Updating a 64 Dart vert

[failed_ethics]

I have a 1964 Dodge Dart 270 Convertible with a 225 that's going to be road ready soon, my question is, what should I upgrade?

I'm not looking for some crazy street machine, mainly a daily driver that's somewhat safe and can get up and go on some of the hills we have in my area(they're numerous).

I'm adding discs to the front and adding in the Pertronix electronic ignition, but that's about as far as I've gotten on creating a to do list. The only necessary repairs to make it street legal are replacing the wiper motor and the muffler, but I'd like to make it safer and more reliable while it's getting body work done.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks

 

[slantsixdan]

Better brakes and electronic ignition (I like HEI upgrade better than Pertronix, but Pertronix works OK too) are a very good start.

Tune-up parts and technique suggestions in this thread, and the engine will need periodic valve adjustment. Carburetor operation and repair manuals and links to training movies and carb repair/modification threads are posted here for free download.

I'd also put in good shock absorbers (I like the Edelbrock IAS units) and good name-brand non-Chinese tires.

I'd put in proper seat belts. I used to recommend retrofitting 4-point Wesco belts as I did on my '71, but not any more (the article is correct in its facts and physics, and everything said about 5-point harnesses is equally true of the 4-point variety, except the injuries that a 5-point can do to your 'nads).

When I get rid of the separate shoulder straps in my '73, I'm putting in these up-to-date, reputable-brand ECE-approved 3-point seat belts (linked vendor is reliable; I've been buying there for a decade). The 514-30 can be installed in cars without a B-pillar (such as a Barracuda). More info on mounting at the maker's website. If I needed mounting hardware, I'd buy it again from Wesco, but the Securon belts are a much better product than anything Wesco carries.[/QUOTE]

Of course, being me, I would put in better headlamps (Cibie H4s if you want good but costly, GE Night Hawk H6024NH if you want decent and cheap but not very long lived) fed by relays, and would also upgrade the car's other exterior lights (see here).

Then after making the car much less inadequate to drive in today's traffic, I'd then turn my attention to more extensive engine upgrades. Perhaps a 2bbl intake and carb (not entirely trivial on a '64 due to throttle linkage configuration, but certainly not impossible) and a nicer exhaust system with 2¼" headpipe. Stock manifold is fine, Dutra Duals are better.

 

[airwoofer]

OK... My 68 is getting a bucket seat interior from a 67 parts donor car. It has some pretty cool looking headrests on the seats.

My question is when did they start putting in the shoulder belt on the fish? There is a bolt up there where it might attach. Around here the broke cops have been handing out seat belt tickets if you do not have a shoulder belt showing even if your car did not have them. A hot rod fish is already cop bait and I want to geive the cops less excuses for pulling me over.

 

[BillGrissom]

Around here the broke cops have been handing out seat belt tickets if you do not have a shoulder belt showing even if your car did not have them.

I would definitely fight that in court, plus sue them for harrassment. Seems like an easy win since you must be grand-fathered in, at least every state I have lived is such. To do otherwise would violate the "no ex post facto laws" in the U.S. Constitution.

That said, I feel naked driving without a shoulder belt. I do so in my 65 Newport, but it is 4000 lbs and I don't drive it outside of work much. I plan a shoulder belt for my 65 Dart.