Project SCUD - 1969 Dodge Dart

[FRENCHBLUE72]

You guys got an incredable amount of work done..

[Bjkadron]

I was already considering doing that Benjamin. No problem to do that. Thanks for the affirmation.

That is how I plan to do mine... but it is looking like you'll get yours done first...

[rfalker1]

Hey Will, it was a pleasure meeting you!!! Hope you had a great time and are having a better time in Paris. Now back to the board

[Gandalf]

Am diggin' this build big-time man! Keep 'em coming!

G.

[wellis77]

What are the plans for the hood? Are you living it the way it is or are you going to put some grill work in the openings?
That hood is so cool!

There are screens available but I'm not sold on them yet. Not sure if a screen or grill will end up there or not.

[wellis77]

Hey Will, it was a pleasure meeting you!!! Hope you had a great time and are having a better time in Paris. Now back to the board

Thanks Randall, it was great meeting you as well. We had an awesome time in Paris and both of us enjoyed the ball-game, thanks again.

[chopsmitty]

Nice work Will. Your determination, careful research and talents should be admired by everyone on this board. If I'm not in Hawaii, I'll see ya next X-mas!

[wellis77]

Thanks Greg. If you do end up i Hawaii, maybe you WILL see me at X-mas next year. I don't know, seems like a great place to spend X-mas, and I REALLY want to surf in the ocean... haha

[jc70chevy]

once a gain on of my favorite builds

[wellis77]

Thanks a bunch jc. I was really hoping to get a bit more finished so I could send off for bodywork, floors, etc, but I'm not going to rush things just to keep it moving.

[rfalker1]

thanks a bunch jc. I was really hoping to get a bit more finished so i could send off for bodywork, floors, etc, but i'm not going to rush things just to keep it moving.

come on body shop!!!!!!!

[DTM]

subscribed! very cool car!!

[wellis77]

Thanks DTM! I appreciate that considering what I've seen you building. LOVE the C3.

[KnightMare]

Awesome mods to the Dart, makes me want to steal my brothers '75 Dart he got sitting behind my house. Subscribed

[wellis77]

Thanks KM!

[53Vipette]

Man that hood is out of control I really like it! I'm impressed keep it up!

[the dan]

all this old and new mixing is working out awesome, didnt think the viper wheels would look good on such a classic boxy car, but it totally does

[wellis77]

Thanks guys!

[austin552]

What's happening with this build???

[wellis77]

Huh, I've been getting this a bit lately. Nope, no progress. I live 6,000 miles from the project and only get to work on it 2-4 weeks a year, vacation time dependent. The rest of the year, I save, spend, plan, and problem solve. Unless someone graciously and gloriously wants to take on a "pro-bono" project, this thing won't see any updates until December.

I have received numerous tools and parts in order to take the next steps with the project though, and I'm super stoked about that. Currently getting quotes on having parts machined for my steering system and sway bar mounting components. I can't wait to get back to make some progress; I have a HUGE list of things I want to get accomplished this Christmas. Thanks for asking though. You can be sure, any time progress is made, updates will be given.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Good things take time!!

[droptop73]

Hi Will, what parts are you looking to have machined? If I can assist from this end let me know... I know many machinist types over here.

[austin552]

Hang in there, December will be here in no time.

[wellis77]

Thanks guys.

Jeff, I'll shoot you an email. Thanks.

[shockrod]

I have to say, I come from a long line of do it yourself’rs. We wouldn’t dream of sending anything someone else, unless we need tools and equipment that cost too much to make it worthwhile. So between growing up in that environment and working various jobs, I have seen things fab’s out of wood, metal, ‘glass and even stone, that are amazing. I work with engineers here at WSU on their race car even. ButI have to tell you, I am truly impressed. The determination and the moxie that it took to even think about attempting this, let alone overcoming the issues you have, is impressive. Be patient and keep rolling on it. But I will humbly summit, if your anything like me, when it’s all set and done, saying that you did well over 99% of the work on it yourself, will be worth the wait. So don’t send it off to some else for the “tin” work. Do it yourself, in the end you’ll be glad you did.

[wellis77]

Thanks a bunch Shockrod. Unfortunately other things taking precedence right now but am looking forward to progress later this year. Advice duly noted...

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Life happens!!

[wellis77]

Dang skippy! And things have. My wife delivered our first child almost a month ago who had a congenital heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at 8 days old. To say it happens is a bit of an understatement, but she is doing really well now so we are pretty stoked about that.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

WOW, that is crazy, I couldn't imagine.. Good luck to the lil girl! And congrats!

[KevinK]

Will,
I just spend my entire lunch break (and then some) reading through this (unbelievably incredible) build. WOW!, ...just amazing what you're accomplishing!.
Congrats on the progress thus far, ...most importantly congratulations on your baby girl. Thoughts and prayers her health continues to improve...


Kevin

[dusterbd13]

it all takes a backseat to the family. glad to hear you got your head on right.


if you want any help and feel like shipping the car south, ill volunteer to do parts of your build for you. like wiring, etc.

[wellis77]

Thanks guys.

I'll keep the offer in mind Michael. By the way, nice work on the neon.

[dusterbd13]

wow!! somebody read that!!

and its not often i offer to do pro-bono work. so youll be one of the few and proud.....

[SparkyRnD]

Awesome build, and hope to see it in person one day!

[wellis77]

Thanks. You may have that chance, I'm hoping to make my way down south when I move back, which may be sooner than later.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Its almost time for the yearly Christmas trip again right?

[wellis77]

hahahahaha, yes, it is almost Christmas time. Excitement abounds as usual...

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Get to it!! :woot:

[dangina]

car just keeps on looking better and better! can't wait to see this hood and front end come together!

[rfalker1]

Hey Will!!!!! Its been a while! Congrats on the little girl and I hope that her health only improves. Keep on pushing ;) !!! and have a great holiday season

[wellis77]

Hey Randal, good to hear from you. Things are great with the little lady, though she is a bit spunkier than either of us hoped or expected. You'd never know she had her junk ripped open at 8 days old, she is doing so good. Hope you are doing well and enjoying the holidays. Still in France or back Stateside?

[dusterbd13]

did i har somewhere that youre moving back stateside permanently?

and i know how it is with the little one. my daughter was facing brain sugury at 4 months. missed it by a hair and wound up with skull shaping helmets, never know it now....

ill keep praying for the family, though.

michael

[wellis77]

Hi Michael, you heard correctly. We move back in January. Hoping to end up in Columbia, SC but we'll see what happens.

Thanks for the prayers. Our little lady is the 2nd toughest chick I know, the 1st being my wife...

[dusterbd13]

I'm two hours north of columbia. My best friend and his family live down there. The housing market down there sucks right now.

And I kinow abou the wifee. She never even cussed when having my daughter with no drugs....

[rfalker1]

I am actually in Istanbul right now!! Working hard still and hardly working!! Good luck with the move and glad to hear she is doing so well after the operation. I know my 3 year is a bundle of pure energy!!!!

[GRNOVA]

Will Glad to know your family is doing great. Happy Holiday wishes to You and you Family!

[wellis77]

The housing market down there sucks right now.

I've been checking it out and hope that means it's a buyer's market now. Either way, I can do WAY better there than what I can in Switzerland...


I am actually in Istanbul right now!! Working hard still and hardly working!! Good luck with the move and glad to hear she is doing so well after the operation. I know my 3 year is a bundle of pure energy!!!!

Thanks Randa.


Will Glad to know your family is doing great. Happy Holiday wishes to You and you Family!

Thanks Tim, Happy Holidays to you and yours as well.

[454bug]

Happy holidays Will!

A lot of good news for you and your family! I am saying prayers for your family and glad to hear you are coming back to the states for good! :cheers:

These traveling jobs we have REALLY slow down our projects... but, you have to make the money to spend the money, right??? :)

I am looking forward to progress pictures in the new year!

[dusterbd13]

the houses on the market in my friends price range are either in rough neghborhood, or should be bulldozed.

if youre not tied down to columbia, can i reccomend my town? albemarle is really a buyers market right now.

and merry christmas to you and your family.

[turboclevor]

man i have read through this thread 3 times and am still finding out new stuff. hope to see some "first ride" pics next year lol no pressure

[wellis77]

Happy holidays Will!

A lot of good news for you and your family! I am saying prayers for your family and glad to hear you are coming back to the states for good! :cheers:

These traveling jobs we have REALLY slow down our projects... but, you have to make the money to spend the money, right??? :)

I am looking forward to progress pictures in the new year!

Thanks Ray! Merry Christmas to you as well. I am looking forward to getting back and having some fun. Selfishly I'm hoping for a solid 2-4 weeks working on the car before "real-life" has to kick in. We'll see. I'm looking forward to seeing how the tin work comes out on yours. I'd like to start that on mine this year, but I have some more pressing things to do on it first.



the houses on the market in my friends price range are either in rough neghborhood, or should be bulldozed.

if youre not tied down to columbia, can i reccomend my town? albemarle is really a buyers market right now.

and merry christmas to you and your family.

I'm open to anything at this point Michael, I'm going where the work is, but long-term I want to be on Lake Murray, that's why the big push for the Columbia area. My wife and I are (used to be) competitive water-skiers and we need to be on the water.


man i have read through this thread 3 times and am still finding out new stuff. hope to see some "first ride" pics next year lol no pressure

Thanks Brandon! I'm hoping that actually happens, even if it's in a shell of a car, ala go-cart...

[turboclevor]

Any updates since youve been back?

[wellis77]

Haven't been back yet Brandon. I'm moving back the 18th of January so passed on Christmas this year. Have plenty of stuff to do once I'm back though and hope to make some good progress. Thanks for checking.

[blade]

Awesome write up and great work! Congrats on the little one, glad she is doing well!

[wellis77]

Thanks Eddie.

[bonecrrusher]

May I suggest Lake Wylie?

Its a pretty good sized lake and its north of Columbia - well closer to Charlotte - LOL.

[wellis77]

Yes you may! I'll check it out. Thanks.

[Nuke1]

I would just like to say. WOW. I read your whole build so far and it is nothing short of amazing. Great job so far and can not wait to see more work done in the future..

[wellis77]

Thanks Nuke1. I'm getting pretty excited to get back as I have a lot of machined parts on the way and some fun stuff I'll be finishing up. Pictures by the end of the month...

Nice work you've done on your truck as well.

[72BBSwinger]

Cool Will I've been addicted to carving buoys myself for 20 yrs or so. I'm 40 now and not as tough as I once was so only do it 2-3 times a year now.

[wellis77]

Another buoy chaser. Learn something new everyday. Actually, on the water I'm torn between my two greatest passions of slalom skiing and barefooting. My wife used to work for Ron Scarpa at his ski school and I used to work for Eagle Sports building wetsuits. I had a big hand (very big) in developing their ski vest. I can't wait to get back and pick up the boat. Before this summer is out, I will have posted a picture of my less than 1 year old girl skiing. Can't wait!

And 40 is no excuse! Strap on the stick and get to it... I'm really looking forward to getting back in the course, I haven't been through the course since 2006. Far too long.

[RogueFab]

I just thumbed through this thread. Amazing build. I will look in more detail later. Whoever is doing the body work knows what they are doing for sure. Keep the eye candy coming please : )

Joe

[wellis77]

Thanks Joe!

I've been back Stateside, permanently, for almost 3 weeks now. I haven't gotten a ton done despite the amount of work I've put in, but I have been productive...

I previously had a problem with steering rack location, it required the same space needed by the engine. In conjunction with multiple persons, I designed up a solution, got a bunch of parts machined, replaced the rack shaft in my rack, and voila, Lord willing it'll work... In conjunction with the rack/steering fix, I used the front sway bar tube as part of my mounting system for the rack. I designed and cut some mounts for the sway bar housing to make mounting einfacher, and it was. Two birds, one(ish) stone.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/file_zps6100b92a-1.jpg

Just in front of the rack is the 2" sway bar housing with the custom brackets on each end. The sway bar is a custom piece from Speedway using roller bearings from Port City Racing rather than solid bushings.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/file_zps34a06ed5-1.jpg

After that I moved on to getting the new core support built. I bent it up from two pieces of 1-1/4" x .120 wall to almost identically mirror the stock core support. At the same time, I jigged up the fenders so I could locate the mounting holes for those.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/file_zpsa004d113-1.jpg

Then made some brackets to capture the front fender mounts as well as brackets to bolt it up to the frame rail.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/file_zpsa93bc3aa-1.jpg

And there you have it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/file_zps3925e459-1.jpg

Next up are forward tubes from the firewall to the core support, the final bar for the fender mounting holes plus custom brackets running from the forward tubes to the fender mounting bar stock. Then done and done up front, hope to have that stuff finished up next week, and moving on to the cockpit.

[GRNOVA]

Cannot wait to see how the inside turns out!
Did you get hit with a lot of snow Will?

[wellis77]

Nothing to write home about Tim, but enough. We actually got a lot more the day before we flew out of Switzerland, we were lucky to get out...

I should follow-up "inside" with more structural things, some additional triangulation/bracing, rework the dash bar, mount the front seats, measure up for a column, etc., then moving to the rear of the car to finish things up there, then up on the rotisserie for final welding, then on to tin work... Sooo much to do!

[Motorcitydak]

O man I am so excited to see work going on this thing again!

[Bryce]

awesomeness

[dusterbd13]

glad to see ya back stateside and making progress. figure out where youre moving yet?

and i like the core support build. this is gonna look sweet when its done. you planning some close out panels inside the engine bay?

[wellis77]

Thanks guys!

@Michael, yes planning some close out panels. Probably mock them up in light weight steel then build them out of 'glass. If my TIG welding improves and I can start welding aluminum nicely, may do them out of aluminum sheet. I'm a ways from that for now, but I've got a few ideas in my head.

[rfalker1]

Wow... so you are officially back!! thats so cool and you are really working!! It looks good!! and stay safe in that weather!

[wellis77]

Hey Randal! Yes officially back. You still doing time in France? Good to hear from you.

[rfalker1]

Nope, I am in istanbul this year!1 and you are about to go crazy huh!! Dont move into the garage buddy:-)

[droptop73]

Nice work my friend! I can't wait to get over to the "shop" and get my hands dirty!

[Bryce]

Nice work my friend! I can't wait to get over to the "shop" and get my hands dirty!

lucky! I wish I was closer.

[fastfail]

WOW, great work so far. Car is going to be amazing.

[wade81]

Dude, this is amazing lol, hi im wade im new to this site, im hoping to buy a 340 swinger soon, ive known of the car for the last 20 years, its been off the road since 91 and I want to build a pro touring dart, I had no clue people were doing this to mopars, the car you are building is pretty much exactly what I want to do except for the viper engine, I have a spare 6.1 sitting in my shop right now just waiting, great work on a bad ass car

[johnparts]

Will Again awesome work on the car. Wade81 there are a few of us pro-touring A Body mopars around here. We don't have near the work that will does However Will's build is out of this world. Welcome to the site.

[chopsmitty]

Nice job Will!

[wade81]

thanks john parts ill check out all the mopars for sure yeah his build is kinda insane lol

[wellis77]

Thanks a bunch guys. Wade, as John said there are a few of us around doing Mopars. Sounds like you need to get that ride and get started...

Thanks Greg! I appreciate your help with the steering system as well. Both you and Bryce were instrumental in getting me where I am with it. Hope island life is treating you well!

[droptop73]

They have Islands in Sparta???!!

[wellis77]

Sparta broke away from the Union of MI and are doing their own thing now.

[2wolf_Michael]

Just reread you build thread. A lot of good info.

My first car was a 1969 Dart with a slant six. I also owned a GT model and my uncle bought a Swinger new and drove it until 5 years ago, when he passed.
I now own my Dart with the slat 6 and my uncle's Swinger. I have been looking at using mine for a build project.

Have you found a option for the ECM?
I have a brother in law that works for a dealer in KC area and he was telling me that he can get me one of the newer Gen4 V10 motors at a discount with the power upgrade option. I would like to use that motor but was worried about ECM options. I know I can get a Pectel SQ6M12 ECm, but at almost $9,000 not counting the wiring harness. I was hoping for a better option.

I will keep watching your build as I am thinking about my own. I will most likely start on my 61 Chevy C-10 Apache pick-up first.

[wellis77]

I don't profess to be the go to guy with the Viper motors but my understanding is the Gen 4 ECM won't work outside a Viper so you'll have to do something different. An option could be Mega-Squirt if you want to put the time in.

[2wolf_Michael]

That is what I figured. I am going to have to do some more searching, thanks.

[oldschoolmuscle]

Look into pro efi.

They make a harness and ecu for the viper engines.

[droptop73]

Any updates Will?

[wellis77]

Definitely, but I'm too busy being sick and building to take pictures. I was off for a week and a half because I was sick, but I did manage to get the forward bars finished that we were working on. Reworked the dash bar and tied in the forward bars. Replanted the power plant and am working on raising it another 1"-1.5". Driver's seat is mounted (passenger will be mounted when I return from Cali next week), radiator is on order, drive shaft on order, will start mocking up pedals and steering column after the passenger seat is mounted and the engine is raised. then it's on to finishing up the rear end (rear sway bar, finalize rear tie rod arms). Then it's on to bodywork fun... I get back next Wednesday so hoping Thursday-Saturday are uber productive.

[chopsmitty]

Look into pro efi.

They make a harness and ecu for the viper engines.

Errol knows this stuff better than possibly anyone.
http://tpswestpalm.com/



Will, we are all waiting on pins and needles for updates!!!

[wellis77]

After over a month off because of illness, travel, and other fun stuff, I'm finally working on the car again. My firewall/core support bars have been completed and I raised the engine/trans 1-1/4" to gain additional clearance for my steering system. Today I added my version of a monte carlo bar...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/file_zps6aba70be-1.jpg

Still need to finish the fender mounts but the engine compartment is coming together. Mocked up my radiator...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/file_zps16611568-1.jpg

Somewhere amidst this mess is an oil cooler. I'll hopefully be installing the Canton oil cooler thermostat and my remote oil filter mount...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/file_zpsf484439f-1.jpg

Built my seat mounts and installed my seats...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/file_zps6c47ce71-1.jpg

Mocked up a wooden steering column and will hopefully receive the real deal tomorrow, courtesy of MCB and Ididit...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/04/file_zpsd272b303-1.jpg

More to come over the next week or so, hopefully...

[rfalker1]

Looks so good Will!! I likeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[wellis77]

Thanks Randal.

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Like the bar you added.. looks good.

[linkstar69]

Looking good

[mitch_04]

I think you should just scrap the project, it'll never get done. Being the gentlemen I am, I'll even come and haul it away for you :) Looks great!

[wellis77]

That is awfully generous of you Mitch...

[dusterbd13]

in your shoes, id make the monte carlo bar removable. would really suck to have to drop the engine out the bottom to change a valve cover gasket......

at last thats the way it looks to me that it would go.

michael

[wellis77]

Thought about it but the entire front clip is removable with just a few bolts, plus, though I haven't attempted it yet, I positioned the tubes so I can access all the bolts on the valve covers and "should" have enough clearance to remove them.

[csouth]

I always look for updates on your project. Great progress as usual.

[chopsmitty]

Any progress?

[Motorcitydak]

x2, where are you at Will? Hope the move is going alright

[Bryce]

Any progress?

yeah what he said!

[wellis77]

Unfortunately no progress guys. I've been on the road so much lately I haven't seen the project in a couple months. Hoping to get some time on it when I get back mid-September. I need to get the finish welding on the chassis complete so I can move on to body and tin. I did get my steering column hung and the linkage connected so I'm all good there. I unfortunately am not going to be able to run traditional headers since I have zero space, so I'm going to run a log style exhaust. Will probably get going on that once the finish welding is squared away. My oil pan is wreaking havoc too, probably going to need a custom pan. More to come later this month, I hope.

[AusMarty]

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, It's September.
UPDATE TIME.


:D

[norway_dartsport]

weeee it's 2014 ..... ;)

[Auto Rod Technologies]

I got a subscriber email for this project and got all excited.. lol..
Making some headway on my SRT Will, if you ever cruise through this way stop by..

[meatonastick]

so has anything happened with this? I'd hate to see it die...

[Chadly B]

I was wondering the same thing.....I love this car...

[Mommy Wagon]

Hey Will, how's the dart looking for this season? I'm hoping to get back into mine in 2016, and need a little Willspiration.

[FlyDoc]

I was excited to see some action on this.
so let us know how things are going.
We all know that Life interrupts plans.

[classiccarnut]

Wow! This build has blown my mind, its actually very similar to what I have planned for my 70 fastback! Low stance (around 5"), factory sheet metal on the outside (no flares) and killer suspension on the inside... now I don't have the funds for a motor like yours but I just need a stout small block (351 stroker) to keep me happy lol. Where did you learn to fabricate like this: frame building and suspension set up/ geometry of everything, etc. I want to do exactly this but have no idea where to start! Any info would be great! Keep up the killer work! Maybe I'll see it at the dream cruise one year!

Mike

[ryeguy2006a]

Any progress on this? Would love to see an update.

[turboclevor]

Any progress on this thing?

[oldschoolmuscle]

showed him last online 6-5-18