Author Topic: My Dart thread (Read 5046 times)

my78k · « **on:** January 29, 2010, 01:23:29 PM »

OK so for anyone who hasn't heard by now (there might just be 1 or 2 people out there I haven't blabbed to) I now have a 1970 Dart Swinger. I traded my brother my 98 CBR and cash.

The Dart needs a bunch of work but the body is decent and so is the frame. I ran the VIN on a Mopar site and it appears to have been originally titled as a slant 6 but it now has a small block 340 and all of the badging etc shows it as a 340. So, someone either cheated on the titling or more likely somewhere over the last 40 years it was converted. Actually to be honest I am only assuming it is a 340 as I haven't dug through the underhood grime yet to look on the block for info. It is obviously a small block Mopar and has an Edelbrock carb.

I don't expect this thread to be updated overly often or that it will be followed very closely but I figured I would start it more so for my self to keep a mental log of work done to it. I should probably put it on a more appropriate site but I have spent more time on here in the last 3 or 4 years than any other site so you'll just have to put up with it here

.

So far all I have done is buy and install a new battery, starter cable, and tighten some connections to get it to start....but it did start! It's running a bit rough but to be honest at -12 celcius after not running in months and having no air cleaner installed I didn't expect it to hum!!

I only got it out of the garage long enough to turn it around so that I could pull it into the garage rather than pushed in backwards as I had it before.

I don't expect I will get much done in the next few days due to the cold snap and no heat in the garage. I also don't expect wholesale changes at all this year due to cash flow. But it does have ALOT of little things that I can do for free or at least cheaply. I will comb Mopar sites and watch FeeBay for all the chrome bits and talk to a buddy who paints to see what we can do about the rear section behind the window that is peeling badly and has obviously already been bondoed once. He does decent work and enjoys it so usually works cheap (minimal cash and I always supply the beer and buy him a spare case).

The plan is not to bother returning it to stock or make it a show car but rather a fun toy that I can take to the odd show and actually drive!

With luck I will get it out in the driveway and snap a few pics and will update it tomorrow. If it does manage to warm up a bit the first job is to figure out all the cut wires etc and clean up the wiring under the dash. It has obviously been butchered!!

Dennis

bucky katt · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2010, 01:33:31 PM »

THAT is the exact model dart i've been wanting to hop up. i have a torqueflite and a 440 from a motorhome that needs a home

lynchj · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2010, 02:15:24 PM »

Excellent! Another classic being saved from the crusher. Good luck with the build and post some pictures.

my78k · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2010, 02:15:59 PM »

Yeah Fuzz, I fell in love with the body style too.

Oh I forgot to mention the redneck engineering I discovered on it (or atleast the first of many I will reveal). The cooloant overflow tank is actaully a plastic 1 liter oil container

I still don't know what the on off switch on the dash is that is next to the push button....my first thought was Nitrous but it was never plumbed for it!! So now I have to guess. Right now it does nothing but I am thinking maybe the washer fluid?

Guess we will wait and see.

bucky katt · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2010, 02:58:22 PM »

Quote from: my78k on January 29, 2010, 02:15:59 PM

Yeah Fuzz, I fell in love with the body style too.

Oh I forgot to mention the redneck engineering I discovered on it (or atleast the first of many I will reveal). The cooloant overflow tank is actaully a plastic 1 liter oil container

I still don't know what the on off switch on the dash is that is next to the push button....my first thought was Nitrous but it was never plumbed for it!! So now I have to guess. Right now it does nothing but I am thinking maybe the washer fluid?

Guess we will wait and see.

i like that style of dart because theyre a bit smaller and a good bit lighter as i recall

bill440cars · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2010, 03:21:28 PM »

All right Dennis, great that it started up.

Might just be a 340 or maybe a 318. Either way, it could Still be a pretty good runner, being in the Dart body and all. Most usually, you'd have to change the "K" member on the "B" body cars. Not sure about the "A" body cars though (in reference to what bucky was talking with the 440 engine.) Now days though, I think they have mounts available to mount nearly ANY Mopar engine in nearly ANY Mopar. Looking forward to seeing what all you find on the car AND what you do with it as well.

dusterdude · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2010, 04:45:12 PM »

nice ride,nowadays there is an outfit called shumacher enterprises or something like that,they make motor mounts to put any mopar engine you want into that car,it isnt like the old days.have fun with it.

my78k · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2010, 04:55:25 PM »

well it was warm enough in the garage tonight (above freezing yay!) so I got to play just a little bit. Only had a couple of hours while the wife was at school since I had to watch the kids (i.e. stick them in fron of the TV with strict instructions not to break anything including eachother).

Basically just started the clean up process a bit. Shopvac'd the interior some. There was a bunch of crap in it included something that plugged the vac hose that after further investigation looked a rather large but very dried out marijuana bud! tons of gravel etc etc. When I had it running the other day I noticed the accelerator was VERY stiff so I lubed the carb linkage and that seemed to help free it up....then when I went back to cleaning I noticed a new throttle cable buried in the back seat! Then since I figured it is now mine I should clean the for sale paint off the window! Man I could spend about a week scrubbing that thing and will still have more to go!!

I stuck my head under the dash a saw a rats nest of wiring that has been butchered so I know I will get to have some fun there eventually....one thing I fixed tonight was the wiring for the radio!! So atleast I will have tunes when I sit in a filthy car that runs (albeit VERY roughly)!!

If the weather holds out this weekend I will have some time to dig in a bit further and will try to get the carb cleaned up some and change atleast the oil and maybe the tranny fluid as well since I don't think either have been done in a VEEERRRYYY long time.

Also I have been hanging a bit at forabodiesonly.com and a nice guy there is shipping me the window trim for the rear quarter windows that I need (decent chrome apparently) and he is only charging me shipping! Good to know that kindness isn't limited to the SOHC4 community.

If I do get it out of the garage I will take pics (of both the good and bad) and will update you guys on my progress. I also have to get the ownership changed over and insurance sorted out before I put too much effort into it....the last thing I need is to spend time and money on something that turns out to be stolen or something. I found out my brother never changed it into his name so all I have is the ownership from the previous owner and a bill of sale from my bro. I hope it isn't too much of a hassle!

Dennis

bill440cars · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2010, 05:11:16 PM »

Good luck with the transfer Dennis. Hope all goes well. Looking forward to all of the progress reports, as things go.

Don R · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2010, 10:38:53 PM »

My brother is 70 this year and is doing a 70 dart. We put subframe connectors in it, he drove away and came right back amazed at how much better it drove and sounded. The body man got stalled but it is close to finished to be ready for paint. He has a 360 magnum with ported heads but now thinks he will build a 340 six pack engine he has. It's a 4 speed car and he wants a 5 or 6 speed too.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2010, 10:46:06 PM »

Your thread is pointless without pics!!!!!!

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2010, 02:27:41 AM »

Quote from: Don R on February 04, 2010, 10:38:53 PM

My brother is 70 this year and is doing a 70 dart. We put subframe connectors in it, he drove away and came right back amazed at how much better it drove and sounded. The body man got stalled but it is close to finished to be ready for paint. He has a 360 magnum with ported heads but now thinks he will build a 340 six pack engine he has. It's a 4 speed car and he wants a 5 or 6 speed too.

Quote from: Dukiedook on February 04, 2010, 10:46:06 PM

Your thread is pointless without pics!!!!!!

Yep, this is sounding like pictures are warranted!

Really like to SEE and Hear more about this one too, Don.

I've been kicking around the idea of a 5 or 6sp Keisler (spelling?)
for my 69' GTX and I'd lookng at adding Power Steering! At MY age, I need help getting this car around town (especially in parking lots!) And I think it's "Unisteer" who has a package deal that gives it a whole new feeling. Not sure about the Newer Steering setup, may just go Old Style steering (totally unsure about that) Suspension could stand some upgrading to help handle the power of the 440. Of course, I'm going to have to scrape up some bucks, to be able to do ANY of those changes. Trans is about $2500 - $3000 (I think was the price range) Steering from Unisteer was just shy of $2000 ( I think) and I don't remember the suspension cost. Trans is supposed to be basically a drop-in. It's already got a ZOOM clutch in there and I'd like to have a Dana 60 and have 11" brakes all the way round.

Dennis, I DO apologize, I kind of got wrapped up in what Don was saying about his Brother's car and suddenly I was Hi-Jacking, BIG TIME!

$:-\$ Sorry about that, I'll get on out of here now and let it get back to regular programming!

my78k · « **Reply #12 on:** February 05, 2010, 04:40:06 AM »

No problem Bill!! This thread isn't really a big thread anyways just sort of a spot to jot down my thoughts etc so any and all input is more than welcome!

Don, that sounds like a really fun project.

My Dart is a drum brake car and a 4 barrel. It'll never be a race car by any means but if eventually money allows I will be doing some suspension and brake work as well (disc brake conversion, SF connectors etc) but they are down the list a ways and with a wife and 2 kids THAT part of the project will definitely be a ways off yet!

Pics are definitely coming and maybe some video as well.

bill440cars · « **Reply #13 on:** February 05, 2010, 06:47:06 AM »

I appreciate that Dennis, I sure didn't mean to get off track like that. I just have a tendency to get carried away on a subject that I am excited about. I am also anxious to hear and see more about YOUR Lil' Dodge there!

6pkrunner · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2010, 05:04:25 AM »

I've got a 1968 383 GTS in my garage. It needs a total restoration. I've got a mild 440 already built for it. The original 383 will reside under the bench.

my78k · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2010, 07:22:59 AM »

I suspect there was already a partial restoration done at some point. Maybe eventually I will be able to afford to do a full resto but not any time soon.

I suspect that one of the previous owners did some body work, converted to 340 from slant six, did a re-spray, and attempted to clean up the interior. I don't think it was pro job by any means but rather an "ok" garage build up.

I found an original warranty card and owners manual in the car but it was from '69 so I half suspect that the owner bought the 340 and documentation from another owner to put in my 70. I haven't been able to confirmn yet though as I haven't found any serial on the engine block just yet.

I am sitting here having a coffee and surfing instead of working on it because it is -12 degrees celsius out and I just can't get too into it at these temps! -2 or 3 is about my limit unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Like a few weeks back when I changed the wheel bearing in my Escort at around -12 outside and well below zero in the garage.

PICS may have to wait a few days...unless I just pull it out snap some pics and then put her back to bed!

Dennis

bill440cars · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2010, 11:50:16 AM »

Quote from: 6pkrunner on February 06, 2010, 05:04:25 AM

I've got a 1968 383 GTS in my garage. It needs a total restoration. I've got a mild 440 already built for it. The original 383 will reside under the bench.

Uh Oh! Sounds like a "Build" to me!

Reports and pictures?

I checked out a '69 Barracuda once, that had a warmed up 440 in IT, headers, "cool can" (for those who don't know, bacically, it's a can with a coil of tubing int it and a lid for the can. The can has dry ice put in it and keeps the gas from vaporizing from the heat, as the gas goes through the coil (in the can) and on to the engine. And it had traction bars, along with cheater slicks. They wanted $5,000 for it (back in 1970) and, being a SGT. in the Air Force, I didn't have the cash!

my78k · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2010, 11:56:39 AM »

OK, so the garage hasn't been above freezing for weeks! It finally hit a balmy 1 degree this weekend but I had a family thing so couldn't get into the garage....hence VERY little progress to report.

I did get my new rear window trim pieces in the mail today....fitting since yesterday was my B-day and the guy who sent them only wants me to cover the shipping!!

Most of my work has centred around researching etc. I have spent many hours lurking @ forabodiesonly.com and trying to ask questions without seeming like a total knob!!

I have decoded the vin and fender tag and it seems that the car has been totally changed. see below:
Decoding of Fender Tag: Botttom to Top, Left to Right
Code   Description
E22   198 1 Barrel 6 Cyllinder
D31   Light Duty 904 Automatic Transmission TorqueFlite
LL23   L = Dodge Dart / Demon
L = Low
23 = 2 Door Hardtop
BOR   B = 198 125HP 1-1BBL 6 CYL
0 = 1970
R = Windsor, ONT, CAN
305574   Sequence Number '305574'
EB3   Paint Code: Light Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Irid
L2B7   Trim Grade/Style/Color
L = Low
2 = Vinyl Bench
B7 = Dark Blue
EB7   Upper Door Frame: Medium Blue Metallic / Jamaica Blue Irid
605   Date Built: 6 / 05 / 1970

C57009   Order Number: C57009
EB3   Roof Type OR Color: Light Blue Metallic / Ice Blue Irid
R11   Music Master Radio AM
Y07   Built to Canada Specifactations

As you can see from the earlier pic it was painted. The interior has been changed out/painted black. The motor was swapped as mentioned earlier, Edelbrock 4 barrel which apparently wasn't stock on even the 340 so not sure where that was from. Front bech was swapped for buckets.

Not sure if the tranny or rear end was swapped but I doubt it. The weather is supposed to be a bit better this weekend so with any luck I will atleast be able to get under it, change the oil, source/repair the oil leak, inspect the front brakes as there appears to be a leak at the driver's side front. Probably won't be tackling the full tune up until the spring after my trip to Florida as money is tight and I don't start doing my second job (Wedding DJ) until April. That will allow me a few extra bucks for what I need in terms of tires, plugs, Tranny flush and fill etc etc etc....

As progress comes I will continue to post...

Dennis

bucky katt · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2010, 04:32:20 PM »

i THINK the chrysler corp v8's used carter thermo-quads didnt they?

mark · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2010, 04:46:41 PM »

Trans. was swapped as 6 and V8 use a different case.

Quote from: bucky katt on February 17, 2010, 04:32:20 PM

i THINK the chrysler corp v8's used carter thermo-quads didnt they?

after '72 or '73. would have been a Carter AVS or AFB in '70 . peel off the Edelbrock sticker and it will look just fine.

Don R · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2010, 04:48:17 PM »

The next time we get over to the shop where the dart is I'll get a pic. It was and will be purple.

6pkrunner · « **Reply #21 on:** February 17, 2010, 04:58:29 PM »

Quote from: mark on February 17, 2010, 04:46:41 PM

Trans. was swapped as 6 and V8 use a different case.

Quote from: bucky katt on February 17, 2010, 04:32:20 PM
i THINK the chrysler corp v8's used carter thermo-quads didnt they?

after '72 or '73. would have been a Carter AVS or AFB in '70 . peel off the Edelbrock sticker and it will look just fine.

First use of the Thermoquad on Mopar was the 1971 340. In 1972 the 400 was included and by 1973 all 4 barrel applications had the Thermoquads. A great carb that got a real bad rap because the phenolic bowl could warp and metering would be screwed. I've got a 1 1/2 inch primary version (850cfm) on my Charger because I love the seat in the pants feel when the 2 1/4" secondaries open. Avoid any of the "Lean Burn" versions as they have no provision for vacuum advance - it was controlled electronically and it sucked.

my78k · « **Reply #22 on:** February 17, 2010, 05:42:06 PM »

So any thoughts as to why the P.O. used an Edelbrock? Looks like the stamping says weber 8867

Just wondering if it is a good fit for what is believed to be a stock 340?

As I ask around and dig I am more confused...the stamping on the intake says 08047 2531915 1....according to one of the guys on the other site he says that intake was only used on 68's

6pkrunner · « **Reply #23 on:** February 17, 2010, 06:13:36 PM »

Carter sold out to Weber and then Weber sold out to Edelbrock. So you're using an updated Carter AVS that has an Edelbrock decal on it as mark stated. The Carter AVS series has a cult like following. Simple carbs that can be miles out of adjustment and still work like gangbusters. Can't do that with a Holley. Not only that but the Edelbrock (Carter) were cheaper, easier to tune and were already set up to use Mopar linkages. The Holley is set up for GM and you need a kit (more coin) to mate it to the Mopar setup.

bucky katt · « **Reply #24 on:** February 17, 2010, 06:21:31 PM »

jet changes without spilling gas all over the motor on the edelbrock/carters is really nice. i ran a 750 edelbrock on a 5.0 litre ford motor and it ran like a bat out of hell from just off idle to 6500. i did have a really healthy hydraulic roller cam (232 degrees duration at .050" lift)
but it had fantastic bottom end all the same.

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Author Topic: My Dart thread (Read 5046 times)