This is going to be great, love the early A-Bodies. '66 Dart was pretty successful in year one of the Trans-Am series, I know you already have plans, but just sayin'!
Got engine running on stand set idle, timing at 3000RPM etc. I have the exhaust pointed at the floor so it sound funky IMO Dan
Next I purchased new brake parts Master Cylinder , wheel cylinders, brake shoes, Nickel Cooper brake line, hoses, and hardware kits the drums had been turned already and good the go.
I did start filling in trim mounting holes before I worked on the brakes. The p***enger side has some mud filling a dent, I’ll grind it all out and go from there. Dan
I should mention I’ll have a few posts before I get to the current state of the build. I put the engine about where I thought it should be. After some consideration I decided to buy some motor mounts vs building some. I decided to purchase the Schumacher motor mounts, pricey but the reviews are good. The engine bay is very tight to say the least, not much room for error. Dan
Next I cleaned up and did some painting on the engine bay. I cut the top radiator support out to help with the engine/transmission install, remove, install etc. I had the engine in and out a couple times before I got it positioned where I wanted it.
No need for a heat shield but an early a body left exhaust manifold makes life easier. I put a 318 in a ‘65 Valiant when I was young and used the center dump manifolds on both sides but it was tight on the left and I built the mounts.
He and I have discussed exhaust in an early A. Even with manifolds, city driving during the summer heat soaks underhood pretty bad and the master is pretty close and above. This one has a OT master, but shows the layout. It can be skipped, but now is the time to do it while there is so much room.
@Sharpone good stuff Dan! I've always had a soft spot for darts.I've talked to a local guy here about selling his.He's gave me a price but not sure if he really wants to sell it.We'll see in the Spring. Here's a pic.Keep up the good work on yours bud!
I didn't in my OT dart fastback with headers, but a friend here had a 65 with a 5.2 for his wife. She would when doing the errands during the summer (hi elevation, hi temps, slow speed, lots of stops). I also saw more than a few with fenderwells that had shields. Yes, different animal. Not saying it will be needed, just a heads up it might be.
Texas car I bought it from @Lone Star Mopar, pretty clean and very solid. Two rust repairs I’ve done p***enger side floor and a small spot in the trunk. Dan
Rod I have the engine in I think that there is enough space to keep the MC cool it’s a single pot for now. Eventually I’ll install a dual reservoir when I install disk brakes up front. Not sure witch avenue I’ll go yet. I can source parts from a later model Dart I believe or buy a kit. The kits I’ve look at with good reviews have the correct spindle, ball joints, MC, calipers pads and hose for around $800.00 Dan
Yep won’t work. Remember the thread on my exhaust manifold and steering shaft. The center dump for sure won’t work, so I bought a 92 Durango RT manifold almost fit. Ended up with an original 273 drivers side manifold. The thread https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...or-best-exhaust-for-early-dart.1339393/page-2 Dan
As I stated in a post above there is common theme on my build. Fellow HAMB members providing me guidance along the way. Thank you for help on my exhaust manifold/steering shaft conundrum @RodStRace, @gene-koning ,@squirrel ,@Nailhead Jason, @Moriarity and and a person or few I missed. Dan
Please take the time for the dual brake reservoir, I did the same thing, did not take the time with my wife's restored 51 Buick Roadmaster, I redid the brakes, new everything but the dual master AND sure enough a line/flare cracked at the wheel cylinder, purchased very expensive custom bent SS lines for the car. She was driving and went to slow down and No brakes, she did not panic, on highway 39, 65 mph, I talked her through it, got on shoulder, off gas and we coasted for a long time as everyone blasted by at 65-70 blasting horn at us, when slowed down, crawled to an off ramp used E- brake to stop, glad I had adjusted that up. So we limp to a gas station and the counter lady had a business card for a flatbed service. $500 later we were home safe. That's one of those deals, could have been a Disaster. My guardian Angel watched over me/us again. I see you're a Wi, guy, free advice from one cheese head to another. LOL
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