Interior Appointments

 
     

The interior modification of the Project Sidewinder Dakota has been extensive, requiring repositioning or replacement of many items when the firewall and transmission tunnel was modified.

At this point most of the interior had been stripped, but the only modification completed was cutting the firewall and transmission tunnel. The interior of the Project Sidewinder has been kept as close to stock as possible. Since the engine is so large compared to stock, seats, steering wheel, pedals and the entire stock dashboard assembly required relocation back in the cockpit. After all fabrication is completed, matching carpeting will complete the stock look.


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Relocation of the Cummins common-rail fuel injection turbo-diesel 24-valve engine necessitated some interior modification of the Sidewinder Dodge Dakota.

This photo reveals just how far into the passenger compartment the new engine and transmission extend. Note that the scattershield is not yet in place.

 

As a sport truck, the interior modification of the Sidewinder has been both for safety and functionality as the world's first diesel sport truck. At the same time, it was kept as stock looking as possible.

Taken after the new firewall and transmission tunnel were partially completed, this photo shows how much the dash, pedals, steering wheel, and seats must be moved back. This is not the finished interior. The components have just been set in place for this photo to show their relocation.

 

To set a Land Speed Record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, safety equipment, such as a racing seat, have been installed. For the street, this diesel sport truck has Cerullo seats.

Cerullo seats are used for the street setup, while a Kirkey aluminum racing seat is used for competitive events. A race seat provides increased driver lateral support and improved safety in the event of a crash. Deist 5-point harness is used with both seating configurations.

The interior of Project Sidewinder remains as stock appearing as possible, given the modifications that had to be made to accommodate the larger engine and transmission. It also features all the creature comforts of a street-driven sport truck.

In its finished state, the interior of the Project Sidewinder Dakota looks nearly stock at first glance, except for the roll cage, seats, and five-point Deist® safety harness. Street seats from Cerullo® replace the stock seats, while a Kirkey® aluminum racing seat is used for extra support and safety for motorsports activities. A racing style steering wheel with collapsible steering column has been installed. Full carpeting and stock door panels complete the look. The power windows are fully operational, air conditioning cools the driver and passenger on the road, and the premium sound system provides entertainment on the long highway trips.

A more detailed examination of the interior reveals just how deceptive the stock appearance really is. To accommodate the Cummins® engine, New Venture Gear® transmission, and the clutch/flywheel scattershield, most of the firewall has been moved back 14 inches. This required the dash to be relocated approximately four inches rearward. It also meant the clutch, brake and throttle pedals were moved 10 inches to the rear, as was the location of the seats. Remember, this is an extended cab pickup. The steering wheel was relocated five inches rearward to fit tall drivers.