1965 Dodge Dart GT Question

[grubby65]

I might go look at a 1965 Dodge Dart GT this weekend that is for sale in my area. I wanted to give you guys the description and see if you have any thoughts. This is from the add, I have not looked at it yet.
1) 1965 Dodge Dart GT.
2) Factory cast iron exhaust "headers".
3) 273 two barrel.
4) Automatic shifter on the floor.

The pictures do show the factory shifter on the floor, but there are no pictures of the engine compartment. When I saw the Factory Cast Iron headers I kind of skipped over the two barrel part, assuming it was a high performance 273. So, I might change my mind. The body is pretty rough and he is asking $1600 for it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Jim Lusk]

Exhaust manifolds are the same two or four barrel on the 273. It all depends on what you want and how rough it really is...

 

[mcnoople]

There are multiple troublespots for rust on these cars. Torsion bar crossmembers, rear leaf spring mounts, front upper control arm mounts: just to name a few of the most common dangerous failure areas. They are fun cars when they are structurally sound and have lots of upgrades available to increase the performance.

 

[PocketAces]

Be aware, the candy cane moldings around the headlights and across the bottom of the grill are almost always damaged and impossible to find used in decent condition. New ones are about $400 for a pair.

 

[Rockerdude]

Also check the rear trunk floors, rear quarters, front lower fenders, under the hood, and inside floors for rot. My first car was a 65 Gt and I love them!

 

[BillGrissom]

I paid $1000 for the same car 3 yrs ago (65 Dart GT 273 2-bbl). Prices have gone up since, but mine was a CA car (or Reno?). Mine had some rust thrus in typical places - passenger floor, rear wheel wells, but one usually finds more in cars where you are - lower doors, front fenders, trunk floor, sometimes even frame rails. In sum, the value is all about body rust and missing trim. Engines and trannys are fairly easy to replace. On the plus side, since it costs ~$1000 to move a car east, if you find it is typical to a CA/AZ car, it would be worth ~$1000 more in NB.

 

[dart4forte]

I might go look at a 1965 Dodge Dart GT this weekend that is for sale in my area. I wanted to give you guys the description and see if you have any thoughts. This is from the add, I have not looked at it yet.
1) 1965 Dodge Dart GT.
2) Factory cast iron exhaust "headers".
3) 273 two barrel.
4) Automatic shifter on the floor.

The pictures do show the factory shifter on the floor, but there are no pictures of the engine compartment. When I saw the Factory Cast Iron headers I kind of skipped over the two barrel part, assuming it was a high performance 273. So, I might change my mind. The body is pretty rough and he is asking $1600 for it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

273 2 barrel motors are not too shabby(8.8 to 1 CR) in terms of performance. Upgrade to a 4 barrel carb, upgrade the camshft (ISKY E4 is a good grind), go with the Hipo exhaust system and a good electronic ignition and you'll have a nice street performer.

 

[grubby65]

I didnt' get over to look at the Dart this weekend, but I did get a picture of the Fender tag. This is what I came up with after decoding the tag (If I made a mistake please let me know)

1 3 6 8 9 0
2 9 5 5

A B D E Q V Y
3 1 5 2 1 3 2

SQ BDY TRM PAINT
420 L42 P4X 881 B

Remote Left Mirror
Variable Speed Wiper Motor
Black Vinyl Roof
Stone Shields
273 cubic inch 4 barrel motor
Automatic Transmission
Heater w/Defroster
A/M Music Master Economy radio
Back-up lights
Front Bucket Seats and Console
Dart/Premium/2 door hard top
Premium Bucket Seats/ Vinyl/ Black

I can't quite get the PAINT code. But I think it should be yellow.

After looking at the fender tag, I think it might be worth a look.

 

[Rocky_JS]

881 - 8 = Yellow upper 8= Yellow lower 1= monotone

 

[BillGrissom]

That 4 bbl (HiPo or Commander) engine is fairly rare and desired. It should have finned valve covers, which are probably worth $70 alone. Look for photos on the AllPar site of the rear valance which shows a special cut-out in the sheet metal for the exhaust exit, which only HiPo cars had for the special rectangular resonator box. You can find more info about the exhausts here. Surprisingly, they had a single exhaust since the designers found that gave better performance than dual.

We have a member in Europe who is the world expert on the 65 Dart Charger model, which yours could be. That is his name here, so search for his posts.

 

[Rocky_JS]

commando is Plymouth, charger is dodge. so if all he stated is correct it is a dart 273 charger. should have chrome air cleaner lid and black wrinkle valve covers w/ alum fins. Resonator was barracuda not dart (best of my knowledge).