black954
Well-Known Member
I could, but I’m not going to lol. Looks like Hotchkis and Firm Feel make bars for my car that will work with the 18x9.5 front wheels.
69 Dart 340 Swinger Street/Road Race build
- Thread starter black954
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black954
Well-Known Member
Long day today. I bent up some 4130 chrome moly 1 5/8” tubing and made the J-bars. Then it was the tedious process of getting them symmetrical. I also had to sand down the inner fenders with the DA and treat the surface rust before I welded in the J-bars. Tomorrow I will make the shock tower supports and tie them to the J-bars.
I like your fabrication, and at least you have a clean project to start with.
One question with all that work on the rear housing, why did you not put a drain plug in there?
One question with all that work on the rear housing, why did you not put a drain plug in there?
black954
Well-Known Member
Good question LOL. I debated while the housing was taken apart putting in a drain, but I figured that the diff would very rarely ever come back out so it wasn’t that big of a deal. Plus, I’m an off road guy, so my way of thinking is that you don’t want anything hanging off the bottom of the diff to get caught on anything. I guess cars don’t really have that problem..... my bad lol. Now that you have me thinking about this, I might just add one offset to the side a little so that it drains below the flange and less mess when removing the diff.
I know I constantly changing gear ratios, I have 4 complete center sections with gears from 3.23 to 5.38.
I drilled and tapped the housing for a 1/4" npt plug, there is enough material just to tap the housing if you put the plug to the passenger side.
Use a allen head plug and it does not hang down.
black954
Well-Known Member
Great point, I think I’ll do that.
black954
Well-Known Member
Brown Santa showed up, my Calipers have taken awhile to get here. If they’re rated to 220mph on a Viper which is 600+lbs heavier than my Dart, I believe they will be just fine for what I’ll be doing. Just waiting on my 2 piece rotors which are currently being assembled.
Dartsun
Mopar Dude
This is the same pic I liked when I chose my 6 pack fiberglass hood for my 69.
black954
Well-Known Member
That’s awesome! Can you post a pic of your car with it?
black954
Well-Known Member
Another good day in the garage. I finished up tying the J-bars into the shock towers. I was able to get some pretty perfect fitting notches with my JD Square Notchmaster. I’m pretty happy with how it all turned out. The 2” stubs were a PAIN to weld reaching through the inside to tie into the upper shock mounts.
Dartsun
Mopar Dude
I’ve been sitting on the hood forever here’s a picture of it. I’m still pretty far away from install. UP22
black954
Well-Known Member
That looks awesome. I really want to go with the same
black954
Well-Known Member
Painted some more front end parts today and mocked up everything to make sure everything kind of goes together. Tomorrow I’ll clean the engine bay and get it ready for paint. Then when the paint arrives I can paint it and assemble the front end.
4mopwr
Well-Known Member
Looks good black954.
I hit up Downers Grove frequently also Westmont, I'll stop if I see you there.
I hit up Downers Grove frequently also Westmont, I'll stop if I see you there.
black954
Well-Known Member
Thank you. Do you bring a car there?
4mopwr
Well-Known Member
Still in progress, like to go hang out.
black954
Well-Known Member
Sounds good, I’m hoping it has something to do with the Hemi in your profile pic!
black954
Well-Known Member
I primed the J bars this morning. Then I went and met a guy selling a 5.9L Magnum. So far, I’m overly happy with the deal I got. It’s out of a 1 owner regular cab Dakota R/T with 114,000 original miles. Plus it came with EVERYTHING, throttle body to pan including all the accessories and the 46RE transmission. I didn’t want the trans but it was a package deal. I’ll tear it down in the next few days to inspect everything with my fingers crossed.
black954
Well-Known Member
Still looking good so far. I believe this engine ran conventional oil because of all the dark black film on everything.
black954
Well-Known Member
Another busy day. This morning I dropped off my block at the machine shop. Then I talked to Brian at IMM engines and ordered my heads and cam. Then my son and took the fenders off so I could release the hood hinge springs. I plan on running a fiberglass hood so I cant have all that spring pressure on the hinges. Then we scrubbed and scrubbed the front end of the car with hot soapy water and red scotchbrite pads for 3 hours. Then I could lay down the satin black extreme chassis paint.
black954
Well-Known Member
I got some work done on the front end today. I was able to bolt up the K member and get that torqued. Then, I assembled the front suspension. Everything went really well. Tomorrow I’ll install the original torsion bars while I wait on the 1.14” bars I ordered. Then I’ll pack the wheel bearings and get the hubs on. I have to open up the center bore on the outside of my wheels and then it will be a roller again.
Yow, that car looks fast while it's sitting still! Nice job. 
black954
Well-Known Member
Lol, thanks man! It should be a bit faster after all the engine parts show up from IMM. The engine build went in a much more serious direction and will be in the mid 400hp range now.
black954
Well-Known Member
Thank you!
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