My “more project than restoration” 66 Charger

[BamaCharger66]

Well I completed my obligatory introduction within the Welcome Wagon.
So, I’ll be lazy and paste that here:

Originally from Alabama. Just recently retired active duty Army after 25 years. Now retired and back in Alabama.

Lifelong lover of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I've owned a few motorcycles but have since sold. Then, I transitioned to classic Toyota Land Cruisers. I own a few currently. What I've never owned is a classic car. Years ago, at 14/15 years old, I used to buy the local bulletin board and go straight to the classic car section and dream of one day owning one. Well, two days ago, at 45 years old, I bought one.

Saw a MP ad for a 1966 Dodge Charger in N Georgia. Car is very complete and original so I jumped on the deal. It does have a slightly later 383. The bill of sale has an E or F designator for the engine making it an original 318 or 361. So, almost glad to have the 383. This old gal needs lots but things like all interior lights work, headlights work. I have 50lbs of oil pressure on start up. Still needs sorting out. Wiring, cooling, carb adjustments, new tires, trim put back on, and a good deep cleaning. In 48 hours i have:
Changed the oil/filter
added new fuel line and filter
replaced cap, rotor, spark plugs
added trans fluid
Ordered new fuel tank and sending unit
Ordered new brake booster and wheel cylinders

Future plans:
Clean her up really well
install new tires
Sort the brakes and electrical
Sort the cooling, carb, timing
Potentially rebuild steering and suspension
Install new fuel cell and sending unit
And then just enjoy the heck out of her.

Quote Rep

 

[Don Frelier]

If it still has the so single pot master cylinder.
I highly recommend getting a dual for a 67. You'll need a distribution block as well.
I can help show you where to get this stuff.

 

[Ghostrider 67]

Well I completed my obligatory introduction within the Welcome Wagon.
So, I’ll be lazy and paste that here:

Originally from Alabama. Just recently retired active duty Army after 25 years. Now retired and back in Alabama.

Lifelong lover of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I've owned a few motorcycles but have since sold. Then, I transitioned to classic Toyota Land Cruisers. I own a few currently. What I've never owned is a classic car. Years ago, at 14/15 years old, I used to buy the local bulletin board and go straight to the classic car section and dream of one day owning one. Well, two days ago, at 45 years old, I bought one.

Saw a MP ad for a 1966 Dodge Charger in N Georgia. Car is very complete and original so I jumped on the deal. It does have a slightly later 383. The bill of sale has an E or F designator for the engine making it an original 318 or 361. So, almost glad to have the 383. This old gal needs lots but things like all interior lights work, headlights work. I have 50lbs of oil pressure on start up. Still needs sorting out. Wiring, cooling, carb adjustments, new tires, trim put back on, and a good deep cleaning. In 48 hours i have:
Changed the oil/filter
added new fuel line and filter
replaced cap, rotor, spark plugs
added trans fluid
Ordered new fuel tank and sending unit
Ordered new brake booster and wheel cylinders

Future plans:
Clean her up really well
install new tires
Sort the brakes and electrical
Sort the cooling, carb, timing
Potentially rebuild steering and suspension
Install new fuel cell and sending unit
And then just enjoy the heck out of her.
View attachment 1319899
View attachment 1319900

Quote Rep

Looking good! Nice starting platform, keep us posted on what all you do to her, ask any questions you may have as there are many here who stand ready to help. Thank you for your service! Ghost.

 

[BamaCharger66]

I’m now about a week into my efforts. I’ve purchased a new gas tank and fuel sender. Oh, I’m wondering where I can get the grommet where the metal filer tube mates up to the tank.
Also bought 11 inch brake shoes and 11 inch wheels bearings inner and outer. Then realized tonight after beating one of the ear drums off that I have 10 inch brakes.
Still waiting on new master cylinder to come in. Other random small parts as well.
The car seems to run fairly decent after sitting God knows how long. Again, my plans are to enjoy my first muscle car. And like I’ve already proven, I’m going to need lots of help and guidance. Stay tuned and glad to be a part of this community.

 

[Nxcoupe]

If it still has the so single pot master cylinder.
I highly recommend getting a dual for a 67. You'll need a distribution block as well.
I can help show you where to get this stuff.

Please share. I'd like to know too.

 

[Don67Satellite]

The grommet for the neck to tank.

 

[topside]

Thank you for your service. Looks like a decent car, and I hope you have fun getting it back in shape.
I second the dual master cylinder idea, and I highly recommend getting a factory service manual.

 

[BamaCharger66]

Well I completed my obligatory introduction within the Welcome Wagon.
So, I’ll be lazy and paste that here:

Originally from Alabama. Just recently retired active duty Army after 25 years. Now retired and back in Alabama.

Lifelong lover of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I've owned a few motorcycles but have since sold. Then, I transitioned to classic Toyota Land Cruisers. I own a few currently. What I've never owned is a classic car. Years ago, at 14/15 years old, I used to buy the local bulletin board and go straight to the classic car section and dream of one day owning one. Well, two days ago, at 45 years old, I bought one.

Saw a MP ad for a 1966 Dodge Charger in N Georgia. Car is very complete and original so I jumped on the deal. It does have a slightly later 383. The bill of sale has an E or F designator for the engine making it an original 318 or 361. So, almost glad to have the 383. This old gal needs lots but things like all interior lights work, headlights work. I have 50lbs of oil pressure on start up. Still needs sorting out. Wiring, cooling, carb adjustments, new tires, trim put back on, and a good deep cleaning. In 48 hours i have:
Changed the oil/filter
added new fuel line and filter
replaced cap, rotor, spark plugs
added trans fluid
Ordered new fuel tank and sending unit
Ordered new brake booster and wheel cylinders

Future plans:
Clean her up really well
install new tires
Sort the brakes and electrical
Sort the cooling, carb, timing
Potentially rebuild steering and suspension
Install new fuel cell and sending unit
And then just enjoy the heck out of her.

The grommet for the neck to tank.

Thx so much!

 

[BamaCharger66]

Any ideas/suggestions on brakes… I’ve already ordered an oem style single reservoir MS. Is there a kit that’s out there? Should I try any source 11 inch drums? If so, will I need to change my backing plate? Anyone have a Dana 60 with decent outers?

 

[eldubb440]

bonus points for the doggie

 

[BamaCharger66]

In addition to needing brake parts. Looking for:
X2 383 four barrel emblems
X2 emblems (rectangle?) that are beside Charger emblem
X4 Steel wheels possibly w/ caps

 

[DGE330/NC]

Thanks for your service. That's one good looking pup there. Car is nice also. it takes time to get things sorted out but the end results can be so satisfying.

 

[Bighouse]

X-2 on the dual master.

Nice car and welcome! This board has been a huge help for my project.

 

[Fitz73Chrgr]

Congrats on your retirement! Our '66 is the same color and also has a 383, so I'll be watching your progress!

 

[Don Frelier]

Please share. I'd like to know too.

65-66 Dodge Mopar Dual Master Conversion Cylinder Block and Brake Lines Tubes | eBay

1967 DODGE CHARGER 6.3L 383cid V8 Master Cylinder | RockAuto

These parts are very inexpensive. I should have mentioned to replace the rubber lines as well.

I use only synthetic brake fluid in my cars. I've had the same master cylinder in the Charger for over 20 years.
The master will likely come with plastic bleeder plugs.
Bench bleed it very slowly, I don't like to go full stroke on the master if possible.

 

[Bighouse]

View attachment 1320085
65-66 Dodge Mopar Dual Master Conversion Cylinder Block and Brake Lines Tubes | eBay

View attachment 1320086
1967 DODGE CHARGER 6.3L 383cid V8 Master Cylinder | RockAuto

These parts are very inexpensive. I should have mentioned to replace the rubber lines as well.

I use only synthetic brake fluid in my cars. I've had the same master cylinder in the Charger for over 20 years.
The master will likely come with plastic bleeder plugs.
Bench bleed it very slowly, I don't like to go full stroke on the master if possible.

That looks like the same I just ordered for my other car. The part I ordered was for a drum/drum 67 Nova. Looks the same in the pic. I think it was $30

Mentally, I feel so much better driving it now too. It’s always in the back of your mind.

 

[Nxcoupe]

View attachment 1320085
65-66 Dodge Mopar Dual Master Conversion Cylinder Block and Brake Lines Tubes | eBay

View attachment 1320086
1967 DODGE CHARGER 6.3L 383cid V8 Master Cylinder | RockAuto

These parts are very inexpensive. I should have mentioned to replace the rubber lines as well.

I use only synthetic brake fluid in my cars. I've had the same master cylinder in the Charger for over 20 years.
The master will likely come with plastic bleeder plugs.
Bench bleed it very slowly, I don't like to go full stroke on the master if possible.

I think that sort if defeats the purpose of having a dual master cylinder because that block doesn't have a differential pressure valve in it. That's what saves your but if a brake line breaks, not just the dual master. That is a straight forward design, but what I'd like is a 67 metering block and lines for mine. I haven't been able to find an accurate reproduction of one yet, so I may have to go the Dr. Diff route? Not sure. Thanks for sharing tho, the master looks like what I want.

 

[Nxcoupe]

View attachment 1320085
65-66 Dodge Mopar Dual Master Conversion Cylinder Block and Brake Lines Tubes | eBay

View attachment 1320086
1967 DODGE CHARGER 6.3L 383cid V8 Master Cylinder | RockAuto

These parts are very inexpensive. I should have mentioned to replace the rubber lines as well.

I use only synthetic brake fluid in my cars. I've had the same master cylinder in the Charger for over 20 years.
The master will likely come with plastic bleeder plugs.
Bench bleed it very slowly, I don't like to go full stroke on the master if possible.

I saw those on Rock Auto, great deal it seems, but which one is for power brakes and which one is manual, and which is for front disk? There lack if application info kind if turned me off.
I think I'm going to the parts store and getting part numbers for each type of MC, then use Rock Auto's crossover search to see which one is which. Maybe I can do that today? Have to see how the day goes.

 

[Don Frelier]

I saw those on Rock Auto, great deal it seems, but which one is for power brakes and which one is manual, and which is for front disk? There lack if application info kind if turned me off.
I think I'm going to the parts store and getting part numbers for each type of MC, then use Rock Auto's crossover search to see which one is which. Maybe I can do that today? Have to see how the day goes.

I had the Raybestos 36221 on my 66 Plymouth with 10" power drums and it worked well.
But you are correct I think manual brakes would be a different bore size, but he said he ordered a new booster so I knew he had power brakes.
I think front discs on a 66 are extremely rare and that master would have a larger reservoir section for the discs.

 

[Nxcoupe]

I had the Raybestos 36221 on my 66 Plymouth with 10" power drums and it worked well.
But you are correct I think manual brakes would be a different bore size, but he said he ordered a new booster so I knew he had power brakes.
I think front discs on a 66 are extremely rare and that master would have a larger reservoir section for the discs.

I think I'm going to swing by the parts store and get some part numbers just to see. But it would be 67 front discs.