Moparts
1968 GTS 383
Posted By: dart4forte
1968 GTS 383 - 02/10/13 11:38 PM
Well, I thought I would start a thread on a car I purchased after the 1st of the year. Originally I was looking for a 70 340 Swinger and have been for several years. So, in January up pops a 68 big block GTS on the A body site. This is another "I gotta haves". I immediately PM'd the owner. No sooner than I PM'd the owner the posting was dropped by the mods for having a phone number and e-mail address attached which is against the site rules.
Anyway I sent several PM's to the OP and finally they were answered. What he had was a 68 big block/auto GTS with the original engine and trans as well as a good build. The car has been sitting in his garage for over 20 years awaiting a resto that never came. With the cost of raising a family and the economy he decided the car needed to move.
So, through many e-mails and phone calls and scanning of pictures I finally purchased the car. Again a special thanks to MOPARTS member Satilite73 (John) for doing a lookover on the car.
I just received a call from the transporter and he should be in Yakivegas sometime late afternoon/early evening on Monday 2/11.
For those who may be interested I'll be posting some pictures of the car when it arrives and continuing a documentation of the resto similar to the thread I started back in 2006 when I started on my 64 Dart post car.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 12:09 AM
Awesome! Can't wait to see the progress.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 12:50 AM
Sounds cool! I am still working on a 68 383 auto GTS for a friend, but the original engine and a big portion of his parts were in my garage that just burned, so hopefully I can save the engine and find the parts I will need to finish it.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 07:07 PM
Quote:
Sounds cool! I am still working on a 68 383 auto GTS for a friend, but the original engine and a big portion of his parts were in my garage that just burned, so hopefully I can save the engine and find the parts I will need to finish it.
I'll keep an eye out. My buddy Nick has a complete parts car. You met him last Spring Fling when were sitting at Mark's swap spot. I'm sure if you need something he can help.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 07:09 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Sounds cool! I am still working on a 68 383 auto GTS for a friend, but the original engine and a big portion of his parts were in my garage that just burned, so hopefully I can save the engine and find the parts I will need to finish it.
I'll keep an eye out. My buddy Nick has a complete parts car. You met him last Spring Fling when were sitting at Mark's swap spot. I'm sure if you need something he can help.
I've been looking for an aircleaner. Only one found so far is the one on Moparts and it has no base.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 07:31 PM
Here's some pics of the car being loaded up last week.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 07:32 PM
#2
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/11/13 11:44 PM
Time to call amd for some quarters!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 02:02 AM
Quote:
Time to call amd for some quarters!
Already on it. Quarters both sides, trunk pan and extensions. The list is growing
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 02:09 AM
Have you driven it yet? Are you going to try and start it up?
Posted By: jon01
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 02:42 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Time to call amd for some quarters!
Already on it. Quarters both sides, trunk pan and extensions. The list is growing
To hell with that, it doesn't look too bad at all! I'd gladly drive it as-is!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 05:40 AM
It arrives in the morning. I'll probably fire it up and check out the mechanicals
Posted By: a12superbee
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 09:36 AM
Summer is right around the corner. No sense taking it apart before next winter.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:30 PM
Quote:
Summer is right around the corner. No sense taking it apart before next winter.
I have plenty of cars to drive this summer. My 71 RR needs it's legs streatched this summer.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:34 PM
The car arrived this morning and all I can say is it is better than I expected. My main concern was the top and the possible rust. As it turns out the top is not too bad. All in all this was a good find. So now, we will begin the process of resuecting this beast. Oh, for those of you that say drive it, we'll work on getting it running this weekend and possibly take it for a drive.
Posted By: savoy_63
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:37 PM
Nice....
Nothing better than a Y2 BB Dart!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:39 PM
Another arrival pic
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:39 PM
and another
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 07:40 PM
It's on the ground.
Posted By: vette1986
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/12/13 10:08 PM
Is this the one out of Houston? I almost bought that one but decided without seeing it I did not want to take as much of a chance on it as his asking price. What did you end up getting it for as I know he sat with it for a while and was calling me asking if I would make him an offer. Just curious? thanks
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/13/13 02:02 PM
Cool ride! Can't wait to see it shape up.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/13/13 08:25 PM
Sitting down this afternoon to put together a list of parts I need to order. I was hoping the original aircleaner was in the trunk. Turns out the aircleaner there is for the 68-69 340/383.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/16/13 06:26 AM
Taking lots of pics. Started hunting the documentation today. I recovered the broadcast sheet from the back of the rear seat. It was marked with the #2 so maybe there's a #1? Also recovered a printout on the driver side floor. It's 8.5X11 titled "Vehicle Traveler"
At the top of the sheet it has the sequence #, shipping order, and vin.
Another strange thing we found was it appears that the rear pumpkin is unmolested. Has the round Suregrip tag and the ratio tag showing 3.91. The broadcast sheet shows Suregrip and 3.23.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/18/13 02:54 AM
Man O Man, 44 years of dirt taking off all this trim. As was told by the previous owner the car had one re-paint however none of the trip was removed so removing the hood inserts, the emblems, and tail panel reveals the original paint.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/18/13 06:41 PM
Quote:
Sitting down this afternoon to put together a list of parts I need to order. I was hoping the original aircleaner was in the trunk. Turns out the aircleaner there is for the 68-69 340/383.
I know you are interested in the 17" unsilenced air cleaner I have for sale but what is the build date on your car? When they ran out of the bigger air cleaners they DID start using the 14" air cleaners on the 383 cars. All of them had the RED 383 four barrel pie tins. 
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/19/13 02:01 AM
12-14-68
The car came with the smaller air cleaner so you may be right
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/20/13 01:18 AM
I've been worried about that roof! Have you peeled back the vinyl yet?
Aside from the roof, the car didn't look THAT bad. Rust? Sure, it has some, but, compared to what I'm used to seeing back East, this thing was cherry.
I'll be following this thread.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/20/13 06:26 AM
Quote:
I've been worried about that roof! Have you peeled back the vinyl yet?
Aside from the roof, the car didn't look THAT bad. Rust? Sure, it has some, but, compared to what I'm used to seeing back East, this thing was cherry.
I'll be following this thread.
Actually that was the first thing we did after the car was off the hauler. All in all, not too bad. Small rust hole above the windshield but very fixable. Car is pretty much stripped now, sheet metal on order and we are beginning to tackle the rust on the floors and trunk.
![Attached picture 7595732-GTS%20Left%20Front%20View[1].jpg](https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/upload2/7595732-GTS%20Left%20Front%20View[1].jpg "7595732-GTS%20Left%20Front%20View[1].jpg")
Posted By: NV69B7RR
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/20/13 02:17 PM
Its great to see that you aren't wasting any time on getting the resto started. Looking forward to watching the progress, keep it going!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/20/13 08:22 PM
Quote:
Its great to see that you aren't wasting any time on getting the resto started. Looking forward to watching the progress, keep it going!!
Gotta get it done. Doesn't make sense having it sit several years waiting on getting it done.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/20/13 11:41 PM
Tells me about it...
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/22/13 01:35 AM
Quote:
Tells me about it...
and to top things off I have to put 3K in repairs into my truck
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/23/13 07:39 AM
Here's some more progress pics
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/23/13 07:40 AM
and
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/23/13 07:40 AM
again
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/23/13 07:41 AM
another
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/23/13 01:25 PM
WOW! You really aren't wasting time on it!
Did you ever get it running before dropping the engine?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/24/13 01:47 AM
Quote:
WOW! You really aren't wasting time on it!
Did you ever get it running before dropping the engine?
Yeah, we fired to and it ran for a few moments but gas came up from accel pump so it probably had a stuck needle. Pulled the carb off and pulled the top. It was all varnished up.
It's completely stripped as of today and I started working on the truck floor. It's looking like there's been some work done back there. it looks like I'll have to replace the trunk extensions for sure. The trunk pan looks pretty solid. Passenger floors are soldid. I went ahead and striped out all of the old seam sealer. The plan is to coat the floors and indide of the rook with a product called Raptor. It's similar to Rhino Liner except in this case it's not as thick.
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/24/13 05:35 PM
Is it the passenger side trunk floor showing work? It was obvious someone had worked that quarter panel.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/25/13 12:11 AM
Quote:
Is it the passenger side trunk floor showing work? It was obvious someone had worked that quarter panel.
No, the driver side quarter extension has separated. The way it looks to me is that the car may have been hit in the rear at some point. Since the original owner passed away I did locate his sister who happened to have a 68 GTS herself. I now have her contact info so I'll be getting in touch with her to maybe get some history on the car. Oh, and the sheet we found on the floor labled "Vehicle Traveler" is nothing more than a copy of the broadcast sheet.
Another thing I need to correct is the car was built Dec 28, 1967 not 1968.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/25/13 03:13 AM
Any evidence of a grille medallion ever being affixed to your grille? They were supposed to be discontinued on December 21. 1967 but no documents exist as to when they went away!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/26/13 07:29 AM
Quote:
Any evidence of a grille medallion ever being affixed to your grille? They were supposed to be discontinued on December 21. 1967 but no documents exist as to when they went away!
I looked over the grill pretty close and didn't see an imprint of where it would of attached. The car was assembled December 28, 67 so it probably didn't come with it. Given that the original owner passed in 2006 I have the names of the relatives of the original owner so I'll be making some phone calls this week. The original owners sister was suppose to have a B5 blue 68 GTS ordered at the same time as the one I have.
The car is pretty much stripped. We got to that top in the nick of time. A few more years and it would have been complete toast. I dug around in the passenger side quarter. Lots of bondo. I think this car was hit at some time in it's life. I broke a piece off and it had pieces of someone's glasses imbedded.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/26/13 07:31 AM
Bondo globbed in. Pretty much how things were done back in the 70's and 80's
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/28/13 07:13 AM
More pics of the car stripped
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/28/13 07:14 AM
and more
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/28/13 07:15 AM
passenger side
.JPG "7606519-68dartstrippedpassside(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/28/13 07:16 AM
Rear
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/28/13 07:17 AM
Eng compartment. Heater box and wiper motor is next
.JPG "7606522-68dartstrippedpassside(2).JPG")
Posted By: 69Cuda340S
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/03/13 04:53 AM
Cool car. I see a lot of solid metal there.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/04/13 01:03 AM
Quote:
Cool car. I see a lot of solid metal there.
Actually you are correct. The only concern is the top but I have a plan to save it. Push come to shove I have a good top off a parts car.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/13 03:18 AM
Got the manifolds shot blasted yesterday. Buddy of mine who owns a flow bench did some flow testing. We were quite surprised. I'll post those results on another thread.
We tore the engine down today. Had a few surprises. Engine is .030 over. Bores really look good. The rings were really tight as far as tension. We'll fix that with some low tension rings. It also had forged pistons.
The camshaft is a mystery cam. It has one number, 970600. No other markings.
I need to see if I can polish out the valve covers. They are really scratched up.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/13 03:23 AM
Pass side
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/13 03:24 AM
Valve Cover 1
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/13 03:25 AM
Valve cover 2
Looks like I'll have to get the VCs re-chromed. Looks like battery acid etched the chrome
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/13 03:25 AM
This was the intake that was on it
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/07/13 04:32 AM
Bare block is pretty clean with the bearings showing minimal wear. The rings had a lot of tension which will be fix with low tension rings.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/07/13 04:34 AM
Unique oil pan. Pretty nice baffle arrangement
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/07/13 04:35 AM
906F castings. We have some pretty good flow numbers from the F casting head
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:36 AM
Hood not as bad as once thought in terms of hail damage, trunk lid a little better. Driver side door was hit at one time so some massaging will have to be done and we have the new rear quarter panels and trunk floor extension.
I need to verify with the original owner's sister (owner passed away in 07) that the car was raced. The car was ordered with 3.23's nas depicted on the build sheet and now has 3.91's. I figure the orig. owner wanted some more giddy up and had the dealer make the change. The reason I figure the dealer made the change is a 3.91 tag was affixed to the housing along with the Suregrip tag. Back in the day when we changed out the pig the tag got thrown away.
We found evidence that the car had at one time fenderwell headers. Looks like maybe the car got away from him which would explain the door and quarter damage. They used a lot of mud to make the repair.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:37 AM
2
.JPG "7621172-DartDowntoMetal2(2).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:37 AM
3
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:38 AM
5
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:39 AM
6
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:39 AM
7
.JPG "7621186-DartDowntoMetal7(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:40 AM
8
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:41 AM
9
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:42 AM
Bring on the
and
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:45 AM
10
All the AMD boxes with parts enclosed
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:48 AM
11
Low spots are from hail. Car spent most of it's life near the Texas pan handle
.JPG "7621204-DartDowntoMetal11(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:49 AM
12
looks like I got lucky on the rear deck lid
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 02:49 AM
13
.JPG "7621208-DartDowntoMetal13(1).JPG")
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 03:28 AM
Fenderwell headers? Really? Is that the REAL reason why the engine compartment was painted?
Wish I lived closer to see the progress in person.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 04:03 AM
Quote:
Fenderwell headers? Really? Is that the REAL reason why the engine compartment was painted?
Wish I lived closer to see the progress in person.
I talked with Rhan and he shared that back in the late 90s when they freshened up the motor they found that the lower inner fenders on each side had been cut out. He went ahead and had that repaired and painted the engine compartment. We ground down one side to take a look. Looks like the original owner may have street raced this car. The cutout is similar to the one used for Hooker fenderwells for the big block Dart. They had three tubes going through the fenderwell and one under the chassis on the driver side. On the passenger side there were two tubes through the fenderwell and two under the chassis. What also leads me to belive the guy raced the car is that someone added 3.91s. The car was ordered with 3.23s. Rhan didn't make the change. My guess is he had the dealer change the pig out in favor of the 3.91s. Reason I figure the dealer did it is there's a 3.91 tag on the pig as well as the Suregrip tag. Most driveway mechanics back in the day wouldn't bother putting the tags on.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/11/13 04:07 AM
I also found out today the the forged pistons are TRW which means they are fairly light
Posted By: a12superbee
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/12/13 09:39 AM
Man, I can't believe how fast you're moving.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/12/13 10:29 AM
Looks good, John. Gotta be happy with that score! Good progress.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/13/13 06:03 AM
Thanks guys.
The guys did some more work yesterday and today. The fenders apparently had a little more damage than first thought. They (the original owner) used a gallon of mud rather than fix the fenders. We were able to save the original fenders. They are now straight so the body work can continue
.JPG "7624089-68DartFenderwork2(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/13/13 06:05 AM
driver side
.JPG "7624091-68DartFenderwork2(2).JPG")
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/13/13 11:17 AM
What did AMD do about the quarter skins?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/15/13 05:14 AM
Got a PM from them. Mike, I belive wanted me to call him. Turns out we have a factory pinch for making the hole so I may just go that route.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/16/13 04:51 AM
I'm ready for da hood!!
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/16/13 02:25 PM
How many hours are the body guys into this car? Will it be 450-500 hours when done?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/17/13 05:24 PM
Quote:
How many hours are the body guys into this car? Will it be 450-500 hours when done?
This is a side job so he gets to it when he can. He has about 32 hours so far. Some of the real dirty stuff I'll do such can cleaning the trunk floor and sanding down the top. The hours will go up as soon as he starts replacing the quarters and trunk extensions. I've done the disassembly and will do the re-assembly.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/18/13 04:25 AM
Got my parts back from being hot tanked. The block and the heads are being shot blasted. When I get them back we'll clean out the water jackets with muric acid. Check out my pan.
.JPG "7630265-OilPan1(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/30/13 03:27 AM
Update. Have all the motor parts together, awaiting the new camshaft, lifters and springs. Got the block and heads back from shot blasting. Fortunately I won't have to bore the block. The bores will clean up nicely
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/30/13 04:00 AM
Quote:
Update. Have all the motor parts together, awaiting the new camshaft, lifters and springs. Got the block and heads back from shot blasting. Fortunately I won't have to bore the block. The bores will clean up nicely
Cool deal it's good to get a break now and then.
Did the quarters get hung?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/31/13 06:28 PM
All the sheet metal is still in boxes. They are doing the front part of the car, get all that straight before going to the rear of the car. The top and interior is next. Going to coat the floor and the underside of the top with Raptor. Give it strength and some sound deadening
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/11/13 05:32 AM
Update
looks like new wheelhouses are in order
.JPG "7663439-QtrReplacement2(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/11/13 05:43 AM
Number 2
.JPG "7663447-Qtrreplacement4(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/11/13 05:44 AM
Number 3
.JPG "7663448-Qtrreplacement4(2).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/11/13 05:45 AM
Number 4
.JPG "7663450-QtrReplacement2(2).JPG")
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/12/13 12:37 AM
Are your plans to remove the half tub or do a patch to the current tubs?
A lot of cutting to get rid of the lip rust.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/12/13 06:05 AM
No, new wheel houses are on order
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/14/13 02:00 AM
Took some more pics today.. Cleaning parts!!!!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/14/13 02:01 AM
You can see there were a few hail doingers
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/14/13 02:02 AM
Roof
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/14/13 02:07 AM
back
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/14/13 02:09 AM
and the passenger side. We are waiting for the wheel house to show so progress can continue
Posted By: 69Cuda340S
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/15/13 02:52 AM
Nice progress keep those pics coming.
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/15/13 03:54 AM
Are you gonna patch the holes in the hood for the aftermarket hood pins?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/15/13 04:47 AM
Quote:
Are you gonna patch the holes in the hood for the aftermarket hood pins?
You bet.
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/19/13 04:09 AM
Quote:
Roof
Whoa! That's better than I expected!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/19/13 04:28 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Roof
Whoa! That's better than I expected!
It's not that bad. Have to patch a few spots.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/04/13 01:43 AM
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/14/13 04:34 PM
Quote:
Waiting for wheelhouses with you. 
They were at Springfling this past weekend. I dinged them on the backorder thing. Got the typical supplier behind story. I looked to see if they had some on display and they didn't. Guess we'll have to be patient
I'm at Carlsbad CA and I'm taking a run up to Classic Industries today. I'll see if they have some in stock.
I am taking a run up to
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/22/13 04:34 AM
All they had was one passenger side inner wheelhouse. They did tell me that they are having problems getting mopar sheetmetal from AMD
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/19/13 01:24 AM
Finally back on the car after awaiting parts. AMD has had a large rush on their A body sheetmetal. Paid a visit to Dick at Firm Feel last week so all the front suspension is now on order. I need to get some rear springs. Getting ready to POR15 the trunk and bottom of the car then undercoat. Picked up some Mod Top material at SpringFling. Thinking it would look good with that yellow.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/07/13 11:27 PM
Little progress on panel replacement. Working on getting a parts car for some sheetmetal
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/07/13 11:28 PM
2nd pic
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/08/13 11:36 PM
I wish you weren't so far away. I'm betting I could use some of the parts ooff your parts car and help you get some money back!!
Posted By: UCUDANT
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/09/13 12:15 AM
Quote:
I wish you weren't so far away. I'm betting I could use some of the parts ooff your parts car and help you get some money back!!
...what he said
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/11/13 06:14 AM
The guy doing the body and paint is using some of the parts off the parts car for his 68. What parts do you need
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/07/13 04:36 AM
A little progress today. final found a donor car for the roof for my 68. Gotta go get it next week.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/22/13 01:24 AM
Got a doner finally. It actually has a lot of good sheet metal. I don't need anything other than the top skin so if anyone need some body parts let me know.
Forgot to add my bumpers are in Spokane all re-plated and ready to be picked up. Ordered all new front and rear wiring Friday.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/25/13 05:33 AM
Just got home from tearing the front suspension apart. It's all ready now for a bath the off to be blasted and powdercoated. I'll try and get some pics.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/30/13 01:14 AM
Well all of the front suspension is washed and ready for blasting and powder coating. I'll be doing a marathon with the blasting cabinet tomorrow. I have mostly all the hardware cleaned now. All the engine accessories are blasted and painted with the exception of the intake. I'll do that tomorrow.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/30/13 11:47 AM
Moving right along!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/02/13 02:43 AM
Taking care of some odd and ends while waiting for my suspension parts to get back from cleaning. As you can see I'll be running the Edelbrock DP4B. This was an over the counter intake that could be purchased and installed by the dealer. Of all the intakes I've had on 383s this has been the best street performer by far. We also flow tested it and it outflowed the Street Master.
The carb is a 69 AVS I picked up last summer. Couldn't pass on the price (free). I'll deviate a little on the resto and run this carb for the performance potential. It's off a 69 HP440. I Have the correct 68 AVS should I want to be anal about correctness. This is a car I want to drive
.JPG "7872969-69CarterAVS440HP(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/02/13 02:58 AM
I opened a thread in the Amarillo Mopar club web site recently. I'm hoping to find some of the original owners of the car and maybe some documentation. It would be nice to find the original owners manual with the Certicard inside. Here's some pics of the car back in the early 80's
The real challenge would be to find Keystones in the SBP
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/02/13 03:00 AM
Another view
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/02/13 03:01 AM
Last one. Special thanks to FABO member Hotrod340 of the Amarillo Mopar club for digging these up
Posted By: DLewis
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/06/13 03:31 AM
That looks absolutely awesome!
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/06/13 03:54 AM
I have a set of small bolt Keystones but they are missing the center caps, which fit only small bolts.
They are tough to find for sure!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/22/13 02:13 AM
Spent the last few days washing nuts and bolts. I think I've worn out my tumbler. Got most of the hardware for the engine cleaned so now starts the suspension. Everything is at the powder coater, should be ready for pickup Thursday. Tranny is out and that will go to the shop for freshening up. Block is now washed and cleaned out and have all the parts for reassembly. Here's a boring pic of the painting
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/22/13 11:36 PM
Here's some progress on the car. Top off the doner car this afternoon
Posted By: SattyNoCar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/23/13 04:36 AM
Holy.....
Also looks like the wagon is coming back together.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/23/13 10:10 PM
Quote:
Holy.....
Also looks like the wagon is coming back together.
well, almost. Got the tailgate finished and the metal along the side windows is next. Only big sanfu is the bumper. Took it over to Spokane to be replated. Job started costing $400 to replate only to find out they raised their rates so it's $600 to plate. This all due to the tree huggers we have here in the NW. So, lat week they call and say that while repairing the ends of the bumper they blow out some metal while welding. Now the price jumps to $1500 to reapir, staighten and replate. I don't think so. Picked up the bumper on Monday. They did staighten the bumper so we'll go ahead and repair the rust damage and paint the bumper. That will do until I can find another good bumper. Nothing is ever easy.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/29/13 02:22 AM
Heres a pic of the replacement top from the doner car. Will need to be blasted before it's grafted in
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/29/13 02:29 AM
Number two
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/29/13 02:30 AM
Number three
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/29/13 02:32 AM
The next challenge is to find all of the parts I cleaned and bagged last winter. I'm down to looking for two boxes which are real important. Emblems and motor mounts
Looking good John, good move replacing the roof skin, that car deserves it
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/30/13 07:18 PM
Quote:
Looking good John, good move replacing the roof skin, that car deserves it
Yeah, the more we looked at it the more it became apparent that the roof skin needed to be replaced.
Had a scare yesterday. Couldn't find my motor mounts. Looked high and low. The kid that Nick had working for him had the motor ready to go and put the mounts in a safe place. Of course Nick fired him later so we couldn't find that safe place until yesterday. Ordered all the brake hardware today, motor is in the process of rebuild so things are coming together.
Reading the article on how you restored your fuel lines, interesting. Thinking of taking that idea and applying the use of large PVC pipe for the lines to soak in the rust remover. Since I have new lines waiting for install I'll go ahead with that. Who restored your sending unit?
Also, we flow tested the A body exhaust manifolds against a standard B and C body magnum manifold. I've always wanted to do this. The data is quite interesting. They flowed pretty much the same. We put emphasis on the driver side manifold especially around the bend that cleared the steering to see if that caused a restriction. The flow numbers showed a slight cfm difference. I think the hp differance between the 335hp and the 330hp 383 was more in line with the different camshaft profile rather than an exhaust restriction.
That yellow Duster is coming right along 
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/30/13 07:29 PM
Update on the motor build. Found out day before yesterday that two of the bores have a rust spot that may not be taken out by honing. Kinda disappointing in that the motor had TRW forged pistons and I was planning on re-using them. A light hone didn't affect either bore so we are looking at several options.
At this point the block can be bored to .040. It's at .030 now. there's no way to know of boring to .040 will take care of the rust spots. Don't know how deep they are in the metal. If we bore to .040 and we're successfull we can order a hyperutecnic piston to fill the holes. there are not many piston options available for the 383.
The second option would be to sleeve the two bores and take them to .030 and re-using the TRWs. Both options cost basicly the same.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/04/13 11:01 PM
Thought I would do some checking on getting the grill and tail panel claened up. They are in pretty good shape with just a few small dings. They need cleaning and paint. I check with a vendor and this is the quote I got
The grille is about $1250, the headlight bezels (pair) around $550, the tail finish panel around $900.00
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 12:55 AM
Update.....
The dash is out for cleaning, painting, and general wiring resto. Judging by all the holes looks like past owners had CBs, gauges etc under the dash. Also looks like it was bent a little bit underneath
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 12:56 AM
Dashpad
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 12:57 AM
looky at all the holes
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 01:04 AM
Had a supprise yesterday. The guys got the roof fitted and ready to spotweld
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 01:05 AM
The other side
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 01:06 AM
Last roof pic
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 01:08 AM
And it looks like a I need another heaterbox
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/17/13 01:09 AM
Another pic of the damaged heaterbox
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/11/14 06:13 AM
Back on schedule. more sheet metal replacement. Replacing the fenders is also on the list. As soon as the metal work is done it goes in line for final prep and paint
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/11/14 06:16 AM
The guys pulled the rear end the other day so we can get the car on the rotisserie. I'll be pulling it apart for cleaning, disassembly, painting and re-assembly. I need to pull the pig and check out the ring and pinion
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/11/14 06:18 AM
Stopped by Jim's yesterday to check on the motor. The short block is almost finished aside from degreeing the cam. looks like the motor will be pulling around a 9.2 CR.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/11/14 06:19 AM
.040 over. Pistons are below the deck approximately .020. these are a little shorter than the forges .303 over we took out.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/11/14 06:21 AM
and prepping to degree the cam. ooops, forgot to install the cam.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 05:10 AM
More progress on the GTS
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 05:12 AM
New DS fender. Need to weld up the holes
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 05:15 AM
This the passenger side fender. both were in good shape. Just need to weld up the holes
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 05:17 AM
Under hood all cleaned up. Need to weld up those hood pin holes
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 05:47 AM
Were the shock bolts broken or was there rust in the trunk panel you replaced?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/14/14 07:46 PM
There was rot along the seam of the panel. It's a separte panel from the trunk floor. now it has a better panel with all of the stock plug welds.
Posted By: Dave Watt
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/15/14 10:18 PM
Quote:
Last one. Special thanks to FABO member Hotrod340 of the Amarillo Mopar club for digging these up
That looks mean with the Keystones on it! 
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/16/14 06:16 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Last one. Special thanks to FABO member Hotrod340 of the Amarillo Mopar club for digging these up
That looks mean with the Keystones on it!
I'd like to go with the Keystones however the choices of tires in 14" are pretty low. I have a set of 15" Torque Thrusts in small bot patteren that I will be running on this car.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/18/14 09:10 AM
Got the motor finished. My guy does premo work.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/18/14 09:11 AM
Rear of motor. Start detailing tomorrow
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/18/14 09:13 AM
Got the car on the rotisserie yesterday, decided to steam clean the car. There's lots of plug welds to be done with the wheel houses and quarter panels
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/18/14 09:16 AM
Lots of grime, oily dirt and just plain crud. Notice the torque boxes in the rear and not the front.
Forgot to mention the right front wheel of the rotissery ran over my left foot. Broke three toes OUCH!!!!!!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/16/14 03:15 AM
Well, it's raining real hard today and washing away all that snow we got last week. What better time than to put together the suspension.
Was really on a roll until I was ready to install the lower ball joints. Hit a snag. Seems my bud Dick at Firm Feel sent me ball joints for drum brakes so all had to stop. I have some correct ball joints coming so I'll hit it Monday.
.JPG "8040964-susp2(2).JPG")
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/16/14 03:23 AM
If you match the ball joints up I bet the only difference is the bolt size.
in a pinch you could drill them out.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/16/14 03:28 AM
Quote:
If you match the ball joints up I bet the only difference is the bolt size. in a pinch you could drill them out.
Oh, I could of done that but I just decided to go with the correct BJs. no big deal. I'll just hang on to these in the event I do a drum brake car.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/16/14 03:39 AM
Did you powder coat the k frame?
Here I figured the body would be in final prime.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/17/14 04:30 AM
Yes
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 02/17/14 07:34 AM
Quote:
Did you powder coat the k frame?
Here I figured the body would be in final prime.
It's close to the final prime. I'm behind several other cars waiting for the paint booth.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:29 AM
Front suspension mocked up
.JPG "8062219-susp2(2).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:37 AM
More progress. Body almost ready for prime
.JPG "8062239-springhardware(2).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:39 AM
Got the rear end back from the powder coater
.JPG "8062245-springhardware(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:40 AM
The housing turned out good
.JPG "8062249-rearhousing(1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:41 AM
And the springs. All new clamps and pads
.JPG "8062251-rearhousing(2).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 04:43 AM
Another suspension pic
.JPG "8062256-susp2(1).JPG")
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/05/14 03:30 PM
Looking good.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 04:37 AM
Dart is finally in primer
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 05:16 AM
Got my 3.91's out and check for wear and backlash. All within specs. I may go ahead and put together a set of 3.55s for later down the road.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 05:17 AM
3.91s
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 05:18 AM
Got the first set of caps I bought. I have another set coming so when they get here I'll pick the best of the two setss
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 05:20 AM
Here's the motor I'd like to put in the car
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/10/14 06:01 AM
looking at this gets me to thinking
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/19/14 11:07 AM
Do it!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 01:20 AM
So, after a break from the project, mostly to gather more funds and waiting behind a line of other cars waiting for paint the GTS is about ready for paint. I am present cleaning all the body bolts in my tumbler so they can be installed before paint. As soon as the weather cools down it's off to the paint booth.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 01:21 AM
Pic 2
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 01:22 AM
Pic 3
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 01:30 AM
Painted the motor several weeks ago. As soon as it cools off a bit I'll go ahead and finish it off and get it ready to place on the K member
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 01:40 AM
another of the engine
Posted By: jughed
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 03:34 AM
Great job on the resto!!!!!!!!
Did you use lead for the roof and quarter panel seam?? I just installed AMD full quarters on the '68 and the guy who will soon paint it insists that glass reinforced filler alone will suffice if the entire seam has been welded.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 07:06 AM
Quote:
Great job on the resto!!!!!!!!
Did you use lead for the roof and quarter panel seam?? I just installed AMD full quarters on the '68 and the guy who will soon paint it insists that glass reinforced filler alone will suffice if the entire seam has been welded.
Used allmetal
Posted By: azblackhemi
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 04:39 PM
Quote:
Great job on the resto!!!!!!!!
Did you use lead for the roof and quarter panel seam?? I just installed AMD full quarters on the '68 and the guy who will soon paint it insists that glass reinforced filler alone will suffice if the entire seam has been welded.
From my experience all metal or reinforced fiberglass will work on everything except for some reason "E" bodies. E bodies have to be leaded. If not as soon as it heats up the seam will show big time. Since I got burned by this I now lead all of them to be safe.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/12/14 05:18 PM
It looks great!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/13/14 12:29 AM
Well every car we've done has Allmetal and so far no problems. Other cars that Nick has done has been the same way. Only top problem that I can remember was the vinyl top kept coming up. Turns out the glue he used wasn't any good.
Posted By: azblackhemi
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/13/14 04:13 AM
Quote:
Well every car we've done has Allmetal and so far no problems. Other cars that Nick has done has been the same way. Only top problem that I can remember was the vinyl top kept coming up. Turns out the glue he used wasn't any good.
Just make sure Nick uses lead on any E bodies he does or else I'll give him a big "I told you so"
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/13/14 03:52 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Well every car we've done has Allmetal and so far no problems. Other cars that Nick has done has been the same way. Only top problem that I can remember was the vinyl top kept coming up. Turns out the glue he used wasn't any good.
Just make sure Nick uses lead on any E bodies he does or else I'll give him a big "I told you so"
He's doing several. One will be a hemi clone. I'll tell him or have him call you.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/22/14 05:42 PM
First coats of color
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/22/14 05:45 PM
Pic of the trunk standing on my head
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/22/14 05:47 PM
Car in the booth. Finish with several coats of of base then the clear goes on.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/24/14 05:17 AM
It's painted, next step is color sanding and buffing
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/24/14 05:18 AM
Driverside
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/24/14 05:21 AM
Passengerside painted
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/24/14 05:23 AM
The artist. This is the second car this kid has painted. He has talent. He's pretty much been the body and paint man on this car from the start. The lines are lazar straight.
Posted By: burdar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/25/14 04:21 AM
Looks awesome!
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 08/31/14 02:30 AM
Looks nice...
Just a headsup...it probably won't like pump gas with no quench...
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/19/14 04:57 AM
Now begins the hard part, putting it all back together
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/19/14 04:59 AM
and finding all the parts I've put away
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/19/14 05:00 AM
Starting with the smaller parts
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/19/14 05:03 AM
Worth the wait. Hopefully I get the vinyl top in so it can be installed while it's warm. Also scored some really nice 68 caps the other day. A little buffing and detailing should do the trick.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/15/14 12:44 AM
Progress. Vinyl top going on, finishing Monday. Headlinner is next
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/15/14 12:47 AM
Working on detailing the engine. I want to get as much stuff on the motor as I can so I have less bending over the fenders. Hopefully we have everything in next weekend
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/17/14 02:37 AM
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/17/14 07:57 PM
Looks really good! Nice to see you making so much progress.
Looking GREAT!!!!!!!!!! The '68 Dart grill is my favorite due to the round parking lights!!!! SWEET!!!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 03:29 AM
Quote:
Looking GREAT!!!!!!!!!! The '68 Dart grill is my favorite due to the round parking lights!!!! SWEET!!!!
Me too. I'm going to spring for one of those grills from Van's.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 03:32 AM
Quote:
Nice....here's my yellow 383 4-speed GTS...
Real nice. My car was an original Amarillo Tx car. Was sold new in Tennessee. When did your car come off the assembly line? Original 4speed car?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 03:34 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Nice....here's my yellow 383 4-speed GTS...
Real nice. My car was an original Amarillo Tx car. Was sold new in Tennessee. When did your car come off the assembly line? Original 4speed car?
Looks like the twin to mine. That pan looks low.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 03:41 AM
Here's another update. Upholstery guy started on the vinyl top an is almost finished. Started yesterday to do the headliner however legendary sent me the wrong HL. so he stripped the seats today. As expected someone has already been in there. The buckets were the worse. Found wadded up foam, pieces of carpet in place of the burlap, old t shirts and rags as a filler. The rear seat wasn't much better. Ordered new foam, padding and parts to repair broken springs and some of the other spring structure. As soon as the seats are repaired we'll paint the frames. I guess this something you run into when restoring old cars.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 04:08 AM
My dart headliner from legendary was way to big. I had to use a heat gun to shrink the the vinyl to the point it was smoking.
Posted By: moparpollack
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 04:11 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Nice....here's my yellow 383 4-speed GTS...
Real nice. My car was an original Amarillo Tx car. Was sold new in Tennessee. When did your car come off the assembly line? Original 4speed car?
Looks like the twin to mine. That pan looks low.
Looks can be deceiving is that a stock intake too? 
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/19/14 04:05 PM
Quote:
Real nice. My car was an original Amarillo Tx car. Was sold new in Tennessee. When did your car come off the assembly line? Original 4speed car?
Thanks....the car was built Jan. 4th and I bought it from the original owner in 1987 in Brandenburg, Kentucky...yes, 4-speed, console, tach, 3.23 Sure Grip, power drum brakes...
Yeah, has a deep pan and M1 single plane intake....car runs 10.60's @ 127...
Here's a thread about the car from a few years ago https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...&PHPSESSID=
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/20/14 12:13 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Real nice. My car was an original Amarillo Tx car. Was sold new in Tennessee. When did your car come off the assembly line? Original 4speed car?
Thanks....the car was built Jan. 4th and I bought it from the original owner in 1987 in Brandenburg, Kentucky...yes, 4-speed, console, tach, 3.23 Sure Grip, power drum brakes...
Yeah, has a deep pan and M1 single plane intake....car runs 10.60's @ 127...
Here's a thread about the car from a few years ago https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...&PHPSESSID=
Pretty much the clone to another one here in town, belongs to a Chevy guy. I tried to buy it several years ago but he wanted too much money and I happen to know how much he paid for the car. I did some work on the car for him, mainly tried to sort out his clutch problems. My buddy rebuilt his motor and then the guy sticks a scalloped flywheel in and he can't understand why he has a vibration. It's a shame because it was once a good candidate for a resto. With the amount he wants for the car and the condition it's now in it will pretty much be run into the ground.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/27/15 07:21 AM
Thought I would get in a little in-progress on the the 68 GTS.
Engine compartment almost ready for the engine. I have to get it up on the hoist so the fuel lines and brake lines as well as the fuel tank can be installed. Next will be the rear end assembly which is ready as a unit for install. Front end will be mated up to a US Tools engine cradle where I can then install the engine and tranny. Of course every thing will be installed from the bottom of the car.
As you can see from the pics the vinyl top is done as well as the headliner. I finished up on the floor insulation last weekend. I still need to do the doors.
The seats are all done. Waiting on a lower steering column bearing which is on back order. Purchased a new grill and HL bezels from Vans. Good quality parts
Things are coming together.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/27/15 07:23 AM
Engine compartment
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/27/15 07:24 AM
Insulation. I'm using Hush Mat
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/27/15 07:25 AM
Some more GTS
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 01/27/15 07:26 AM
The last one for now. Sorry for the quality. The lighting is not the best
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/06/15 12:57 AM
Sorry for not posting for awhile. my mom passed away and had to tend to her business.
Anyway, been working on getting all the trim on. Got the floor insulation in, vinyl top is installed, headliner installed, headlight buckets etc. pretty much finished with the trunk area with the exception for the fuel filler tube and vent tube. That will have to wait until I get the car on the rack and install the tank
Focusing on the wiring. All new harnesses from M&H through Mr Moparts and Classic Industries. Finally got the under dash harness the other day (back ordered). Unfortunatly it was short the harness for the console. Apparently they don't provide that. I called the tech line for M&H and they walked me through the issue. I had to remove the console harness from the old harness and install the leads into the bulkhead connector (two wires, one violet and one white). The orange wire went to the fuse box. I guess the real test is when I power everything up. I have a buddy that works at an automotive electrical shop. When he gets a chance he'll come over with his magical black box and circuit test everything.
Have to take a break in a few weeks and start my move to Phoenix with the first load. Taking my 71 RR down, stopping at MATS on the way down. The car will be for sale (have to thin the herd) and if doesn' sell it will be put into storage in Phoenix an will wait until next January when I can take it to the auctions.
The engine, trans, rearend are all ready to go. Will mate everything up on my new engine cradle I got from HARMS (Scott Smith). Won't install in the car until I get back from Phoenix.
I forgot to mention all the seats are done. The guy that put everything together is top notch.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 04:58 AM
Got the car on the rack and started on all the items underneath the car. The guys at the shop helped me get the rear end in. Got the main brake and fuel lines, fuel tank and e-brake cable. I messed up and got the wrong style ebrake cable so I'll have to get another.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:01 AM
Engine compartment. Got the harness for the wiper motor. I'll have to make one for the tach and the neutral safety switch
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:02 AM
Rear end and fuel tank installed
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:03 AM
Another picture. Brake lines all installed with heat shield in place
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:04 AM
Another one
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:07 AM
Number 7
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:08 AM
Pic number 8. Best looking hood on an A body
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:10 AM
Got the trim clips in. We need to mock up the trim to insure the clips are set correctly. Hard to do when the windshield is in.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:12 AM
Once the emblems were at eye level we could see they needed work. Here the are corrected.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 05:14 AM
Kinda on hold on the inetrior. Waiting on Instrument Specialties to complete the instrument cluster. They are behind because of all the snow
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/20/15 08:15 PM
Wow. It's looking amazing.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/21/15 02:56 AM
Quote:
Wow. It's looking amazing.
Thanks. In retrospect I wish I would of gone with your 70 in that was what I was looking for. As it turned out. I went this direction.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/23/15 05:24 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Wow. It's looking amazing.
Thanks. In retrospect I wish I would of gone with your 70 in that was what I was looking for. As it turned out. I went this direction.
As long as we're looking retrospectively, I should have kept my '70. I kinda miss it. It had potential. Oh well.
The direction you went looks good to me! I'm enjoying this thread.
Posted By: rocksmopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/27/15 03:39 PM
Awesome build! I'm just starting to realize how cool these Darts are.
What size wheels/tires can you fit in the back?
I just bought a 68 GTS Dart and I'm thinking about swapping em out to something a little bigger, maybe nostalgic looking..
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/31/15 07:32 AM
Quote:
Awesome build! I'm just starting to realize how cool these Darts are.
What size wheels/tires can you fit in the back?
I just bought a 68 GTS Dart and I'm thinking about swapping em out to something a little bigger, maybe nostalgic looking..
I'm going with a BFG Redline from Diamondback tires, 235/60/15 all the way around.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/31/15 07:34 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Wow. It's looking amazing.
Thanks. In retrospect I wish I would of gone with your 70 in that was what I was looking for. As it turned out. I went this direction.
As long as we're looking retrospectively, I should have kept my '70. I kinda miss it. It had potential. Oh well.
The direction you went looks good to me! I'm enjoying this thread.
Me thinks that yellow 70 would of been a nice project
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 03/31/15 07:16 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Wow. It's looking amazing.
Thanks. In retrospect I wish I would of gone with your 70 in that was what I was looking for. As it turned out. I went this direction.
As long as we're looking retrospectively, I should have kept my '70. I kinda miss it. It had potential. Oh well.
The direction you went looks good to me! I'm enjoying this thread.
Me thinks that yellow 70 would of been a nice project
I agree.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/26/15 04:09 AM
Big day today. Placed the motor on the K frame and dropped the car over the engine.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/26/15 05:01 AM
Here's a couple of more pics
Looks great John, looks like it went smoothly.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/28/15 05:43 AM
Thanks
Posted By: burdar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/28/15 07:51 PM
In regards to the plate that mounts to the firewall around the blower motor...what is the correct orientation? I see pictures with the "flat" side in all four locations. What was the purpose of that "flat"?
The car is looking really good!
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/29/15 04:22 AM
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/29/15 06:23 AM
The flat is supposed to be to the right while standing in front of the car, no idea why. I have seen dozens of original 67-72 Darts and they were almost all that way. Here are a oouple Demons...
Thanks guys, I checked both parts cars and it looks like the plate is mounted like Rhinodart stated. Easy change
The flat is supposed to be to the right while standing in front of the car, no idea why. I have seen dozens of original 67-72 Darts and they were almost all that way. Here are a oouple Demons...
Thanks guys, I checked both parts cars and it looks like the plate is mounted like Rhinodart stated. Easy change
I agree
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/29/15 07:47 PM
It's looking good. Quick question... Did you clear coat the LCA's or just leave them natural?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/29/15 10:33 PM
I used a paint I picked up from Homedepot. Appliance stainless steel. I was going to do the cosmoline treatment but this is going to be a nice driver and not a show queen.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 03:18 AM
Looks good. I am use that for the LCA's on the Bee. I was wondering what to use when I rebuild them. The last ones I did were powder coated black.
These are my Dusters LCA's, I steam cleaned them, soaked them in Evaporust, scrubbed off the remaining crud with 0000 steel wool, coated them in ESC's "RPM" metal protectant, then dipped them in real Cosmoline. After it dried (a week or so in warm weather)they remained much less sticky/tacky than most seem to think, it worked awesome!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 04:44 AM
Looks good. I am use that for the LCA's on the Bee. I was wondering what to use when I rebuild them. The last ones I did were powder coated black.
That would be the way to go if you are looking for that look
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 04:48 AM
These are my Dusters LCA's, I steam cleaned them, soaked them in Evaporust, scrubbed off the remaining crud with 0000 steel wool, coated them in ESC's "RPM" metal protectant, then dipped them in real Cosmoline. After it dried (a week or so in warm weather)they remained much less sticky/tacky than most seem to think, it worked awesome!
Did you brush it on?
Nope, I dipped them
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 07:25 AM
What about where the torsion bar inserts. That looks all gubbered up.
Same as the factory did it, 99% of it drains away and the remaining small amount is waxy and pushes out of the way when you slide in the bars, no problem at all.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 03:07 PM
Cool. I wonder if the factory used the wax as a protective lube for the end of the torsion bar.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 08:04 PM
Looks good. I am use that for the LCA's on the Bee. I was wondering what to use when I rebuild them. The last ones I did were powder coated black.
That would be the way to go if you are looking for that look
I'm just looking for them not to rust instantly. Look is really low on the list of criteria. Mine will never be what most people consider "nice".
Posted By: mickm
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/01/15 11:30 PM
what exactly is cosmoline, and why was it used on the LCA's only?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/02/15 12:35 AM
what exactly is cosmoline, and why was it used on the LCA's only?
Rust prevention
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmoline
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/03/15 08:44 PM
Well, yesterday afternoon I tweeked on the car a bit hooking up wiring, getting the radiator ready to install etc.. I decided to go ahead and move the heater motor plate so that the cutout faces the driver side as suggested. I'm glad the issue was brought up in that when I went to remove the plate I found the heater motor to be loose. Not good. So, tomorrow I'm removing the heater box to se what's going on with that.
Oops!!! forgot the metal spacers. Too much stuff to remember sometime
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/12/15 01:09 AM
Had the last 4 days off and got quite a bit done. Wanted to get the dash put together for install
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/12/15 01:11 AM
Here's a couple of more
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/12/15 01:12 AM
Just a few more
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/19/15 07:40 AM
Another update. Got the dash in. Went right in. Tackled the wiring today. I'm waiting on some cable clips from R/T Specialties before I proceed. Buddy of mine with an automotive electrical shop will be coming over to check all the circuits
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/19/15 07:41 AM
Couple of more pics
Posted By: Hemiken
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/20/15 12:49 AM
This is a sweet build, looking amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/23/15 01:31 AM
Dash is pretty much done. Got the ebrake mechanism in place. Car is on the lift again for exhaust install, ebrake lines and generally tightening things up. Greasing the suspension and adding fluids to the rear end is also on the agenda.
Also the quarter windows are in. Side window mechanisms are next. More pics to follow tomorrow.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/23/15 01:05 PM
This is a sweet build, looking amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Yeah, what he said!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/24/15 04:38 AM
Here's the results of todays activities. Got the exahust a mocked up, not quite finished. I need to contact Accurate and get some hangers so I can get everything hung correctly.
Got the front sway bar on but not sure if its correct. I'll be sending some pics to Firm Feel asking for their advise.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/24/15 04:39 AM
Also got the calipers mounted. I'm waiting on soem new bolts. Probably have them Tuesday
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/24/15 04:41 AM
Sway bar doesn't look quite right
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/26/15 05:05 AM
Finished up the weekend instaLLING the new E brake cables
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/26/15 05:07 AM
Glad thats done. Now hook up the e-brake under the dash
Posted By: NV69B7RR
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/26/15 03:31 PM
Coming along nicely, great work so far! Looks like its getting close!!!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/26/15 08:21 PM
As soon as the side window are installed the inetrior is next.
Posted By: burdar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/26/15 09:10 PM
Sway bar doesn't look quite right
Looks like it's upside down. The hump at the front should be up, not down. The sway bar should go over the top of the K-member to rad support brace.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/27/15 05:08 AM
I have to agree. I haven't installed many so it's easy to get turned around.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/03/15 02:02 AM
Finished up the e-brake under the dash today and connected some more wiring. IU started connecting the heater cables as well. I need a chiropractor
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/03/15 02:06 AM
And a couple I forgot to post. The two of us old guys behind all this work
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/10/15 07:46 PM
It looks great. You've done a great job.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/10/15 08:58 PM
Thanks. I sometimes wish I had bought your 70 Swinger. Wonder what it would have looked like fully restored
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/12/15 05:55 AM
Here's this weeks update
Steering column finally in, wiring hooked up, mocked up steering wheel. The original is being restored
Awaiting the wingwindow guide seals the the slide glass goes in
I'll start checking all the circits to insure everything is connected electrically next week. Then if there's no problems where the dash has top come out the front and back glass goes in
Awaiting a plug n play dizzy from Firecore. I decided to go that way so I don't have a bunch of extra wiring to deal with. After that we fire the motor, take it out and seat the rings. After that it's all down hill
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/12/15 05:57 AM
Got the grill and finished up installing the bumper last weekend
Posted By: Darius
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/15/15 02:29 PM
Looking good John!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/16/15 03:20 AM
It's getting there. Got
the side windows in today
Posted By: basketcase
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/16/15 03:35 PM
great job
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/22/15 06:49 AM
The side windows and finally in and adjusted. Thanks to Neil and Nick
Got the ash tray in today however it needs some adjusting. Finally got two of the heater cables clipped on. What a PIA. note to self..... next time clip on the cables before mounting the box
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/22/15 06:50 AM
Two more pics
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 06/22/15 06:54 AM
Got the dizzy on Thursday so that will go in tomorrow
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/26/15 03:37 AM
Here's an update. I'm ready for the interior. The guys in the sjhop helped me with the side glass and the front and rear glass was installed week before last. My buddy Nick and Neal went ahead and installed the bumble bee stripe.
The carpet is layed out and ready for install. I'll need to install the oil and water temp gauges this weekend. I shout have the interior pretty much buttoned up this week. Then it's prime and fire the motor.I
.JPG "DSC05140 (1).JPG")
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/26/15 03:38 AM
A couple of more
.JPG "DSC05144 (1).JPG")
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/27/15 07:21 PM
Wow. You did a great job!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/28/15 04:40 AM
Wow. You did a great job!
Thanks. This will probably be my last one. They are fun to work on but my old bod screams after a dat on my knees or framed under the dash. Better to buy a good done car and make
small tweaks to personalize
Posted By: MuuMuu101
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/28/15 05:28 AM
Gosh, beautiful car. One of my first '68 Darts were Sunfire Yellow. I really liked it. The car was a 2-door post with a slant six, AC, and a black vinyl top. I sort of miss that car and often wonder where it is.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/28/15 08:12 PM
Wow. You did a great job!
Thanks. This will probably be my last one. They are fun to work on but my old bod screams after a dat on my knees or framed under the dash. Better to buy a good done car and make
small tweaks to personalize
I want to do an R/T, but we'll see. I'm just now getting the Bee driveable. Maybe that will give me something to keep my left foot occupied while I work on something else. But anyway, it really looks great!
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/29/15 06:04 AM
Wow. You did a great job!
Thanks. This will probably be my last one. They are fun to work on but my old bod screams after a dat on my knees or framed under the dash. Better to buy a good done car and make
small tweaks to personalize
I want to do an R/T, but we'll see. I'm just now getting the Bee driveable. Maybe that will give me something to keep my left foot occupied while I work on something else. But anyway, it really looks great!
Thanks.
Man, there's an M code Dart for sale on this site. Awfully tempting
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/29/15 03:41 PM
Wow. You did a great job!
Thanks. This will probably be my last one. They are fun to work on but my old bod screams after a dat on my knees or framed under the dash. Better to buy a good done car and make
small tweaks to personalize
I want to do an R/T, but we'll see. I'm just now getting the Bee driveable. Maybe that will give me something to keep my left foot occupied while I work on something else. But anyway, it really looks great!
Thanks.
Man, there's an M code Dart for sale on this site. Awfully tempting
If I had the bank, it would be in the garage.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/29/15 06:35 PM
Problem is there's not many in our hobby that would plunk down 58K for an A body even if it's an M code. he'd do better by running through the auction market. There's an upswing of interest there for former drag cars.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/29/15 07:47 PM
Problem is there's not many in our hobby that would plunk down 58K for an A body even if it's an M code. he'd do better by running through the auction market. There's an upswing of interest there for former drag cars.
Agreed.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/30/15 03:00 PM
Any recent pics of your 70. Just curious.
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/30/15 08:12 PM
It disappeared. I haven't seen or heard of it since I sold it.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 07/31/15 03:43 PM
Too bad
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/28/15 05:33 AM
Well, I was able to complete the car before heading down to Mesa. There's a few items that need to be tighened up but the major issues have been resolved. Hopefully I'll be back up the first of November to load the car up and bring it to it's new home.
Posted By: mattsmopars
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/28/15 07:38 PM
Your car turned out very well! You should be very proud of it and enjoy it.
Matt
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/28/15 09:17 PM
Is it just the picture or is the grille painted wrong?
I am partial to yeller Darts though...
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 09/29/15 05:13 AM
Is it just the picture or is the grille painted wrong?
I am partial to yeller Darts though...
No, it's the picture. I bought one of Vans grills. Pretty nice grill, just a few flaws. I get the finish panel back this week. Had an outfit in San Clemente, CA do the work.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/12/15 06:57 PM
I picked up the original spare and wheel last week. I also got back the finish panel. Haven't opened the box yet
If you noticed the mars in the paint it appears the original owner may have tried to place a hubcap on the wheel. Given the mars in the paint he may have tried to put an original simulated mag cover. Who knows
The car originally came with steel wheels. At one time the car had Keystones.
The guy that I got the wheel from has the sister GTS to mine. When he bought the car he found the yellow wheel in the trunk.
The two Darts, the blue and yellow were owned by a brother and sister. We think the blue car had a flat and the brother put his yellow spare on the car. When they fixed the original wheel they just put the yellow spare back in the trunk.
Unfortunately when I got the car it had SBP rally wheels so no telling where the original wheels went
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/12/15 07:27 PM
Here's the tail panel. Overall they did a good job considering the condition of the panel. Theres a couple of small flaws which I was already aware of. If they would of worked those any more they may of had to deal with a big mess gGven I didn't have a spare in case the original was too far gone. That salt air really wreaks aluminum
Posted By: burdar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/12/15 10:54 PM
Is it just the picture or is the grille painted wrong?
The pictures do look like the grill is painted like a base model. The GT and GTS grills are mostly black. It would be an easy fix though.
Hamtramck-historical...
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1968/68_Dart0007.jpgHere's my convertible when I bought it. Some of the grill paint has been worn away but you can see it's mostly black. There are four rectangular sections along with the center horizontal area that are bare.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/13/15 04:21 AM
Yy
Is it just the picture or is the grille painted wrong?
The pictures do look like the grill is painted like a base model. The GT and GTS grills are mostly black. It would be an easy fix though.
Hamtramck-historical...
http://www.hamtramck-historical.com/images/dealerships/DealershipDataBook/1968/68_Dart0007.jpgHere's my convertible when I bought it. Some of the grill paint has been worn away but you can see it's mostly black. There are four rectangular sections along with the center horizontal area that are bare.
That pic was taken from my I phone. There's better pics if you scroll up.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/14/15 04:40 AM
Spent a little time this evening cleaning up the spare. Turned out pretty nice.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/13/15 06:52 AM
Well, made the trip up to Yakganistan to fetch the GTS last week. Pretty uneventfull with the exception of running into snow in Ely nevada. Pretty much did some final things and loaded it up. Got back last night and unloaded this morning
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/13/15 06:54 AM
TA-DA!!!!!
Thanks to Nick and his crew (Neal, Ely) at B&B Auto Restorations for getting the car ready for me to pickup
Posted By: OhioMopar
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/13/15 08:24 PM
Nice...
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/23/17 03:44 AM
Well, it's been awhile since I last posted on the car. When I got it down here in 2015 it wasn't quite finished. The only major mechanical things in the works were a rear and axle change along with some others odds and ends. Have the restored wiper motor in as well as the restored Wiper arms and blades
So, last week I finished the rear and axle swap. Now running brand new axles and a complete fresh 741 case with 3.55s
While driving down the road I noticed a wing window fuzzies were missing. I dug up my old assembly list and apparently I ordered them but they were on back order. Dug all through my stuff and came up empty. So I'll have to place an order this week.
In the meantime I need to put some miles on the car. I've been to several cruise-ins with the car and getiing a lot of compliments
Posted By: Tempest
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/25/17 01:52 PM
Love that color!
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 10/25/17 02:06 PM
Vans grille is painted as a low-line Dart would have. You need to repaint it to make it a GT/GTS grille, headlight bezels also.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/12/17 06:36 PM
Vans grille is painted as a low-line Dart would have. You need to repaint it to make it a GT/GTS grille, headlight bezels also.
Jim, do you have a pic I can use as an example?
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 11/12/17 06:43 PM
Well the saga goes on. I decided to do a front to rear assessment of everything that I may of missed when doing the car. As some of you know I made a 1500 mile move to Mesa, AZ several years ago and at the time the car wasn't quite finished.
Anyway, I had this exhaust tick that was just nagging me so I decided to deal with that. Major problem with that. That's posted on another thread.
So, after going back over the car I made a list of nit noir things I need to do. Of course I am addressing the exhaust manifold problem. I may have a positive solution to that in a few days. Thanks moparpollack for talking me into going to the Pavillions yesterday.
Posted By: Big Squeeze
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/21/18 11:34 PM
A friend of mine sent me a pic of your car while he was at Spring Fling....
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/25/18 07:14 PM
A friend of mine sent me a pic of your car while he was at Spring Fling....
Springfling is the first time I've had the car at a judged show. Since m last post I've pretty much addressed all the things that were not completed on the car. Drove the car all around the van Nuys area that weekend. Did the Friday Malibu cruise. Car didn't miss a beat. The 3.55s worked well and with the change over from the Firecore to the MP ignition the car runs tip top. One small issue is the temp at idle. Seems the temp creeps up in traffic. I'm thinking a clutch fan will help with that. Now, finding a clutch with the short shaft is the current challenge.
Posted By: cdstl
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/27/18 09:54 AM
We put this clutch fan into my son's Duster. We had installed a Champion radiator and this was necessary. Gave us a good 1/2" clearance.
Clutch fan
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 04/28/18 07:38 PM
Man, exactly what I was looking for. That looks like it will work.
Thanks a bunch
Posted By: Rhinodart
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/15/18 04:35 PM
Is it just the picture or is the grille painted wrong?
I am partial to yeller Darts though...
No, it's the picture. I bought one of Vans grills. Pretty nice grill, just a few flaws. I get the finish panel back this week. Had an outfit in San Clemente, CA do the work.
Vans grilles and headlight bezels are painted for the lowline Dart and Dart 270, the GT and GTS grille is painted like this:
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 05/19/18 12:52 AM
Thanks guys for keeping this thread alive. Well, its going on 3 years since I've been in the valley of the Phoenix. Have a new shop up, all wired and ready to do some other things down the road.
The car has been pretty much been shaken down. There are a few things I still need to address. Pretty much the only miles on this car been local cruse ins. Mostly freeway miles and some stop and go. Still working on addressing the water temp issue. I think though I have that pretty much licked. Took the car to Springfling last month. Drove it on the cruise in LA traffic. With the Bilstein shocks the roads there beat the crap out of the car so I've been tightening loose hardware for the past several weeks. I like the Bilsteins in that they give a little better feel going around corners in this car. Never had an issue on the roads here because they are well maintained but the LA roads are really bad.
Before leaving I took the car into a local shop and had the motor flushed. Cleaned out a lot of garbage, mostly residue from the machining process. The car ran cool except when I had to idle in traffic lot. Temp tended to creep up above 200 but when in neutral I would bring the "Rs" up and it kept the temps down. I figured a clutch fan would help with that.
Put the clutch fan in last week so that should solve the idle temps. I also decided against adding a remote mirror. just didn't want to drill a hole in the door for the switch so I bought some new poverty mirrors which I'm installing. The car originally came with just the one mirror but I deviated from originality and added the passenger mirror before the car was painted. I like having that passenger mirror.
As far as the grill, been thinking about what Jim said. When the temps drop this fall I'll be pulling off the grill and detailing it out so that its correct. Too hot in the summer to do that.
No matter how much you work on these things they are never really done.
If also attached some more back in the day pictures of the car. circa 1979.
Posted By: dart4forte
Re: 1968 GTS 383 - 12/26/18 06:22 PM
Little behind in updates
Finally broke the code on the temp issue. I’m using a Flowcooler pump. At the Goodguys in November I parked next to Belvedere1. He was telling me he had the same problem. Used the Flowcooler as well. He figured it out. Have to use a high flow thermostat. The Orielys Tstats dont cut it. Ordered a Highflowfrom Summit and installed it.
So far, the temps stay in the 160 - 180 range however it’s been cold lately so Illhave to wait until it starts warming up to get a good idea if that solves the problem.
