65 Dart Owners Reply

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Bought a 65 Dart GT 273 2-barrel on ebay in April for $1K. Still looks as in ebay photo, but many parts since (hate to add up). Abandoned at paint shop w/ all trim in trunk they said (haven't inventoried). Paint faded, so will repaint Brightsides light yellow, white roof, using roll & tip method, which worked great on my trailer. Little rust, probably always CA car. More photos when I'm done.

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Mine's a '65 2-dr Sdn, driven daily. Sorry, No Pics! (yet). 360/395hp, Keisler 5-spd, 3.91:1 rear, TTI headers,etc.
These (early) a-bodies were great handling cars with just minor modifications. They are light weight and have JUST enough room for a V-8.
Aftermarket parts, while available, hardly ever fit "as advertised."
Headers probably pose the greatest fitment challenge, followed by the 8 3/4 rear axle. IF you can find an early A-body 8 3/4, you may have to modify its width (and relocate springs) to accomodate wider rims for wider tires.
Being "handy" is a must, as is having deep pockets!
KenAbody
 
I have had my 65 for some 30 + years. All the original chrome and vinal top.
The engine combination has changed many times, but always a small block and 904 trans. The 8 3/4 is gone, in favor of a Dana 60. It sure is a pleasure to drive. The car is very clean and straight. The rear wheel openings have been stretch 4" to accomidate the 32 X 14's under the fender wells! I have dipped into the 9's a couple of times, but currently the car is a low 10 second ride.
 
I have a 65 dart vert and a 65 gt hardtop. both have 318's 4 speeds, front disc brakes and 8 3/4 rear ends. both are running projects.
Doug
 
I bought my 65 from my older brother for $1.00 dollar! Yes way back in 1972, my brother bought a new "duster". because the dealer would not give him much $$$ for the 65, he decided to give me the car for $1.00. now look at it!
 
65dartcharger said:
tsdart! That's a good loooking Dart you have. What engine in it? Is it white and gold interior? I have never seen a Dart convertible with white and gold interior.

Keep up the good work with it and enjoy it!
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Sorry for the late reply, just saw this.

It's a /6 car that was wore out. we put a 273 2bbl out of a wrecked '65 dart into it, we have a 340 w/8-3/4 waiting for it.

gold & White, all stock colors on this one. It turned out great!

My bucket seats were the test seats for Legendary Interiors when they came out with the seat buns!
 
tsdart said:
My bucket seats were the test seats for Legendary Interiors when they came out with the seat buns!
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What a coincidence! They used my front and rear upholstery and door/quarter interior panels as the pattern for the 65 GT convertible! Their repros are identical to the originals. You gotta reuse your seat buttons though.
 
Heres my /6, 904 GT. When I got her back in 07, and more recently. 8)

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I have a 65 GT 4Bbl 4speed convertible all black.

Original Paint - A few dings and dents, Paint wore off on one corner down to red primer. Holy floor until I weld in new ones.
Original interior (Getting pretty wore)
Original Engine - Out of Car and at machine Shop, will be rebuilding this month.
Manual Steering, Brakes, etc.
 
Old Pics from 2001 when we pulled it out of Dad's barn and I finally got it to my house are at ->
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Will have to look for some recent ones, like the pics in my sig.
 
I wish I could find the only photo I have for my first car but I had a 65 Dart 270
2 door post with a HP 273 and a three speed on the tree. Weird combo?
One of a few i'm told. Mike PS great photos of your 65's guys. I have been saving your Dart photos in a file.
I love early Darts.
 
toolmanmike said:
I wish I could find the only photo I have for my first car but I had a 65 Dart 270
2 door post with a HP 273 and a three speed on the tree. Weird combo?
One of a few i'm told. Mike PS great photos of your 65's guys. I have been saving your Dart photos in a file.
I love early Darts.
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Many more Pic's of 65's can be found on the way-way-back machine for the DodgeDart.org site.

http://web.archive.org/web/20050305175703/www.dodgedart.org/cars/63to66.html

Also, the 62 to 65 Mopar site.

http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/abody.html
Also look at the valiants page to see some canadian valiants.

Pretty cool to see what looks like an american dodge dart with a signet badge.
http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/62-65valiants.html
 
Well mine is not a dart, but the Canadian Valiant Signet is virtually identical.. Even order dart parts when required
8th year on this project.. Modified interior with 4 buckets, custom dash and all electric instruments ( sorry got to get a new picture with the carpets all in..) 318/904.. Just put in the 8 3/4 this winter

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Ken, Nice 65. What color? Any more photos? toolmanmike
 
ken5124 said:
Well mine is not a dart, but the Canadian Valiant Signet is virtually identical.. Even order dart parts when required
8th year on this project.. Modified interior with 4 buckets, custom dash and all electric instruments ( sorry got to get a new picture with the carpets all in..) 318/904.. Just put in the 8 3/4 this winter
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Hey Ken, how much did you have to shorten your DShaft for the 8 3/4 install?
 
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