist.org/cto/4720511160…
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bwp240
> Sn210
11/05/2014 at 14:49 |
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Huh, I think I have seen that one too. Unless these two people have the same taste in rims...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Dako…
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:50 |
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Aren't these like dirt cheap?
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bwp240
> ly2v8-Brian
11/05/2014 at 14:52 |
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That is very true and I would definitely consider it because they run about the same as the convertible. However, if I were given the choice between the Shelby and the Ram SRT-10 and both was not an option (which is unacceptable lol) I would pick the SRT-10 because
Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:55 |
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Really pretty one on Lake St Louis, MO. Doubt it's for sale though.
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Sn210
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 14:58 |
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yep, same vin!
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail.cfm…
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Sn210
> and 100 more
11/05/2014 at 15:02 |
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only 11 left registered? Not sure I believe that...
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bwp240
> and 100 more
11/05/2014 at 15:05 |
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Unfortunately that is a little far from me (I am in Indiana). And while I said that no amount of common sense will stop me, I lied a bit. I am about to graduate school and make a career move so there is not much of a point in me getting one now and having to move it with me. Better to wait and establish myself and the discretionary funds before I start spending on fun things.
I prefer to get a 4WD model. I would lean more toward the manual transmission, but if it is an auto I won't be too upset. I love the red ones with those decals though. This one sold in a nearby town and other than the color, the front bumper, and that horrendous pin striping, it looked pretty good.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-DAKOT…
Corey
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 15:11 |
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If no amount of common sense will stop you, well then, by all means, let the hunt begin.
Take pictures. Occasionally post a write-up of how your life has been changed for better or worse. We'll read it because that's what we do. We may even enjoy it. Good luck; you have our blessing.
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and 100 more
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 15:17 |
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I figured it was at least worth it to know its out there.
Well, "there" for you, but "here" for me.
WiscoProud
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 15:18 |
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I am oddly charmed by this vehicle. Why was I unaware of its existence?
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bwp240
> WiscoProud
11/05/2014 at 15:21 |
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That is pretty much the same reaction I had when I found out about these.
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bwp240
> Corey
11/05/2014 at 15:23 |
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Well then you will have to wait a while for the next installment. As much as I say common sense won't stop me. I am for the moment constrained by life, money, and parking spaces.
WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 15:42 |
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I have seen a couple of these running around before. Very odd, but cool. Until recently, I thought they were a hackjob. (like the late 90s Cavalier sedan "convertible" I recently saw) Definitely interesting.
FJ80WaitinForaLSV8
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 15:59 |
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As a SSR owner I support you in your quest for a convertible pickup!
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bwp240
> and 100 more
11/05/2014 at 16:04 |
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Yeah, I ended up looking on CL and I found 3 around me for under $4k. The temptation is much.
They seem pretty easy to find if you are explicitly looking for them. However, the one you want never seems to be where you are. But it is good to know that they are in fact there.
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bwp240
> WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe
11/05/2014 at 16:07 |
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Well if you really think about it they are. Built by the manufacturer, sent to the partner company to mod, sold by the manufacturer. However, it is a lot better knowing the manufacturer ran the process instead of Adam Ferrara and a sawzall.
JeepJeremy
> bwp240
11/05/2014 at 20:48 |
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I'd drive the hell outta one of those!!!!