1968 Dodge Dart Hemi

[Brutalform]

Decided to move along and tackle another project sitting around. After I figured the rear suspension out, this one kinda sat around. Anyway, I don’t know who owns this car that gave me the inspiration to build this, but, in my opinion, is one of the nicest, cleanest, red, Hemi Darts I ever came across. I hope mine comes out pretty close to it, except mine will have different rims. I’ll be updating more as I move along, but this is where I am at right now. Here is a pic of the subject car.

[Brutalform]

The chassis I bought from SMH but to avoid headaches later on, like cleaning up the resin part, especially around the engine mounts,  I decided to mate the PS part to the original kit supplied front. 

[Brutalform]

The wheels and rear suspension parts. All these are from my parts bins except for the supplied ladder bars, which came with the resin floor pan. 

[Brutalform]

Removed all the GTS emblems, along with the front fender side marker lights. Deepened the panel lines, and added black accent color to them. Then a few coats of Tamiya primer. 

[Brutalform]

And a little work on the dash and interior. I wanted to add some aftermarket gauges, to monitor the big Hemi properly. Took the radio and heater off the dash as well. Also I removed the door GTS emblems, arm rests, and window cranks. After the interior is painted, I plan on adding the seat belt straps to the door panels to activate the door windows. All this as I fabricate a racing harness for the roll bar as well. 

[Brutalform]

[250 Testa Rossa]

Looks awesome!

[Tortuga Kustomz]

looking real good Tom

[afx]

Nice looking project Tom.

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Good work so far Tom!   The S/S LO23 '68 Dart (and BO29 '68 Barracuda) are among my favorite drag cars.  Strangely enough, I built one several years ago and used the exact same car you have in the first photo as the reference car for the mechanics and body details.  I will follow your project with great interest sir! ?

[Len Woodruff]

Nice Job.

[Brutalform]

Thanks for all the replies. I worked on the roll bar this morning, and painted all of the parts, except the body. Ran out of red paint. I have the engine assembled for the most part. Did some spark plug wiring, coil wiring, and alternator wiring. Also the brake booster hose for the master cylinder booster. I’ll post the engine pics when it’s totally together. 

[mredjr]

Looking good! What did the rear tires come out of?

[Keavdog]

Nice - that's one of my dream cars.  I did the Revell kit a bit ago

 

[larman]

Super work so far!

[Glen Powers]

Tom, great start to what I'm sure will be a nice build of an interesting subject. In regards to the SMH chassis, since you only used the back half how would you rate the overall quality and would you use one again? I've looked at them online and think it would be a time/work saver but never have seen any reviews.

Thanks, Glen

  

[Brutalform]

On 2/7/2021 at 8:21 PM, mredjr said:

Looking good! What did the rear tires come out of?

Not totally sure Elvin. They are from the parts drawer. If I were to guess, maybe the AMT 67 Chevelle pro street. 

[Brutalform]

4 hours ago, Glen Powers said:

Tom, great start to what I'm sure will be a nice build of an interesting subject. In regards to the SMH chassis, since you only used the back half how would you rate the overall quality and would you use one again? I've looked at them online and think it would be a time/work saver but never have seen any reviews.

Thanks, Glen

  

Not a bad part, but with resin, you just never know. It came with the rear suspension and rear end, but I decided to use a rear from the parts drawer. Around the engine mounts is where it seemed it would need the most clean up. I’ve bought bodies and decals from SMH, and never had a problem. One time a piece arrived damaged, and they promptly replaced it. 

[Brutalform]

Did some engine detailing today. Still never made it to the hobby shop to buy some red paint. I just didn’t feel like heading out in the snow. Some pics of the mighty Hemi...

[Brutalform]

I usually do Hemis with the chrome covers so this time they got painted black. Went with Model Master buffing stainless steel for the headers, and topped it off with a pair of 9x2 Edelbrock style air cleaners from Pro Tech

[TransAmMike]

Looking great Tom, The engine detail is impressive.

[Tortuga Kustomz]

Looking real good bro

[AmericanMuscleFan]

The engine is very beautiful and the black valve covers give the engine a vintage look, I like it!

[Glen Powers]

19 hours ago, Brutalform said:

Not a bad part, but with resin, you just never know. It came with the rear suspension and rear end, but I decided to use a rear from the parts drawer. Around the engine mounts is where it seemed it would need the most clean up. I’ve bought bodies and decals from SMH, and never had a problem. One time a piece arrived damaged, and they promptly replaced it. 

Tom, your 100% correct about resin often times being a gamble but honestly that front clip looks very rough and you were wise not to use it. Thanks for the feedback and also the engine looks great!

Thanks, Glen

[Brutalform]

Been away from the bench for a while. I have the time but sometimes certain ailments keep me from building as much as I’d like. 
Well, anyway I did accomplish some work on the Dart. Painted it Tamiya Italian Red, and waited over a month to lay down some Tamiya clear. After three days, I polished the body out, to remove some crud that got into the finish on the trunk and roof. I’m planning on adding foil tomorrow, and hopefully getting around to final assembly.