Hey everyone, I bought a 66 Dart a few weeks ago and I'm trying to figure out what I would like to do with the car. I drive it everyday to work 3.5 miles and to run errands. I have another vehicle (Turbo Subaru Forester) but this is my main car.

Anyways, it's my first classic and I have a lot of questions about "do's" and "dont's"

First, here is a picture of her. (hope the picture works)


There is a little rust on both sides of the rear quarter panels but other than that and some dents it not in too bad shape. I got a steal on the car so I don't feel too bad about modifying it. First thing I wanted to do was put a new stereo system in it (nothing ridiculous!) but the guy at Best Buy asked me why I would rip apart a classic with a nice interior... It got me thinking about what I should/shouldn't do.

So my first question, should I preserve the interior/radio & 1-speaker and leave it or put some speakers in? Do I have any other options?

I really can't live without music. Even as a 30-year old, it makes me feel good while driving. While the AM radio is nostalgic, its annoying listening to Talk radio and the 1 oldies station that comes in. I don't plan on restoring car and the only plans I really have are to put the speakers in and replace the wheels. I would ideally like to leave the radio like it is and put a CD/ipod head unit on bottom/underneath of dash... But as far as the speakers go, would it be a total waste to put the speakers in the front doors and on the rear deck behind the seat? I can see speaker holes when I look in trunk, but I guess this model didn't come with them? They look like they could possibly fit 6x9s?

Issue 2: wheels and tires....

Am I correct that the bolt pattern is 5 x 4.0 "?? I am really having difficulty finding aftermarket wheels in this size. Additionally, when I do find wheels in that bolt pattern, I have no idea what the offset is and what will work or wont work.

Issue 3: The engine....

First and foremost, everything is running great with exception of having a leak from radiatior. Just noticed it when I parked at work. Few drips after stopping. Has gone through about half of reservoir in 2 weeks. Is this something that can be fixed? Or are there any OEM replacement radiators available? Anything better that's not too expensive?

I would also like to clean/dress up the engine but I have no idea what I'm doing and would just like some general input on the subject.

Issue 4: Replacement trim/parts? Like I said, most of the stuff looks awesome and in its original condition, but on the trunk, the silver trim/strip that runs from tail light to tail light is dented... Looks like someone bumped it or the car way backed into something. Its the biggest eye sore on the car. Do they make replacements or am I at the mercy of trying to locate one?

If anyone has any input on wheels, the stereo, modifying the car, headlight/taillight conversion, or anything else. I would like some opinions. I'm totally new to this. I have no idea what the car is worth or how much I want to spend. I do know that I don't have the time/money to try and fully restore it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

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1966 Dodge Dart 270

Welcome!

Looks like a great car. Some partial answers to your questions:

I would find a stereo deck from the 80s-90s to fit in the stock opening, OR mount a later unit inside your glovebox or under the dash and use a remote. 6x9s will fit in the rear deck openings (up to 3!). I am personally looking for something that would plug into an ipod that is just a little amplifier/receiver unit that would run 6X9s. I have a CD changer in the trunk of my 68 Dart that has worked well for 12+ yrs that runs through a 1989 vintage Radio Shack tape deck...

OEM radiators are available for around $200-300, or $400 or so for a really nice aluminum one. You can also likely fix the original by finding a dedicated radiator specialty shop.

Trim parts: Go through Ebay or this site "parts wanted." Used is the only way for parts like that.

Wheels: 5X4.0" yep. You might still find 14X7s with 4 to 4.5" backspacing, but 14" tires are getting scarce. For my money and peace of mind, I would convert to 5X4.5" bolt circle in front with a disc brake kit, and rear with a later 7.25" axle, or Ford 8" axle from a Granada or Maverick (5 lug units). Then you can go to 15" or 16" or even 17" wheels and tires of many, many variants. This is huge can of worms, so maybe wait a while.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

welcome to the board! if you haven't already tracked one down, the factory service manual will be incredibly helpful with year specific details and are worth the price! haynes are cheaper, but not as much info, not as specific, and not as accurate. good luck!

Welcome on the board!

The first thing to do is to get the three books described in this thread.

Please see this post; everything in it applies to your car even though the linked post refers to a wagon and yours is a sedan. Think carefully about the order in which you do upgrades -- there's stuff much more important than speakers. Life-safety stuff.

Once you get to speakers, you can put in new kickpanels (under the dash, forward of the front doors) that have speaker mounts built in, that way you don't have to chop up the door panels. Yes, there are already cutouts for 6x9s on the back package tray underneath the trim panel (and new trim panels are easy to get, so you don't have to hesitate to cut it for speakers if you want).

Go to a radiator shop and see what their diagnosis is with regard to your leak; it may just be a minor solder repair needed.

Hard trim parts are "go fish", you'll have to find good used ones. Soft trim is easier; see here.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

If it were mine I would handle the Radiator first. if you cant find a shop to repair yours, save it and call 1800-Radiator 1-800-723-4286 or a place like that if your local parts house cant get you one.. They may have something that will work for now. If it is a direct bolt in get it now and worry about an exact replacement later.

The stereo is easy. Take out your rear package tray and install some 6*9's.
Cut out a new package tray from something else and paint or cover it. Unless the package tray is already beat up then just cut and cover. Be on the lookout for some door panels or kick panels with some holes already cut or purchase a set from the gentleman on this form who modifies the stock kick panels and makes them look better then factory.

Install a small amp and a lead to hook a I-Pod or M-p3 player. Run the lead to your seat or Sun Visor.

Just my opinion but take care of the cooling system first and since the Radiator is leaking consider replacing the hoses , coolant and thermostat.

Have fun.

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Fast is fine but accuracy is final. You have to learn to take your time ... in a hurry
- Wyatt Earp

Great Car! Great color! I would handle all the mechanical issues(radiator...etc) First.
Then the body work. and creature comforts last.(Radio, Ipod hook-up...)

Welcome to the board!

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1964 Dart GT

Great car!

Another option for stereo sound is an adapter plate that allows you to mount 2 speakers in place of the single speaker currently in your dash. I don't recall who makes it, but it's out there somewhere. These wont sound as good as a pair of 6x9s in the back, but you won't have to cut anything, either.

My personal opinion is to avoid the iPod solution. I say that because I'm one of those guys who has to constantly fiddle with his iPod... Which would mean taking my eyes off the road to do so! Not good in any car, much less a classic car like this one.

Have you considered adding shoulder belts? It's a good idea.

A front disc brake upgrade is also a good idea... You may have noticed that your Subaru is much better in the braking dept than your Dart! 1966 Mopar brakes were just plain mediocre. If it's going to be a regular ride, change those brakes!

- Mac

Welcome to the board.

As Dan hinted, perhaps a brake upgrade to dual master cylinder and front disks would be a big bank for the safety buck, along with cooling system work. You will be daily driving this car in traffic that can stop in a much shorter distance than your half century old relic could never come close to when new.

Check out radiator dot com.

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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

TrailMix

The 66 Dart was a one year only for the trim packages, grill, headlight doors, and tail lights. Interior dash components are also 66 only. Therefore, if the interior radio bezel is still original, I would recommend that you leave it alone ! It's getting harder to find replacement trim parts for both exterior and interior. I put my after market stereo in the glove box.

Check Ebay weekly for the trunk panel trim or any other trim pieces you may need or want !

66Dart

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Original unmodified appearance + AM/FM/Line-in (for MP3 etc.): see here

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Cool! I missed that one...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Leave it stock! For info on wheels Summit has Period Cragar's tell them they are for MoPar small bolt pattern they are available in 14s, in 6",7" and 8" inch widths. Summit racing.com I think. That's where I bought mine.

What size wheels did you buy from Summit and what year model car did they go on mine is a 64 Dart GT........

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1964 Dodge Dart 270 four door. Three speed automatic 225 Slant with a Carter BBS carb.