Fixing what wasn’t broken

[62Dart440]

Last year I had to change the starter on the dart, while doing this I noticed the torsion bar adjustment tang was shiny on the end, like it was rubbing the frame. The front end probably needed some attention, and this new discovery made the decision for me. I now have the left side completely disassembled, parts degreased, and waiting the get cleaned in the blasting cabinet. It took a little cutting with the cutoff wheel to get the upper control arm out. The lower ball joint is junk, it really drove well no issues with the steering, but I’m sure it was going to be a problem soon. The upper on the left was changed at some point, the right is original as far as I can tell.

 

[gdrill]

Darn shiny spots!

Good thing you paid attention.

 

[62Dart440]

Well, actually I drove it probably 10-12 times over the summer, but I had no issues. Thankfully! All the rubber is shot, the rear leaf springs are on order from ESPO Springs and Things and they have been a great help.

 

[Darter6]

Good thing you paid attention.

I'll say ! 9 out of 10 Mopars look the same as yours after 50 years.

 

[Cheapsunglasses]

 

[Don Frelier]

I am a little surprised you weren't able to get the cam bolts out.

 

[squirrelcorker]

I just love finding problems to fix

 

[62Dart440]

I am a little surprised you weren't able to get the cam bolts out.

They came out easily once I cut them in half, I think the vibrations knocked all the rust out and they basically fell out. I have new ones. This car probably doesn’t have 1000 miles on the street since 1969, but it was raced 3-5 nights a week 1970-1974. Left backing plate cleaned up well, I’ll get pics soon. This is good practice, I have a 67 charger that needs the same.

 

[62Dart440]

Pics after cleaning, didn‘t know pivot pins were knurled

 

[62Dart440]

Got most of the left front stuff laid out. Waiting for LCA stiffening plates, and had to media blast wheel cylinder. Paint stripper worked wonders on the torsion bar and the strut rod.

 

[62Dart440]

Everything ready to install definitely more time consuming that I thought.

 

[62Dart440]

Lowers and bars are in

 

[62Dart440]

Left side closer

 

[62Dart440]

Finally done. Off to alignment shop, that was fun, had to “borrow” a set of wheels to do the alignment, YUCK! see pics.