1973 Dodge Dart Custom 4 door sedan

[dodgemahal]

Here's my 73 Dart Custom 4-door I just finished restoring. It's not an true resto because I deleted the vinyl top; I don't like those moisture trappers. It was bought new by my beloved Aunt in Springfield, IL. It took me 3 years, minus 6 months for cancer treatments. It's a daily driver for running errands. I call it a drivers restoration. It runs and drives fantastic.

 

[Johnny Dart]

Oh man, what a beaut !!!!! Nice job !!!!!

 

[dodgemahal]

Oh man, what a beaut !!!!! Nice job !!!!!

Thanks Johnny! I'm kinda proud I did it in 2.5 years. The preceding truck I did took 5 years. I'm no pro or any kind of expert. That's why I was asking so many dumb questions on this forum. I couldn't have done it without the help of everyone here!

 

[slantflat]

That is one beautiful Dart. That's what I said this morning when Chris posted the pictures on the Olds forum. How lucky are you getting to drive it, and it's a family heirloom.

 

[dodgemahal]

Thanks Slantflat! It's a joy to drive, too. I almost got the AC sorted out. It'll be ready for driving in hot weather. Chris told be you have Valiants. Put a picture or two on here!

Did you notice I stole his pictures? He's a better photographer than me.

 

[Lefty71]

My mom hauled us around in a blue 74 just about like it. Looking at yours takes me right back (to the 70s). Thx

 

[barbee6043]

Great work! and I love the color!!!
Be proud a car that you can drive and really enjoy!!!!

 

[dodgemahal]

My mom hauled us around in a blue 74 just about like it. Looking at yours takes me right back (to the 70s). Thx

Good to hear Lefty. Everytime I look at this old 4door I can't help but think about how my aunt pulled in front of our house back in 1973 to show it off. She was so proud of it. It was her first car ever. She didn't even get a driver's license until she was in her 40's!

 

[dodgemahal]

Great work! and I love the color!!!
Be proud a car that you can drive and really enjoy!!!!

To be honest I'm very proud of it. It's shocking how enjoyable it is to drive. I didn't expect that. Thanks for your kind comments, sir.

 

[slantflat]

I have my grandmother's 68 Valiant she bought new. It probably drives about the same as your Dart. I've driven a lot of cars but the Valiant is just, comfortable. Chrysler really got it right with the 67- up A Bodies.

 

[barbee6043]

I measure these old classics by 1. how much the owner enjoys his ride, no matter what the venue. 2. Never by what it means to anyone else except maybe family 3. the $$$$$$ is never a measure for anything in life actually.

The old classics I have enjoyed the most over all the decades were the ones I built and drove the most miles!

@dodgemahal, I will say it again... great build!!

 

[dodgemahal]

I have my grandmother's 68 Valiant she bought new. It probably drives about the same as your Dart. I've driven a lot of cars but the Valiant is just, comfortable. Chrysler really got it right with the 67- up A Bodies.

That is so cool! Aren't we the lucky ones. I always heard 67-up A bodies are the best handling mopes out there but I'm still shocked, in a good way of course.

I measure these old classics by 1. how much the owner enjoys his ride, no matter what the venue. 2. Never by what it means to anyone else except maybe family 3. the $$$$$$ is never a measure for anything in life actually.

The old classics I have enjoyed the most over all the decades were the ones I built and drove the most miles!

@dodgemahal, I will say it again... great build!!

Thanks again barbee6043. I love your 3 measures.

 

[Finny]

Looks amazing, and if it drives that well then it’s a perfect cruiser.
4 doors seem to be rare finds. Not sure if you have a rebuild link, but I’ll have a search.
Mine is a long way off.

 

[dodgemahal]

Looks amazing, and if it drives that well then it’s a perfect cruiser.
4 doors seem to be rare finds. Not sure if you have a rebuild link, but I’ll have a search.
Mine is a long way off.

Thank you Finny. I do love driving 'old Betsy'. That's what my Aunt called her. Yeah, I was wondering how rare they are. Are you building one? Send some pictures of the before. Let me know what you find.

Edit: I rebuilt the entire front suspension. That really did the trick. Doesn't even have a front sway bar, but doesn't seem to matter since I'm not driving it like a maniac.