1969 Dart basket case

[basketcase]

#21basketcase
Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lancaster, NY
Posts: 3
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Hi again crew,
Here is my first question. The dart conv body that I purchased is cut at the firewall. I see that the frame rails on a conv differ from those on a hard top. My question is this: Will the front rails from the firewall forward on a hard top work on a conv body and if so what years will work? Thank you in advance guys, I really need the help on this one. Mike
#21basketcase
Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lancaster, NY
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

Hi again crew,
Here is my first question. The dart conv body that I purchased is cut at the firewall. I see that the frame rails on a conv differ from those on a hard top. My question is this: Will the front rails from the firewall forward on a hard top work on a conv body and if so what years will work? Thank you in advance guys, I really need the help on this one. Mike

Hi all,
I just joined this site and I'm still getting used to it. I bought a 69 dart convertible basket case that I intend to put together but this is my first Mopar that I've attempted a restoration on. Being unfimiliar with the A body, I have a question: The dart I purchased was going to be a drag car and the car is cut at the firewall. I believe I see that the frame rails on hardtop A body cars differ from the convertibles. My question to you all is this, will the frame and "dog house" assembly from a hardtop A body car work on the convertible from the firewall forward and if so, what years would work for this application? Thank you in advance, I was warmly welcomed to the site and look forward to postings to come. I hope to post pictures of the restoration but I'm a 61 year old computer moron so I will have to work on the how to of picture postings. Take care crew....Mike

#21basketcase
Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lancaster, NY
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

Hi again crew,
Here is my first question. The dart conv body that I purchased is cut at the firewall. I see that the frame rails on a conv differ from those on a hard top. My question is this: Will the front rails from the firewall forward on a hard top work on a conv body and if so what years will work? Thank you in advance guys, I really need the help on this one. Mike

 

[Bulldozer]

yes they are the same firewall forward

 

[basketcase]

What years will work from the firewall forward for the convertible please?

 

[Bulldozer]

i know all A body 67-69 for sure. maybe even 67-76 A body, im not positive on that, but im 75% sure. im sure someone else that knows will verify

 

[wjajr]

Yes, 67-69 same frame rails, 70-76 same except perhaps bumper attachment points.

The difference from convertible frame and other body stiles is rag tops used torque boxes where front rail meets cross member, and where rear rail terminates and front of rear spring attaches. You can purchase these boxes pre formed, or bend up your own.

Look down through this page for A body torque box kits, and other frame parts:
http://www.autobodyspecialt.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=0037

If you are racing a rag top a set of welded in subframe connectors are a must.

 

[basketcase]

WJA JR, Thank you for your input on the Goodmark replacement pieces which will be a great help. I'm not picking the car up till after my daughters wedding ( Aug.25th) but I'll be well informed and ready to go when it arrives.

 

[Rocky_JS]

The torque boxes came on converts and some performance cars to strengthen the frame. However they can be added on and the frame is the same as was posted above,
My understanding on the converts they were to help reduce frame twist due to lack of roof to help tie parts of the unibody together. I still find it funny that the 440 darts did not have them.