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project74

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So here's the deal. I've just located a 75 Dart Custom out in the countryside. Check this. 8 1/4 rear (open diff), 318/904 combo (not running), full front disc setup and all linkages, wiring, hoses etc. still intact. All this for the huge sum of $800 cdn. Now is it really worth it? Some questions (and the original plan for my Swinger was a V8 swap with all the extras.)
1)Would this 318 be a steel crank motor? i.e. What casting date or number am I looking for? Not sure if the motor rolls by hand or not but even if it doesn't can a seized motor still be rebuilt ok?
2)The rotors and calipers are pretty shot but everything incl. spindles, arms and such is good. Aftermarket rotors and calipers?
3)Not sure of rear end condition and won't be able to check as car has sunk in the weeds. Not that bad to install a sure grip in an 8 1/4 assuming that all else is ok, correct?
All this with a set of big bolt wheels, all glass, tail light assemblies and such. Some of this I'll need anyway. So does this sound like a good deal or someone trying to pawn off a pile of useless, unrebuildable crap. Keep in mind the car is in a wrecking yard and looks to have been sitting no more than 2 yrs or so. Any hints, suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to shell out 800 beans and get burned.
Much thanks in advance.

John
 
I just helped my friend buy his '73 Dart Sport locally near Ottawa. The guy was asking $3000 and Tom lowballed him with $1200, got it for $1270.

It has some major rust issues but Tom has more time than money and loves welding, so he's going for it. It's just going to be a daily driver, no show queen. It was sitting for 10 years and with a new coil we got is started it runs great! (poured gas into the carb, then eventually we hooked up a jerry can to the fuel pump. The tranny works good and everything. These small blocks are bullet proof, but not if they've been exposed to the elements or whatever.

Check that Dart for rust! Check the crossmember where the torsion bars go in. This is a major place for rust and very hard to repair. This is what's wrong with Tom's car and he's just finished welding in a donor crossmember....very big job!

Check inside the trunk, up around the taillights. Check inside the fenders. Check the floor. check the upper control arm area and where the shocks attach. Check the inner fenders. These are all the common rust areas I think.

Things like brakes and rotors and mechanical parts are easy to replace and cheap compared to RUST! Good luck!
 
If it was ME...I would jump on it. I know a lot of guys...including myself that would be far more a head in the $$ just for the 73 -76 A Body parts (large bolt, Backing plates, Disc's etc) including all other parts. However, each to their own.
 
Don't do it!
Stay clear!!
Biggest mistake you'll ever make!!!
Not worth that much!!

.......um.....so.....ah.....where did you say it is exactly?


Sounds like a good deal
 
65s said:
Check that Dart for rust! Check the crossmember where the torsion bars go in. This is a major place for rust and very hard to repair. This is what's wrong with Tom's car and he's just finished welding in a donor crossmember....very big job!

Check inside the trunk, up around the taillights. Check inside the fenders. Check the floor. check the upper control arm area and where the shocks attach. Check the inner fenders. These are all the common rust areas I think.

Things like brakes and rotors and mechanical parts are easy to replace and cheap compared to RUST! Good luck!
Click to expand...

I agree! If it passes that test..... :thumblef: :drinkers: :salut: :wack:

Dave
 
MtNemoMopar said:
Don't do it!
Stay clear!!
Biggest mistake you'll ever make!!!
Not worth that much!!

.......um.....so.....ah.....where did you say it is exactly?


Sounds like a good deal
Click to expand...

For a moment there MtNemoMopar..you had me, :scratch: I thought perhaps I must have been "really" ripped off for the past five years :butthead: lol
 
Are you sure it has an 8 1/4" ? The standard rear end for the 318/904 combo was a 7 1/4". The 318 has a cast crank.

I had picked up a 73 Swinger for the disk brake parts (318, 904, 7 1/4"). Used the old calipers and MC for cores and picked up rebuilt parts. New rotors were about $40 each and I think it was about $20 for the 4 bearings and seals for the new rotors.
 
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