1966 Canadian built valiant custom 200 convertible

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I just found my 1966 Valiant brochure. On the front, it just says Valiant. Nowhere, inside does it say Plymouth or Dodge. I never realized that, before. While I was looking for it, I came upon a 1961, brochure for the Dodge Valiant!
 
Yes. I came across that valiant website earlier. Also came across earlycuda site. Other than that, still hunting around.
Hence, reaching out in this great site.
Glad the car didn't need much as parts are scarce and/or expensive.
When l restored my 69 cuda in 2012, many more parts were available and reasonably priced when the dollar was around par with the US.
Today, l cannot fathom how anybody could restore any A body and NOT loose there shirt.
Plus with the exchange rate and most stuff is in US dollars to boot.
 
My vin "L" usually means dart, which the car is based on, without the valiant lettering across the hood and trunk, it is a 1966 Dart. Car is registered in Ontario as a Plymouth valiant. THE DMV or ministry of transportation up here in Canada must have required a "make" to register the car. Although the Plymouth and dodge make was not used in any of their marketing materials. Really should be Chrysler valiant.
Again, these cars were sold at both dodge and Plymouth dealerships.
So, my thinking is this particular car was sold at a "plymouth" dealership, and registered that way.
The other gentleman from Quebec confirmed his identical car has the "L" at the start of his vin as well.
I feel a bit releaved he confirmed this as l thought something funny was up on this car.
 
I also have this booklet that came with the car. It is not for my particular car but CONFIRMS the way this other 1966 valiant 4 door was tagged at point of sale.
Again, no Plymouth on the registration and the "L" even though it's a 1966 valiant.

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20200423_151739.jpg
 
340CUDA69 said:
My vin "L" usually means dart, which the car is based on, without the valiant lettering across the hood and trunk, it is a 1966 Dart. Car is registered in Ontario as a Plymouth valiant. THE DMV or ministry of transportation up here in Canada must have required a "make" to register the car. Although the Plymouth and dodge make was not used in any of their marketing materials. Really should be Chrysler valiant.
Again, these cars were sold at both dodge and Plymouth dealerships.
So, my thinking is this particular car was sold at a "plymouth" dealership, and registered that way.
The other gentleman from Quebec confirmed his identical car has the "L" at the start of his vin as well.
I feel a bit releaved he confirmed this as l thought something funny was up on this car.
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1966 was the year the "Auto Pact" agreement between the US and Canada auto makers came in, and Canadian VIN's became the same as US VIN's, so an "L" in your VIN is correct, even though it's a Valiant. You can use the US VIN decoding system to decode your car.
 
By the way, that's a great looking 67 Dart gt convertible.
The first car l restored was the same but a hardtop. Owned it for over 20 years and never should have sold it.
 
Interesting fact regarding what dana67dart mentioned about claiming "numbers matching" on a 1966 car. Should have said: year correct as it is difficult to determine as fact.
MY fender tag shows the build date was May 3,1966 as does the rad support. My block numbers shows casting date 2-17-66, However, l scraped off the paint on drivers side block below the cylinder head, shows B-273-03-02 ??
Also, there are a couple of items on my fender tag with information l cannot find?
Upper lower case letters- under "W", there is number 6, and
Middle row, upper case letter "E" , there is a number 3.
Anyone know what options these are to confirm?
 
340CUDA69 said:
PHotos of new rideView attachment 1715513700 View attachment 1715513701 View attachment 1715513700 View attachment 1715513701
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That's a beauty! I just bought one of these cars a couple of weeks ago, so I guess we know there were at least 2!
Mine isn't in as good of shape as yours, but looking forward to bringing it back. Seems like when ordering parts of any kind - at least so far- I need to call it a Dart GT, as Valiant automatically brings up the US Valiant.

66 Valiant 1.jpg


66 Valiant 2.jpg
 
Derek66 said:
That's a beauty! I just bought one of these cars a couple of weeks ago, so I guess we know there were at least 2!
Mine isn't in as good of shape as yours, but looking forward to bringing it back. Seems like when ordering parts of any kind - at least so far- I need to call it a Dart GT, as Valiant automatically brings up the US Valiant.

View attachment 1715547295

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Yes. US. 1966 dodge dart to try and sourçe stuff. Like everything else, parts are expensive and these models were low production so hard to find what you may need and scarce reproduction anything.
 
A rose (or Dart or Valiant) by any other name...
Regardless of the Canadian system of naming locally manufactured cars - and it certainly can be confusing - your car was built with (U.S.) Dart body panels. Comparing ‘66 Valiant and Dart images, it’s apparent they share no body panels, save for (possibly) the hood and trunk lid.
No matter the name, be it Valiant or Unicorn, you’ve found yourself a beautiful example of automotive history!

I also own a ‘69 Barracuda and it got me thinking - Was the Canadian ‘66 Cuda actually a Cuda? Since (U.S.) Dodge had only the Dart to Plymouth’s Valiant ‘63-‘66, and no Barracuda doppelgänger between ‘67-‘69, with the 2nd gen body.
It would be awesome to see pics of 1st gen Canadian Barracudas and descriptions of differences between them and their U.S. brethren. Heck, for that matter, how about posting pics of ANY Canadian Barracudas!
 
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I once owned a Canadian '65 Valiant Signet (= US Dart GT) - bought it just after the 5-year, 50k warranty ran out - loved that car, was actually trying to find one when I tripped over my Barracuda and ended up buying it.
 
Topless69 said:
A rose (or Dart or Valiant) by any other name...
Regardless of the Canadian system of naming locally manufactured cars - and it certainly can be confusing - your car was built with (U.S.) Dart body panels. Comparing ‘66 Valiant and Dart images, it’s apparent they share no body panels, save for (possibly) the hood and trunk lid.
No matter the name, be it Valiant or Unicorn, you’ve found yourself a beautiful example of automotive history!

I also own a ‘69 Barracuda and it got me thinking - Was the Canadian ‘66 Cuda actually a Cuda? Since (U.S.) Dodge had only the Dart to Plymouth’s Valiant ‘63-‘66, and no Barracuda doppelgänger between ‘67-‘69, with the 2nd gen body.
It would be awesome to see pics of 1st gen Canadian Barracudas and descriptions of differences between them and their U.S. brethren. Heck, for that matter, how about posting pics of ANY Canadian Barracudas!
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Go here...Canadian Valiants and Darts, and other Canadian Chrysler cars
 
Hello all. I am the proud new owner of this very unique car.
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There is not an abundance of information out there, so l am asking for help and assistance with a few things.
MY findings so far: indeed a Canadian built car- windsor plant -only offered for sale in Canada not US.
Believe originally sold in British columbia and spent last 25 years in ontario as a 1 owner car.
Custom 200 not signeT. Original color red but changed to blue when restored.
Still has numbers matching rebuilt drivetrain with 273 v8, column automatic,white split bench interior, white power top.
It is identical to the 1966 dodge dart 270 convertible with the following exceptions: valiant lettering across hood nose and trunk, custom 200 badging on interior front door frames and quarter panel stainless trim minus dart 270 embossing.
1966 Canadian built valiants all used the 1966 dodge dart front clip
This is where there is CONFUSION??
The vin tag with original rivets on drivers side door jamb start with letter "L". witch indicates being " dart not "V" for valiant.
I am under the understanding that in 1966, this Canadian built valiant convertible could be sold at both Plymouth OR Dodge dealers hence no badging on cars to indicate it being a dodge or Plymouth.
I also have the 1966 owners manual which covers valiant/barracuda which includes no indication of Plymouth or Dodge, Just marketed as 'Chrysler corporation'' on the front cover.

I AM INTERESTED OF POSSIBLE PRODUCTION FIGURES FOR THIS CAR. SURE NOT MANY AROUND IN THIS CONDITION.
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED. PHotos available soon
 
340CUDA69 said:
Here is my owners manual.
No mention of Plymouth or Dodge whatsoever front to back. Included barracuda and valiant 1966.
Verified with another gentleman in Quebec with the same car ALSO that his car indeed has the vin tag confirming the "L" as the first digit. My fender tag and rad support begin with "L" as well.
So, as the owners manual states on front cover, no mention of dodge or plymouth but product of Chrysler Canada Ltd.- sales division Windsor Ontario. Have the "9" in my vin confirming Windsor built car.
Let the head scratching continue.
As stated earlier, this car was produced only for the Canadian market and NOT SOLD in the US.
Also was sold at both Plymouth AND Dodge dealerships in 1966 until things changed in 1967.View attachment 1715514694
Click to expand...

340CUDA69 said:
Hello all. I am the proud new owner of this very unique car.
There is not an abundance of information out there, so l am asking for help and assistance with a few things.
MY findings so far: indeed a Canadian built car- windsor plant -only offered for sale in Canada not US.
Believe originally sold in British columbia and spent last 25 years in ontario as a 1 owner car.
Custom 200 not signeT. Original color red but changed to blue when restored.
Still has numbers matching rebuilt drivetrain with 273 v8, column automatic,white split bench interior, white power top.
It is identical to the 1966 dodge dart 270 convertible with the following exceptions: valiant lettering across hood nose and trunk, custom 200 badging on interior front door frames and quarter panel stainless trim minus dart 270 embossing.
1966 Canadian built valiants all used the 1966 dodge dart front clip
This is where there is CONFUSION??
The vin tag with original rivets on drivers side door jamb start with letter "L". witch indicates being " dart not "V" for valiant.
I am under the understanding that in 1966, this Canadian built valiant convertible could be sold at both Plymouth OR Dodge dealers hence no badging on cars to indicate it being a dodge or Plymouth.
I also have the 1966 owners manual which covers valiant/barracuda which includes no indication of Plymouth or Dodge, Just marketed as 'Chrysler corporation'' on the front cover.

I AM INTERESTED OF POSSIBLE PRODUCTION FIGURES FOR THIS CAR. SURE NOT MANY AROUND IN THIS CONDITION.
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED. PHotos available soon
Click to expand...
I am in the same situation as you. I just bought a 66 custom 200 2dr Valiant but looked up the VIN and it comes up as a Dart. Tag says made in Canada. This is all new to me. My very first car was a ‘66 Valiant and I have been searching for another one for years and finally got my hands on one. She’s in good shape but needs interior work. With this confusion I am not sure what parts I should be looking at Dart or Valiant. Fender tag is missing but I did get some info from under the back seat. Is there anyway to find out the original color without the fender tag? This forum is great for info! I have learned alot in 2 days of trying to figure what my car is exactly…
 
Jj1966 said:
There is not an abundance of information out there, so l am asking for help and assistance with a few things.
MY findings so far: indeed a Canadian built car- windsor plant -only offered for sale in Canada not US.
Believe originally sold in British columbia and spent last 25 years in ontario as a 1 owner car.
Custom 200 not signeT. Original color red but changed to blue when restored.
Still has numbers matching rebuilt drivetrain with 273 v8, column automatic,white split bench interior, white power top.
It is identical to the 1966 dodge dart 270 convertible with the following exceptions: valiant lettering across hood nose and trunk, custom 200 badging on interior front door frames and quarter panel stainless trim minus dart 270 embossing.
1966 Canadian built valiants all used the 1966 dodge dart front clip
This is where there is CONFUSION??
The vin tag with original rivets on drivers side door jamb start with letter "L". witch indicates being " dart not "V" for valiant.
I am under the understanding that in 1966, this Canadian built valiant convertible could be sold at both Plymouth OR Dodge dealers hence no badging on cars to indicate it being a dodge or Plymouth.
I also have the 1966 owners manual which covers valiant/barracuda which includes no indication of Plymouth or Dodge, Just marketed as 'Chrysler corporation'' on the front cover.

I AM INTERESTED OF POSSIBLE PRODUCTION FIGURES FOR THIS CAR. SURE NOT MANY AROUND IN THIS CONDITION.
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED. PHotos available soon
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I had someone go to the Windsor. Public library for me to get copies of production information for 64. Apparently that is where the records ended up when the plant museum closed down.

Good luck
 
Jj1966 said:
I am in the same situation as you. I just bought a 66 custom 200 2dr Valiant but looked up the VIN and it comes up as a Dart. Tag says made in Canada. This is all new to me. My very first car was a ‘66 Valiant and I have been searching for another one for years and finally got my hands on one. She’s in good shape but needs interior work. With this confusion I am not sure what parts I should be looking at Dart or Valiant. Fender tag is missing but I did get some info from under the back seat. Is there anyway to find out the original color without the fender tag? This forum is great for info! I have learned alot in 2 days of trying to figure what my car is exactly…
Click to expand...
The Interior should be the same .Dart or Valiant
 
Paul King said:
The Interior should be the same .Dart or Valiant
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I am new to this. My husband will help but I want to learn and do as much of it as I can on my own. Currently pulling my instrument cluster to see if replacing bulbs is needed or some fixing of wires (no panel lights working except blinkers and oil light) I need that for my safety. Other than needing a new headliner the interior is all good. Thankful for finding this page - it’s been very informative already!
 
Jj1966 said:
I am new to this. My husband will help but I want to learn and do as much of it as I can on my own. Currently pulling my instrument cluster to see if replacing bulbs is needed or some fixing of wires (no panel lights working except blinkers and oil light) I need that for my safety. Other than needing a new headliner the interior is all good. Thankful for finding this page - it’s been very informative already!
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Could be your headlight switch. The instrument lights go though it for power. When rotating the knob clockwise or counter, do they come on at all?
 
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65Val said:
Could be your headlight switch. The instrument lights go though it for power. When rotating the knob clockwise or c-wise, do they come on at all?
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Nothing at all when rotating it. I just pulled the dash to check all bulbs, they are all fine. So maybe it is the switch. Headlights are so dim too. There was a fancy new radio put in so I disconnected that figuring it may have been drawing too much?
 
Jj1966 said:
Nothing at all when rotating it. I just pulled the dash to check all bulbs, they are all fine. So maybe it is the switch. Headlights are so dim too. There was a fancy new radio put in so I disconnected that figuring it may have been drawing too much?
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I’d lean to the switch. As for dim headlights, do they get brighter when revving the engine a bit? If not, the alternator may not be charging.
 
Jj1966 said:
Nothing at all when rotating it. I just pulled the dash to check all bulbs, they are all fine. So maybe it is the switch. Headlights are so dim too. There was a fancy new radio put in so I disconnected that figuring it may have been drawing too much?
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Crackedback here on the site makes and sells really nice headlight relay kits to brighten up your lights. It really helps the dash lites as well.
 
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