Well it has finally begun! And the headaches have been abundant along the way (which I expected). I bought this beauty in Oklahoma and the clay that covers the bottom and the wasps nests in the fender wells proves it has been out west. Shipped to South Florida where this convertible will be enjoyed. It seems the former owner used whatever parts he had handy as there is alot of mismatching going on here- but we will figure it all out as we go. Shes far from perfect and the pictures actually make her look a tick better than she actually is. I dont have a very big budget but gonna work with what I have and take my time.
Heres what we do have: 1969 Dart GT convertible B5 Blue. Car was orig 273 2bbl now running 360 4bbl 727 tranny 8 3/4 posi 3.55 gears. Had a new starter, alternator, and battery when I bought it.
Started with 1st issue of overheating: changed thermostat, changed out 19" radiator for a 22" and had it 3x re-cored. Found a shroud and put on a Viscous clutch fan. Havent started car since its been worked on- Ill let you know if it runs cooler (fingers crossed).
Took off Edelbrock and put on Holley 670 Avenger carb and new elec ignition. Also re-did spaghetti wire job- this thing had wires running in every different direction and a few laying on the exhaust!
I decided to go with TTI coated headers. They went in fairly easy... now just hoping they lay tight against the heads (other fingers crossed).
The car had the wrong oil pan and the front end parts were knocking up against it when turning left. Was about worn thru about the size of a half dollar. Got a correct 360 oil pan that has the angle and cut away in pan to allow clearance- had to replace idler arm.
Heater core (smelling antifreeze) was bad so I just disconnected for the time being- as we are not in need of heat often in South Florida.
Converting 3 spd Automatic from column to console and possibly rebuilding tranny- will know better once I open her up. Its sluggish in reverse when starting but I have heard this is "normal"? Better once car is warmed up.
Had no kickdown linkage which I put on right away but still problems in gears gears 2-3 shift... has no problem 1-2 and sparks the tires. Hopefully when we put in new shifter we can figure out whats what and re-adjust. Backup plan is to put on Locar throttle cable as we are having some issues with current throttle setup.
Took off intake and redid all the gaskets (intake/valve cover/etc) due to somebody going crazy with silicone.
Learned about LH lugnuts the hard way (duh) and have changed out the drivers side to all RH.
My last big issue will be trying to figure out a wiring problem. Seems someone used some tin foil on a fuse and the relay to the blinkers gets real hot. If anybody has any suggestions- thinking of new underdash harness but thats getting expensive. Hoping to find a good electrical guy.
Last will be interior, convertible top, new tires, and paint. But that will be awhile- tires will come 1st. Has typical rust behind doors and behind wheel wells. Hoping it doesnt extend to far... but wont hold my breath on this one. Took a magnet to it and surprised the bondo factor wasnt that high.
Will update pics tomorrow when we start her up for the 1st time in 3weeks! Wish me luck... heres what I got to start with:
Heres what we do have: 1969 Dart GT convertible B5 Blue. Car was orig 273 2bbl now running 360 4bbl 727 tranny 8 3/4 posi 3.55 gears. Had a new starter, alternator, and battery when I bought it.
Started with 1st issue of overheating: changed thermostat, changed out 19" radiator for a 22" and had it 3x re-cored. Found a shroud and put on a Viscous clutch fan. Havent started car since its been worked on- Ill let you know if it runs cooler (fingers crossed).
Took off Edelbrock and put on Holley 670 Avenger carb and new elec ignition. Also re-did spaghetti wire job- this thing had wires running in every different direction and a few laying on the exhaust!
I decided to go with TTI coated headers. They went in fairly easy... now just hoping they lay tight against the heads (other fingers crossed).
The car had the wrong oil pan and the front end parts were knocking up against it when turning left. Was about worn thru about the size of a half dollar. Got a correct 360 oil pan that has the angle and cut away in pan to allow clearance- had to replace idler arm.
Heater core (smelling antifreeze) was bad so I just disconnected for the time being- as we are not in need of heat often in South Florida.
Converting 3 spd Automatic from column to console and possibly rebuilding tranny- will know better once I open her up. Its sluggish in reverse when starting but I have heard this is "normal"? Better once car is warmed up.
Had no kickdown linkage which I put on right away but still problems in gears gears 2-3 shift... has no problem 1-2 and sparks the tires. Hopefully when we put in new shifter we can figure out whats what and re-adjust. Backup plan is to put on Locar throttle cable as we are having some issues with current throttle setup.
Took off intake and redid all the gaskets (intake/valve cover/etc) due to somebody going crazy with silicone.
Learned about LH lugnuts the hard way (duh) and have changed out the drivers side to all RH.
My last big issue will be trying to figure out a wiring problem. Seems someone used some tin foil on a fuse and the relay to the blinkers gets real hot. If anybody has any suggestions- thinking of new underdash harness but thats getting expensive. Hoping to find a good electrical guy.
Last will be interior, convertible top, new tires, and paint. But that will be awhile- tires will come 1st. Has typical rust behind doors and behind wheel wells. Hoping it doesnt extend to far... but wont hold my breath on this one. Took a magnet to it and surprised the bondo factor wasnt that high.
Will update pics tomorrow when we start her up for the 1st time in 3weeks! Wish me luck... heres what I got to start with:
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