Need advice from the early A-body gurus....

[Krash Kadillak]

(Tried 'search' bu I've never been real good at the method)

Considering the purchase of an early ('60-'62) A-Body
So far, I've got lots of pics, but none very close up, and no pics of the interior or any of the underbody. Owner's still working on that for me.

- Vehicle was originally a /six, 3-speed manual. Now has a 360/904. The 360 came out of a Diplomat
- '75 Duster discs with dual MC
- Swapped K-member to accommodate the swap
- 8 1/4 rear w/ C-body brakes
- Original paint and interior. Fairly low miles on the entire vehicle. Was told the original owner cracked the six with no anti-freeze in the radiator around 1970, and it was parked, covered from then until '03 (?) when the present owner stumbled upon it.
- Current (second) owner did all the mods, and he (apparently) has lots of Mopar experience and is well-known in the Mopar community for his area. Has a few others in his stable including a giant-block '67 Valiant among others.
- Vehicle was stated to have a very small amount of rust on the lower rear valance and one other area (I missed that in the conversation)

I know to look at all the rust-prone areas underneath - rockers, wheel arches, etc, but what else should I pay attention to?. Anything in the driving dynamics of the vehicle that I should watch out for? My only direct Mopar experience was a '65 /six Dart back in '71, and that was a long time ago......

Also, with these kind of powertrain mods, what should be done that hasn't been done?

Thanks for all your help.
Marshall

 

[64ragtop]

If the work was well done, the majority of the changes I would want are already done. My 64ragtop scoots pretty well with a '74 318. A 360, tuned right should be somewhat quicker. One problem in V-8 engines in the early A body cars is the exhaust. It can be tough to find manifolds or headers that will clear the rather narrow engine bay.

 

[Abodybomber]

There is a thread right now about a Magnum swap in a 64 Dart wagon with factory manifolds.Check it out.

 

[VDART]

Is the car a 62 or a 60-61? they have differences in suspension & wiring-- the 62 is the precursor to the 63-66 "a" body line 60-61 were the starting points.

if that is what you are looking for -- get some quality pics & look at them carefully-- if the seller is serious -- they will not mind taking detailed pics for you.
I would ask about the heater-- unless you do not need one. those cars had the engine compartment heater & it takes up lots of space.
Since this car is modded-- check the wiring upgrades & how it was integrated into the existing harness.

As always it is your money-- choose wisely-- there are many cars to choose from , Lawrence

 

[Krash Kadillak]

It has some type of stock exhaust manifolds, along with Flowmasters.

The heater box has been modified to fit around the distributor.

I'll check into that Dart wagon - Magnum build.

Thanks.