Explore NEW Published Family Member Richard Leese Jr.’s 1989 Dodge Dakota: Customization, Awards, and Future Goals

Tell us about owning this vehicle Richard I paid $600 for this truck, and it fired right up after sitting for 5 months. When I got it home after the test drive, I instantly knew it needed all new front-end parts. I replaced everything, from the tie rods all the way to the wheel bearings. Then I paid 10 bucks to get all the tree sap cleaned off.  This is the same Dakota I paid $600 for. Now it is all cleaned up with a roll bar and roll bar lights, which I paid I think, $200 for. I purchased all four aftermarket wheels and tires, which I paid over $800 for, and had them put on. I drove for 30 minutes and won my first award in 2021. I’ve won a few awards afterwards to add to my collection. I’ve literally started with a solid base. This truck is the literal definition of built, not bought. I’ve replaced the dash, door panels, the lower half of the carpet, aftermarket steering wheels, the back bumper with a roll pan, a custom set of aftermarket tail lights, and so much more. This is my dream truck that I’m building, but then again, a true and real project is never done.