68 Dart quirky parts-classic tunes

[Longgone]

Some months ago I scored a neat old school Pioneer Supertuner on Ebay. I figured I`d start by installing the 6 x 9 speakers I had for it in the package tray. While I had things apart I`d also install a new set of armrest bases and some 1/4 window rollers. The speaker install went smooth, even the 1/4 window rollers went in without having to remove the regulators, (thank God).:cheers: The interesting thing I found was the armrest bases which have the exact same part number are a little different. The NOS set I had to install had studs on it while my originals did not. The metal behind the door panel is not even punched for a studded base. I didn`t really care, I just buzzed off the studs with a Dremel but it did seem odd. I also noticed another case like that with my original heater bezel. The original has only one screw hole at the bottom center while the replacement I installed (same part #) had two? I don`t know. :scratch: I noticed my car still had the plastic sleeves that cover the braces behind the seat and prevent the seat belts from cutting on the V-brace. On most of my cars those have been long gone. Anyway I got the tunes in and they sound remarkably good for a 35 year old system. Plenty loud, good bass response and a very active EQ from just a bass and treble knob. Included a couple pics, oh and my dog Wilson found the carpet and the sun in the footwell irresistible for napping. :sleepy2:

 

[68383GTS]

I read a while back line parts "Parts assembled to the car while going down the assembly line'' and NOS New Old Stock parts were not always the same exact part.Sometimes there would be differences between the two.This could be the case on the arm rest.Now I guess the new way of thinking now is to restore your car with line parts and not NOS.Of course this way of thinking is for the guys with endless suppy of money..
Jim

 

['64 Cuda]

That supertuner brought back memories. I had a friend who customized a brand new 1974 Dodge van. I'm pretty sure that's the same type he put in it. I remember him bragging about it, & telling me how he didn't get the auto-reverse because that was something that was prone to malfunction.

 

[Longgone]

I read a while back line parts "Parts assembled to the car while going down the assembly line'' and NOS New Old Stock parts were not always the same exact part.Sometimes there would be differences between the two.This could be the case on the arm rest.Now I guess the new way of thinking now is to restore your car with line parts and not NOS.Of course this way of thinking is for the guys with endless suppy of money..
Jim

Right ,we are not E-body guys. :toothy10: A-body stuff once was affordable. I think I`ll end up sending out my original armrest bases for vacuum plating. I had the front set done by Auto Instruments here in Va. and they turned out nice. I think it was about $30.00 a piece. Kind of wierd when NOS stuff doesn`t fit though.? My car is an early 68, coming off the line in 08-67 there are somewhat unique things on it that may be left over 67 parts or parts that hadn`t quite been tweaked yet. The wheelwell trim is stainless instead of aluminum, the grille has a nosecone, the door handle thumb buttons are chrome, the coat hanger is chrome plated steel, the rear view mirror is unbordered like a 67 and oddly (as the picture shows) the heater bezel only has one screw hole at the bottom center instead of one in each corner.

That supertuner brought back memories. I had a friend who customized a brand new 1974 Dodge van. I'm pretty sure that's the same type he put in it. I remember him bragging about it, & telling me how he didn't get the auto-reverse because that was something that was prone to malfunction.

I`m a fan of vintage electronics, even my home stereo is an old 2325 Marantz that I still use with a pair of Advent Loudspeakers. This Pioneer unit sounds really good for a vintage piece, although 30 years ago it seemed much better.

 

[daredevil]

whats that thingy under the dash again? lol