MuuMuu101's 68 Dart, A Learning Process...
- Thread starter MuuMuu101
- Start date
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1969reddart
or is it Copper...
I'm curious... If you could do the car all over, what would you do different?
I have ideas... I just want to keep them a secret.
1969reddart
or is it Copper...
Last edited:
Well, sorta popping back in. So, back story... I finally quit my job two weeks ago. My manager, ever since I started, was making my work environment very negative, stressful, and toxic for no reason. Monday I'm starting a new job working on something much more interesting and more along the lines of my expertise. My commute is twice as long but I work a 9/80 schedule so I get every other Friday off. Also, since August, I've been teaching an engineering class at the college I got my bachelor's and master's at. I've been pretty busy. So, the plan is to slowly start working on the Dart again. Just put in a couple hours every other Friday. No deadlines. No goals. Just work. Car is not for sale nor is there any plans of selling it.
Last time I drove the Dart, I was driving home from Spring Fling and halfway home, the electrical started cutting out on me and the whole car died. First, the tachometer was all over the place, then it stopped working, then the whole car started cutting out. I believe I have a bad battery, so I have it on a tender now.
During my 2 weeks off, I've been inspecting the Dart and developing a list from things that need to be done to blue sky ideas I'd like to do. I'm going to tackle the Dart focusing on maintenance items first, then improved driveability, then performance.
For maintenance, I'll focus on the basics. Radiator flush, bleed brakes, bleed master cylinder, fix transmission or oil leaks. I need to fix the electrical issue noted above whether it's a new battery or alternator or whatever. I also noticed when I was looking under the dash in the car that my clutch master cylinder seems to be leaking at the rubber boot. Every time I pressed it, it seems a little bit of fluid came out. So, I may have to replace that.
With regards to driveavility, about a year and a half ago, I bought almost everything for an EFI swap so I started looking at some of the components. So, once I get the car running, I'll start swapping those components over. I assembled the Sending Unit, but realized I was missing the gasket between the sending unit and the tank. I was also looking under the car and realized I may be able to reuse a lot of my current fuel hose. But I'll focus on that later.
For blue sky ideas, I really want to lighten the car. I think the last time I weighed the car, it weighed about 3380lbs with 2 gallons of gas in it. So, with a full tank, we're looking closer to 3500 lbs. I think, I'm going to start making a bunch of composite components here and there to start lightening the car up. I would also like to give this car a paint job of some sort. Whoever did the paint job before did a 20-footer job and it's starting to show its age. Rust bubbles are now getting bigger or showing through. Part of me, way down the line, wants to swap the 408 for a much lighter, more efficient engine. But that's way down there.
And that's that. So, you may see me around again from time to time. I'll post updates as I make progress.
Last time I drove the Dart, I was driving home from Spring Fling and halfway home, the electrical started cutting out on me and the whole car died. First, the tachometer was all over the place, then it stopped working, then the whole car started cutting out. I believe I have a bad battery, so I have it on a tender now.
During my 2 weeks off, I've been inspecting the Dart and developing a list from things that need to be done to blue sky ideas I'd like to do. I'm going to tackle the Dart focusing on maintenance items first, then improved driveability, then performance.
For maintenance, I'll focus on the basics. Radiator flush, bleed brakes, bleed master cylinder, fix transmission or oil leaks. I need to fix the electrical issue noted above whether it's a new battery or alternator or whatever. I also noticed when I was looking under the dash in the car that my clutch master cylinder seems to be leaking at the rubber boot. Every time I pressed it, it seems a little bit of fluid came out. So, I may have to replace that.
With regards to driveavility, about a year and a half ago, I bought almost everything for an EFI swap so I started looking at some of the components. So, once I get the car running, I'll start swapping those components over. I assembled the Sending Unit, but realized I was missing the gasket between the sending unit and the tank. I was also looking under the car and realized I may be able to reuse a lot of my current fuel hose. But I'll focus on that later.
For blue sky ideas, I really want to lighten the car. I think the last time I weighed the car, it weighed about 3380lbs with 2 gallons of gas in it. So, with a full tank, we're looking closer to 3500 lbs. I think, I'm going to start making a bunch of composite components here and there to start lightening the car up. I would also like to give this car a paint job of some sort. Whoever did the paint job before did a 20-footer job and it's starting to show its age. Rust bubbles are now getting bigger or showing through. Part of me, way down the line, wants to swap the 408 for a much lighter, more efficient engine. But that's way down there.
And that's that. So, you may see me around again from time to time. I'll post updates as I make progress.
sireland67
Well-Known Member
That is not bad for rust.
I have a 70 cuda on my car trailer that has no floor, minimum frame rails, firewall is shot.
Parts car now
I have a 70 cuda on my car trailer that has no floor, minimum frame rails, firewall is shot.
Parts car now
DARTGAME
SuPeRcHaRgEd
Glad your keeping it! I figured you just needed some time.
goldduster318
Overzealous Car Modifier
Cool to see you kept it and still want to work on it!
If the angle of the pushrod to the master cylinder body is more than a couple of degrees, the piston will rub on the side of the bore and wear it, causing a leak eventually, you'll need to check that. The size is on the side of the cylinder in decimal form if it's a wilwood.
If the angle of the pushrod to the master cylinder body is more than a couple of degrees, the piston will rub on the side of the bore and wear it, causing a leak eventually, you'll need to check that. The size is on the side of the cylinder in decimal form if it's a wilwood.
racerhog
RacerHog likes his Mopars
Just seem that we cant get good parts that will last... Keep Chipping at it.... Good to hear you are still working on it... 
Glad you are back with us.
Now....enjoy the ride, especially the challenges (and education) of the continuing build.....it's hot rodding, Mopar style!! Does not get any better.
Mopar to ya'
Now....enjoy the ride, especially the challenges (and education) of the continuing build.....it's hot rodding, Mopar style!! Does not get any better.
Mopar to ya'
Alex5280
74' Duster
Welcome Back Muu! I have a 68' all taken apart at the moment....starting the crawl getting it back together. One thing at a time,... I always say. If you keep on it great improvements can be had!
Alex
Alex
I know it's been a month and a half since the last update, but I've mostly been doing research and collecting some things. I've also had a funky schedule at work but have gotten some time in the past couple weeks to look at the car.
So, last time I drove the car (back in April), it randomly shut down on the street. I assumed it was the battery so for a month I had the battery on a battery tender. A couple weeks ago, I put the battery back in the car and it started right up. I let the car idle for 20 minutes and took it out for a 15 minute drive. So, there's hope! I'll have about a week off next month and during that month I was planning on doing a radiator flush and replace the battery (just in case).
Now, I'm looking at the creature comforts and how to make my car a more enjoyable driver.
Driver's door window is missing two rollers and won't roll up and down easily. Between the missing rollers and the glass railing not being aligned properly, I can't close my door when the window is up as it hits the drip molding and the back windows. Side note: Driver's door is off of a '69 or newer Dart.
On the passenger doors, the locks are binding. The shaft for the lock on top of the door buckled and will only lock the door when it's open. My key won't even lock the passenger door. It's stuck.
Anyway, with the position of my roll cage, I can't roll up or down my windows while the door is closed (i.e. driving). So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the doors as they both need work of some sort. For sure I was going to make fiberglass/CF door cards as my driver doors was toast. I'm not sure I have the skills to pull off a composite door and don't feel too safe about that one if I were in a collision. I was hoping I could remedy some of these problems with aftermarket keyless locking mechanisms but I'm still looking over and thinking about it.
On to the dash. My glovebox doesn't exist, my radio doesn't work, I have AC controls with no AC, my top dash pad is cracked, front decorative panel is cracked and fell apart, and half of my gauges on the dash don't work. Originally, I was just thinking about removing the entire dash and starting over (with composites in mind), but looking at it, I think I'm going to just modify the dash as is and put in some composite touches. I started peeling away the insulation under the Dart that's been in the car for 50+ years. When I get time next, I'm going to remove the gauge cluster, AC, and radio. I am still looking into it, but I am thinking about putting in an aftermarket gauge cluster and putting together an aftermarket stereo system.
I know it's a long winded post without that much progress, but it's a learning process, right?
So, last time I drove the car (back in April), it randomly shut down on the street. I assumed it was the battery so for a month I had the battery on a battery tender. A couple weeks ago, I put the battery back in the car and it started right up. I let the car idle for 20 minutes and took it out for a 15 minute drive. So, there's hope! I'll have about a week off next month and during that month I was planning on doing a radiator flush and replace the battery (just in case).
Now, I'm looking at the creature comforts and how to make my car a more enjoyable driver.
Driver's door window is missing two rollers and won't roll up and down easily. Between the missing rollers and the glass railing not being aligned properly, I can't close my door when the window is up as it hits the drip molding and the back windows. Side note: Driver's door is off of a '69 or newer Dart.
On the passenger doors, the locks are binding. The shaft for the lock on top of the door buckled and will only lock the door when it's open. My key won't even lock the passenger door. It's stuck.
Anyway, with the position of my roll cage, I can't roll up or down my windows while the door is closed (i.e. driving). So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the doors as they both need work of some sort. For sure I was going to make fiberglass/CF door cards as my driver doors was toast. I'm not sure I have the skills to pull off a composite door and don't feel too safe about that one if I were in a collision. I was hoping I could remedy some of these problems with aftermarket keyless locking mechanisms but I'm still looking over and thinking about it.
On to the dash. My glovebox doesn't exist, my radio doesn't work, I have AC controls with no AC, my top dash pad is cracked, front decorative panel is cracked and fell apart, and half of my gauges on the dash don't work. Originally, I was just thinking about removing the entire dash and starting over (with composites in mind), but looking at it, I think I'm going to just modify the dash as is and put in some composite touches. I started peeling away the insulation under the Dart that's been in the car for 50+ years. When I get time next, I'm going to remove the gauge cluster, AC, and radio. I am still looking into it, but I am thinking about putting in an aftermarket gauge cluster and putting together an aftermarket stereo system.
I know it's a long winded post without that much progress, but it's a learning process, right?
It is good to see you get back to it.
It is a pretty common thing to build the car for performance THEN find it a bit too spartan for comfortable cruising.
I have been there. I'm there right now! I've added a heater and A/C and a few years ago I swapped in a milder cam for better street manners. Driving late model cars changes your tolerance to noises and extreme weather.
It is a pretty common thing to build the car for performance THEN find it a bit too spartan for comfortable cruising.
I have been there. I'm there right now! I've added a heater and A/C and a few years ago I swapped in a milder cam for better street manners. Driving late model cars changes your tolerance to noises and extreme weather.
belmateo
Well-Known Member
Your Driver door glass is missing a plastic guide that has some felt of it and two plastic holders. I might have one for you and will look for it.
Welcome Back!
Welcome back! Driving old iron takes a sense of adventure.
Had a couple hours this week to work on the inside a little bit. I started removing the AC controls and radio. As I was getting ready to pull out the radio, I noticed it was hard wired to the aftermarket gauges underneath the dash with a bunch of 2-to-1 connectors. So, I left it in there for now until I strip the dash a little more and plan where I want to put the radio, speakers, and possibly amplifier.
My next step is to remove the dash pad. Depending on how it comes out and how much damage there is, I have a couple ideas of how to either restore the dash pad or I'll make an entirely new one. I also got something online for 40% for Black Friday that should really make the dash unique! It should arrive in the mail in about a week or so.
Hopefully I'll have some time to work on the Dart before Christmas.
My next step is to remove the dash pad. Depending on how it comes out and how much damage there is, I have a couple ideas of how to either restore the dash pad or I'll make an entirely new one. I also got something online for 40% for Black Friday that should really make the dash unique! It should arrive in the mail in about a week or so.
Hopefully I'll have some time to work on the Dart before Christmas.
flingdingo
Well-Known Member
How about converting to power windows? You can put the switches wherever they are easily accessible.
mopowers
Well-Known Member
Pulling the dash pad is a bit of a pain. It will be a lot easier to drop the column, pull the instrument cluster and glove box. There are 5 nuts across the top and a screw at either end. IIRC, the nuts are 3/8" and the screws have a 5/16 hex. Don't quote me on it though. Good luck!
goldduster318
Overzealous Car Modifier
Wow, that wiring is leaving a lot to be desired in my opinion. Those tap splices followed by rows of butt splices is kind of a no-no for longevity.
You should be able to buy a repop dash pad, I have one, can't remember where it came from (maybe B/E&A) but it fit well enough and looks great.
You should be able to buy a repop dash pad, I have one, can't remember where it came from (maybe B/E&A) but it fit well enough and looks great.
That is most definitely ideal. I need to find a universal power windows kit. But that still doesn't solve my window frame issue.
Good to note. I was wondering how I was going to get to the driver's side bolts without dropping the column. I guess I'll drop it.
Yeah, I'm going to potentially fix some of those problems as I'm going to remove those extra gauges under the dash.
IIRC, B/E&A went out of business a long time ago. Just Dashes is local and can restore dash pads. I thought I read somewhere it cost approximately $350.
Btw, my Black Friday purchase supposedly came in the mail today.
goldduster318
Overzealous Car Modifier
BE/A are still around. $225 A-Body dash pad
Mopar Restoration Parts, B/E & A Restoration, Mike Ross, New New Stock
Mopar Restoration Parts, B/E & A Restoration, Mike Ross, New New Stock
mopowers
Well-Known Member
That's a killer deal. Do they sell one for a 68? I couldn't find it on their website.
'68 is a one year only dash pad due to it having a lower dash pad. So, restoration or custom are typically the only options.
They don't.
I got a couple hours this morning to work on the car. Tore out more things from the dash. Got stuck in a couple areas, but overall I made some progress. My biggest achievements was that I was able to remove the radio and speedometer today. The pile of parts are just getting larger.
But now it's time to reveal my plan for the dash. On Black Friday I bought an aftermarket, universal LED gauge cluster to replace my speedometer (inaccurate), tachometer (large and separate), oil pressure (separate gauge), water temperature (separate gauge), voltage, and fuel (broken). The gauge was from Intellitronix and 40% off. I think I have quite a bit of weight savings.
The place where I've gotten stuck removing the dash pad. I can't quite get the 2 bolts on the outer edges. Also, I can't quite figure out how to remove the cigarette lighter. Mine is very loose and was very finicky whenever I tried to charge anything within it. Lastly, my wiring harness, if you can even call it that, looks like it will be a nightmare.
So, a lot of good stuff. I'm happy with my progress. Now, I just need to plan how I'm going to install the gauge cluster, piece together a radio system, and make the dash cleaner looking.
But now it's time to reveal my plan for the dash. On Black Friday I bought an aftermarket, universal LED gauge cluster to replace my speedometer (inaccurate), tachometer (large and separate), oil pressure (separate gauge), water temperature (separate gauge), voltage, and fuel (broken). The gauge was from Intellitronix and 40% off. I think I have quite a bit of weight savings.
The place where I've gotten stuck removing the dash pad. I can't quite get the 2 bolts on the outer edges. Also, I can't quite figure out how to remove the cigarette lighter. Mine is very loose and was very finicky whenever I tried to charge anything within it. Lastly, my wiring harness, if you can even call it that, looks like it will be a nightmare.
So, a lot of good stuff. I'm happy with my progress. Now, I just need to plan how I'm going to install the gauge cluster, piece together a radio system, and make the dash cleaner looking.
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