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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: Shoozy]
#1267580
02/02/14 12:33 AM
02/02/14 12:33 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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I'm starting to make plans for the next step of the build (hopefully this summer). I just want to wait till I start my internship before I actually start ordering parts and such just so I know I've got some money coming in. I definitely need a suspension rebuild but don't know what parts to go with. I'm split between MOOG or PST. I'd like something suited for better handling. I was also thinking about getting T-bars from Firm Feel (probably a 1.06 or should I dare to go bigger?) and leaf springs while switching out the diff. Only thing is I don't know much about who sells good leaf springs. I'd like something to lower the car a bit and offer good handling. So far I know of Hotchkis, but I'm curious as to what other options there are. I know you can buy lowering shackles, correct? I was also looking at probably purchasing this tool set from Mancini as I'd like to try doing the suspension on my own. I just don't know what else I'd need. http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/unfrsuprotok.htmlI've also watched a couple videos on youtube about taking apart the front end on an A-body; however, they had the engine out of the car. I'm not sure if I'll be able to replace the 273 this summer. I'd like to go with a mild/stock 360 for simplicities sake. I don't know if I'm getting too ahead of myself, but that's what I'd like to do. I won't be able to get to brakes, wheels, and tires for another year or so, I'd think.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267581
02/16/14 07:44 PM
02/16/14 07:44 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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A little bit of an update. I've been driving the car around and starting to film gopro videos in it for a potential Youtube channel. It's something new I'm trying. I'd like to influence more people into the car culture as well as just throw out my opinion on cars. It's been a lot of fun and my cruises generally last a little longer than usual when I'm filming.  Anyways, I just filed for taxes yesterday and since I'm a student, I should be getting a fat amount of cash from the IRS in my bank account soon. That being said, after Spring Fling, the car is going to come apart and get the upgrades it needs. Things I'm looking into are a Hotchkis TVS (although I won't be able to use the UCA's just yet), 1.06" T-bars from Firm Feel, a suspension rebuild with MOOG parts from rockauto, and a HF welder and jack (to learn to weld, make subframe connectors, weld the K-frame, and weld on some tabs here and there). With those, I should still have a little cash left over from my tax refund so I'm thinking about replacing the 273 with a junkyard 360. Maybe (and that's a big maybe), I may add in a Borgeson Box (mostly coming out of my pocket) since everything will be out of the car anyways. I'll be swapping the 7 1/4 for my 8 3/4 when the springs go in. However, with all those mods I'm going to need a new exhaust and other trinkets here and there I know I'm not accounting for. I do have thoughts of potentially doing a simple, junkyard Chinese turbo build too.  I don't want to get too carried away here, though. It's going to be a very steep learning curve but I've always got you guys to help, right?  Anyways, here's a picture of me and the Dart on Valentine's Day as I couldn't get a date... 
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: 68KillerBee]
#1267585
02/20/14 07:47 PM
02/20/14 07:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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Quote:
remember not to get too carried away. When you take it apart too far and can't enjoy it after an upgrade, that's when frustration and loss of interest sets in. Damhik..
That's the one thing I'm worried about; however, some modifications just seem silly to do if I don't do it as a whole. Like, if I swap out rear leafs, I might as well throw in the better diff. Or, if I'm going to take the front end and suspension apart for a rebuild, I might as well replace the engine while I'm at it. If I enjoy it how it is now, I guess it can't be that much worse after my upgrades.
Quote:
Glad to see you sticking with the car. Sounds like you're going on the right path career wise and will be able to afford some cool upgrades to the car. AND you are thinking ahead with other upgrades that will be necessary when changing out other stuff. I'm building a stroker motor and have thought hard about doing it as I know I will need to beef up the clutch, trans, brakes, and rear end if I put sticky tires on. But then I think about adding the passon 5 speed, the snowball effect is a PITA!
Keep up the good work and let all future dates know what has seniority over them, hah. 
Yeah, I've been looking on CL at some 360 engines. I don't want anything crazy but it seems that used Magnum engines pop up for about $500. I'm still thinking about the turbo thing. It doesn't seem too complicated and expensive but it will just be extra work. I just don't want to do work twice. I talked to [Email]Dan@Hotchkis[/Email] and he said I can order a TVS with the small upper ball joints so I can use my current KH setup and swap the ball joints when I change to bbp. On top of that they also have LCA bushings and the heim joint boots so I won't need anything from Rockauto, I can get it all from 1 company. The Passon 5-speed... I've been thinking about putting my name on that list after I graduate. 
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267586
03/20/14 06:28 PM
03/20/14 06:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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Well, I just got off the phone with my dad. My bank account is going to take a small hit today, I'm going to be purchasing the Hotchkis TVS, greasable pins and lca bushings, and subframe connectors for the Dart. I'm going to save the UCA's in my garage for now and just go with the offset bushings as I still have the small ball joints. I'm also going to give Firm Feel a call and purchase some 1.06" T-bars. Lastly, I'm going to be getting new shoes and a drum hardware kit for my 8 3/4, buy some tools from Harbor freight when it arrives and fix that up myself during Spring Break next week in between my work days. Honestly, I'm not going to have much time to work on the Dart so after Spring Fling I'm going to send it all down to my mechanics and have them install the setup. While they're at it, I was thinking about having them look into the compression problems and cleaning up all the grease then sending it to an exhaust shop for a simple dual exhaust. My dad on the other hand told me to "hand him the specs" on the engine I want so he can purchase a complete engine or long block. I'm not sure I want to go that route as I know not much interchanges between a 273 and 360. Plus I'm going to need a much better exhaust after that's done. I don't know, I've been planning this for awhile and kind of anxious as I don't know what to expect. Sure, it's a shame I won't be able to work on it much, but I figure there will always be other modifications I'm going to want to do in the future.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267587
03/20/14 08:12 PM
03/20/14 08:12 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15,126
85086
moparpollack
Lil Herman
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Lil Herman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 15,126
85086
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Quote:
Well, I just got off the phone with my dad. My bank account is going to take a small hit today, I'm going to be purchasing the Hotchkis TVS, greasable pins and lca bushings, and subframe connectors for the Dart. I'm going to save the UCA's in my garage for now and just go with the offset bushings as I still have the small ball joints. I'm also going to give Firm Feel a call and purchase some 1.06" T-bars. Lastly, I'm going to be getting new shoes and a drum hardware kit for my 8 3/4, buy some tools from Harbor freight when it arrives and fix that up myself during Spring Break next week in between my work days.
Honestly, I'm not going to have much time to work on the Dart so after Spring Fling I'm going to send it all down to my mechanics and have them install the setup. While they're at it, I was thinking about having them look into the compression problems and cleaning up all the grease then sending it to an exhaust shop for a simple dual exhaust. My dad on the other hand told me to "hand him the specs" on the engine I want so he can purchase a complete engine or long block. I'm not sure I want to go that route as I know not much interchanges between a 273 and 360. Plus I'm going to need a much better exhaust after that's done.
I don't know, I've been planning this for awhile and kind of anxious as I don't know what to expect. Sure, it's a shame I won't be able to work on it much, but I figure there will always be other modifications I'm going to want to do in the future.
Why the greaseable bushings and pins?
56 Plaza 63 D100 step side 67 Coronet, 68 Roadrunner, 69 Super Bees, 69 Coronet 500 convertible, 70 Roadrunner Post, 79 D150 360, and a severe case of Mopar a,d,d
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: moparpollack]
#1267588
03/20/14 11:22 PM
03/20/14 11:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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Quote:
Why the greaseable bushings and pins?
The bushings are a little more performance oriented (mine are pretty much gone) and the pins make it easier to grease so they don't squeak as much.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267591
03/21/14 03:41 PM
03/21/14 03:41 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,797
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,797
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
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Nice! That thing should handle well!
1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
1999 Dodge Dakota R/T RC
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: OhioMopar]
#1267592
03/21/14 03:59 PM
03/21/14 03:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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Quote:
Nice! That thing should handle well!
T-bars should be shipped today. I'm assuming Rockauto will ship my brake stuff on Monday. So I should have everything by the end of next week at the latest. I was shocked... I almost want to take my Dart to the mechanics now and say, "Get started, I need it by April 4 for Spring Fling." But I think that would be too much work.
I also just checked my 8 3/4 there seems to be no play in the yoke which is good. I'm probably going to start cleaning the grease off of it as I'm getting bored at home with nothing to do.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: Sneke_Eyez]
#1267594
03/24/14 11:38 PM
03/24/14 11:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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Quote:
Sweet! I would be geeked out if I had that setup sitting in boxes waiting for my car! I want a TVS for my Coronet so badly!
Your Dart project is awesome and I have enjoyed keeping up with it.
I can't wait to see what that TVS will do for it!
I'm definitely curious how the car is going behave with the stock wheels and brakes. I have a feeling it's going to better the ride in cruising but once I try to take it to some hard turning the tires will break loose. It really makes me want to go ahead with bbp, 18" wheels, and large disc brakes. I just need more time and money (don't we all?). 
I don't know what I'm going to do about my final drivetrain through. I've been trying to find a good, running 360 to throw in there but that's been a little difficult. I definitely would like to go with boost. I'm not sure if I want to do that with a 360 or throw in something else. EFI would be nice.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267596
03/27/14 04:17 PM
03/27/14 04:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
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So I didn't realize it but there was more Hotchkis parts that came in on Wednesday, so I'm super excited about that. Also, my brake rebuild kit, new shoes, and wheel cylinders arrived so I may head on over to HF and pick up some drum brake tools. I'm probably going to start by degreasing the diff first. Then, if I have time today, start the rebuild. One thing I noticed is I didn't realize that each shoe kit comes with shoes for both sides so now I have an extra set I know I won't end up using unless my brake upgrade is held off longer.
I also ordered some windshield wiper refills from rockauto and am extremely disappointed with the brand I got. First off, the quality of the blades and packaging sucked. I ordered 15" refills and although the package says they're 15", they were more like 13". Finding rifills is extremely difficult. My friend at the cruise may give me his for a 16" and I may just have to cut it down to size. Mine are extremely old and are ripping apart. I guess you get what you pay for.
O, and I don't know what happened to Firm Feel. I ordered my T-bars a week ago and Dick said he had them in stock and they should be shipped last Friday. They sent me an unofficial invoice (no shipping) and then nothing. Nothing's been charged on my account and I checked with my bank and they said there were no restrictions on my card (I made like 4 purchases that day, Firm Feel being the last). I called earlier today but they were busy so I sent them an email.
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1267597
03/29/14 09:49 AM
03/29/14 09:49 AM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,797
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar
master
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master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,797
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
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I wasn't really very impressed with Rockauto stuff, either. I was going with them to try to do my car inexpensively, then I went out and bougt an expensive disk brake setup and a bunch of stainless lines and my budget was shot to he!! . Oops.
1969 Dart GTS 340
1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96
1999 Dodge Dakota R/T RC
2015 Dodge Dart GT
2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn
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Re: MuuMuu's 68 Dart... It's a Learning Process...
[Re: OhioMopar]
#1267598
03/29/14 02:01 PM
03/29/14 02:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
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OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
I wasn't really very impressed with Rockauto stuff, either. I was going with them to try to do my car inexpensively, then I went out and bougt an expensive disk brake setup and a bunch of stainless lines and my budget was shot to he!! . Oops.
I like getting stuff from them because usually I'm in class or at work when the parts stores are open. So it's easier for me to buy them and have them shipped to my house. Plus, every time I go to the parts stores, they almost always don't have my parts and rockauto ends up having them (usually cheaper even after shipping).
Anyways, Thursday I spent a good amount of time with a wire brush scraping off all the old grease and dirt off the 8 3/4 rear end. It's starting to look pretty nice now. I also bought drum brake tools so I'll post pics of everything after I finish the brakes up.
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