Hey guys! I recently reacquired my old Dart and am hoping to get it back in good shape. I was forced to sell it 4 years ago to a good friend and after the brakes went out on him he neglected it and let it sit for 3 years. I bought it back in march and had the brakes redone (new master cylinder,lines, etc) at a shop so its back on the road but still not running as smooth as I would like. I don't have much mechanical knowledge beyond the basics but I have a factory service manual and a copy of Stockel Auto Mechanics Fundamentals. With these two books and the wealth of knowledge on this forum and elsewhere on the internet I hope to increase the life of this old car.
Its a 67 Dart 270 auto with a 225 six that has 55k original miles. The main problems I have noticed are rough starting, oil in the air cleaner, poor fuel economy and sketchy handling around corners. I realize this post is pretty vague but I was just looking to reintroduce myself and hoping people could suggest some relatively easy improvements I could make to help me get comfortable with engine work.
Thanks!

Check the choke "pull-off" on the carb and replace if it does not hold vacuum.
I would also check the valve lash.
DD

Bigger wheels and tires are a good next step. What size are on it now?

Sam

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Suspension restoration will make a big difference in the way your car rides and handles. Up grading to stiffer torsion bars and rear springs cost the same as stock, and new bushings would make a huge difference. Adding a front anti sway bar will help her from keeling over on the rocker panels in turns.

Rebuilding the steering gear is a more costly item, but necessary if it is worn along with ball joints and other steering components.

My 67 was a flopping mess when I got it in "08". After completing the above repairs, and installing stiffer T Bars & rear springs she handles like a modern car, corners flat, no nose dive under hard braking, tracks well in corners, and is a delight to drive.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC