1966 Dart GT Mini Refresh

[T2R9]

Hi everyone! I'm Jeff.

Most of you don't know me as this is the first A-Body I have owned in some time. I am pretty active over on the B-Body forum as I have done and own a couple.

You all should recognize the car. 1966 Dart GT, 273 HP 4-speed.

The initial goals:
Strip the engine compartment and paint it factory ZZ1. I will strip the engine to a long block and bag it.
Add Disc Brakes.
Replace fenders.
Refresh the engine. rebuild carb, add LD4B intake, paint, and adjust valves.
3.55 Sure Grip.

Longer term goals.
Full repaint and new vinyl top.

My goal is to keep it running and driving after the initial goals during the longer term goals.

Some initial pics and we are starting to strip parts.

 

[toolmanmike]

I can't wait. This will be an exciting build.

 

[FISHYPETE]

Don’t paint the engine bay! Just kidding

 

[T2R9]

I can't wait. This will be an exciting build.

I hope I know what I'm doing!

 

[66Dartdriver]

Cool! great car are you keeping the wheels or changing over to big bolt pattern? No plans to add A/C? I'll be following along!

 

[T2R9]

Cool! great car are you keeping the wheels or changing over to big bolt pattern? No plans to add A/C? I'll be following along!

I love the wheels but on the fence as I don't like the handling with the skinny's up front. If I could find a pair of 15x6 ones to replace them that would be awesome.

I have 6 correct hubcaps and the original wheels so we will switch back and forth. Also like Cragars, lol.

 

[azaustin]

Nice car and good project. Be warned: minor resto’s can be a rabbit hole. I took a year off (I thought) from working on my ‘65 Dart GT 235hp/4spd coupe to work on my ‘65 GT 235hp/904 convertible. My goal was to get the new Legendary interior installed and swap out the engine for one I had built to go in front of the rebuilt transmission (did I mention the new exhaust system?) It’s like pulling a thread - one thing leads to another. My convertible is/was a driver and I was going to do the same thing. But… the floor pans were rusted more than I thought, which took a lot of time to repair, and it has taken me longer to paint the metal panels above the upholstery than i planned for. It goes like this: Gee, I should fix those dents in the driver’s side door. Urethane would look nicer than the glossy black SEM spray bomb black, etc. And gosh, I have some nice NOS dash pieces for the coupe that would look nicer than the worn stockers over the new glossy black urethane. And the interior will look great, but the body needs paint… and I have that complete disc brake system that I could install, and my missus would like me to install the power steering system… And so it goes. Did I mention the sway bar?

 

[T2R9]

Trust me I get it.

 

[T2R9]

Gave the engine compartment a good bath. It cleaned up really nice. Moved into the lift bay where it will reside for the next couple months. The trunk will also get some paint since well...

 

[T2R9]

Front bumper and grille are off.

 

[T2R9]

Any recommendations on removing the rocker moldings? On later cars I could push up and pop the top off. These don't budge in either direction. Manual shows metal clips but no detail on removing them.

 

[Woody500]

Don’t paint the engine bay! Just kidding

You could paint car flat black to match under hood!

 

[T2R9]

Got the rocker moldings off. I found popping the top off first made it easier. Surprisingly all the molding clips are there and in good shape. I will need to tweak a few but that is not a problem

The fenders are off and starting to strip the engine down. I need to put the wheels back on and roll it back and get the doors adjusted. Just need a little bit. The rockers are really nice under the fenders. Next I will mount the new fenders and get the clip aligned before I pull the hood.

 

[toolmanmike]

Got the rocker moldings off. I found popping the top off first made it easier. Surprisingly all the molding clips are there and in good shape. I will need to tweak a few but that is not a problem

The fenders are off and starting to strip the engine down. I need to put the wheels back on and roll it back and get the doors adjusted. Just need a little bit. The rockers are really nice under the fenders. Next I will mount the new fenders and get the clip aligned before I pull the hood.

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Good to see solid metal under there. It won't be until Monday but I will look for that air cleaner base you need. The smaller size for the original carb I presume. It will be great to see the engine compartment the correct color. That was a regret from the start.

 

[T2R9]

Good to see solid metal under there. It won't be until Monday but I will look for that air cleaner base you need. The smaller size for the original carb I presume. It will be great to see the engine compartment the correct color. That was a regret from the start.

Thinking I will send the original carb to Woodruff and get it done.

 

[toolmanmike]

Thinking I will send the original carb to Woodruff and get it done.

That would be cool. Nice those rocker clips are in good shape. They aren't repopped that I have ever seen.

 

[T2R9]

Not much today as I had painting to do on my shed. Luna helped me.

I did get the areas under the fenders prepped and coated with Rust Bullet and primed. I will blow some paint in there before the fenders go on.

 

[toolmanmike]

Good to see solid metal under there. It won't be until Monday but I will look for that air cleaner base you need. The smaller size for the original carb I presume. It will be great to see the engine compartment the correct color. That was a regret from the start.

I found your air cleaner base. I'll send you a PM to verify your contact info.

 

[T2R9]

I was able to save all the rocker clips. Dropped it back on the tires today got the doors alinged. A couple before and afters. Also pulled the steering column to make it easier to remove the exhaust manifolds which will get a light blast and coat of Eastwood's exhaust manifold paint.

Pulled the plugs and they look pretty good albeit a touch lean.

 

[toolmanmike]

I was able to save all the rocker clips. Dropped it back on the tires today got the doors alinged. A couple before and afters. Also pulled the steering column to make it easier to remove the exhaust manifolds which will get a light blast and coat of Eastwood's exhaust manifold paint.

Pulled the plugs and they look pretty good albeit a tough lean.

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Yep, time for a tune up. If I remember the numbers, those plugs are 16 years old and have around 10,000 miles on them. Those are original to the engine rebuild. Not bad. I see your air cleaner base arrived today. That didn't take long.

 

[Frodee]

I was able to save all the rocker clips. Dropped it back on the tires today got the doors alinged. A couple before and afters. Also pulled the steering column to make it easier to remove the exhaust manifolds which will get a light blast and coat of Eastwood's exhaust manifold paint.

Pulled the plugs and they look pretty good albeit a touch lean.

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That's a nice car and looks like it went to a good owner.

 

[toolmanmike]

That's a nice car and looks like it went to a good owner.

Yes and yes. It makes me smile to see some TLC given. Things I always wanted to do but never did. I think he's pleased with how solid it is.

 

[Frodee]

Yes and yes. It makes me smile to see some TLC given. Things I always wanted to do but never did. I think he's pleased with how solid it is.

Only seen it once and when you were ready to sell it I wasn't able to buy it. Glad it's in a good home.

 

[T2R9]

Oh yeah, I am pleased with it and a little more gear, disc brakes, and a tune up means fun!