1966 Dodge Dart

Well its April and I finally got to take the first ride last night. Went about 8 miles total. The car ran good and it was a smooth rolling ride. No vibrations, it seemed to handle decent and steer well. Not to noisey but it has sound! Im running the 3:91 rear to start so we will see how that works before going to the 4:56 rear. The tranny seems to shift well but it doesnt give me that hard shift between gears so I might need to change something there. Its not a slip in but I was looking for something more solid feeling.
The issue I think I am going to fight is the engine temp. I am running 2 dual electric fans and not sure they will pull enough air. The temps went to 210 on the gauge and when I checked the temps on motor with and infra red tester it shows about that same temp on the sending unit area. It also seems to purkulate the fuel when shut off an let it sit. I had hard starting when I went to refire the motor. Im going to go to a heat plate under the carb and check to make sure that all delivery lines are away from heat as well.
I still have a bunch of things to finish such as and most importantly cleaning the garage so I can continue more work! Its such a disaster in there it got hard to move! lol
But I do need to finish polishing the front grill, and rear trunk panel which I think will take many many hours of work. All and all I am very happy with the first drive and finally getting it on the road after all but 6 years. You have to remember I never got to drive it when I bought it so last night was my first time on any road.
I actually forgot to check the radios hidden antenna for its ability to pick up stations before putting it away. But the radio did work on the one station I had preset that I could pick up in the garage. The seats were comfortable but I need to add seat belts now as well.
Here is what the car looked like before its first drive!
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Its going to need a good cleaning!
Rod

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Hello Rod. So you are on the road.....good for you. I won't be far behind. I have to tell you that I am installing the headliner as my current project.....I would not wish that work on anyone. Tough job to get it right. I did post some updates on my 65 Dart Revisited II if you would like to take a look. Your project looks great. Best to you. sgrip65 (JJ)