who has a Pre 67 A body ?

Just wondering how many members have Pre 67 A bodies?

Is there enough interest in a 63-66 A body section ?

Right now I have 3. 65 Barracuda, 65 Dart vert, and a 66 Dart. that may be a good idea, but i guess it would all depend on how they view this site. I just go to the new post for the day.

I have 6 or 7 I loose count.Yes I think there is enough intrest. We tend to feel left out in most places and our 2nd generation A bodies are really cool cars that are comming into their own now. Everytime I go out cruising around in my 65 Valiant wagon I get asked if I want to sell it. That says it all!

Only one. '66 Cuda. Have had at least one since 1971. Don't feel left out on this board. The only thing I feel left out on is under chassis headers, $960.00. CRAP!!!

TTI is working on a set but I wouldnt expect them to be much cheaper.

I only have one for now that is. At one time I had enough parts for another but didn't have a vin# shucks

i have a 66 cuda. would love to see a section devoted to them. links, pics of builds etc.

I only have one, my 1964 Valiant. I kinda like being one main group as opposed to a special preyear section. This way when I need to know something I'm asking all here. Anyway most all parts, engines, trans, rears, etc. are interchangeable with all of our A-bodies. Just my opinion. Mike

If you saw the work that goes into those 960 dollar headers you would understand why they cost so much. The bends and the number of pieces are unbelievable. They are truely a work of art, all chrome plated,they are beautiful. That's why I'm reluctant to sell the set I have. When you think of what it would cost to repair your car after it has been butchered to take these low budget fenderwell headers you would see that they aren't a bad deal at all. Right now these cars aren't worth all that much when compared with the later ones and the other Mopars but that is changing and as the others get so pricey that only the rich boys can afford them these will come into their own. So it might not be such a bad idea to grab a set of these while they are still being made.Supply & demand dictates that these won't be around for long so if you snooze you loose.

Nice Barracuda!

66 Valiant Signet, 2 dr ht, original 273 auto. Currently on the rotisserie! I've owned and enjoyed modifying and driving this fun little classic for 28 years. :)

I would like to see an early "A" section.
64 Signet
65 100 door post
66 signet
3) 66 Cuda's

Excuse my ignorance, but what makes a pre '67 A-body so unique that it needs a special forum? Is this strictly a chassis difference, or does it expand to engine, suspension, interior, etc, etc? Don't get me wrong.... if there is truely a difference that warrants a seperate forum them so be it. I just want to know what topics you all expect will be discussed there. But since I do not own a pre '67 car, I personally would not ever read the posts in that forum. Yet, I would hate to miss something that might apply to my post '67 car.

Well gee, now you kind of know how lots of us early guys feel. We sit through post after post about Dusters and other late model A bodies ,hear all about how that 440 sliped right in and how easy it is to get the pitman arm for that 73 dart. and all this stuff has absolutly no relevance to our cars at all. you could be talking about phords and it wouldn't really make any difference.Not to put you guys down but guys like me want to exchange info and stuff about our cars with other owners of the same type cars. That's all.You can read it if you don't well , who's fault is that?

I vote YES!!!!

Darwin
'65 Cdn Val 'vert

count me in - I just took my 66 cuda to the track this weekend, mostly satock 360 rebuild, 474 cam eddy street tunnel ram, 2 390 holleys, 3.23's... ran a 12.80 @108

i'd like to post my build...

Help..... I have a 66 Dart and I am trying to tremove the rear windsheild with out screwing up the chrome pieces. Can anyone help?

Excuse my ignorance, but what makes a pre '67 A-body so unique that it needs a special forum?

Lots of little differances. Im not 100% sure my self wich is why I asked if other thought it was a good idea. Its easier to scroll threw 1 forum instead of 10 seperate ones looking for info.

This is my baby, a 10.71 Canadian Valiant with the stock interior and a small block!

I agree we need our own area.

Ray

I have one, a 66 Dart(imagine that) that is under construction. I agree that the early a bodies need a forum. bigblockdart.com has an early abody forum but the attitude over there caters more to big block 67-up. Some of us are going to run small blocks and I like the people here much better. I will have pictures soon, after I buy my heads I am going to buy a digital camera. Promise!

Ithink it's cool that some guys build hot rods out of their A bodies and I also think it's cool to see people working on keeping their cars bone stock. This is where the difference lies between pre 67 and post 67, a pre 67 car is somewhat more of a challenge,they weren't made for large motors and,there is also another generation of A body that we are not even addressing pre 63 they are altogether different from the 63-66 cars. These cars weren't even made for v8's and their front ends are altogether different as well . You know,that 2 or 3 inch difference in the engine bay from a 66 to a 67 makes a world of difference. I personally like the stock stuff. That's just me and when I need info about something and i'm told about an A body from the late 60's most times that info doesn't apply. so,the need for a seperate forum is there for at least that kind of stuff.When you start talking about droping a 340 or 360 in a pre 67 the need arises again our cars are different , it's that simple. They have different requirements and it's a good idea to have a place for us.There are lots of us around and it would benifit the site as a whole to attract more of us.

This is my baby, a 10.71 Canadian Valiant with the stock interior and a small block!

I agree we need our own area.

Ray

Nice ride!

I got my first mopar at age 15. A 66 Valiant 100 three on the tree with a 170 /6. Changed it to 225 in high school. Now plans are for a 340 5spd street machine. Picked up a nice little Signet Convertible last June and it's in pretty much stock form with a few upgrades. I think I'll always be an early A-body guy. I could afford a nice b-body or later a-bodies but the early ones were love at first drive.

I have a 65 Dart GT Its in pieces, It came with a 400 BB I just need to know how to go about putting it in.

Well from a new guys perspective...... if you put the model year in the title line it is pretty easy to find.......I have a 66 cuda AND a 72 340 Duster .....within 30 mins two people found my requests and replied.......pretty hard to argue with that level of response and I dont think it will ever get much better than that segregated or not
my two centavos

I own a 65 dart 270 orig slant six auto now 360 4brl and a 904 I would like to see a page dedicated to the pre 67 a body. You know for every thing that is the same there is one thing different. Well there is my vote great site by the way.

I have been though many A-body's, early and 2nd gen. I am currently down to just one 65 GT, 62,000 original miles, 273, AT,PS. Currently awaiting a 360! I do at times miss the later A-bodies simply for the fact it's easier to find parts and even though those cars don't have alote of engine space, they are much better then the earlier bodies. (as far as space) But I love the fact that people are really surprized to see an early A-body on the street.

Me too, here is my one of my A-bodies...

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c71/Kako18/Dscf0002.jpg

I have a '63 wagon with a 360 4 spd. i think there are enough differences on the early cars to make a separate forum worthwhile

I see this area has already been created, thanks!

I have a '65 Barracuda Formula S and I know my car pretty well now. I know what's different about it from '67 up A-bodies. I'm not sure about a dedicated section, there already is a place you know...the Early Valiant and Barracuda Club - http://www.earlycuda.org or http://www.earlyvaliant.org Perhaps we should include early Darts?

We have a forum too, but it doesn't get much traffic at all, not sure why. Maybe because it's an older software package. http://www.enbcom.com/forum I've been trying to build up a Knowledge Base over there when I get time....

Yes, it's hard to sift through the '67 up A-body stuff looking for info on the early A-body. Everthing is different! You can't put a dash from a Duster into my Barracuda, or the steering column or the door lock or motor mount or door handle! You can't order a brake drum from a catalog or just put in headers at will. I'm not complaining, I love my car....but there is definitely a larger following for Darts, Swingers, Duster, Demons, etc.

Early Barracuda is the only way to go!

I've just got a 65 Barracuda, and it need alot of work. It would be nice to have a place to go for info. on the early A-body.

Hey , I have lots of parts for that 65 Barracuda you just got. I parted out a whole bunch of them and kept just about everything. Lots of trim, glass,mechanical stuff,seats,a grill and ?

i own a 1966 dodge dart station wagon
slant six, with a 3 speed on the tree 7 1/4 rear end

it was a stocker i was going to build untill my fire :cwm10:

I've a '65 Dart. And yes. There are lots of differences from the '67's and up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/zackweiler/sig.jpg

Yes, Narrow body A bodies have some special things to take into consideration when restoring or modifing. It would be good to share info & sources. I have a 64 Barracuda 273 auto that I leave as stock & a 65 Barravuda 360 auto I play with. I've had & worked on A bodies since 1965 & enjoy them. At car shows & cruizes, if you park next to a Corvette your A body will get more looks.

I have 2 65 darts and I am buying a 66 'cuda (http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?p=49958#post49958). Both darts are /6s I am glad I found this site.

Here are a few pics ( I sold the Challenger )

Greg, if I had a buck for every "Mopar Expert" who tried to sell me a V-8 K-frame for one of the five early A-bodys I own, I'd be able to afford a 68 Hemi Dart or Cuda!! It would be clearing house for what stuff won't interchange between the "narrow" A and the 67 and up stuff. It would beat buying something you may not be able to use. (Oh, all A-bodys are the same.....) not quite. Ray, your Dart is WAY cool. RICK

Hey , I have lots of parts for that 65 Barracuda you just got. I parted out a whole bunch of them and kept just about everything. Lots of trim, glass,mechanical stuff,seats,a grill and ?

Valiantwagon, I would be interested in what you got and would like to sale. Please e-mail me at larrypgregorio@yahoo.com. Do you happen to have a spare trunk lid? Sorry for the late reply, been pretty busy lately. Haven't had much time to check in. Thanks in advance.

Larry G

Early "A"s are cool, but sure are hard to find parts for....I have a 66 Dart Wagon that has been in the family since 1965!!...I like tha front end ov the 66's better than the others, but at the same time makes it really hardf to find parts for...I am update'in my wagon, not restoring it...I have retained all stock sheet metal/frame rails etc, but have made as many "Comfort" changes as possible..A/C, PB, PS, etc,...The early A Wagons are few and far between, and bein the last of the Dart wagons juss makes me like it more...Herez a couple pics...one after the first re-do, and a couple of the rebuild in progress(only been in progress for 3 yeerz!!)..,.

Early "A"s are cool, but sure are hard to find parts for....I have a 66 Dart Wagon that has been in the family since 1965!!...I like tha front end ov the 66's better than the others, but at the same time makes it really hardf to find parts for...I am update'in my wagon, not restoring it...I have retained all stock sheet metal/frame rails etc, but have made as many "Comfort" changes as possible..A/C, PB, PS, etc,...The early A Wagons are few and far between, and bein the last of the Dart wagons juss makes me like it more...Herez a couple pics...one after the first re-do, and a couple of the rebuild in progress(only been in progress for 3 yeerz!!)..,.

That will be one nice wagon when you are done.

Pre 67? Didn't think they made anything after 64.

:notworth:

I am the proud owner of a 66 Barracuda 4-speed all matching with a 273. It is a work in progress. There is little doubt that parts are hard to come by for these early A-bodies. It seems the 66 Barracuda is especially difficult since there are so many unique parts to that year and model.

I have purchased most of my parts off of ebay, but hope to find more useful information and resources from you good people. It is true that these early years to not have nearly the popularity of the late 60's and early 70's Mopars, but I like it that way!

As to if there should be a seperate section, I do not know this site well enough yet to have an opinion. What I have seen so far is plenty of good info and a dedicated bunch of enthusiasts. Keep it up! :newb:

66
Very nice looking car. Thats my next acqusistion(hopefully), to get an early "A" and fix it up. I'm settle for a barracuda or a valiant. I just sold two 67 B-cudas,and the drive way looks kind of empty now. Again, nice car.
Dave C.

Thanks for the compliment. I do love it so!

Me! 1965 "S"

I hope the 66 barracuda I just bought looks as nice as the 64's and 66 above wow thouse are clean

well I have found that there is alot of differant things,wheel base, solid lift motors and glass but here on my 63 200 sig valiant hard top 225 with 904 trans has an externel trans filter,Can anyone help here,I blew the front seal and will need to put a filter on this trans when I repare it.and dont you like looking for those small bolt wheels

I vote yes keep the early a-body section. I just dropped a 440 in my 65 Dart 270, well didn't really drop more pushed, pulled, twisted, cut, crammed and eventually dropped it in. I'll post pics when I get the steering and exhaust done in a couple weeks.

Wow! a big wedge in a early A. Hold on to yourself when you throttle that bad boy! You got my vote. An early A body forum would be great.We all gotta' stick together. toolmanmike

We got 1 its a 66 plymouth valiant i love these early a bodies but there a pain to get parts for

Love my early A body. In April I'll have owned it for 32 years. Not much to look at right now, but when I bought it it was a twin to the one 64_Barracuda has.

smythge, I hope that '65 Dart doesn't have a 7 1/4 rear in it. I can only imagine the carnage! :blob6:


:burnout:

That wagon is hip love it,wish my 63 valiant sig 200 was dun,dont grow upand keep on wagon.

Yes , early A-body site would be nice !!
"stroker 402 "
JOHN

There IS an early A-body forum guys!!

http://www.enbcom.com/board

The Early Valiant and Barracuda Club A-body Forum!! It's been there since 2001!!!

We got to stick together us A-Body guys.
:salut:

We got to stick together us A-Body guys.
:salut:

No Doubt!

I have a 1966 Barracuda I bought in 1993 as a daily driver... It was a great car and I drove the wheels off of it. In the late 90s I turned it into more of a "street rod" and it lost some of its daily driver appeal. I am currently in the process of returning it to its former state... I really miss the practicality and its ability to go on long trips without breaking the bank.

I really enjoy this site!

I have a 65 Charger Dart in which I just rebuilt the front suspension with HD torsion bars and converted to the Wilwood front disc brake conversion. My next project will be installing new HD rear springs with an 8-3/4" diff.

I have one,It is all arig #maching car 1963 valiant signet 200 nopost 225 30 over pushbutton trans bucket's and I did injoy driving it untill the front trans seal went out,aint mutch too look at,but a rare find anyway,boy yall sure got some strong looking rides,And the best site. thanks for the entertainment here!! :drinkers: http://w51.photobucket.com/widgets/dynamicflash.php?featuretype=bucketstamp&featurename=1963Valiant&pa=/f367/63plymouth/ so here she is check my pre 67 A body out :thumblef:

Hello All, I Have A 64 Valiant With A 6cyl Push Button Automatic. Its A Slow Process But A Steady One I Hope To Be Able To Drive It This Summer As Soon As I Finish The Body Work (not Much) And Paint It , I Have All The Parts Just Need More Money And Time. Dont Hear Or See As Many Valiants As You Do Other Models But Would Like To. Thanks

Welcome aboard MOPARJOE, and hang in there. There's lots of Valiants on this site. :)

I just started a new project. I have a 1964 dodge dart 170 post car I am building into a resto rod. Parts have been difficult in obtaining but I'm getting there. I find that there are not many that do these cars.

I would be thrilled to have an early A-body section. These cars don't seem to get much attention at many other sites, so it would be nice to have a concentrated section.

I look for parts from Layson's and The Paddock. I comb the catalogs but don't have much luck finding what I need. Finding parts for my 66 Barracuda is a living Hell! :evil2: When I can find parts, they are quite expensive compared to other years! Any way to put the like-minded together would be fantastic!

I have a 65 Charger Dart in which I just rebuilt the front suspension with HD torsion bars and converted to the Wilwood front disc brake conversion. My next project will be installing new HD rear springs with an 8-3/4" diff.

That car has always intrigged(?) me. Definitly a cool car.

Lee

I have a 66 Vliant 2 door post. 273 auto. Radio and heater delete.

Yes I would like to see a 63-66 A body forum.

had a 65 valiant signet that died of cancer,,,,now down to this sweet 66 commando

Yes I would like to see a 63-66 A body forum.


Do you know about "The Early Valiant/Barracuda Club"...EVBC for short? Their here at....


http://www.earlycuda.org/

Oh yes. I have been there before too.

I am currently rebuilding a 1966 Dart GT. 273, 4bbl, auto. Appears to be mostly original as from factory. Just about done with the body work and getting ready to paint. Interior redone by Legendary. I'm new to this website and forum. As soon as I learn my way around I'll post some pics. I also have a 1978 "F" body Plymouth Volare Super Coupe. Numbers matching with about 37000 miles.

Very nice website.

I have a registered domain name 'MyClassicMopar.com' that I intend to get started on within the next year. I will probably try to stay with 'A' bodies and 'F' bodies.

As for your question about a need for the 'early years' of the A body.. I think it might be a good idea as interest picks up in these true early muscle cars.

Nice to see another 66 GT!! Welcome to the site!!

Sounds like a good idea! I just have one (so far) - a '65 Barracuda 273 Commando 4BBL.

Make mine a 65' Valiant, a seperate section for the early A's could be cool.

Hi, I'm new to this site-recently got a 66 dart gt- 225- w/buckets and console- red w/black very poor interior- my first car in 1974 was a 66 dart- we need a forum lots of diffs- anybody got a rear bumper for a 66?

Some nice early A's there guys. Hey Prismboy, that looks like a very familiar sight, a stripped down 66 A body and a guy contemplating the complexities of bodywork and life in general. Still there, still doing that. :)

My early a body project 65 Valiant 100

Use to be nobody liked the early a body and they were cheap. Looking at Ebay that is starting to change.

Picture of my 65 dart Ragtop with a Brand new in the crate , mopar 360 stoked to 402 cu.in. estatimated 450 HP right out of the crate!!! 1 7/8" hedmann hustler headers , 850 dp holley, MSD, 727 3600 turbo action stall. Cheeta reverse manual valve body, 3" pipes thru 3" flowmasters. 8.75 rear end 3:91 gears . cragers . Body is in mint condition !!! Interior excellent !! It's a real looker !!
Love this sight !!
Mopars Rock ! !
john

stroker402, that is one fine looking rag top you have there, and it sounds like it is definitley NOT lacking for power. Do you know if that red paint is an original A body color or do you have a code number for it? My 66 is going red this time and I'm still tossing around between Viper Red and PP1 Mopar red. That particular red on yours really suits the size and lines of the car. Decisions, decisions! :)

My '65 :

Hi everyone, new member from central Alberta. I have a 1965 Valient signet convertable (Canadian), white/red interior 6 cyl, auto. Just starting project, looking for parts and about to start body work

Welcome shanem,from a fellow Canuck. I got a '65 Val 'vert too,'cept mine's a Custom 100. Check my avatar on the left.

Count me in

65 Dart GT vert, and a 66 Dart GT vert for parts..and like many others here in pieces with big plans for the future.

i think its a good idea.
there are differences believe it or not


Cerwin

yes a forum for the early A'S would be GREAT,, i have owned them all my driving years...currently a prostreet blown 340 4 speed tubbed barracuda,,66,

all tho i enjoy reading about all A bodys if we had a early pre 67 section,some may find much neede d info,,,or where or how too,,,

heck im stil trying to learn how to use this site,,,,,

I have a 64 Dodge Dart GT, /6, push button auto. Currently in various stages of progress. An ebay special that every system I touch seems to need major repair. Hope to be on the road by Oct!

66 dart gt vert 273 2 bbl auto, white with black interior (buckets/console) and top.

So far rebuilt front end including: dropping the K and having it cleaned and ecoated, repainted engine bay, converted to disc brakes (73 + style). Stripped - repainted - reworked and or reinstalled: dash, guages, underhood and dash wiring, brake pedal, heater box, radio, front window, side glass and weatherstrips, floor, trunk floor, and trunk weatherstrip, underside of body, front wheel wells and weatherstrips, headlight doors, grill, front bumper and brackets, rebuilt motor including porting heads and intake (now bored 318).

On the docket yet this year: rebuild and install 8 3/4 axle with yukon axles, new leafs, shocks, rebuild trans, finish brake system assembly, install motor and trans.

Oh well, she's progressing...time marches on ! I'd thought she'd be running this summer - no dice. Maybe next spring, I wont be doing much work during the winter since the garage isnt heated, and of course there's other stuff to do beside car work - major house projects etc.

Hello, new guy. Like your handle 66dartgt :thumbup: Picked up my '66 back in may. It is a low mile 273 car(74,000 not bad) that had a repaint before going into storage..........in 1990. Haven't had much time to work on it but I do know it has some sticking valves, fuel line is plugged, and carb. leaks like a seive. By the looks of the valve covers I don't think the orig. owner liked changing oil. :sad:

Luv those early A-bodies.

Welcome, another 66 Dart owner. There is quite a few of us here with 66's.
You'll have to show us some photos. toolmanmike

verry impressed,many nice early A-bodys.here is mine

try again

ok.... you cant just post a pic of a 65 cuda here doing a wheelie, and not say what it runs, and what ya got in it!!!

SPILL THE BEANS on that cool car!!

I am glad you like it.I have had this car a few years now and it has seen many changes.The pic is from last summer when I had the 408 eddy motor in it.specs are something like a 12/1 408,600 solid roller,410 gear,904 low 1st,4400 converter,3130# w/driver,best run 10.91 @ 124 w/1.52 60ft.This was with a 1/5-8 header with 3" pipes and mufflers.

Hi my name is Rick & I have a early A-Body problem :scratch:

I have a 66 Dart 170 2 door sedan 273 HP,4 speed,8 3/4 W/3.90's, front disc

& Radio Delete as far as I can tell the car was all original when I bought it 9 years ago . Since I have rebuilt the drivetrain & suspension Im now working on the body (since there are parts being made now). Having our own area is cool since just a few years back I could bairly find anything on the early cars.

Here is a side shot of the car now where im doing floors,frame connectors,T-boxes,& whatever else I find.

Welcome, another 66 Dart owner. There is quite a few of us here with 66's.
You'll have to show us some photos. toolmanmike


Thanks for the hello Mike. I'll have to take some photos of the car and get them up. Right now she's setting in our shop waiting for a little more attention from me.

I am glad you like it.I have had this car a few years now and it has seen many changes.The pic is from last summer when I had the 408 eddy motor in it.specs are something like a 12/1 408,600 solid roller,410 gear,904 low 1st,4400 converter,3130# w/driver,best run 10.91 @ 124 w/1.52 60ft.This was with a 1/5-8 header with 3" pipes and mufflers.


VERY NICE CAR!!!

what ya runnin in it now??

The car is now a 10.8 to 1, 360.Stock crank,Kb 107 pistons,eagle sir rods,The eddy's,extreeme energy(519/524,250/256dur,hyd. cam)924 springs,same converter and,gears.I ran a similar combo to this 3 years ago and the car ran 11.88@113 at 3200#.I have a Performer RPM and a Proform/holley(750/830?)double pump carb on it.I hope to get out to a test&tune to see what it can run.The car is lighter now and an 11 second run with a hyd. cam would make me verry happy.The car now weighs 2960#.I am having fun driving it on the street more often and it still sounds killer.Some guys around town could'nt even tell the motor had been changed.Not adjusting valves all the time has been nice too.

I noticed you on another bourd telling people about the alter-K front end.This is in my plans as well as the Caltrac set up.Do you have this set up in your car?Thanks,Bob,aka- Mopartuner

NO, but helped install it in a-body-joes dart, its a sweet setup...

if your near jersey, the alterK setup will be on display at the car b que this weekend...

www.moparcarbque.com

My '65 :

Wau! It looks superb!!

cudabob's 'cuda is also great with that 10.90 mark on the windshield!

I wish that some day i have both of those kind of cuda's; one great looking and one fast one...

I vote YES !
finding info on my 63 Dart seems to be hit or miss. most things are listed for 64-66 darts. 63 seems to be an odd year, being the first year for the A Dart.
Mine is a mostly original daily driver. I work on new yuppie mobiles all day long. I love it when someone with a late 80's or early 90's starts talking about their "old" car. I take them out behind the shop and show them an OLD car. priceless

yes an earily A section would be great

thanks
tophat

I only have the one left....below is pic

Bryan :burnout:

My A Body is a 70 =)~

I too have an early a-body, I have a `64 Valiant convertible. I would like to see a segment devoted to just the early cars also.

I have a 1965 Barracuda purchased about a year ago. It's powered by a 273 Commando V8, though it's not a Formula S. Automatic transmission, power steering, manual drum brakes. It's Ivory with a black interior. I've replaced the original faded carpet, heater core, wheel cylinders, shocks and installed the correct Hi-Po exhaust system. This car spent most it's life in southern California, it's rust free and original.

Don

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/DonC1966/IMG_0865Small.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/DonC1966/DCP_2024Small.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/DonC1966/IMG_0269Small.jpg

WOW! Great car.

Here are some pics of my project. It has the original interior in it. It is a radio delete car.

I currently have a 400 block mocked up in the car. I hope to put in a 500 stroker with a Dana 60 and a 4 speed.

I need something to get to the beer store and back with before the beer warms up.

Mike