WHAT TO LOOK FOR
SUSS OUT THE SPRINGS
Original rear semi-elliptical leaf springs may need replacing. Inspect the rear lever-arm dampers for leaks; replacements cost £150 exchange each. The front suspension comprises upper and lower wishbones with stub axles bolted through a vertical link. These links have trunnions at the bottom that can be replaced for £35 if worn, but if the link itself is cracked or damaged an exchange item will set you back about £1600.
LOOK CAREFULLY FOR CRACKS
Don’t assume the glassfibre body is immune to the effects of weather and ageing. They are 60 years old after all, so crazing and other forms of deterioration aren’t uncommon. It’s also worth checking for shoddy repairs; raised lines under the paint point to an accident repair done in a hurry. The good news is that once you have sorted the body out, you’ll probably never have to do anything to it again – but it will cost £5000-10,000 to restore properly.
CHECK THE CHASSIS
B-spec cars onwards have slightly altered chassis, most notably a beam beneath the windscreen, but the points to check are largely the same. The cross tubes across the front and below the radiator are very susceptible to corrosion, while the sill beams can also be problematic. Suspension turrets can rust too and also check the two U-shaped cross members at the rear – they are often bent after being used as a jacking point.
INSPECT ALL THE BRAKES
The nice surprise here is that the Dart has efficient disc brakes all round, with two-piston callipers. However, they are often seized, so budget for a rebuild if you are in doubt. Stainless steel pistons are available for around £15, while seal kits are in the region of £20. The handbrake lever on the rear hubs wears and can move forward and aft by as much as two inches, as well as chattering loudly when driving. There’s a three-way union at the rear and a five-way at the front. Change them from alloy to brass if the job hasn’t already been done, which is also likely to involve re-piping the whole car. The parts cost only a few pounds, but with labour the job will set you back about £250.
HOW’S THE TRANSMISSION?
The four-speed manual gearbox has synchromesh on the top three forward ratios. A chattering noise in first can signal a worn first layshaft gear, but could also be a pricier first main shaft gear. Either way, a rebuild will be over £1000. The optional three-speed Borg-Warner automatic is generally robust, but the internal layout is unusual with a two-speed gearcase and third provided through the torque converter. Pulling away in second is normal, but if the unit needs attention if it shows a reluctance to shift gear without backing off the throttle. Expect around £2040 for a full rebuild. The biggest enemies of the rear axle are age and poor servicing – listen for whine from the differential.