My name is John, and I'm a Wagon-a-holic

Howdy,

John in Phoenix, AZ.

I used to peruse stationwagon.com way back when, and have been hanging out on slantsix.org and forabodiesonly.com for a while.

I've got a 1964 Dart Wagon and a 1965 Valiant Wagon (and a 1964 Dart GT) that I've been collecting parts for...got most everything now, and need to get busy putting them together.

The Valiant is a 273 V8 car. The Darts are both Slant 6s.

The 64 Dart GT will stay Slant 6 - going to build a higher compression Slant with dual carbs on an old Offy manifold, Dutra Duals, etc. After that itch is scratched, I may just build a turbo Slant for it. TBD

I've got a 402 stroker SB for the Valiant.

I've not decided exactly what I want to drop in the Dart wagon yet. It's a 3-on-the-tree right now, but I've got most of the parts to convert it to 4-on-the-floor. Will probably do a stroked small block for it, too (the 402 was originally for the Dart, but the Valiant popped up, and it's quicker to get that one built, due to less work to do, so I think I'll get that one knocked out first and keep thinking about the Dart).

 

Sounds like some interesting projects, John. Welcome to the SWF. Post up some pics when you have a chance. I drop in occasionally to the ForAbodiesonly forum, mostly because I love the early Valiants ('60-'62). Last year I had a line on a real nice '62 V-200 wagon with a warmed-over 360 in it (in Seattle), but was unable to make a deal with the seller (it eventually went to Australia).

Looking forward to discussing slant sixes with you. Had a '65 Dart 270 coupe waaaaay back in 1972 or so.......

Marshall

 

Welcome to the forum John! Sounds like some cool Mopars!

 

John, and I'm a Wagon-a-holic
Well John admitting your problem does not excuse you from your habit here. But we are all here to help you cope with it.
There are a few other worse addictions but some of them are cureable. Here we just try to make the best of it and suffer together.
Posting information, updates, and pictures may help.
By the way, Arrrrg. Talk like a pirate today matey.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Welcome John!

 

Welcome from another Mopar wagon owner. Just a month or two ago we had a new member with a love of 64 Dart wagons introduce himself. So you certainly aren't the only one here.

 

Welcome 64DartWagon!

 

Welcome to the nuthouse. You certainly fit right in around here. I can tell you are not going for gas mileage with your builds! Just be sure to beef up those undercarriages! The torque box addition is a must, and frame connectors are also beyond a good idea. Watching one of the restoration shows, it seems the inner fenders are prone to torque cracking too when you have a powerful engine under that hood. My experience with Mopars is mainly Darts from the 70s, with the 1 bbl Holley. Not anywhere near what you are lucky enough to have. Can't wait for the pictures, either. They sound like quite the collection of interesting cars!

 

Yep - disc brakes in front first, then beefier rear ends (7 1/4" rear is a bit spindly, methinks). Got frame connectors for 2 of them...have to order for the third. Will have some torque boxes done when the frame connectors go in. (I barely know how to weld, so will probably get someone who knows how to do a good job.)

Using an AlterKTion front end in one of them...may try to stiffen the K member and LCAs in the other V8...probably won't for the /6 car.

And thanks everybody for the warm welcome!

 

Your

Wagon a holic...we've got the tshirt for that.

 

Really? Got a link?

 

Yess...hmmmm...I'll see if I can find it...be right back.




Yipe here it is...

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23289

 

Popular Hot Rodding magazine just did an article on the AlterKTion front end - shows the complete install. Are you going to change to a rack and pinion steering?

 

Thanks...will have to look for the article.

Yes, power rack and pinion.