My fun cruiser- '70 Swinger

-

DrillNFill

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2020
Messages
72
Reaction score
36
Location
Northeast PA
Hi all, long-time reader first time poster. I've gleaned alot of info reading this site, and now i have my own A-body to have fun with. Its a bone-stock low-optioned 225 slant-6/ A-904 Dart Swinger, 49,000 miles, 7 1/4" rear end. I got in September. Its a decent car, no rust. I wanted an inexpensive fun car to tinker on occasionally and I think I succeeded.
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for any small projects to improve the car. I already swapped out the front manual drums for power disc brakes which was a huge improvement. Planning on a future manifold to rear bumper exhaust in the next year or so, the old factory one is tiny and the pipes are fairly corroded. Anyone have a preferred muffler/system for the 225? Any other suggestions? I appreciate any comments!
Dart2.PNG
Dart3.jpg
Dart1.jpg
 
It stops so safe. If it runs good and not broke, don't try to fix it. As you spend time driving it, you will find what ever you want to fx or change. Does not matter what anyone else thinks or does.
OEM hold down for the battery?
Looks like a real nice car! Enjoy it.
 
DrillNFill, Welcome to FABO from the Land of Lincoln. Beautiful Swinger, best thing you can do....treat it like it's a new car.
 
Electronic ignition is a popular modification. Mopar, pertronix, hei, lots of options.

Headlight relays for brighter lights.
 
Nice looking car. I would get rid of that plastic fuel filter right off the bat.
 
I would start with basic safety. Chances are suspension parts are worn. Check, not only ball joints & tie rod ends, but also control arm & spring bushings. Replacements require an alignment. Don't forget the steering shaft coupler. Go over the lights; driving, marker, turn signal, back-up, and dash. Mostly neglected, the /6 valves require periodic adjustment. Of course, check other tune-up related parts.

I'd also look for hidden critter nests in the cowl, behind the fenders, HVAC, under the dash, and so forth. The 2-barrel Super Six upgrade will give you bang-for-the-buck when combined with a 2 1/4" exhaust system.

Nice find! You're not too terribly far from me (North-West Jersey, Sussex area).
 
Beautiful car. I would drive the wheels off of that thing. Looks like you need a heater core. That would be my first “upgrade”.
 
^^^^ Only part of Tx that needs heater cores in Panhandle!!!! Wait the new guy is in Pa.!!!!
That sure looks like nice car, I hope the OP got all the details from seller as to what has been done!!!
I forget to say Welcome!
 
Thanks for the replies/ suggestions all!

Electronic ignition is a popular modification. Mopar, pertronix, hei, lots of options.

Headlight relays for brighter lights.

was planning on this for the future, the car probably still has points.

Nice looking car. I would get rid of that plastic fuel filter right off the bat.

Already done- ordered an original style metal filter kit last week =)

I would start with basic safety. Chances are suspension parts are worn. Check, not only ball joints & tie rod ends, but also control arm & spring bushings. Replacements require an alignment. Don't forget the steering shaft coupler. Go over the lights; driving, marker, turn signal, back-up, and dash. Mostly neglected, the /6 valves require periodic adjustment. Of course, check other tune-up related parts.

I'd also look for hidden critter nests in the cowl, behind the fenders, HVAC, under the dash, and so forth. The 2-barrel Super Six upgrade will give you bang-for-the-buck when combined with a 2 1/4" exhaust system.

Nice find! You're not too terribly far from me (North-West Jersey, Sussex area).

Thanks! When I got the car it did have to pass PA's rigorous safety inspection so the rubber bits/ lighting/ safety stuff was checked by my mechanic, he did replace a few worn-out odds and ends.

Welcome! I love the name!

You will soon find out mopars are an addiction...

Thanks, my avatar is my dad's '70 Duster he still had when I was a kid (no more). I also have a "new" Hemi Charger as a DD, plus a Durango and ZJ Grand Cherokee. Im already addicted haha

Beautiful car. I would drive the wheels off of that thing. Looks like you need a heater core. That would be my first “upgrade”.

Thanks, the heater core was one of the new parts the seller was kind enough to provide with the sale. On the list for the spring!
 
Nice car! Looks like battery hold down is missing. Batteries have been known to roll off the tray and into the fan. Replace with stock parts. On any -new to me car- I always change all the fluids, check/inspect tune-up parts/timing, pull all four wheels to inspect brakes/tires/suspension. Check belts/hoses. Then when I drive the car I know that she looks good and is safe.
 
Beautiful car,
I once had a t pipe made and put side pipes on a /6
Had every body wondering.
Perhaps a nice dual exhaust set up ?
 
Welcome from Wilkes-Barre Pa
Nice looking Dart.
That positive battery terminal looks a little funky. Might need a little cleanup.
My 70 dart came the same way bumperette’s up front none in rear
 
Hey all
I know its been some time since I last updated this thread, been mostly lurking and learning new stuff from everyone, but i thought I'd share some new photos since I just got the car back from a week's stay at the body shop. Since I bought the car in sept 2020, it had some large dents and dings right at the leading edge of the hood , so I figured if I need to paint the hood, I'm going to do it the way I want to. It's no show car, just a fun Slant-6 cruiser.
Did the factory-style 340 hood/cowl blackout with factory-style twin scoops and factory-style hood pins (just because). Also added the chrome hood lip and fender moldings I got from members here which were not on the car (not sure if they ever were). While it was there, for good measure we added a factory-style Bumblebee stripe which was placed around the existing side moldings. I think it looks nice, total attitude change.

Only thing I'm not sure about yet is adding "225" hood scoop callouts. I'm still on the fence.


280429941_1387783358315205_846423170386600957_n.jpg
279941684_1387783724981835_804967730134246073_n.jpg
280389551_1387783294981878_3594923114206205003_n.jpg
 
-
Back
Top