New to me 65 Dart Gt, what to look for

-
B

B Taylor

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2017
Messages
99
Reaction score
48
Location
Grand Prairie, Texas
Hey guys,
I just purchased a 65 Dart GT, slant 6 AT PS PB. It is in good shape boy wise other than 2 small rust spots behind the rear tires. Interior is original and in good shape.
What I need is what to address first AKA most common problems or short falls with the early A body.
Also sources for parts.
Thanks
 
Better brakes - two pot master cylinder and bigger drum or disc brake upgrade
 
Crawl underneath the rear. The trunk floor extensions will rust where the lower 1/4's do. They can be repaired/fabricated but reproduction pieces aren't made. Going through that with my 66 as we speak. They are cool and fun cars. WELCOME TO FABO!!!
 
First it's a car that's over fifty years old so the condition of the brake, suspension and fuel system should at least be inspected.
 
I have a feeling I will be "agreeing" on lots of these posts. LOL I bought my 66 13 years ago and rebuilt the brakes and installed a new fuel tank, lines, and carb. No issues with either system since.
 
Always suspension and brakes first for me. I'll check gas lines and what have you before I start it up and after checking for leaks. Motor and gas lines es could be in excellent condition but you won't make it far if the suspension or brakes are crap. First rule of racing g to me is build the suspension. High end motor with low end suspension equals failure. I know that doesn't really apply here but it does to me. I'd rather an over done suspension than anything els. Well that and a functioning e brake
 
toolmanmike said:
Crawl underneath the rear. The trunk floor extensions will rust where the lower 1/4's do. They can be repaired/fabricated but reproduction pieces aren't made. Going through that with my 66 as we speak. They are cool and fun cars. WELCOME TO FABO!!!
Click to expand...

If they're not already rusted out, I would remove the plastic body plugs from the bottom of the trunk drops and then hose them out from the inside with a garden hose. You would be amazed how much dirt and debris will collect down there. It holds moisture and causes them to rust out.
 
This web site is one of the best sources for used parts. If it's not for sale, post a Wanted add and you will be amazed how many people offer to help.

Mechanical parts are pretty easy to get. Sheet metal not so much.

I got stuff on eBay, Classic Industries, and Yearone. Layson's has a few items you can't get anywhere else, including the Candy Cane moldings, but they're not cheap.

I was amazed how much of the weatherstripping I was able to find on RockAuto.com for a big savings.

Detroit Muscle Technologies is also a great source for body gaskets and heater box rebuild kits.
 
I agree I don't think I've had to wait a full 2 days to get what I've needed so far by using this site. Fabo rocks
 
There's no end of money that can be spent on making the car better. See this post for upgrade order-of-operations philosophy.

Tune-up parts and technique suggestions in this thread.

Carburetor operation and repair manuals and links to training movies and carb repair/modification threads are posted here for free download.

You'll want to get the three books (plus-minus, depending on your level of general old-cars knowledge) described in this thread.

Parts sources: here for a start.
 
Last edited:
I second the idea of gong thru the brake system completely. Safety first. Take a look at the condition of the freeze plugs. Also, get a spare ballast resistor and keep it in your glovebox. That was the first component that failed on me. Good luck and welcome to the site!
 
look for rust under your upper control arm, around your shock tower, I found rust thru and will be repairing. Its a pretty common area because water and mud get trapped there . I didn't know to look there before I bought mine
 
I have had many cars over the years and I can fix about anything myself. Just a bit new to a Dart. I've had E bodies mostly and a C body or 2.
 
Kelsey-Hayes bolts right on. Unless you had 9 inch drums. Then either changer upper a arms or get the adapter from Dr diff for the ball joint.

Rick
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top