2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ext cab into a quad or third door?

[Bandit1]

anyone ever done this or heard of it being done to a truck. i have seen where people have had trucks lengthened or made into real 4 doors, just wondering if and how hard it would be to make an ext cab into a cab with a third door.

 

[nps]

Haven't heard of one. Seems that it would be kinda pricey for the benefits (not enough bang for the buck) unless you tackle it yourself.



I'd also be concerned with the structural integrity of the cab after removing the pillar. The quads were beefed up whereas the ext cab relies on the skin for reinforcement.

 

[Andy Redmond]

In Mexico a three door version? was available before the quad cab (1998)? I've seen them in Texas, but always at night and never had the camera with me. Perhaps some "customizer" in Mexico is converting a stock truck. Every once in a while I also see a made in mexico "ram charger" 2nd gen. with the third door, you do the double take for a moment.



Of course you would run into possible legal issues putting a cab with a different vin onto your chassis. That said, if your DMV would help you with a legal way to retitle etc. find a good cab outside of the rust belt somewhere and retro fit your truck.



Maybe you could find a real high mileage unit that took a frontal hit that being parted out.



You might also talk to Mark Bayer (Bayer Bros in MN) to see if he saves the portion of the cab that has the quad doors on them (if he's converted to a 4 door).



I want him to add two full size doors, rear seat etc. then go with a short bed vs. my 8' bed.



I'm still saving my 13K!



Might be cheaper to buy a new truck and transplant the noisy ole 12 valve.



(Joe, I'm about to get some grief for such heresy! :-laf



Good luck

Andy