MattP
Well-Known Member
I reached a point I was happy with on the 72 Duster and sold it.
I picked it up as a barely running carport space taker upper and with lots of help from you guys and a little effort brought it back to a dependable cruiser.
Beginning -
End -
I learned a lot during the process and wanted to continue building my A body knowledge so I started looking for a Dart.
I found this one on Racingjunk. We haggled a little bit and reached an agreement.
It's got a healthy 360 with a TCI streetfighter 727. 8 1/4 rear with a stronger cover. All new bushings and a full disc brake conversion.
Changes so far include:
Swapping out the tires for a set of 245/45/17 nitto 555r drag radials with a pair of the same size 555s up front.
Swapped out the single chamber flowmasters for a pair of dynomax straight through mufflers I had from a previous build. "My ears thank me every time I crank the car.
Removed the wing. I was surprised to see that thing is adjustable.
In the works-
I want to play with plastidip on this car to see how a few different paint combos might look. Basic exterior cleaning up/replacement like the grill, blinkers, tailights. Flaws you see walking around it that can be fixed with a little time to give it a cleaner look.
Gauges- As usual the only gauge that works is the volt meter.
Figuring out what is causing an oscillating vibration at freeway speeds.
Seats - The APC seats aren't comfortable and even though I'll be going back with a high back modern bucket the APC is a little too much for me. A local guy has a pair of black S2000 seats that might find their way in though.
Shocks - This one has air shocks like the Duster did. Looking for a good adjustable street/strip setup now.
Motor mounts - Solid motor mounts are shaking my fillings loose.
HID lights
New Windshield - Current glass has so many scratches and swirls driving at night is dangerous.
Tint- Once the windshield is swapped the Dart will get the same treatment as the Duster.
Nitrous- I had a plate kit sitting around and this car is going to be the lucky recipient. 100-125 shot
Dynamat/Dynapad - It worked great in the Duster for eliminating rattles and keeping the interior a little quieter.
Dougs cutouts - I like the loud rumble for car shows but needed the quieter exhaust package for driving
Short Term-
AC- I live in South Louisiana. It gets ridiculously hot here. I have until April.
Interior recovering. Back seat is done for, missing pieces here and there. Needs a thorough going through.
A better stereo setup than the 2 Sony Xplode 6x9s
Long term-
Complete body and paint
Suspension update with larger T bars and at least a front roll bar.
400 based stroker targeting a streetable 600+ hp.
mini tub / wider wheel tire package
I'm sure I'll have some questions for you guys and I'm looking forward to continuing the learning process. Pics will be posted as I go through the process. My racing buddies are starting to come to grips that I'm sticking with Mopar. lol
I picked it up as a barely running carport space taker upper and with lots of help from you guys and a little effort brought it back to a dependable cruiser.
Beginning -
End -
I learned a lot during the process and wanted to continue building my A body knowledge so I started looking for a Dart.
I found this one on Racingjunk. We haggled a little bit and reached an agreement.
It's got a healthy 360 with a TCI streetfighter 727. 8 1/4 rear with a stronger cover. All new bushings and a full disc brake conversion.
Changes so far include:
Swapping out the tires for a set of 245/45/17 nitto 555r drag radials with a pair of the same size 555s up front.
Swapped out the single chamber flowmasters for a pair of dynomax straight through mufflers I had from a previous build. "My ears thank me every time I crank the car.
Removed the wing. I was surprised to see that thing is adjustable.
In the works-
I want to play with plastidip on this car to see how a few different paint combos might look. Basic exterior cleaning up/replacement like the grill, blinkers, tailights. Flaws you see walking around it that can be fixed with a little time to give it a cleaner look.
Gauges- As usual the only gauge that works is the volt meter.
Figuring out what is causing an oscillating vibration at freeway speeds.
Seats - The APC seats aren't comfortable and even though I'll be going back with a high back modern bucket the APC is a little too much for me. A local guy has a pair of black S2000 seats that might find their way in though.
Shocks - This one has air shocks like the Duster did. Looking for a good adjustable street/strip setup now.
Motor mounts - Solid motor mounts are shaking my fillings loose.
HID lights
New Windshield - Current glass has so many scratches and swirls driving at night is dangerous.
Tint- Once the windshield is swapped the Dart will get the same treatment as the Duster.
Nitrous- I had a plate kit sitting around and this car is going to be the lucky recipient. 100-125 shot
Dynamat/Dynapad - It worked great in the Duster for eliminating rattles and keeping the interior a little quieter.
Dougs cutouts - I like the loud rumble for car shows but needed the quieter exhaust package for driving
Short Term-
AC- I live in South Louisiana. It gets ridiculously hot here. I have until April.
Interior recovering. Back seat is done for, missing pieces here and there. Needs a thorough going through.
A better stereo setup than the 2 Sony Xplode 6x9s
Long term-
Complete body and paint
Suspension update with larger T bars and at least a front roll bar.
400 based stroker targeting a streetable 600+ hp.
mini tub / wider wheel tire package
I'm sure I'll have some questions for you guys and I'm looking forward to continuing the learning process. Pics will be posted as I go through the process. My racing buddies are starting to come to grips that I'm sticking with Mopar. lol