'68 Dart 390 (via 0.030 over 4" stroke 318), 5 Speed.

[Mr. E Modeler]

So the idea behind this build came to me when I was laid up without a lot to do physically. I spent a lot of time doing automotive engine building on paper and came up with what I believed would be my ultimate cruise night/strip toy. 

My choice came down to a '68 Dart with a 318 that was bored 0.030" over with a 4" stroke crank. I thought that a Passion Performance A-855 5-speed trans would be a good match and that a set of 4.30 gears in an 8 & 3/4 rear end would round things out nicely. 

Of course, most of that is imposable to replicate in plastic, but I can at least try to get the idea across.

The kit I've started with is the Revell '68 Hemi Dart 2 in 1.

[Mr. E Modeler]

I wanted my build to have a Plain Jane sort of look so my first order of business was to flatten the hood.




Unfortunately, my eagerness to get back to building led me to use super glue for a filler. So I have had to do a lot sanding and filling, I think I now have it close enough to paint but as I recall you really never can get super glue and plastic to look right together. Only time will tell.

[Mr. E Modeler]

The next change was to the interior. I didn't want to have a console wanted the manual trans floor and a back seat.






So I cut the two floors in front of the rear seat and reattached the two halves I was using.




Sorry about the photo quality I'm using my phone to take pics.

[stevielewis]

You have a good start. Keep working at it. Sounds like a great project.

[Mr. E Modeler]

I'm using the engine and transmission from the  AMT '71 Duster, shown here in the mock-up phase...

[Mr. E Modeler]

Okay made some progress on this one, and loss some ground too. LOL

I painted the engine to look used but well cared for. 




I've owned a few '68 Darts with small blocks and decided to correct the left valve cover so that it had the right style breather/oil filler

[Mr. E Modeler]

Wow, I had made a lot more progress on this one since I quit posting. I will toss in some more pics to get you all up to date on this one before it went back in the box.





I was going to try and replicate this dash pad set up, may not do it on this one though. That decision is still up in the air.



first attempt at making headers out of solder



the ones I am trying to replicate



Second attempt







This set looked fine but kept falling apart.



I was also trying to start mocking up the rest of the exhaust system. It was at this point that I got fed up with the headers and exhaust system and realized I was over my head and put the whole mess back in the box.

[Mr. E Modeler]

Oh okay, I did do one more thing to this Dart. I threw some color at it.

It is the Teal one on the front right.



And this is a mock up shot, which is how it sits in the box at the moment. The other two cars and an AMT '67 Camaro that I found on evilBay, and a '69 Roadrunner that I have been working on alongside the Dart.

[htharry427]

Looking good so far . I tried making my own headers for the lindberg 66 chevelle kit what a nightmare. I was making them out of tailpipe bends I found in my scrap box.
the pieces just werent staying together.

[Mr. E Modeler]

Believe me, I know how aggravating that is. This is a stalled project that I have set aside till I feel my skills are up to it. I am doing a couple, or maybe a few, basic builds to sharpen my skill and improve my ability to move my hands and control them better. It is all coming back slowly. I will most likely finish both the Camaro and the Roadrunner before I tackle that Dart again. 

[41chevy]

I use Evergreen 1/16 solid rod and a BBQ lighter for gentle heat to bend them. I drill a 1/16" hole in heads for each tube to fit into. Here are a few examples. Paul

SBC in Willys


Max Wedge in Belvedere


426 Wedge in Belvedere #2


64 Dodge fender well


68 Chevelle

[Mr. E Modeler]

I may try that technique on a future build, but for now I like using the solder. I like the look it has like a non-polished stainless.

Yours look great Paul, I really like the chipped paint and rust effect too.

[41chevy]

Copied the look from the real car thats been sitting in my garage for ummm 30 years or so. Paul

[mustang1989]

Man.....this is looking GOOD Eric!!!

[Mr. E Modeler]

Thanks, Mustang! This project has unfortunately stalled due to the headers and exhaust system being a bit above my skills at the moment. I have decided to put this one on the back burner and do some basic builds to polish up the old skills and get the feel back. Not to worry though this one will make a return to the bench and will be finished eventually.