1965 Dodge Dart Charger convertible

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65dartcharger

Dart Charger 273 Historian
FABO Gold Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2006
Messages
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Location
Tavelsjo, Sweden
When I bought this car in 2007 I had no knowledge that there wasn't to many of them out there.

So when Gearge Garard from Novato, CA called me a Saturday night while we were watching a movie I could not believe it.

But after an hour we set a deal and the car showed up in May 2007.

This is what I will start with.

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This is the way my car looked when I bought it back in 2007. The engine was done as well as the front end before I bought it but after years sitting in the sun the bushings starts to get noicy! The valve steams rubber isn't as soft as it should be.
But it was a rust free car that has been off the road sine mid 90ies.

It was a story on it in the Mopar Collector Guide back in 2001 when a man named Joe Sousa owned it in California. So if anyone knows of this guy I would be glad get get his contact info so I can get in contact with him.

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Theses areas will be the mail goals for the convertible.

The front end will need to be rebuilt incl new bushings, tie rods, upper and lower ball joints, shocks etc.

Engine and transmission gone through and detailed. The power brakes, power steering and air condition needs to be restored too.

Right rear quarter panel has some rust issues that needs to be taken care of and the parking brake system needs some work.

Finally the wiring system need som attention. When I put on the wipers I blow a fuse!!!

So this will be a fun winter with lots of work.

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Me and my buddy Johan took the last pictures of our convertibles this year. Two of the six 1965 Dart convertibles in Sweden.
In my case the last picture before restoration.

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Found the old Mopar Collectors Guide from September 2003. At that time he owned my both Dartchargers. Anyone knows Joe Sousa from Turlock in California? I would like to get hold of this guy rounding up more information.

I'm also looking for George Gerard who I bought the convertible from and Jon Gerard who sold me the hardtop, both from Novato in California.

Today I started to disassemble the car. Actually I felt great getting it back in shape. Found lots of date codes and paint splots.

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Finally I had the time to continue the dis assembly of the convertible.
The radiator is a a/c unit but what about the date. Quick look and 45-4 did it. Week 45 of 1964. The car was scheduled for assembly December 14 but when I checked the doc's from Chrysler Historical it was shipped December 12.
The routing on the fuel line seems odd. Anyone having a picture of how the routing on the fuel line with a 273 hp with a/c looks like?

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Power steering, brakes and AC. And a Convertible to boot! Because it's a convertible is it a dealer made Charger or did the factory make a few drop tops? Also is it a Go Go?
 
Power steering, brakes and AC. And a Convertible to boot! Because it's a convertible is it a dealer made Charger or did the factory make a few drop tops? Also is it a Go Go?
According to the guy whold this car new at the dealership in Monrovia, CA the LA plant made 180 factory Dartchargers of which 30% was convertibles.
This is a factory Dartcharger and one of 4 known factory convertibles.
 
Next step is done. Engine, tranny and front end is out of the car. Took some time but vent just fine. Next is to dis assemble the rest of the engine/tranny combo.

Life is good!

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Next step is done. Transmission is at the shop who did the tranny for my hardtop. Engine is on the engine stand and the front end is ready for dis-assembly.
Now it's time to clean carefully to see if there is any undiscovered markings or paintsplots.
Of cause this car will be a driver.....

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Next step completed. The front end is dis-assembled. The K-frame has been changed sometime in the past. Date code was week 25, 1965. So after some searching I found a week 34, 1964 piece. Fit's perfect since the car was assembled in week 49 of 1964. Under the dirt I found an orange paint splot showing it was equipped with 9 inch drums. 10 inch should have yellow paint marking as my car have.
Tomorrow these parts will be glass beaded.!

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The engine in my should be totally restored according to the old owner. Sorry to find out he was cheated by the shop. It's bored 030 over but they put flat pistins instead of hp pistons. Well I have an extra set!

The added gasket for the intake manifold was just gasket cement. But I found out that the engine was assembled Novemver 18, 1964.

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.When I did the Dartcharger hardtop there was kits with factory chrome valve cover bolts with SEMA on the head. Now they seems to be no more on the market. Any FABO member who knows who might sell them or have a new set for sale?

Thanks FABO!
 
In August I was able to buy two NOS Goodyear power cushion tires with knobs and all. They were even made before my cars. Finally today they arrived from Michigan. Sweet!

The engine is almost an assembled shortblock with correct 10.5 pistons. Just need time to finish her up.

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