What should we do?

[u/Darrelltrail]

This 1993 dakota sport belongs to my dad, he got her as a gift from my mom in 1998, she had 24,000 miles on her when he got her, he has put almost 100,000 on her, she was his work truck up until late 2020, when he was driving over some railroad tracks, and the tire blew, no biggie right? WRONG!.... long story short he lost the keys for 4 years, he finally found them, and now after setting for 4 years, she has been infested with mice, bugs, and other things, I keep trying to tell him that it may not be worth it, but he won't budge, I want to help him at least try to get her in running and driving condition, what should we do, any tips?

[u/Smooth_Sport1292]

Start Junkyard hunting for interior. Hurry, they are dwindling fast.

[u/CptSandbag73 → u/Smooth_Sport1292]

Could also get good results just taking the seat out and bringing it to someone to reupholster.

[u/Snoo77916]

I love mine, it's the last of a great era of this pickup, with no major computer, and it's great motor. I understand his not wanting to get rid of it. It could be a big project but it will probably run great after a little love. Start simple, battery, starter, check for gnawed wires. If it starts then you can assess it's shape. Mine had 114,000 miles on it and was really neglected, but slowly solving all its issues and it's really recovering well. Probably worth a few hundred dollars to give the old man some enjoyment

[u/STLSi]

Drain fluids, change hoses, check for eaten electrical

[u/Asatmaya]

How does the frame look? If it's not rusted out, the rest of that is easy enough to deal with.

[u/Darrelltrail → u/Asatmaya]

the frame is in good shape, just a bit of surface rust

[u/CalCub76]

Please, get it going. We don’t need any more of these going to the junk yard. Well, we do , but we really don’t.

What would y’all prefer, more in the junk yard so we can get parts?…or more staying on the road? The parts are nice when you need something, but I prefer seeing them on the road. And I don’t see many around nowadays.

[u/Leather-Respect6119]

A few gallons of fresh gas, a fresh charger battery good to go

[u/New_Money2021]

put a shot of trans oil in each cylinder, let it sit for a few hours or a few days if you have time before firing up. If gas was left in the tank, lift up half of bed and clean out fuel tank. might drain engine oil and refill, and check color of coolant

[u/thatcluckingdinosaur]

people come and go but the truck is here to stay.

[u/Cobolic1]

I would honestly strip it back to frame, put new brake lines on it, fix any rust, remove the engine and either rebuild it, or junkyard replacement that was in an accident so you know the engine was running. Or possibly an LS swap with a new wiring harness. Would be running again. Then you can paint it yourself with rustoleum mix or a single stage or if you feel lucky, base/clear coat.

You would have a nice looking and running truck for 1/10th the cost of a new truck, and this one would be full of memories for your dad.

[u/YellowMabry]

This is very similar to the Dakota my father had from 1999-2005. Same colors, wheels, front hood deflector and everything. Only difference is his had the sport graphics on the doors and his was a manual with the 4 cylinder. I wonder if that truck is still out there. His was a 92

[u/xamyel]

Keep it, this is a relatively easy restore job, and looks like it's got somewhat decent bones. But by all means, please do not let it go or encourage your dad to. He's made a connection, it means something important to him. Help him rebuild it.