Garth Bell 1969 Dodge Dart
This is Garth's latest project (among others). The car has been heavily influenced by mid '60's Funny cars, but this one is going to be registered. ARC was commissioned to undertake the transformation from street cruiser with small block to its current guise. ARC fabricated the beam axle using custom designed CNC'ed king pin housings and s/s hot rod spindles to take the DBA rotor/ Willwood calliper set-up. Land Rover springs were found to be the right length, and the front rails were extensively modified to accept the lower steering box location and gussetted stiffeners in the front wheel arches, to replace the original 'K' member. Subframe connectors, a moly cage, rearaxle relocation and ARC leaf spring traction bars complete the package. Bonyrigg Smash Repairs performed the flawless panel and wild metal flake paint. The big block wedge Chrysler is almost ready to go as is the front mounted 'Bill's' style tank. Original Cragars are the finishing touch.
Update September 2007: Garth achieves his aim with full NSW street registration. To date best ET 11.90 @ 110 mph with 1.60 60 foot time. The short time is very impressive for the ET. Shows why these cars where built with such a nose high attitude years ago when race tyres were retreaded truck tyres.
Images
Click on an image for a larger view.
Finished steering mount adjacent brace mount and 4WD shock absorbers. Note the inverted Pitman arm.
Early construction photo showing the lowered steering box location, waiting for the inverted Pitman arm.
Pretend wheelstand! Landrover springs and beam axle clearly visible.
Nostalgia headers.
Electronically fuel injection 451 Chrysler wedge. Stacks are for show as have air intake holed milled into base. Photo courtesy Peter Bateman and Street Machine Magazine.
With the removal of the factory 'K' frame, it was decided to make a feature of the chrome moly subframe braces. The braces are sandwich bolted to the rollcage. Photo courtesy Peter Bateman and Street Machine Magazine.
Stunning from any angle. Photo courtesy Peter Bateman and Street Machine Magazine.
Rear quarter shot showing the original decals from the area. Photo courtesy Peter Bateman and Street Machine Magazine.
This car does a serious burnout and is a crowd favourite. Photo courtesy Grant Stephens.
With 1.60 second short times, combined with high 11 second ET's, its little wonder that the original race cars of that era had such a nose high attitude. In the old days, these cars where using retreaded truck tyres, and the beam axle was the lightest configuration available. Photo courtesy Grant Stephens.
Fabulous twosome!
Street registration, the original intention.
Garth in the ARC yard with his baby.
Nearly causes accidents with drivers of other vehicles not being able to believe their eyes!
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