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Just bought a 64 Dart convertible could use some suggestions
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Author:  pmjolsness [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:20 am ]
Post subject:  Just bought a 64 Dart convertible could use some suggestions
This same message is posted on the Allpar forum also.

I did an amazingly silly thing, I bought a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible. Slant 6, push button automatic .............. and that's about it. It is, in my mind's eye, the quintessential "car for the rest of my life". I live in an emissions state and I have long seen the advantage to having a vehicle that is emissions exempt. The torqueflite transmission and the slant 6 are both legendary for longevity and reliability and provide both good performance and economy. Another thing I like, when you open the hood on one of these babies, what you find below contains all the complexity of a brick. And there shouldn't be anything under that hood that I can't fix myself.

I bought it sight unseen, except for pictures, so I'm hoping for the best but time will tell. That said, there are a few things that I would like to improve on as I restore the car.

The first and most immediate item is the top. There is no fabric currently. The frame is all there and it has the optional motorized top, but the motor isn't currently working. Eventually the finished color of the car will be white so I intend on going with a white vinyl top. Any recommendations on this or where to get one will be appreciated.

Next is air conditioning. I live in a suburb of Phoenix Arizona, so air conditioning is a must. I don't know if air conditioning was an option on the 63 Dart, but I did check Vintage Air and I didn't see anything specific for a 63 or 64 Dart. If anyone has been down this road I would love to hear about it.

Disc brakes - I know there is information out there on swapping assemblies from 70's ish Darts/Valiants but don't have that info at my fingertips. If anyone has this information or experience with it I would love to hear from you.

Electronic ignition - I will want to get rid of the points and condensor ignition and upgrade to an electronic ignition and I thought I would rob on off a newer car from the junkyard. What years are suitable and what all do I need?

Upholstery & carpet - it will eventually need all new upholstery and carpet. Does anyone make original reproduction upholstery and carpet?

Super 6 - I think it would be nice to get a super 6 setup from a junk yard and upgrade to it at some point down the road.
Author:  pmjolsness [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:22 am ]
Post subject: 
I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you might have.

Thanks
Author:  slantsixbob [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:31 am ]
Post subject: 
Welcome to the Board! sounds like an awesome car for sure! im not sure on your other quesitons but as far as the Air conditioning goes you can try getting the casting number off of the engine and decoding it. i would provide you with a link to the exact spot if i could find it. anyways i hope to see some pictures soon from you and best of luck with it. im sure some others will reply with help to your other questions soon. this site has a lot of resources to help you maintain your slant and keep it in good order.


*edit*
looks like mymopar.com has one http://www.mymopar.com/tools.htm
click on casting numbers, then engine casting numbers and once you get a chance to look at your engine punch the numbers in.

also try the VIN number selection as well. might give you some more ideas to what it had on it.
Author:  65Dodge100 [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 64 Dart convertible could use some suggest
Quote:
Next is air conditioning. .
There is one air conditioning article HERE.
Quote:
Disc brakes - I know there is information out there on swapping assemblies from 70's ish Darts/Valiants but don't have that info at my fingertips.
You do too! :lol: Click the search button at the top of the page and type "Disc Brakes" in. You'll find a TON.
Quote:
Electronic ignition -
The HEI Electronic Ignition Retrofit is one option. If you want quick and easy without much brain work Pertronix isn’t a bad way to go. I have them in a couple of trucks and they work well. Some convert to the factory "orange box" electronic ignition also.
Quote:
Upholstery & carpet
Not sure about upholstery, but HERE and HERE are a couple of places to get carpet.
Quote:
Super 6 -
There is a lot of super six information on this site. Once you start finding parts you’ll come up with more specific questions. You can get a good start with the manifold installation article.

Click "slant six forum home" at the bottom of the page and look for the articles link. There is a lot of information there too.

Danny
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Just bought a 64 Dart convertible could use some suggest
Quote:

Next is air conditioning. I live in a suburb of Phoenix Arizona, so air conditioning is a must. I don't know if air conditioning was an option on the 63 Dart, but I did check Vintage Air and I didn't see anything specific for a 63 or 64 Dart. If anyone has been down this road I would love to hear about it.
.
There is no kit for the early "A" body cars. There are several "universal" units that can be adapted to our cars, and mount up behind the dash, every thing is tight, and not an install for the faint of heart. You can also use a underdash unit, commonly known as a "knee knocker".
The one thing I would caution about is the slant six compressor mount, sold by the aftermarket companies. It is a real problem to make it work on any "A" body. (here comes a plug) I have a redisigned compressor mount that will fit without problems, unless you are running headers, and in that case it just required a mod to the rear mount brace, depending on what headers are used.
There is a new intake manifold available from Austrailia, and I have not checked the fit with this manifold, although, I THINK it will fit.

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33267

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic ... d07e233104
Author:  wjajr [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
pmjolsness, Welcome aboard!
Quote:
The first and most immediate item is the top. There is no fabric currently. The frame is all there and it has the optional motorized top, but the motor isn't currently working. Eventually the finished color of the car will be white so I intend on going with a white vinyl top. Any recommendations on this or where to get one will be appreciated.
Convertible stuff here.

Also one of the best tools for your new project is a copy of the Factory Service Manual, we highly recommend that you pick one up, it will make life with a Dart much more enjoyable. There are several outfits that sell new & used copies on the net.
Author:  volaredon [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
A/c on a CONVERTIBLE? Why? Defeats the purpose of the drop top!
You could alwways ship that car to me! I'll take GOOD care of it! (park it when the salt trucks start coming out of the woodwork, for starters)
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
A/c on a CONVERTIBLE? Why?
Just realized you did say convert. Any aftermarket A/C is likely to disappoint you. There is so much heat gain in a vert, the A/C probably won't keep up. It will work, but not great, and you would need to balance results, to cost.
Author:  64 Convert [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:25 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Quote:
A/c on a CONVERTIBLE? Why?
Just realized you did say convert. Any aftermarket A/C is likely to disappoint you. There is so much heat gain in a vert, the A/C probably won't keep up. It will work, but not great, and you would need to balance results, to cost.
Mine will freeze me out in 100F, and even with the top down, the cold air blowing on my hands and in my face makes it more comfortable.
Author:  KBB_of_TMC [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 10:01 am ]
Post subject: 
I would 2nd a Pertronix ignition over an orange box or HEI, as it can be very inconspicuous, but all work well. I've also seen well hidden MSD setups.

I would also strongly recommend cleaning the bulkhead connectors carefully, since they corrode and overheat there, followed by the headlight switch connectors, dimmer switch, and ignition switch. It would also be a good idea to measure the voltage drops to ensure that there are no bad spots that will cause trouble at some inconvenient time.
Author:  Walter Lee Jackson [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Just bought a 64 Dart convertible could use some suggestions
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Tue Aug 25, 2009 9:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:

Mine will freeze me out in 100F, and even with the top down, the cold air blowing on my hands and in my face makes it more comfortable.
Do you mind telling me what evaporator you are using?
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