63/66 Valiants

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66 mopar

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Hello FABO Members
I am new to the early A bodies and was wondering what are the main difference from a 63 thru 66 Valiants. Like body panels, clutch/brake pedal assemblies and so on? What parts will interchange and what won't. Is there a link that explains all this?
 
66 mopar said:
Hello FABO Members
I am new to the early A bodies and was wondering what are the main difference from a 63 thru 66 Valiants. Like body panels, clutch/brake pedal assemblies and so on? What parts will interchange and what won't. Is there a link that explains all this?
Click to expand...

I've never seen a link that explains all the interchanges. You mentioned clutch/brake pedal assemblies - all early As (Darts and Valiants/Barracudas) interechange. You can also take a complete front clip (hood, fenders, valance, bumper, etc) from any early A and swap it to any other early A. For example Dodge used the Valiant wagon body and used all the Dart front components to make a Dart wagon. The main differences between year is trim level with Signets and Dart GTs being the high end models. Hope this helps!
 
A simple question but there's a lot of details to cover four model years.
In general most if the chassis & mechanical parts such as suspension, brakes, power train etc are similar but there are yearly upgrades ( like the '63 firewall needs to be modified to fit a V8 & ' 66 doesn't 't have a ball & trunion on the driveshaft). The pedals for all four year should be the same.
The body structure is also very similar with the underbody very similar year to year but the body panels have model year changes. The front windshield is the same '63 to '66, even the convertible but not the rear glass ('66 is a one year only).
I think '63 & '66 have a lot of one year only body & trim parts.
Things like carpet & vinyl door panels interchange but of course their appearance changes year to year and are even different between trim levels (100 vs 200 vs Signet ) in the same model year.
And of course there are many common parts between the Barracuda & Dodge Dart models.

Hope this helps.
 
Post #3 is excellent. I would add that some parts are the same for all Mopar bodies of the same year. For example, the door handles look identical in my 1965 A & C bodies, as are many electrical parts, including the bulkhead connector (I think). But sometimes even the same year and body don't interchange, like 1964 front fenders vary between Dart and Valiant, as do the matching fwd splash shields. Convertibles and 4 doors add to the variances.
 
'64 and later firewall is recessed for the small block (harder to fit a V8 in a '63)
 
I would say the 63 firewall (without the distributor kick out) is the most obvious change in that span (uni)body wise, but I wouldnt even say 66 was in the same catagory front clip exterior wise.. Different bumper, fenders, grill, headlights, taillight shape...
Computer terms:
63 was version 0.9 slant only
64-65 was 1.0 V8 ready
66 was 1.5. front clip change
67 was a 2.0 entire revamp with wider frame rails.
 
The Darts (excluding wagons) have a longer wheel base than their Plymouth counterparts. The rear foot well is where the additional length is located.
 
Thanks for the replies, what I am looking for is what fenders, doors, and body panels will interchange with my 66 valiant. I understand that the 66 valiant front fenders are only for the 66 valaints. But what about the other panels? Also what glass is the same with the 66? Steering column (manual). I'm thinking (SSVDP mentioned) other componuts like steering, suspension, rear ends, brakes are all the same. Are the wheel base for the valiants all the same for the 63 to 66 models? Are all A bodies (early or later) rear ends the same length? I'm in the process of fixing up my 66 and need alittle better understanding what I am looking for/at when I go to a swap meet or wreaking yard. Don't want to buy something I can't use on the 66.
Thanks for all the great info
 
search this site-- most of your questions have been answered, there is no cliff's notes version as to what fits on your car-- the posts above have been as complete as can be with such a broad topic.

rear ends from 1960 to 1976 abody cars will all physically fit under your car with a direct bolt in--- there are numerous differences-- general 7 1/4,(all years some 73-76 are lbp ) 8 3/4 (performance/heavy duty 65-72 sbp) & 8 1/4 (73-76) stronger than the 7 1/4 with the lbp style bolt pattern .
steering column in 66 has different wiring than previous years-- match manual & manual or power & power & they are the same size.
Glass-- hardtop to hardtop, convertible to convertible & sedan to sedan will get you the correct fit (probably are exceptions)
You need to go to the throne room & search your ride & what parts you might need some one has worked on a 66 before & might have your specific answer.
another note your car is the 1st year of the slip yoke drive shaft-- a lot of parts a 1966 only. Lawrence
 
This is mostly from memory.
Starting at the front it's 66 only for Valiant& Barracuda bumpers , fenders and hoods. The grills for Valiant & Barracudaca are different but do interchange and the head light bezels are slightly different & might also interchange. The windshield is the same for all ' 64, '65 & '66 Valiant, Barracuda and Darts ( maybe even '63).
The doors for hard tops, including the glass, also fit '64-' 66 Valiant, Barracuda & Dart but the hole I the sheet metal is slightly different for '66 but it can be made to work, of course the sedan versions have the window frame & convertibles have a different vent window frame. Door handles, arm rests, window cranks are all the same for '64-'66, the interior vinyl door panels will interchange but will have different patterns.
The '66 buckets sets are common with '67 model year A-bodies, '64-'65 seats will fit but may interfere if you have a center console. For rear seats the convertible is narrower than the others but I think '64-'66 are interchangeable. I'm not familiar enough with the station wagons.
The Valiant got a new roof & rear window in'66 which are common for two & four door models, these are one year only parts & there is no reproduction rear glass or window seals available. Not sure about rear side glass but I'm sure convertible glass is unique.
I think trunk lid was carry over in '66 but the quarter panels and rear bumper are new for '66 & common between Valiant & Barracuda.
A lot of small items are common on all '64-'66 Valiant, Dart & Barracuda models such as sun visors (except convertibles) & mirrors.
Hope this helps.
Exterior trim is usually different year to year and even different between the 1966 Valiant 100, Valiant 200 & Signet models.
Hope this helps.
 
bcschief said:
Door locks and there holes in the doors changed in 65 and up.

Brian
Click to expand...

I believe they changed after 65.. 66 and up.

I have a 65 barracuda and finding door locks are like finding a needle in a haystack.

66 door locks you can buy at any auto store for 12 bucks.

65 you gotta go to ebay and they are $100+
 
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