1973 Dodge Dart 4-Door Custom Sedan Rebuild

[Shawn Ross]

Hey Everyone:

I'm in the process of rebuilding my '73 Dart and thought you might like to see a couple of pics. I purchased it from my elderly, ailing neighbour last year (original owner) and have been picking way at it since. I had the original 225 slant six rebuilt (.040 overbore, better cam and Super Six upgrade) and will be installing it as soon as the engine bay work is complete. I suspect this will occur next week. After this, the car will head off to the local bodyshop for bodywork and paint. Interior last.

Thought someone might find the project interesting. The car is currently in the engine shop, getting the engine bay detailed and painted. Old engine (spare) was pulled, A904 transmission was rebuilt and upgraded, damaged inner fenders were swapped out with AMD replacements, etc.

More to follow.

 

[J Glenn]

(Like)

 

[H22A4]

Nice work on bringing your Dart back to when it was new; looks like tuo are doing a thorough job! What's the story on the Demon in one of the photos?

 

[Shawn Ross]

Thanks! I fixed the car enough to drive it last summer, then built up my budget (budget?? What budget? lol) over the past few months. Stripped everything forward of the firewall, replaced the damaged inner fenders, etc. Lots of work to be done, but it's coming along. Work is being done by a local MOPAR group, that runs a transmission/torque converter shop. These guys have about 50 MOPARS that they are constantly working on. The Demon you see is a '72 Demon (I think), with a 440 Magnum, that belongs to another member of our MOPAR club.

 

[Shawn Ross]

I need to find a source for bumpers. Rechroming is ridiculously expensive up here in Nova Scotia ($1400/ea). Also looking for a few other items: Front turn signal lenses, rear pans, etc.

 

[slantsixdan]

Passably decent and very inexpensive '73-'74 Dart turn signal lenses can be had new out of Mexico, part № 23C made by these people. Probably difficult to deal with them directly, but this guy has a bring-yer-own-silver-paint pair for cheap money. Don't get too excited with that first link; the Mexican-repro tail lenses for '71-'73 Dart are not good enough to mess with.

Me, if I'd kept my '73 I'd've replaced the whole dim factory park/turn lens-reflector-bulb assemblies with a pair of good quality(!) LED units. If I were to insist on damn-near-original appearance it'd be these Signal-Stat 6051A clear-lens/amber light units. If I wanted maximum performance/clearest visibility of the turn signals and ability to use them as daytime running lights (see here; important in Canadian traffic where virtually all cars have them and cars without are at elevated risk of being hit) it'd be these American-made Peterson 821A-10s, which are quite a lot brighter. Either lamp is virtually the exact right size and shape; only a tiny bit of a shave off the left and right ends of the grille openings will be necessary for them to fit right in, and their lifespan is super-long; enough that you could just glue 'em in place without fear. You'd need a new flasher to operate the LEDs correctly; that's this one (2-prong like original; connect its ground wire conveniently). You'd also need two PL3 pigtails to connect the new lights—that's this one.

While you're at it, put these in the brake lights (Canadian link here) and these (Canadian link here) in the back-up lights, after cleaning the rear lamps' reflector bowls and shooting 'em with "chrome" spray paint from the hardware store.

Speaking of chrome: yep, $1,400/bumper is way too expensive. How 'bout this instead? The supplier is here.

 

[Shawn Ross]

Heya Dano!

Glad to see that aliens haven't abducted you! I think you did pass this info on to me on the SSF...I should have remembered that. I am coming along with the rebuild, and can almost (ALMOST) see the light at the end of the tunnel, lol. I had found that Mexican source before, and talked myself out of it (probably rightly so). Hmm...that bumper idea might just work...

 

[Shawn Ross]

Hi All. Final work complete on the engine bay. Paint going on tonight. Once cured, we can go ahead with the engine installation and fire her up! Uncrated the engine and mounted it to a newly refurbished K-member. Good to go!

More to follow. Thanks for your interest.

Shawn

 

[Shawn Ross]

Overbored .040, upgraded cam, polished crank, new bearings, new pistons and piston rings, bit of porting, reground valves, new seats and seals, shaved a bit off the head (just to ensure a good mating with the engine block), and an upgrade to a 2-bbl manifold (For the imminent Super Six conversion.) Currently painting the kick-down linkage and air cleaner, which will be getting a new Super Six decal thanks to some help from Jim Osborne Reproductions. Brand new oil pump, water pump, coil, distributor cap (electronic), and timing chain. Radiator is out for a re-core. Getting excited now!

 

[Dartnut]

Great to see someone redoing a /6 4 door.
I'm tired of seeing them parted out and crushed.
Are you going to keep it dark green?
I love these cars in that colour..........

 

[Shawn Ross]

Great to see someone redoing a /6 4 door.
I'm tired of seeing them parted out and crushed.
Are you going to keep it dark green?
I love these cars in that colour..........

Hi! To be honest, it's not really the kind of car I'd go out looking for, from scratch. Initially, I kind of took on the project because it fell into my lap. My wife actually found this car in possession of our elderly neighbour. He had purchased it new, out of the showroom in Falmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1973. His health is waning and he doesn't drive much anymore, so last Spring I approached him with an offer to purchase. I knew that it needed work, but like you, I didn't want to see it end up cannibalized and sent to the crusher. I paid him the appraised value ($2700) and here we are. I've named it 'Lurch'.

Initially, it was a money pit to get up to speed (pun intended). I am now completely engaged in restoring the vehicle and am VERY pleased that it's a bit of an oddball. I can appreciate the 8-cylinder Demons, Dusters, Challengers, Scamps, Roadrunners and Swingers like everyone else: but show up to a Show & Shine with a slant six, and you become the belle of the ball, lol. Everyone had one, or their father, mother, uncle, brother, sister did. I drove it all last Summer and was constantly being approached by people with a story about a slant.

Nope, it'll never retain the value of all the money I'm putting into it (Budget? What budget?, lol) and no, there probably never will be a horde of people out looking to snap up a '73 Dodge Dart 4-Door Custom Sedan. However, I'm happy and proud to be resurrecting this old girl, and the encouragement and enthusiasm I've received from people on the street and in forums like this, certainly keep my enthusiasm high, so thank you for your encouragement.

Oh ... and yes, I am definitely keeping that colour. My wife loves it and you know what they say: 'Happy wife, happy life'. Also, she's been very understanding about my unnatural ability to spend money hand over foot on this project, so I shall continue to endeavour to keep her happy! Lol.

 

[Dartnut]

Hi! To be honest, it's not really the kind of car I'd go out looking for, from scratch. Initially, I kind of took on the project because it fell into my lap. My wife actually found this car in possession of our elderly neighbour. He had purchased it new, out of the showroom in Falmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1973. His health is waning and he doesn't drive much anymore, so last Spring I approached him with an offer to purchase. I knew that it needed work, but like you, I didn't want to see it end up cannibalized and sent to the crusher. I paid him the appraised value ($2700) and here we are. I've named it 'Lurch'.

Initially, it was a money pit to get up to speed (pun intended). I am now completely engaged in restoring the vehicle and am VERY pleased that it's a bit of an oddball. I can appreciate the 8-cylinder Demons, Dusters, Challengers, Scamps, Roadrunners and Swingers like everyone else: but show up to a Show & Shine with a slant six, and you become the belle of the ball, lol. Everyone had one, or their father, mother, uncle, brother, sister did. I drove it all last Summer and was constantly being approached by people with a story about a slant.

Nope, it'll never retain the value of all the money I'm putting into it (Budget? What budget?, lol) and no, there probably never will be a horde of people out looking to snap up a '73 Dodge Dart 4-Door Custom Sedan. However, I'm happy and proud to be resurrecting this old girl, and the encouragement and enthusiasm I've received from people on the street and in forums like this, certainly keep my enthusiasm high, so thank you for your encouragement.

Oh ... and yes, I am definitely keeping that colour. My wife loves it and you know what they say: 'Happy wife, happy life'. Also, she's been very understanding about my unnatural ability to spend money hand over foot on this project, so I shall continue to endeavour to keep her happy! Lol.

IMHO, there's nothing wrong with 4 doors.
Actually, i like them a lot and they are definitely stronger body wise than 2 door hard tops.
However, a lot of people still hate them and call them ugly, non performance, grandma cars, etc.
That's why they will probably never be worth much compared to the 2 doors and would be harder to sell even if the 2 door is rough and the 4 door is in much better condition.
Fix it up as an enthusiast and enjoy it, you will have a lot of fun!
And isn't that what it's all about?

 

[Shawn Ross]

Hey:

Yep, you pounded that nail right on the head.

I'm long past worrying myself with what other people's opinions are on my project, or anything else, for that matter. The 4-door models may not be as inherently valuable as the 2-door versions, and it may be a 'grocery-getter', but I'll tell you this; It's MY grocery-getter and by the time we're done with this, it'll be one of the best configured, fun-driving vehicles around. Also, it's being helped along by a bunch of guys that are demons (pun intended) for attention to detail and precision. Thanks to Sandy and the team!

Once I decided this was the direction I wanted to go, it's been full steam ahead! We could have scaled back and just prettied it up to drive. And that would have been fine. But my wife and I decided to go as far as we could to breath new life into this auto. My brother had a slant six, my uncle had one and this car garners a lot of attention whenever I make my run to, yes, the grocery store, lol.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the whole thing turns out. I'm sure it'll be fantastic. Our intention is to someday retire, then to wear out many sets of tires on this Dodge as we discover the whole car culture.

Cheers,
Shawn

IMHO, there's nothing wrong with 4 doors.
Actually, i like them a lot and they are definitely stronger body wise than 2 door hard tops.
However, a lot of people still hate them and call them ugly, non performance, grandma cars, etc.
That's why they will probably never be worth much compared to the 2 doors and would be harder to sell even if the 2 door is rough and the 4 door is in much better condition.
Fix it up as an enthusiast and enjoy it, you will have a lot of fun!
And isn't that what it's all about?

 

[/sixchall]

Shawn.........as I read your post about you restoring your Dart 4dr. I couldn’t help but sense the passion you have for that car. You lamented about those that rag on you for wasting time and funds in putting it back to its former glory. As you said it sort of fell into your lap.you do what you will, hey! It’s your car, right? It will be quite admired when you are done with your resto. I put up with a lot of jibes and darts (no pun intended) from those at the local car gatherings also. There are those that do understand and admire its uniqueness. I have owned for many years now my 1970 Dodge Challenger Slant6. Try a performance bodied car powered by an engine that doesn’t quite fit the image. I’ve noticed in recent years it’s being accepted for the vehicle it is and not a donor for another V8 identity swap. So, you forge ahead Shawn, it’s already one sweet ride.

 

[Shawn Ross]

Thanks! It certainly is fun to drive and it's pretty easy on the wallet fuel-wise. Your Challenger looks great! Is that a Super Six I see under the hood? Really nice engine compartment! I'm reconfiguring mine with the 2-barrel manifold and carburetor, also. Like I said, I let the nay-sayers do their thing while I just keep plugging along. Thanks for the interest.

Shawn

 

[/sixchall]

Shawn........thank you for your return reply on my interest in your Dart build post. Yes that’s right your eyes don’t deceive you. The engine is a ‘77 Slant6 I purchased from my local Dodge dealership. In 1998 I went down to them and ordered a Slant6 that had never been in a car. They found one in a mid-west warehouse destined for a military vehicle on a military base. Cost me $900. for a long block and it is a Super Six set-up w/ Carter 2bbl BBD from a 318. Mopar elect. ign. w/ orange box, Accel hi-output coil, Hooker 2 into 1 headers w/ 2 1/4” SS real dual exhaust w/ “H” pipe, dual glass pack mufflers then to the back w/ brite tips. Open element 14x3 air cleaner w/ K&N filter. Paint and a lot of chrome and polished alum. for a pretty engine. 904 automatic and 8 3/4 742 drop out w/ 3.23 gear set. 11x2 1/2” brakes. 11x3” drums in front from a big block Road Runner. Thanks for the kudos Shawn.

 

[Dartnut]

Awesome Challenger you have there!
Glad to see you kept it a slant 6 and didn't stuff a big block in it like 99% of the people do.............

 

[/sixchall]

Thanks “Dartnut”, in a Challenger it’s hard to keep the thoughts away and the urgings of friends and car guys, to drop a V8 under the hood. The hood says it all “225 Magnum” the 6 will stay right where it’s at. My oldest Son has been threatening to drop a Hemi in it when I’m out of the picture. Oh well, as long as it stays in the family.

 

[Shawn Ross]

Heresy! lol. It really looks fantastic, and the engine build sounds very interesting.
I'm trying to find the side emblems for my Dart Custom Sedan and the front running lights. I'm having a HELL of a time, lol. I persevere! Upward and onward! That's a really nice car you have there.

 

[Shawn Ross]

Got a bit further along in my rebuild over the past few days. Engine is now positioned in the engine bay and we are beginning the reconnection work. Here's a few pics, if anyone's interested. Black valve cover is temporary, no fear.

Cheers,
Shawn

 

[/sixchall]

Thanks guys for the compliments on my Dodge. Shawn.........your Dodge is coming along great. The progression pics look great also. You can really stand proud when your done and showing it off. Keep the pics coming, yes I’m interested. I have owned my Dodge for about 45 years now, purchased it as a trade-in with 40k miles on the clock, from my local Dodge dealership in 1973 when I returned from overseas, for $1,100. Took it off the road 10 years ago with 562k miles under its belt. Out of all the Chrysler cars I’ve owned this one I kept, go figure.

 

[Shawn Ross]

Wow! $1100, lol. If I recall correctly, my neighbour paid $2700 for mine new, out of the showroom in '73, lol. Here are a few more pics of the progress on Lurch. I'm going to paint that damned water pump blue though. I meant to do that earlier, but forgot. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel, lol.

Shawn

 

[Shawn Ross]

I really like that Dodge of yours. Little 'green' with envy (sorry, had to).

 

[/sixchall]

$2,700 huh? Back in the day. My compliments to you on your progress, my friend. Love the detailing in the engine bay, at the first car gathering, trust me you’ll have a lot of guys looking. When I do take the Dodge out, I have to admit it gets bagged on from the performance guys who think it has the wrong engine for the image it exudes. Then there are those who can appreciate what it is. Well it’s my car, right? Keep focused Shawn, and damned the torpedos, forge ahead. Here are some pics of the last car gathering here last weekend, another engine shot and dash shot. Thanks again, Al

 

[/sixchall]

Sorry Shawn........not sure what happened with my last post! Had something to do with the pics I posted I guess. Looks like it over did the pic posting.