Where to start on my 63 Dart?
Alright, I'm the (sorta) proud owner of a 1963 Dodge Dart 270. I got it three years ago as a birthday present, intending for me to restore it.
Well, I've been in no place to restore it these last years due to school and moving. I've decided that this summer I will start doing some work on it.
Welcome to the forum! I got my start into cars with my '66 Dodge Dart 270 myself. A couple things in your post jumped out at me, so I'll reply to them first.
The engine seems to be alright. It doesn't have a radiator, and the hoses that would be to the radiator are destroyed.
Useful tip: If it has a manual transmission, an Aspen / Volare radiator will bolt right in. Automatics require some rerouting the trans cooler lines, but also are close to a direct fit. They don't fit some aftermarket fans though.
The manifold has a bad case of dandruff,
Interesting. I am not 100% sure when they stopped making the first round of aluminum intake manifolds, but I'm pretty sure it was before 1963. This may be a factory item or an aftermarket piece. What sort of carb does it have?
and the hose going from the engine to the air filter is missing.
Unless someone has swapped in a later engine, it never had one. It might have had an open PCV system with a single hose from the rear of the valve cover to the base of the carb, but the air cleaner would not have had any hoses connected to it.
The inside of the car is a wreck. The oil light stays on...
Given you implied the engine isn't cranking, this may not be a malfunction: It won't turn off until you get the oil pressure up, or you unplug the sensor.
There probably never were, but I'd make adding a set a high priority.
I'm going to guess that I should start off getting that wheel fixed, and then the motor. What do you all think? Is it worth it, or is it a lost cause?
EDIT: Forgot to mention it's a 270 with a 225 cubic inch Slant 6.
That's what I would do too. Replacing the bearings should not be terribly hard.