First car-1976 Dart Sedan 225

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Mako21

Mako21

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Hello,

I have managed to save up for my “classic” first car. I’ve found a very good condition (minimal rust) 1976 Dodge Dart 4 door with the 225 slant six and one barrel carb. Car runs good.

He’s the only owner and the the car is very original. I am surprised there is no corrosion anywhere on the car, however under the hood most items like the vacuum canister, master cylinder, windshield wiper motor, air cleaner, manifold have a sort of orange corrosion on them but they are solid. Hoses have all been replaced.

I’ve been reading a ton specific to Darts and am hoping some will offer advice to a novice. Would this be a good first classic car to turn wrenches but not get in over my head? Or should I search for something less complicated (older)? I am getting weary and worried reading on 1976 Darts and their smog equipment, catalytic converters and wiring harnesses specific to this year vehicle.

At $3,000 dollars it seem like not too much to try and get into the wonderful hobby. Would love to learn how to change brakes, adjust carb, set timing, and just really enjoy the vehicle. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
 
Can’t get much easier to work on then an A body with a slant. Good car to learn on.
 
Welcome to Fabo. Post a pic or two of the car, when you get a chance. My first Mopar was a 72 4 door, Dart, 225 Slant 6 (/6). Handed down from my grandfather, back in the late 1970s. Great memories.
Members will be happy to help. You will most likely get alot of good of advice here.
Pace yourself and most of all,
Enjoy!
Joe
 
Welcome to the forum, as mentioned above you probably picked one if the easiest cars to work on, parts availability is generally good in any parts stores for the common tune up/ brake parts. Dont bite off too much at once, and when you cant find what you need in the store or on line somebody here will have it and sell it. Mopar guys are kinda in a elite club unlike the Chevy and Ford boys and we tend to hoard our parts but in the same token are willing to help another Mopar guy out, check your local laws re the emission stuff, up here in Canada on a old car we just rip all that **** off it never really did much back then anyway unlike today's modern cars that cant run with out it. And "welcome to the Mopar club" ....and FABO!
 
Mako21 said:
Hello,

I have managed to save up for my “classic” first car. I’ve found a very good condition (minimal rust) 1976 Dodge Dart 4 door with the 225 slant six and one barrel carb. Car runs good.

He’s the only owner and the the car is very original. I am surprised there is no corrosion anywhere on the car, however under the hood most items like the vacuum canister, master cylinder, windshield wiper motor, air cleaner, manifold have a sort of orange corrosion on them but they are solid. Hoses have all been replaced.

I’ve been reading a ton specific to Darts and am hoping some will offer advice to a novice. Would this be a good first classic car to turn wrenches but not get in over my head? Or should I search for something less complicated (older)? I am getting weary and worried reading on 1976 Darts and their smog equipment, catalytic converters and wiring harnesses specific to this year vehicle.

At $3,000 dollars it seem like not too much to try and get into the wonderful hobby. Would love to learn how to change brakes, adjust carb, set timing, and just really enjoy the vehicle. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Welcome, and I'm excited for ya! Sounds like a nice car, I think you'll learn quickly...
 
Thank you for the encouragement.

Here are some photographs of the car. What draws me to it are not only the beautiful looks, but the originality of the vehicle. I was originally looking to get started with a Falcon, Comet or Nova so as to not break the bank. Seems like their are a bunch of these available, not much Mopar. Then stumbled upon this gorgeous Dart.

What would y’all say, specifically the engine bay. Is some of the corrosion anything to be worried about? Also, anything specific I should check for before exchanging payment that could be a deal breaker. I left a deposit and am scheduled to buy it this morning when DMV opens.

I have yet to find anything negative (other than internet posts specific to wiring harnesses and emissions).

Thanks all!

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You have the best thing to start with. A good rust free body. looks like a little surface rust under the hood, no big deal. Power disc brakes and AC. Very nice.
 
This looks like an amazing way to start into your first classic ride. Car looks to be in great condition and the /6 is a reliable workhorse.
 
Thanks to you all for the encouragement!
I do think she’s a good car. I’ll attach some problem areas which I think are minimal. The most concerning is where the vinyl roof meets the rear quarter panel. I’ll have to dig deeper on that one.
I think the door panels although a bit pitted are ok and the headliner is a project I can tackle. The rear bezels on these cars seem to be a common problem. More pictures included below.
 
That is a really clean car, nice purchase.
 
Mako21 said:
Thank you for the encouragement.

Here are some photographs of the car. What draws me to it are not only the beautiful looks, but the originality of the vehicle. I was originally looking to get started with a Falcon, Comet or Nova so as to not break the bank. Seems like their are a bunch of these available, not much Mopar. Then stumbled upon this gorgeous Dart.

What would y’all say, specifically the engine bay. Is some of the corrosion anything to be worried about? Also, anything specific I should check for before exchanging payment that could be a deal breaker. I left a deposit and am scheduled to buy it this morning when DMV opens.

I have yet to find anything negative (other than internet posts specific to wiring harnesses and emissions).

Thanks all!

View attachment 1715660345

View attachment 1715660346

View attachment 1715660347

View attachment 1715660348
Click to expand...
Very nice
 
I would say you got a fair deal, looks like a solid car, hard to go wrong with a one owner vehicle, and as others have noted, a slant 6 is a good motor. Also, as mentioned, check with your local authorities regarding the emissions equipment.

Welcome to FABO, and keep us posted on your progress.
 
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