1968 Dart GT Build Thread- From 318 Auto to 500ci Manual and more!
Figured I should get a build thread going for my project. It's my 1968 Dodge Dart GT. Originally had a 273 with buckets and console shift. White with a black vinyl top.
When I purchased it this summer the 273 had been swapped out with a 68 318. Also about 17 years ago it was repainted to the current color you see now.
Here's the quick and dirty list of the plans for the Dart during the next 2 winters.
Winter 2017 plans:
-Remove vinyl top and have it painted Have new vinyl top installed
-Mini Tub and Spring Relocation
-Install 325/50R15 MT Sportsman Pro front and rears on 15x10 and 15x4.5 stock style steelies
-Swap 7 1/4 for 8 3/4 489 w/3.55
-Swap Auto Trans out for 4-speed (Will be rebuilding this before installing to make sure its fresh)
-Install AmericanPowertrain Hydramax Hydraulic Clutch Kit
-Pull 318 and install new cam, intake, and headers so it sounds a little better for the 2018 summer car show and cruising.
Winter 2018 Plans:
-Get rid of the 318 and install the 500ci stroker that I just purchased for it as well as 2 inch TTI headers
-Wilwood Discs up front
-Subframe connectors - weld in style
-Scattershield bellhousing
-Driveshaft loop
-New or re-cored radiator to handle the 500 ci motor
I had a couple people ask me why I'm not just installing my stroker motor this winter and its a money issue. To install the motor I need a 950 dollar set of headers, new motor mounts, disc brake setup, scattershield bell housing, better cooling system, etc. The motor was a screaming deal from a family friend so I couldn't pass it up and I'm happy just to have it sitting at my engine builder (R&S Racing) awaiting a more friendly street cam. By next winter I may even have enough money to upgrade from the Edelbrock heads on it to some Trickflow 270's or something.
As of 10/16/17
Removed all the vinyl top trim and the vinyl top itself. Then I proceed to sand the vinyl backing fuzz and glue off the roof for about a week and a half. The glue was really on there so it was a combo of 50 grit paper, steel brush cup, and brake clean. Finally the glue is all off and the metal is as clean as I need to get it for my body guy. If I remember correctly I think he said it'll be getting a nice coat of spray poly and lots of block sanding to make sure it looks flawless and lasts a lifetime.
As of 10/29/17
I've pulled the interior out of the Dart in preparation for the mini tub and 4-speed conversion etc. My mini tub kit and spring relocation came in from US Car Tool last week and they looks great. Very beefy spring relocation kit and the mini tub pieces look really nice.
I won't personally be installing the mini tub as I've got a buddy that is a body guy (he's painted a few of my previous cars and my dads 70 Cuda) and he'll be doing the mini tub and painting my roof this winter. I'm getting everything ready and doing the spring relocation to speed things up for him because he has several other projects that are full resto's so he's just squeezing me in between around December.
I've started scrapping seam sealer around the wheel tubs in the trunk/interior and once that's finished I'll be moving onto the spring relocation. I'll update this thread with progress as I get the spring relocation finished.
Amazed at how easily the seam sealer is coming off! Last car it was a pita but this one it comes off like butter.
This came in the mail today. Unfortunately the firewall mounting bracket was not sent but they are sending that out separately.
11/9/2017
Pulled the driveshaft, engine, radiator, etc out. Was going to pull the transmission too but it was 1am so I wanted to go home. I'll get that out this weekend and then start working on adding the 4 speed hump.
Goodbye little 7 1/4!
April 9th 2018
Just a quick recap.
Decided to skip the 500 BB and instead had a 408 stroker motor built. Dyno'd at 485 hp and 511 tq.
Added a Quicktime "explosion proof" bellhousing and block saver. as well as the American Powertrain Hydromax hydraulic clutch kit.
New vinyl top installed. Mini tub finished, spring relocation finished. 8 3/4 was swapped in and Moser axles w/green bearings were installed. Spring relocation is done as well. New Dash Pad installed.
Tonight I'm running the new brake and fuel lines. If I have time tonight I'll start getting the carpet from Legendary fitted so I can put the seats back in.
After that I'll be ready to drop the K-member and get the engine/trans mounted on it.
Figured I should get a build thread going for my project. It's my 1968 Dodge Dart GT. Originally had a 273 with buckets and console shift. White with a black vinyl top.
When I purchased it this summer the 273 had been swapped out with a 68 318. Also about 17 years ago it was repainted to the current color you see now.
Here's the quick and dirty list of the plans for the Dart during the next 2 winters.
Winter 2017 plans:
-Mini Tub and Spring Relocation
-Install 325/50R15 MT Sportsman Pro front and rears on 15x10 and 15x4.5 stock style steelies
-Swap 7 1/4 for 8 3/4 489 w/3.55
-Swap Auto Trans out for 4-speed (Will be rebuilding this before installing to make sure its fresh)
-Install AmericanPowertrain Hydramax Hydraulic Clutch Kit
-Pull 318 and install new cam, intake, and headers so it sounds a little better for the 2018 summer car show and cruising.
Winter 2018 Plans:
-Get rid of the 318 and install the 500ci stroker that I just purchased for it as well as 2 inch TTI headers
-Wilwood Discs up front
-Subframe connectors - weld in style
-Scattershield bellhousing
-Driveshaft loop
-New or re-cored radiator to handle the 500 ci motor
I had a couple people ask me why I'm not just installing my stroker motor this winter and its a money issue. To install the motor I need a 950 dollar set of headers, new motor mounts, disc brake setup, scattershield bell housing, better cooling system, etc. The motor was a screaming deal from a family friend so I couldn't pass it up and I'm happy just to have it sitting at my engine builder (R&S Racing) awaiting a more friendly street cam. By next winter I may even have enough money to upgrade from the Edelbrock heads on it to some Trickflow 270's or something.
As of 10/16/17
Removed all the vinyl top trim and the vinyl top itself. Then I proceed to sand the vinyl backing fuzz and glue off the roof for about a week and a half. The glue was really on there so it was a combo of 50 grit paper, steel brush cup, and brake clean. Finally the glue is all off and the metal is as clean as I need to get it for my body guy. If I remember correctly I think he said it'll be getting a nice coat of spray poly and lots of block sanding to make sure it looks flawless and lasts a lifetime.
As of 10/29/17
I've pulled the interior out of the Dart in preparation for the mini tub and 4-speed conversion etc. My mini tub kit and spring relocation came in from US Car Tool last week and they looks great. Very beefy spring relocation kit and the mini tub pieces look really nice.
I won't personally be installing the mini tub as I've got a buddy that is a body guy (he's painted a few of my previous cars and my dads 70 Cuda) and he'll be doing the mini tub and painting my roof this winter. I'm getting everything ready and doing the spring relocation to speed things up for him because he has several other projects that are full resto's so he's just squeezing me in between around December.
I've started scrapping seam sealer around the wheel tubs in the trunk/interior and once that's finished I'll be moving onto the spring relocation. I'll update this thread with progress as I get the spring relocation finished.
Amazed at how easily the seam sealer is coming off! Last car it was a pita but this one it comes off like butter.
This came in the mail today. Unfortunately the firewall mounting bracket was not sent but they are sending that out separately.
11/9/2017
Pulled the driveshaft, engine, radiator, etc out. Was going to pull the transmission too but it was 1am so I wanted to go home. I'll get that out this weekend and then start working on adding the 4 speed hump.
Goodbye little 7 1/4!
April 9th 2018
Just a quick recap.
Decided to skip the 500 BB and instead had a 408 stroker motor built. Dyno'd at 485 hp and 511 tq.
Added a Quicktime "explosion proof" bellhousing and block saver. as well as the American Powertrain Hydromax hydraulic clutch kit.
New vinyl top installed. Mini tub finished, spring relocation finished. 8 3/4 was swapped in and Moser axles w/green bearings were installed. Spring relocation is done as well. New Dash Pad installed.
Tonight I'm running the new brake and fuel lines. If I have time tonight I'll start getting the carpet from Legendary fitted so I can put the seats back in.
After that I'll be ready to drop the K-member and get the engine/trans mounted on it.
