BASKET CASE! Will This 1963 Dodge Dart Convertible Live Again After 21 Years Off The Road?

In this video: Cable shift Torqueflite 727 and 904 shifter setup and adjustment; Classic Mopar wiring identification and electrical tips; no start diagnosis; coolant system bleeding tips; Early A-body Mopar hood spring installation (the wrong way); fitting early A-body V8 exhaust manifolds to a 360; Mopar 318 and 360 exhaust manifold and exhaust manifold gasket differences explained; Early A-body LA Mopar engine swap oil filter number; burnouts; and much, much more.
This is Gidget. Gidget is a 1963 Dodge Dart 270 convertible. Gidget has lived multiple lives - first, with slant six power, driving from Washington to Texas and back, among many other places. Then with a 318 V8, installed by beating an inconveniently placed section of the '63 only firewall with a hammer. The next iteration was to be something much greater - a fresh 360, with all of the correct pieces, and an updated firewall to clear the new engine properly. This project was started with the best of intentions, and some nice fabrication and paint work was undertaken. Unfortunately, the project was never completed beyond the paint job, and the car spent more than two decades as a stack of pieces - a literal basket case - moved from storage space to storage space.
The previous owner had always hoped to put Gidget back on the road, but work dragged him all over the country. Now in Alaska, he decided it was finally time to part with the car, instead of letting it rot away in a strange garage. That's where I enter the picture. A Craigslist ad with no pictures (found and shared by my coworker Evan) led to a telephone conversation, a verbal handshake agreement, and the inevitable hooking up of a car trailer and the withdrawal of some hard earned KZbin dollars. The only question now - can I reassemble this poor car, and finally bring the last owner's vision into reality? Let's find out.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

It's fun when a basket case finally comes together

[@Jayreganmusic]

You did more in one video than it took me to do in 2 years on my 66 Dart! Great job!!!!!!!

[@mostlymopar]

Love the commentary, just the right amount of sarcasm.

[@DamnItBoyGarage]

Good job on saving a cool old Mopar.I always learn something new watching your videos. I love saving these old Mopars. My '66 Dart was in a coma for 25 years.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s a sweet car too. I see it in your little picture there. Of course my Barracuda partially identifies as a ‘66 Dart. But I think I’m bringing home that ‘63 Valiant two door hard top I revived at Rocket. Also that off white color. I am really enjoying these early cars.

[@snoopyboobs]

early A bodies are THE best! Well and 1966 Chargers!

[@geebopbaluba1591]

I’ve also never been a convertible car person either because when I was a kid my mother had a T Bird convertible and I hated the wind and noise and complained to my mom and all I got was shut up and enjoy the ride.

[@icu22day]

That was a life lesson, not just for riding in her convertible but for everything you do.

[@rennkafer13]

It is pretty satisfying bringing them back from that long sleep, isn't it. Just have to get the Coronet running a little smoother... then time to do some weekend driving.

[@zilksmooth]

This video is a perfect follow up to the one from about a year ago advising not to restore your car in your garage, fix it up little by little and enjoy it.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes! That’s my whole thing! And what I am often doing with these projects is trying to undo cases where people have done that. Get it back together, and to a point where it can be improved bit by bit. Next phase for this car is a new top, and then it can have an interior again. But it’s alive and enjoyable now.

[@petergrey7125]

Agreed!

[@michaeladamo1188]

I loved this video! I can’t believe people don’t like your commentary

[@highman9836]

Another awesome project video! Thanks again

[@idaholineman5788]

Early a body goodness!! Can we start a “get Jamie some gravel campaign “ couple loads of 3/4 minus would do wonders for the shop approach

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s been on the list for a long time, like since the first winter I was here. But there are a lot of things that have to happen first to do it right, which would be my preference.

[@idaholineman5788]

Do it right?? Why start now lol..keep up the great content love em all!

[@steveash9831]

Soon as I saw what you were towing home, I had a ton of stupid questions. Luckily, you answered them all in the video, because I didn't want your viewers to think I'm stupid! I did however have plenty of very good suggestions for you, but I didn't want your viewers to know that I am smart.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s such a delicate balance! 😅 I guess the difference for me is that I want my viewers to know exactly how smart *and* how stupid I am… Eric, I’m going to beat my new oil pan with a wood block and a hammer the same way I beat the old one, and I think it will be fine. Haha.

[@steveash9831]

Hah! I have said it many times before... "I know what I am doing!" It just doesn't look that way.@@DeadDodgeGarage

[@steveash9831]

Jamie is inspiring for sure! That's why I call him, "Jamie the Great!"@@ericruud9328

[@stevehuebner5026]

It's good to see an oldie come back to life, keep up the good work.

[@SeanJoseph-s2s]

Definitely go with the front bumper installation.... somebody going to enjoy driving to work this summer and driving the little people around for ice cream ....good content and thanks

[@truthfilterforyoutube8218]

First ! PS:, Thank God for the cats, as they are keeping the mice in your cars to minimum !

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. No complaints here. But there are so many strange ones showing up.

[@danielweith1075]

I think the car looks as if it is smiling back at us. Great Video!

[@chiefexecutive]

This is excellent ! Great work !

[@marcbrown6391]

It was long but it was worth it. I don’t mind them being around an hour.

[@davidthomits544]

Dart sounds awesome I like it a lot great channel and rocket restorations too

[@TimothyRussell-uv7uv]

Love the long video.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Cool revival of a great little car!👍

[@petergrey7125]

Jaime, the commentary makes the videos. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Haters will hate. Oh well. Amazing to see you get as much done with this project in the short time you’ve had it.. Progress!

[@JamesWilson-bw5uq]

Hi Jamie! Love this video! Love A bodies too! But I do not like drop tops. At all. But I must say this ones worth it! My ex bro in law and i, years ago played with a few A bodies had lots of fun , only kept one we didn't put v8s in. Mostly 318s I built a 340 for a 60 valiant 4spd. Never painted it, but had lot of fun with it!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes I’m right there with you. I have never been a convertible guy, but dang it, if it’s not pouring rain it’s a lot of fun.

[@Wyowanderer]

Very cool car - thanks for taking us for a ride with you.

[@johnpaonessa5043]

Awesome job! Another classic saved!

[@paulkoski8759]

It sounds great healthily very nice ride

[@steveg1833]

I really do APPRECIATE your commentary I talk to myself when I am working it helps me to remember and not miss anything besides I'm the only one that listens to me.

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

You get less of a car with a convertible - why a convertible is worth more money is 😵‍💫 they never look as good . But a great save never the less my first Valiant was a AP5 63/ 64 model wish I still owned it . 👍🏻🇦🇺.

[@charlessorrell1226]

My dad had a 64 Dart GT with 273 and 4 speed. It had a 4 barrel and the big square exhaust. Very peppy car, but I was about to get my license so he traded it for a 65 Dart GT with 170 and 3 speed.

[@MetallicAH2O]

It's not rubbing the oil pan, it's self clearancing 😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s right!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Dash pad carpet new roof. heater some old school mag wheels . And a good polish she be looking and driving 👌👍🏻🇦🇺. More videos on this car .

[@petergrey7125]

LOL 😂👍

[@moparsa2b]

Great job putting it back together win, win!!

[@fredsiegfried1707]

We must think a like, picked up a 67 gt in New York, my sons dad, how many do you need, i cant help myself lol

[@mikewoike9429]

I can't believe what you've done in a week, it would still be sitting on the tailor if it was mine. Crazy man.

[@Laura-vb24hw]

Love your commentary, and, petting the puppy is always a good idea when things get rough!

[@allhailinternalcombustion]

The last time I welded I didn't run out of wire. I guess it was your turn.

[@The_Painter31]

I love longer videos and anytime its you and your brother its comedy gold.

[@greghansard357]

Duct tape...😂😂😂 I do appreciate you showing it 👍😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Warts and all… 😅

[@cbobmonster]

Hell yeah kick ass video. I like the longer videos sometimes cool car. Nice job.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh yeah. I can’t do an hour video all the time, but I put an entire week into this project and I think it was worth filming. Couldn’t be happier with how it worked out.

[@tonyb3864]

For some goofy reason I really enjoyed this video. Thanks Jamie. Cool little car. I actually saw this exact car the other night on an old rerun of the Beverly Hillbillies. White and a convertible. Some hollywood chick with a big white poodle drove up in it. I think the icing on the cake for this video was the guy on the unicycle. You couldnt have timed that any better. You live in a strange little town Jamie. 😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yeah that was a magical moment. I could never claim to have done it on purpose. Haha. Thanks!

[@stevenandrews1012]

Good find there Mr J ...Look for more documentation on the little gem with anticipated glee.......Convertibles, though they up here in Washingstan, have a small window o' enjoyment.Freezing or sunburn.. mostly freezing....On that perfect starry summer night,it's pure magic....Yes Craig's list iz still worth snooping thru..The 69 Charger u drove back iz on there as we speak for $69,750....or $75,000...&$78,000...I would love to haz but could pay ohhh..$30k for it.. ...And yes longer videos are your friend....YooToob likz ,,,Me likz...Thanx

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yeah… they really want to come up a bunch of money on that Charger. It isn’t selling. GOOD. Screw ‘em. After we got it all done and good, Tom listed it and had people lined up around the block. He made a couple bucks on the deal, but nothing like those guys are going for. All they did was wash it and take pictures, and it was listed the next day.

[@MrPedix2c]

Great job Jamie, really enjoy your latest video. I vote for more on this Dart

[@olikat8]

I'm going to have to bring the '76 Valiant out to it's "Homeland" one of these days...

[@jimfenstermaker400]

I had a 1964 Dodge Dart GT and it was a lot of fun, until my younger brother blew the head gaskets and that is all she wrote! It had a 273 V8 was a convertible and always had a great time with it.

[@marcgendron6745]

Front bumpa delete 🤔 yes 💯 cool vid.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

My thinking. It just looks so good. And so much like the Chrysler Turbine.

[@johntevault3945]

Fun video of you putting a puzzle together! The reward is better when you can burn some rubber when you are done!! I owned a 63 Custom 880 convertible with a 361 and push button auto. Flintstone mobile in the rear, but I still drove it with smile on my face. Fun Fact; you can compression start a push button or cable shift transmission..try it!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Niiiice. I don’t have to try it! I am fully aware of the rear pump setup. Haha.

[@Brian-nm8ie]

Cool build, thanks for sharing! I'm personally not a fan of convertibles but still a cool Dart. Here in Oregon, like Washington, the top would be up 90% of the time anyway. Will you replace the top at some point and are they very expensive?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly. That’s a big part of why I have never been into convertibles. Well, that, and I don’t like the way they look really. I like having a real roof. The top itself is around $600, and I wouldn’t install it myself, so I’d have to pay almost that much again to the local upholsterer. I am not sure if I will do the top and interior myself, or if I will sell it as is yet. It all depends. I’d love to do that and enjoy it a bit this year. But my real passion in this is getting them running and back on the road. Done!

[@scottsullivan1464]

I know you were kidding about college, but you have a PhD in mid-century MOPAR and that is not an available degree anywhere. You said on a live stream you are 31. You are much older in MOPAR years. Keep up the great work.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

33 now. I actually did go to college - but not for cars, and I never finished a degree. I never wanted to be a professional mechanic. I wanted it to stay fun, and I was afraid that doing it for a living would take the fun out of it. I am glad to say that it didn’t end up that way, and I really enjoy what I am doing. If there is ever a school giving out degrees in Mopar, I hope to be an instructor - or maybe the dean? 😅 thank you!

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

One thing's for sure that's a lot easier to putThat car together Then moving 30,000 record albums when you're an old crippled guy that's a super cool a body the guy who sold it to you is probably drooling

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Ouch. I don’t know if he’s drooling, but he’s very happy the car is back in mostly one piece!

[@stevep4713]

THAT NEEDED CLEAN UP OF EVERY THING THEN ASSEMBLE .EVERY THING. YOU GOT A PERFECT PROJECT CAR HOW MUCH TIME DID IT TAĶE ONCE YOU GOT START REALY LIKE TO KNOW THANK YOU FOR A AMAZING EPISODE KEEP AT IT. YOU ARE DOING WELL WITH ALL THIS DON'T LISTEN TO PEOPLE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I spent about five days on it I think, probably 3 full days and 2-3 half days.

[@staceyrenner5418]

Love it!! Going to ask before watching the whole video so apologies if you answer this later, but are the mounts for the small block later factory mounts or a conversion of some kind from like Schumacher?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m not sure if these are actually Schumacher or not. They are 318 brackets, but they have the provision for the other bolt hole that the factory 273 passenger bracket doesn’t usually have. They could have been nicely modified, I don’t know. Factory V8 and slant K frames are the same in early A, and the bracket makes the difference, so factory parts essentially work. I have new Schumacher 360 mounts for the Barracuda - but now I’m not using a 360 😅

[@MrGozer23]

My dad always told me that a convertible roof was an extra system you didn't want just to have a car. I noticed that convertibles sell for a little better money and I liked that you may not sweat to death if you can put the roof down. So I like em, but never owned or drove one yet of any brand.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I have had some really fun drives in a convertible, but in general, I’d much rather have a hard top with the windows down, but a solid roof over my head.

[@tonysears1720]

I don't know why but this is giving me an unhealthy obsession to purchase an early A-body because reasons 😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It’s becoming a problem 😅 I think I’m buying another one for some reason.

[@noberet]

I want to see more! Like how you handled the heater core. Unless you have it in here and I missed it. All I saw about it was all that leaking.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes, handled with vice grips. I will be replacing that soon.

[@davestark2015]

Very cool !! Turn my tablet on and i see this on my feed. Now i have fresh coffee and my favorite show to watch !!!!!! Yippee 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kenjohnson3641]

Cool car

[@scottsmith1897]

Another great video. Nice to see the old ones come back and not just taking a basket case and throwing $$$$$ at it to make it a 75K car....... just get them going and drive them the way they were intended....

[@johnmullins2798]

Cool car. Reminded me I drove my 71 road runner sitting on a milk crate in the mid 80s. Got the 440 together after a rebuild about 3 AM one morning and had to see what she'd do. Good times.

[@seaglider844]

No bumper....looks to good as is.

[@Coronetguy]

Wow, great bones for the rust worthy 63

[@snoopyboobs]

Comfartible? Wow really going to the darkside! Turn around and head toward the light. Atleast it has round tailights as all good Darts do. Distance is always the key factor. Nothing worse than a 6 hour drive home with no car, well except for a 6 hour drive with a new nightmare project. ;)

[@ssmrmgb]

Great video, keep em coming

[@jeffhill3681]

'A ' body exhaust manifold engineering must have been fun. My 68 GTS 383 driver's side manifold is... complicated like that. And I have had that postal jeep experience too. Dead of night and all that.

[@markrundquist3348]

Hey Jamie I'm kinda new to the chanel......what's the deal with the mail truck?.....are you a male carrier?.......and if so are you related to Cliff Clavin from Cheers?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😅 no, I am contracted to repair and maintain our local fleet of USPS delivery vehicles. I do their routine services and inspections, and as old and hammered as those things are, there is always plenty to do. I just finally wrapped up the last round. Next round starts next weekend… can’t wait. I used to do this at my repair shop, and when that closed, I kept the contract. They are happy to bring them to my place here, because no one else wants to do it!

[@markrundquist3348]

@@DeadDodgeGarage that sounds like a great gig.....go get that guvament money....thanks for your reply

[@Bob-Whiting]

I know you already know this, but like 45 degrees of advance could cause smoking bat cables. So, I WILL NOT mention that. Yes, we would like to see more of #9 white car, it's almost a muscle car after all! Thanks for the longer video, I appreciate that format myself, not kidding. By the way, what is the name of the early transmission with the separate park cable?, for those of us not familiar with the early stuff from our childhood. Thanks.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The battery cable was smoking with zero ignition power, starter only - so that’s bad. Haha. It is still a Torqueflite 904 or 727, but they are generally referred to as “push button” or “cable shift.”

[@Bob-Whiting]

@@DeadDodgeGarage K, thanks.

[@svenwallmark4571]

supernice video keep it up.

[@dwightwaldvogel2783]

Cool car , now let’s see a video of you putting a new convertible top on 😁

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nooo, I’ll be paying the professionals for that 😅

[@bradsrestorations1085]

That was LOTS of progress in a short time! Excellent

[@scotttry4517]

Watching you work on those things and brings back a lot of memories from the coolers darts, dusters demons, chargers all the good cars

[@RustyFuel]

The bright side of not having a wiring harness, is that there won’t be any shorts

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

😅

[@leehouston5436]

Fun project though …

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Awesome Wrenchin!!

[@rodransome3783]

Aircleaner ,yes.Front bumper,No.

[@Legacy_Lou]

Great video Jamie 😎

[@beljames1563]

What a cool car. Glad the smoky wrench did another job.

[@tedcorey3054]

Good job , cool car .

[@thralldumehammer]

Leave off the bumper, honestly it looks better.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I completely agree! It’s beautiful. I’ll try really hard not to hit anything 😅

[@EchiroB]

My Father bought my Mother a brand new 1963 white Dodge Dart convertible, I was 17 years old. I remember the new car smells and marveled at the slant six engine. I taught my younger brother how to drive stick shift with it. We drove the piss out of it. It was a great family car.

[@jefflesak275]

Yes more content.

[@airstream65]

As much rain as you get, surprised you don’t have gravel or ground asphalt tailings outside your garage!😊

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

There is gravel, but it’s well past the point of needing a rethink. The whole street side of the lot has been redone. This side needs to be too, but I want to do it once, do it right - so plumbing needs to be fixed, everything needs to be moved, green space needs a border, etc… I can’t make anything easy.

[@richjordan9375]

@@DeadDodgeGarage So... cars get a decent fixup, make them drivable again, enjoy them, don't worry about the little rust here, the little dents there, get it running, have fun, and fix up the bits one at a time..... but your shop entrance/drive is going to get fully disassembled and concours restoration job. I get it! 🤣

[@willythewave]

I am happy for you man. :)

[@Bob-Whiting]

Well, at least the floors wont rust, it's antifreeze!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly!

[@americanjoetv1390]

great work. and the length of the episode was perfect. Blue Tooth microphone, Trans dipstick, heater hose, kick down cable. I think was the shopping list.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Convertible top, carpet, maybe tires… I’m sure there’s more, but it’s a good start.

[@Cstoreri]

Thx Jamie!

[@howardsteffenson3617]

Wish I had a project like that. I saw an absolutely gorgeous 64 Plymouth convertible driving down the street here in Kelowna bc last week. I had a CB 4 Plymouth 4 door hardtop back in the day but then I bought a 74 Challenger and then a 340 72 Charger and th3n a different 74 Challenger 318 and then a 1972 CUDA 340. Then a 1967 Barracuda 273 and finally I still have my 1971 Challenger 340

[@antoninoorfano8187]

Great work

[@gasser66]

I have been enjoying this episode. Had to leave and go take care of my wife's horse and tell her about my latest movie ideas, all of which I have apparently covered "dozens of times" in the past lol. Now back at home base, chickens on the grill, and DDG on the tube. Note to self, do not forget about chicken on the grill like last time.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

This is all sounding a lot like my life - but with fewer horses… more ducks though.

[@whatchacookin1096]

Fratzoff' to you! Wonderful video.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@americanrambler4972]

New cars are better in every way conceivable. But those early to mid 60’s American compact cars often had a something special about them that made them quite good. Like the right size outside, the right interior size, light weight compared to the same size car of today, decent interior comfort, affordable, and a decent driving capability with an often quite smooth ride compared to today’s cars. And with a v8 and rear wheel drive, small wheels and slippery tires along with around 200 hp plus or minus, you could do burnouts all day long. There is nothing out there like those A body convertibles today. Not even a new Mustang.

[@samuelgoodman2825]

The first gen A bodies are coming up in value for sure.Our 65 Dart GT gets a lot of attention,most are surprised its a 273.

[@daveharvey5032]

Okay, after seeing what it is what like when you got it, I understand why you were so excited for me to hear it run! Great job. Also, my old master cylinder...d'aw!

[@rogercollins2653]

Short of cutting in half, and even that would probably not kill it a slant 6, what blood forever I mean, there's literally no way to kill, right? I mean, you're literally, but the rest Nat Holden. Now l doesn't even need that much water and oil to keep a cool gosh. Man, okay, all you need to do is what 4 things. Gasoline air and spark. Lube. The right lube 😂

[@richjordan9375]

Really enjoyed this! And I managed to watch a long Sunday video before the livestream for a change! I've never owned a convertible and likely never will but whatever else about them... a side view shot of most convertible Mopars with the top down is stunning. The lines, the curves... I might not drive one as often as a hardtop/coupe/sedan but I'd be gazing raptly at it quite a bit.

[@gilromard]

What an awesome Dart that is, the engine sounds fantastic! Love the 'turbine' look of the '63, and the '63 grille is so much cooler than the '64. You're giving me some great ideas on what to do with my '64 Valiant! Getting tired of the six.

[@josephbecker9435]

sweetness

[@justralphajerseyguystuckin3671]

Wow Jamie- you built this from parts, and it isn't a basket case of rust, it's kinda cool and does burnouts and has a happy ending. Sure- I really Wanna see more progress vids on this, I'd even love to own it, but that's not possible, but I would if I could 🙂

[@ThisValiantAdventure]

Always loved these early Darts. They’re adorable. You don’t need a real microphone. Just add a Jamie original guitar riff over the driving footage. We miss that. Yes please- more early A bodies!

[@mynameisspence]

I for one, enjoy your cornball narrations.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I appreciate that. My people!

[@joshuajesch7154]

Dual glasspacks. Another one of my favorite things in life. I like em...but thats not why I do it to mine.... I do it because I need to.

[@KrisGreenhill]

There is an identical car for sale right up the road from me right now. If only I could finish my current project so I can get another. Also, I got my son's car off Craigslist last year. Every now and again, you strike gold on ole Craigslist.

[@tanker3344]

This video was right my alley i have a 63 dart gt slant 6 and 64 valiant convertible with 360 4 speed i brought backed to life . Driving around the neiborhood for the first time is incredible now i don't feel so odd Thanks !🤣

[@gagekibbey650]

Very cool! My 62 440 conv. Was originally white w/ red interior. Now black w/red.