And so it begins

[69dart340]

Might as well get a thread started for my 69 dart. I'll keep everyone abreast of my progress ( or lack there of ) and show you some pics so you can tell me I'm nuts for even trying to put this thing back together.
I'll get some pics up Tuesday once I get into the shop.

I'm sure I'll need some support along the way.

 

[dodgechargerfan]

Been there. Still there.
Here have a beer, brother.




Really though, keep us a breast (or two). We like pics.

 

[Da-ho]

Hey man, we are all nuts- thats why we are here. You can do it.:giggedy:

 

[Fishy]

.....so you can tell me I'm nuts for even trying to put this thing back together.

Nothing is impossible. It'll just cost ya more!

 

[RUSTY Cuda]

Gonna hafta screw up a lot to pass me in that catagory! have fun, keep us posted! Rich.

 

[mr340]

You can do it... If you need inspiration, read the RustyCuda threads.......

 

[69dart340]

Got the beast home. He's some pics of the empty shell
http://www.swordsite.com/sword/album_pic.php?pic_id=392

 

[Da-ho]

So it was blue then, just like an old highschool chums we beat the livin crap out of. Didnt street race it much but it sure spent alot of time going sideways. Well what are you waiting for? Git some hemi orange on that suka and drop it in.:giggedy:

 

[69dart340]

Well after hearing what the previous owner did to the engine, she's coming apart for a thorough inspection. For one he used 2 head gaskets on each bank to keep the compression down. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me! I'm thinking stroker in the near future anyways.

 

[Da-ho]

If they are copper one piece marine type it might work. if they are fiber automotive ones better yank them off.You will be able to see that from the side. Unless the pistons come up over the deck there should be no reason for that. I would ground hop it before disassembly just to see what it has for oil pressure and to help find any other issues.

 

[69dart340]

The engine has been sitting for 20 years, so it's getting a rebuild regardless. Figure the car itself is getting ripped down to nothing, might as well do the same for the engine!

 

[Foggy]

Dig them old valve covers.

 

[69dart340]

Well starting tearing down whats left in the interior. Have a question. How do you get the sterring column out? Have all the bolts loose. Is there a set screw or something in the engine bay i have to get out? It looks like there is a roll pin or something just up from the steering box. Help please!

 

[Da-ho]

Theres a roll pin on the bottom of the slide coupler that gets tapped out with a 1/4 inch bolt or similar sized drift punch. And if the coupler is still good, its a miracle. Ma sells new ones for around 80 buks or so.

 

[69dart340]

Thanks for the quick response!!! Got it out after some serious banging. And you were right, the coupler is junk.

 

[69dart340]

Well, except a few small pieces, the engine bay and interior are stripped down. Have my body man coming this week to start breathing some life back into the beast.

The engine was in bad enough shape, but should be salvagable. I did find a piece of valve spring in the lifter valley, so it's seen it's fair share of abuse. The crank and rod bearings as well as the crank itself are scored pretty good too. I plan on using a 360 crank anyways, so I'm not worried. The previous owner wasn't kidding about the high compression though!! Can't believe he didn't blow one of those head gaskets!

 

[69dart340]

So after a long hiatus, work has begun on the dart once more.
Just before the hiatus, I had the car media blasted.
The front suspension is done and the wilwood discs are on.

The 340 block is going to be oiled down and set aside because it needed to much work to get back into shape. And besides, I want to have some fun, and damaging the #'s matching block might make me cry! So in it's place will reside a .030 over 360 to the tune of around 450 hp 460 tq. All parts for the engine are bought, just waiting to put everything together. Dyno numbers still to come.


The body is in the shop and slowly, and I do mean slowly, making progress.

Bought a 67 parts car for interior and glass. Still have to finish ripping that apart.

 

[69dart340]

pics of the parts car

 

[BootHead]

that thread just wooshed over my head, maybe I looked at a picture and had something to do :huh:. good to see you are back on track.

 

[a12bee]

Kinda a shame to chop up parts car, that interior looks minty.