1969 Dart GT Convertible
Here are some of the problems encountered along the way...
The drivers door striker had been ripped clear from the vehicle many years ago and welded, brazed, etc to keep it stationary. Only one way to do it right. Cut it all out and start over What you cannot see is the thick steel reinforced plate behind it.
The supports for the truck torsion bars were ripped clear by the torque of the bars and the rust in the thin sheet metal. I was fortunate enough to find someone parting a 69 dart convertible that only had odd sheet metal left.
The car had rust in the floors (which was previously replaced with glalvinized corrugated metal (good idea - poor execution) firewall, inner fenders, and quarters. The car was under coated so most of the bottom including the frame was solid.
Fenders were from a different trim level car so those holes were welded. I scored an A body 8 3/4 axle along the way and shortened some truck axle shafts to fit (thanks Moser). Late A k member is reinforced, blasted and awaiting re-install along with front disc. Car will have a split high back bench seat with OD-833 poking through the floor. Convertible top and interior color are yet to be decided, but likely will be a very light tan or cream color, not factory colors.
Hope to be able to keep to my schedule and get the car done. Most of my free time is spent in the garage and not on the 'puter so If you do ask a question or comment may be several days till I see it.
Here are some of the problems encountered along the way...
The drivers door striker had been ripped clear from the vehicle many years ago and welded, brazed, etc to keep it stationary. Only one way to do it right. Cut it all out and start over What you cannot see is the thick steel reinforced plate behind it.
The supports for the truck torsion bars were ripped clear by the torque of the bars and the rust in the thin sheet metal. I was fortunate enough to find someone parting a 69 dart convertible that only had odd sheet metal left.
The car had rust in the floors (which was previously replaced with glalvinized corrugated metal (good idea - poor execution) firewall, inner fenders, and quarters. The car was under coated so most of the bottom including the frame was solid.
Fenders were from a different trim level car so those holes were welded. I scored an A body 8 3/4 axle along the way and shortened some truck axle shafts to fit (thanks Moser). Late A k member is reinforced, blasted and awaiting re-install along with front disc. Car will have a split high back bench seat with OD-833 poking through the floor. Convertible top and interior color are yet to be decided, but likely will be a very light tan or cream color, not factory colors.
Hope to be able to keep to my schedule and get the car done. Most of my free time is spent in the garage and not on the 'puter so If you do ask a question or comment may be several days till I see it.
