What to look for when buying a 1972 Dart
07-20-2013, 09:50 PM
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What to look for when buying a 1972 Dart
Hi there,
I'm going to be looking at a '72 Dart w/ 318ci/auto tranny.
Are there any known problem areas that I should be keeping an eye out for?
Common rust areas? Electrical demons? etc.
Apparently the motor and transmission have been recently rebuilt.
Roughly how much would a better than average but not mint specimen sell for?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
I'm going to be looking at a '72 Dart w/ 318ci/auto tranny.
Are there any known problem areas that I should be keeping an eye out for?
Common rust areas? Electrical demons? etc.
Apparently the motor and transmission have been recently rebuilt.
Roughly how much would a better than average but not mint specimen sell for?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
07-21-2013, 09:08 AM
#2
"Electrical Demons" in all these old girls can be a problem. You might pull the bulkhead connector apart and inspect it. I'm sure the seller doesn't want you tearing into the dash, so a "quick look" is probably all you'll get
Rust is "the usual suspects." Either rusted through inner cowl, or mud plugged cowl drains can cause water to leak into the interior at least through the cowl vents, and if rusted, "most anywhere" up there.
Windshield, wiper bearings, rear glass, and sometimes trunk lid can leak.
Rust, again cowl, areas around windshield and rear glass rear shelf, rear quarters, lower doors and lower rockers and of course the floor pan are probably the biggies.
Rust is "the usual suspects." Either rusted through inner cowl, or mud plugged cowl drains can cause water to leak into the interior at least through the cowl vents, and if rusted, "most anywhere" up there.
Windshield, wiper bearings, rear glass, and sometimes trunk lid can leak.
Rust, again cowl, areas around windshield and rear glass rear shelf, rear quarters, lower doors and lower rockers and of course the floor pan are probably the biggies.
07-21-2013, 11:39 AM
#3
Mopar Fanatic
Out here in California, the rust is usually limited to the spare tire well in the trunk due to the crappy factory trunk weatherstrips. we get some lower quarter rust for the same reason... WATER trapped in the trunk.
Cowl rust? Never seen that out here. Otherwise, these cars are pretty rugged. I've read that the cars with drum front brakes use weak bolts that retain the spindle to the lower ball joints. A car intended for hard cornering should be equipped with front disc brakes anyway.
The 7 1/4 axle is the base unit. It was okay for grandma but put anyone in the seat with a lead foot and they don't last long. The 8 1/4" axle is a good upgrade. They are amazingly durable compared to a 7 1/4".
The 67-69 darts are the most valueable, followed by the 70-72. The "beak nose" 73-76 are often considered the least desireable models due to appearance and added weight. The 72 is a nice style. I prefer the 70 rear bumper though. A running, driving, NON rusted car will have a wide range of value depending on where you are. Here in CA, they bring less than in the snowy states because we have more of them out here. I've seen them as low as $1500 and as high as $6000 for a clean car with either one repaint or clean original paint.
Cowl rust? Never seen that out here. Otherwise, these cars are pretty rugged. I've read that the cars with drum front brakes use weak bolts that retain the spindle to the lower ball joints. A car intended for hard cornering should be equipped with front disc brakes anyway.
The 7 1/4 axle is the base unit. It was okay for grandma but put anyone in the seat with a lead foot and they don't last long. The 8 1/4" axle is a good upgrade. They are amazingly durable compared to a 7 1/4".
The 67-69 darts are the most valueable, followed by the 70-72. The "beak nose" 73-76 are often considered the least desireable models due to appearance and added weight. The 72 is a nice style. I prefer the 70 rear bumper though. A running, driving, NON rusted car will have a wide range of value depending on where you are. Here in CA, they bring less than in the snowy states because we have more of them out here. I've seen them as low as $1500 and as high as $6000 for a clean car with either one repaint or clean original paint.
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