71 Dodge Dart Swinger in England

[uber cool]

Not much to update as I've been busy on my 58 GMC Apache and changing header tank on my Porsche Boxster. Anyhow I did get a little time on the Dart, it back on all 4 wheels and the bench seat back in place so I could go for a little drive. I have a few other jobs to do on the Apache and Boxster and them I'll come back to this in a week or 2.
On a positive note it drives and runs now.

 

[mygasser]

have you checked all cylinders are firing mate? either pull each plug wire while it's running or check the exhaust manifold temp's at the head idling from cold with an infra red temp' 'gun' like this Professional Motorsport Parts, Spares & Rally Equipment from Rally Design.
that'll tell you for sure if there's a dead hole.
neil.

 

[uber cool]

have you checked all cylinders are firing mate? either pull each plug wire while it's running or check the exhaust manifold temp's at the head idling from cold with an infra red temp' 'gun' like this Professional Motorsport Parts, Spares & Rally Equipment from Rally Design.
that'll tell you for sure if there's a dead hole.
neil.

Yep tried that and it does drop a cylinder one each lead removed. I'm going try another set new plugs goes for a run then check plugs again.

 

[uber cool]

Right I'm back after a longer than planned pause. Rebuilt the front suspension of a Porsche Boxster that started out as a simple anti roll bar drop link replace. By the time Id finished I've Poly bushed the front end, new wheel bearing and new inner out track rods. so that's all good now. So enough German cars and back to classic american steel



So next up is the sagging rear end. Thought it best if i empty the boot/trunk first. well that gained a couple of inches! The PO has made some longer shackles that are 5 1/2 between holes, what is the stock length I'm guessing about 2 1/2" ?

Not sure if the springs have gone soft or its the fact the longer shackle is now leaning back towards the bumper and effective making the spring longer.

Photo below is with car jacked up so shackle hanging down.

What would stock height to the rear wheel arch be?

 

[uber cool]

Im going to replace the rear shackles and bushes as they dont look centred properly. The passenger side is slanted over slightly and the bolts dont look centred I suspect its just a plan threaded bolt the worng size through the spring eye.

I can get the bushes in the UK so if someone could confirm shackle length between pins I'll make my own shackles. thanks

 

[moparmat2000]

You can make your own, however rock auto sells em fairly cheaply. Not sure of the exchange rate however AC Delco $18 and change per shackle and bushing kit

 

[uber cool]

Yep, you are right, it's not worth making them. Thanks for link. Just ordered from Rock Autos $60 for a pair including shipping and taxes to UK, they arrive 5th June. So I'll think of something else to fix in the meantime.

 

[moparmat2000]

You could probably get a spring place to arch your springs and possibly add a leaf to get an inch or 2 of height back in the *** end the right way.

 

[uber cool]

Yes that's my plan. Fit all the new shackles and bushes so I know its all correct then work out how much of a lift it needs.

 

[mygasser]

Or how much to drop the front?

 

[moparmat2000]

I dont recommend dropping front nore than maybe 1 to 1.5 inches. Otherwise you get into a situation where the upper ball joint can pinch the spindle under compression.

 

[retroron]

Just imported this from Houston Texas. Saw it listed on ebay and was just the right time for a new project. Think I'd just watched a few programmes on youtube like road kill with a Duster and another with a Valiant and got me think, they look kind of cool!

Anyway a quick phone call to the seller in USA and the deal was done. Arrived in UK on 10th Oct 15 and I collected on 17th Oct once it had cleared customs etc.

First few photos at the dealers in Houston Tx.
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Not quite sure what went wrong with the interior, think it mush have been part way through a dashchange. Luckily came with a boot full of spares and the old dashboard
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Plans will be to sort the interior and then make UK road legal. Think I will also put the Rally wheels back on.

Great project car, heck of a lot to work with.
Here are two pictures of my Dart , with colors you may like.

 

[uber cool]

I dont think I can drop the front any more the headers are only a few inches off the floor as is. Parts for hangers arrived today, but I'm off to Le mans for a week.

Yep love that colour gives it a modern twist to a classic shape.