65 Dart GT Revisited

Thought I would update the slow progress on the 65 Dart Revisited. As you know, I am cloning the 65 Dart Charger, and with that, the cars "Gotta Have The Notch" I would like to thank 65 Dartman for his input on how to make the notch using a scrap 65 Dart front valance. It is actually quite easy if you have a welder. So here are some photos. What you do is cut the bumper bracket opening out of the front valance, and you will find that the narrow end of the opening is the end that you want. However, it will be too wide, and it will have to be cut down. While cutting the opening out of the valance, leave enough metal in order to have enough to work with. While shortening the bumper bracket opening to the 6-1/8" opening measurement on the lower part of the resonator notch, leave the radius on either end, and set it up to cut it in the middle....then overlap the two pieces to where you have the 6-1/8" measurement on the lower end of the notch. When you are set up on the correct width, scribe one piece or the other for your final cut, then butt the two pieces together, and weld away. After you have your notch patch complete, set it up on your lower rear valance, scribe your cut with an awl, cut out the portion required, and weld in the notch. The beginning of the notch is at 6-1/4" from the inside bottom lip of the rear of the driver side fender where it meets the rear valance. The height of the finished notch is roughly 1-5/8", but leave plenty of material at the bottom since you can cut the remaining material away after the notch is installed. I got the measurements from a true to life 65 Dart Charger where his valance ended, at the bottom without a reinforcement bend, whereas, my 65 Dart had a reinforcement bend at the bottom of the valance. Do not know if this is standard or not, but, as I commented, leave plenty of material all the way around to fit and cut after you remove the part of the rear valance on your car to fit the notch. Thanks. I hopes this helps someone as it took me some time to find the dimensions. Not too many 65 Dodge Dart Chargers around. Photos are listed separately as I lost them in this post, and do not know where they went. Just another note....cut the material in the middle because if you cut it at the corner, you will lose the radius on the part. That is what I did the first time, and I had to do it over again. If anyone has any questions, PM me at Old Dart 66