1969 Dodge Dart GT “driver” build
- Thread starter skep419
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skep419
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Evidently back on post #42 I screwed up! I couldn't figure out why I could turn further right than left, I installed the steering coupler 180 degrees off 
I've got a grant steering wheel without the master spline (would be the easiest fix). I really don't want to pull the column to flip it!
I should have known something was messed up just by how jacked the tie rods were when I was aligning it.
I've got a grant steering wheel without the master spline (would be the easiest fix). I really don't want to pull the column to flip it!
I should have known something was messed up just by how jacked the tie rods were when I was aligning it.
mygasser
Well-Known Member
doh! 
skep419
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Fixed the alignment Friday, set it so the steering wheel was upside down. Went to flip it Saturday morning with the coupler left on the steering box and that plan failed! Couldn’t get the holder to stay on. Wrecked the seal and moved on.
skep419
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Tires still rubbed so the wheel lips got the 4lb sledge treatment. The interior is all back together except the drivers door panel. I can’t seem to find the up stop bracket for the regulator. If I strike out local I’m sure Mopars in the Park swap meet will have one. Finally got the heater box put together (new heater core fit terrible). Went to put the cables on and evidently the “best box” I chose was a 1966? Anyways I had already glued the foam to the doors and they didn’t interchange……..I was on tilt and the halfassery commenced. The air door was busted off so I JB welded/bolted it back on.
New cam seems to like 19 initial and 33 total with 87.
This is what the correct one looks like (never took a picture after I swapped it)
New cam seems to like 19 initial and 33 total with 87.
This is what the correct one looks like (never took a picture after I swapped it)
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Evidently back on post #42 I screwed up! I couldn't figure out why I could turn further right than left, I installed the steering coupler 180 degrees off
I've got a grant steering wheel without the master spline (would be the easiest fix). I really don't want to pull the column to flip it!
View attachment 1716085950
I should have known something was messed up just by how jacked the tie rods were when I was aligning it.
Here ya go. 3" Steering Coupler Clamp 1966-72 A/B/E-Body, Steering Column Parts, 181-SCC101 Reproduction, NOS and Used Mopar Muscle Car Parts
skep419
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I looked into that but there is no way it’d clear the header. I’m semi pro at putting them together now hahahaha
THey can be a turd.
mygasser
Well-Known Member
before i bought a cheap arch roller tool i used to get a baseball bat and hold it between arch and tyre while a mate pushed the car back and forward. the bat rolls round the arch and flattens the lip while very slightly pushing the whole panel out if the gap's real small. not much as the tyre will deflect some too. similar principal to the proper tool but more 'redneck', lol.
edit, i used the tool on my 68 valiant and fit 295 tyres under the body with stock spring location and no mini tubs.
edit, i used the tool on my 68 valiant and fit 295 tyres under the body with stock spring location and no mini tubs.
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skep419
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Mounted this fan shroud tonight. It’s out of a 79 aspen, flipped upside down and hacked to clear the hoses/trans lines. The lower bolts lined up, the uppers not so much.
skep419
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Got the 4 speed swapped in over the weekend. I spent hours trying to get the transmission the last inch. Sunday I was able to get it after hooking up the clutch and holding it with a shovel
skep419
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I can dig it.
Jarlaxle
Well-Known Member
If you use a shovel to help install a transmission...you might be a redneck.
That was bloody awful.
skep419
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I thought it was pretty ingenious, worked a hell of a lot better than the ratchet strap between the driveshaft loop and clutch fork
skep419
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skep419
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Drove the car to work today, suppose to get into the 40’s.
First impression is the 3.23 are a little sluggish on take off (normal driving) but perfect everywhere else. Eventually I’ll put together my other trans with a 3.09 gear set.
First impression is the 3.23 are a little sluggish on take off (normal driving) but perfect everywhere else. Eventually I’ll put together my other trans with a 3.09 gear set.
Jarlaxle
Well-Known Member
I'm surprised you don't like the gearing. I had 3.21s (original-318/3-speed 73), and found the opposite: it was too much, 3000RPM was ~65mph.
I went from 3.21 to 2.76 with a 2.66 4-speed...and with my 360 Magnum, it's awesome. I wouldn't mind a 3.09 trans, but it's fine with what I have.
skep419
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I backed the timing down a couple degrees and it helped a little. It’s been 30-40 degrees outside and the engine temp doesn’t get above 160, the air gap intake doesn’t help either when it’s this cold.
Pretty sure if I do the cardboard infront of the radiator and find some foam to shove in the intake to keep it warm it’d be great
Pretty sure if I do the cardboard infront of the radiator and find some foam to shove in the intake to keep it warm it’d be great
Jarlaxle
Well-Known Member
What thermostat are you running?I backed the timing down a couple degrees and it helped a little. It’s been 30-40 degrees outside and the engine temp doesn’t get above 160, the air gap intake doesn’t help either when it’s this cold.
Pretty sure if I do the cardboard infront of the radiator and find some foam to shove in the intake to keep it warm it’d be great
skep419
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180
skep419
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Put a couple hundred miles on over the weekend, scraping everything in sight. Took the lowering blocks out and raised the front 1/2”.
Jarlaxle
Well-Known Member
Lowering blocks? How thick?
skep419
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Jarlaxle
Well-Known Member
2"?
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