Mopowers' 66 Dart Build

[mopowers]

I just thought I'd post some pics of the dash in my 66. Some people might not like the fact that I cut it up, but I think it turned out quite nice. I still need to add the gauges and toggle switches obviously. What do ya think?

I didn't have a big enough piece of sheet metal, so I had to use 2 pieces.

I don't smoke

Underside:

Final product:

From this:

To this:

I decided to go with two pieces of aluminum instead of 1 just in case I have to change or do any work to the toggle switch panel on the right, I don't have to take the whole thing down. I also welded up the holes on the right side of the dash and the glove box to get rid of the trim pieces for a cleaner look

Here are some extra random shots of some other work that was done while the dash was out:

BEFORE (notice the block off plates for where the wipers go):

AFTER:

no more wiper motor bracket. Also made a couple block off plates for where the cowl vent boxes hook to. Painted it with Zero-Rust.

 

[mopar_1974]

looks good, you do really nice work

 

[1966 dart wagon]

wow thats quite the difference, i sure love the 66's cant wait to see the new gauges installed :thumbup:

 

[fstfish66]

looks good,,you patching is done really well,,cant wait to see the finished dash,,,why did you block off the fresh air vents??? what are you planning on doing???

 

[daves66valiant]

wow. pretty cool. hopefully somebody can use the old instruments and trim

 

[mopowers]

Thanks for the kind words guys. THis is the first time I've ever done this type of work. My dad and I kind of got this car as one last father son project. It'll be a street strip hotrod with a stroker big block. We're shooting for high 10s on motor.

Fstfish66: We got rid of the vents because we'll have no need for them. In fact, the only reason we redid the dash at this point is because we're starting to install the cage and once the cage is in, the dash will be in for good. The combo will be 470 or 512 (not decided yet), 727, Dana 60 w/ 4.10, 315/60/15 drag radials.

Here are some other random pics of the build:

This is what it looked like when I bought it last Feb. for $400.

 

[mopowers]

wow. pretty cool. hopefully somebody can use the old instruments and trim

I actually sold the instrument panel. And gave the rest of the dash trim away. I still have quite a few parts I won't be needing. A lot of the parts I just give away just so I know someone is using them.

 

[1966 dart wagon]

I actually sold the instrument panel. And gave the rest of the dash trim away. I still have quite a few parts I won't be needing. A lot of the parts I just give away just so I know someone is using them.

well thats good at least if you modifying stuff someone else is using it all :thumbup: nice lil 66 u got there almost a shame to rip apart....almost

 

[Longgone]

Father and son are doing a nice job!

 

[LowDart]

Father and son are doing a nice job!

:thumbup: Congrat's.First time you do this kind of work?Well Done!Looks preety good.What kind of welding did you used?

 

[sweatybetty]

thats cool!

 

[65s]

I guess I'm a purist, but I like it! It's a nice clean look, appropriate for a race car with a roll cage and all that.

 

[Hell_Fish]

My only question is why didn't you fill in the indented area to the right of the glove box for a complete smooth look?

 

[mopowers]

Thanks again guys. I get a ton of ideas off sites like this one, so I thought I should probably post some pics in case someone might want a few ideas to use on their own ride.

My only question is why didn't you fill in the indented area to the right of the glove box for a complete smooth look?

I thought about it. But when the glove box door is on, it looks really cool with just the trim holes welded up the way it is. I also thought about running the aluminum all the way across the dash, but I thought that would be overkill.

 

[mopowers]

What kind of welding did you used?

I've just got a little 135 amp Lincoln MIG. It may be small, but it does everything I need it to. I like using 75/25 mixed gas and 0.025" wire.

 

[howco4]

I like an altered car if it's done with quality workmanship. I built a couple of street rods, and It was always nice to look at someone elses inovations. I'm doing a Swinger now, (my first attempt at a muscle car), and I don't think it will end up completely original. Keep the pic's coming. Howard

 

[Longgone]

I've just got a little 135 amp Lincoln MIG. It may be small, but it does everything I need it to. I like using 75/25 mixed gas and 0.025" wire.

That`s a tried and true machine. Are you going to block out the vents of the cowl panel too?

 

[cudaspaz]

Dude,
That's gonna be one baddazz car when finished, and I hope you keep posting pics of the progress.
If you've seen my car, you know I make no bones about using a zawzall and the torches.

Sometimes it's what you gotta do to have something nobody else has.

Personally, I get bored looking at the same old pure stock cars, but the modified ones really get me worked up.

Keep up the good work, you really have some sweet skills!!!!

 

[lenweiler]

Looks like you're having a good time! Nice.

 

[1969340dart]

Looks real nice to me!The way I see it is like this: It is your Hoopty and you can do anything you want to it.If someone else don't like what you do then that is there opinion.That is what makes the Old Classic Car thing so special to me is different people have so many different ideas! I really like your work you have done to the dash and looks like it is going to be really nice when you get finished.Now on the other hand if it was a RARE car you might want to think about doing that to it at least for a day or two! LOL Keep up the good work and you will be finished in no time.

 

[wazoo64]

Love it! Very similar to mine. No glove box for me though. Wrapped in leather and very simple Let me know if you want a couple pix.

I just thought I'd post some pics of the dash in my 66. Some people might not like the fact that I cut it up, but I think it turned out quite nice. I still need to add the gauges and toggle switches obviously. What do ya think?

I didn't have a big enough piece of sheet metal, so I had to use 2 pieces.

I don't smoke

Underside:

Final product:

From this:

To this:

I decided to go with two pieces of aluminum instead of 1 just in case I have to change or do any work to the toggle switch panel on the right, I don't have to take the whole thing down. I also welded up the holes on the right side of the dash and the glove box to get rid of the trim pieces for a cleaner look

Here are some extra random shots of some other work that was done while the dash was out:

BEFORE (notice the block off plates for where the wipers go):

AFTER:

no more wiper motor bracket. Also made a couple block off plates for where the cowl vent boxes hook to. Painted it with Zero-Rust.

 

[mopowers]

That`s a tried and true machine. Are you going to block out the vents of the cowl panel too?

I thought about it. I haven't quite made up my mind though. I kind of got carried away with the dash. That seems to be the theme for this car though. I guess that's how I ended up deciding on a dana 60 and a big block. We'll see how it all pans out. I'll post more picture as I progress. If you have some time and are bored, you can rummage through a ton of photo albums at: http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n101/mopowers/

The folders are organized by date. Don't pay any attention to the picture with the ranchero. My girlfriend and I were just having some fun at my dad's expense.

 

[mopowers]

Love it! Very similar to mine. No glove box for me though. Wrapped in leather and very simple Let me know if you want a couple pix.

The only reason I kept the gloce box was because I'll use it to hide the ignition, relays, and fuse panel. I'll probably make a little panel for everything to screw to.

Oh yeah, I would love to see some of your handy work!! That's why I'm here.. to learn.

 

[fstfish66]

i think you and your dad are doing great,,,,you both wil have some thing to be proud of ,,,i like the mini tub,,,and the frame work,,ide like to see the rest of the rear section,,,,,looks great,,,,,,what you doing in the front end ??

 

[fstfish66]

just looked at all your pics,,very nice,,,thanks for sharing that,,,
im wanting to know ,,how does that front leaf spring bracket work ?? i see the cal trac type traction rod,,,but looks like the front leaf spring pivots??
very intresting