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1976 Dodge Dart Lite
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67973		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  hyper_pak [ Sun Nov 03, 2024 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  1976 Dodge Dart Lite
I said I would never do another car, but I do like Feather Dusters and Dart Lite cars.
I posted some parts for sale on Racing Junk, I searched Slant Six, and this showed up.
A Dart Lite.
Car has been sitting for 10 or 15 years.
He had owned it for around 30 years.
It's complete, virtually rust free.
He was moving and if the car was not gone by the end of November it would be Crushed.
So with Tulsa canned, we went to Phoenix last week and dragged it out of the ground.
It was buried to the sills on four flat tires.
It's got some dents, it needs a complete refresh, but all the Lite parts are there.
4 Speed.
Thanks to Deb and Paul we got it done.
2200 miles round trip.
Years ago and as found last week.

Attachments:
Dart Lite 01 s.JPG
Dart Lite 01 s.JPG [ 60.8 KiB | Viewed 692 times ]
As Found s.JPG
As Found s.JPG [ 70.62 KiB | Viewed 692 times ]
Author:  Reed [ Sun Nov 03, 2024 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
CooL! Sounds like a fun project.
Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 3:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
I know hardly anything about a Dart Lite except they are somehow lighter.

I do know that the passenger-side fender is a one-year-only part due to the antenna being shared with the F body and the Parking Brake mechanism also was shared with FJM Bodies—it changed to a foot pedal rachet in 1976. 1975 was the last year in A-bodies for the hand brake under the dash.


Enjoy your car!
Author:  Team Green [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 4:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Looks like a neat project. I always likes that stripe package.
Did some of those have a fold down back seat or was that option in '73 or '74?
So is "The Colt" going to be for sale?
Asking for a friend.

Jr.
Author:  hyper_pak [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Quote:
I know hardly anything about a Dart Lite except they are somehow lighter.

I do know that the passenger-side fender is a one-year-only part due to the antenna being shared with the F body and the Parking Brake mechanism also was shared with FJM Bodies—it changed to a foot pedal rachet in 1976. 1975 was the last year in A-bodies for the hand brake under the dash.


Enjoy your car!
Thanks Greg, I did not know that.
Author:  hyper_pak [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Quote:
Looks like a neat project. I always likes that stripe package.
Did some of those have a fold down back seat or was that option in '73 or '74?
So is "The Colt" going to be for sale?
Asking for a friend.

Jr.
Thanks Jr.
This one has the fold down rear seat, not sure if it is original or has been changed.
"The Colt" is not for sale.
The reasons for the Lite are many, but not to take the place of "The Colt".
Sucks Tulsa got canned, I was looking forward to it.
I had a feeling weather would play a factor, never expected the manager to get sick.
Author:  Greg Ondayko [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
I know a fold-down rear seat was available in '74 possibly '73 with the window regulator (on the hardtop doors) changes and other design changes involved with the K frame.

I also think the fold-down seat was available through '76 but probably not on the Dart Lite due to the weight of the extra bracing and mechanisms would have added.

Greg
Author:  hyper_pak [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 7:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
I have heard of quite a few possible combinations.
Air Conditioning and Power Steering could be ordered.
Lots of things to look at after I get it unloaded.
It's still in the trailer.
PO didn't have the keys so the wheels are turned and it won't come out easy.
It didn't go in easy either.
Author:  hyper_pak [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
In the factory brochure for the '76 Dodge Dart there is a "Fold-Down Rear Seat Package" (Dart Sport).
Also listed is the "Dart "Lite" Fuel Economy Package" (Dart Sport).
Also an "Overdrive Decor Package", (Dart Sport with "Lite" Fuel Economy Package").
It consists of Trunk mat and spare tire cover, Bumper fillers, Rear wheelhouse deadener, Wheel-lip mouldings.
Why they tie that stuff to the Fuel Economy Package is a mystery to me!


Here is my first walk around Video on the Lite in Phoenix.
At this point, my video support team (Deb) was saying, "Oh My God!"

https://youtu.be/DWI4kiTDIqo
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 8:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
You need another car to do 6000 rpm clutch dumps! :D :D

Cool car Stan. I never understood why they were available in autos. With the gearing they ran they would be dogs for sure. You should be able to get close to 30mpg with a light foot.
Author:  slantzilla [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Congrats on the new money pit Stan!

I parted out a Feather Duster years ago. It was an auto. Never had it running, it was rotten to the core. We saved the hood and ddcklid. It was also manual steering and manual disc brakes.

IIRC, they had a special aluminum intake and a distributor with a special curve. Other than the engine, any option available on a Duster/Dart was available on a Feather/Lite.

The fold down seat is pretty cool.
Author:  hyper_pak [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Thanks guys
No clutch dumps, the ittbitty rear is toast right now.
I did some work on it in the trailer today.
Can't get in the trunk yet, none of my keys fit.
The rear seat deal is simple and there is no bracing so I think it is a wash.
I got the steering wheel off and blocked the lock mechanism so I can turn the wheel now.
Rob if you have an 8 3/4 rear, bring it with you.
Plus I turned the engine using the fan belt, it's not frozen!

Some one in NE wants to buy the car.
10K would take it.
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon Nov 04, 2024 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Turn on your Dart Lite!
Author:  Rick Covalt [ Tue Nov 05, 2024 5:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Quote:
10K would take it.
Sold! :D :D
Author:  hyper_pak [ Tue Nov 05, 2024 6:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1976 Dodge Dart Lite
Here is another Video.

Turns out I had communicated with Jamie in 1997 about his Lite.

He didn't know I was coming to buy it 25 plus years later.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_FcM29Ei50&t=1s
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