1967 Dodge Dart convert to Modern a Little Reality help needed

[Cartierusm]

Hi, just joined and introduced myself in the welcome forum. Just, literally just, bought a 1967 Dart GT Convertible. I was a mechanic in the 80s before college and have tinkered with cars since then, but no real work. I usually buy new since 1999 and have a decent grasp about how modern cars work.

Here's my plan, please let me know if this ain't going to work, I think I'll buy a cheap/auction 2015-2023 Challenger with 5.7 Hemi, complete car, and swap everything over. Keep in mind I'm a mechanical engineer and have extensive electrical engineering knowledge and have my own CNC machine shop; I've worked professionally as a metal fabricator as well. I want to bring over everything I can, tastefully, not just bolt on, but there's more on that later.

I plan on using the engine/trans, radiator, heating/A/C, infotainment, ABS, sensors, parking sensors. All that jazz. I know I'll have to modify and completely fab all this stuff in, not a problem. Just want some hard truth here if it can be done. I don't mean mentally or physically, I mean with all the electronics and controllers in that car and sensors can it be moved over? I think the only thing not coming over is Air bags, but I'm sure I can get a programmer and turn that warning light off?

 

[RAT ROD AL]

 

[4spdragtop]

I'm no help but lots of good info
New Hemi Engine Swaps

 

[Dana67Dart]

What's your plan for the car after it's all done

 

[Cartierusm]

Which one? The Challenger Donor Car or the Dart? The challenger will be mostly stripped so just junk yard or craigslist. The Dart, daily driver and road trips.

 

[HemiSSDart]

We built the first one in 2006 with a 5.7 Hemi and 4-speed trans, built other ones with the 6 speed manual too. Never did an automatic though, totally doable...

 

[Cartierusm]

Very nice. Clean. Can you link me to a post or something with more photos?

 

[HemiSSDart]

It belonged to my old boss Bill, here is a link... 1968 Bullseye Dart

 

[HemiSSDart]

It belonged to my old boss Bill, here is a link... 1968 Bullseye Dart

We did a 71 Demon with a 6.1 Hemi and Viper 6-speed too... 1971 Demon – Modern Muscle

 

[Cartierusm]

What size wheels do you think I can get on a 67 Dart, don't mind cutting and tubbing. I'm hoping for 305s in the rear and 265s in the front. Oh going to be using RMS complete suspension system.

 

[plumkrazee70]

What size wheels do you think I can get on a 67 Dart, don't mind cutting and tubbing. I'm hoping for 305s in the rear and 265s in the front. Oh going to be using RMS complete suspension system.

My dad fit 305 in his 69, but had to do full tubs with a 4 link. Not sure if the 4 link was required, but that's what he did.

 

[HemiSSDart]

We used RMS front and custom rear on the 68 Black Dart. 18" wheels but I don't remember the size of the tires...

 

[Cartierusm]

LOL oops forgot about wheel size, I was thinking 20" x 11".

 

[HemiSSDart]

LOL oops forgot about wheel size, I was thinking 20" x 11".

Darts are very limited on the size of the wheels, major work will need to be done on the rear tubs, never seen 20" wheels work. Convertibles have other issues with the rear tubs as compared to a hardtop also if you want the top to still go down...

 

[Cartierusm]

Ah ok, what do you think I can reasonable get away with without too much modding, only because I'll have so much more fab on other parts.

 

[HemiSSDart]

I had 12x29x15 slicks on a 69 Dart hardtop with no modifications of the tubs, but custom wheels. All 67-69 Darts and Barracuda's had power tops, so some fab may be needed if working on the rear tubs.

 

[Cartierusm]

Ok thanks. So maybe stick with 15" wheels? but I can go 305s?

 

[HemiSSDart]

Ok thanks. So maybe stick with 15" wheels? but I can go 305s?

I don't know, I believe we had 255x45x18 on this car, but the rims were 10" wide

 

[Cartierusm]

Cool. My plan is to get CAD for a modern challenger and then 3D scan my entire Dart. I use CAD every day.

 

[missing linc]

Ah ok, what do you think I can reasonable get away with without too much modding, only because I'll have so much more fab on other parts.

My brother has a 68 Dart GT hardtop with 255/60R15s on the rear with factory rallye wheels, some minor massaging of the inner wheel well lips and otherwise stock suspension.

As for the plan, I have seen others use the chassis of the modern car, grafting the classic body on and adapt the modern electronics, interior, etc.

 

[Cartierusm]

Yeah, but I don't want the modern look on the inside, plus it's a convertible.

 

[mbaird]

First off … you are a mechanical engineer so you are way ahead of most of us …lol
2nd .. IMO 17/18/19” wheels on a classice muscle car is like a bikini on a 95 yo woman .

I like the idea of a modern drivetrain etc .

Welcome

 

[Cartierusm]

First off … you are a mechanical engineer so you are way ahead of most of us …lol
2nd .. IMO 17/18/19” wheels on a classice muscle car is like a bikini on a 95 yo woman .

I like the idea of a modern drivetrain etc .

Welcome

lol thanks. But also I want to drive this thing in the next 10 years so only fabrication that’s necessary.

You’re probably right. I’m just projecting from the 20” on my Hellcats. I’m going to layout everything in CAD so I’ll post wheel layouts when I get there.

 

[junkyardhero]

once you go over 17" the proportions start looking a little wacky to my eye, also the darts are the most limited rear wheel well size. so to get that big back there plan on some mods and likely a custom rim.

 

[Cartierusm]

Ok thanks. Good to know. I’ll mock some stuff up when the time is right.