Looking at a new summer dd project.

[MyCreation68]

So lately I've been getting bored with my 98 SS/T not that it's not a blast to drive or anything, it handles like a dream for a pickup truck, but still getting bored. I figured I've got enough spare parts and extra parts that I could assemble an older car for a daily driver. I found what looks like a decent little project car looks solid from the photo's I have and he's going to send me photo's at the end of the month and he's back home. it's a dodge regent ether a 1953 or 54.






I can already see that I have some repair works to do because of the broken hood hinge(I'm guessing the mount rusted) and fixing the hood handles because they seem to be pointing in weird directions. little dings and dents here and there but seems good.

I figure if I end up getting it I'll use some of the unused parts that I won't need for the 68 to build it up. I have a 79 slant six and a 74 4 speed that I could use. I'd hook up a hydraulic clutch and likely rebuild the stock rear axle, repair any structural rust issues and then probably leave the body as is. Any suggestions? I've already come to the conclusion that the dart is a long term project because I want it to be a "daily driver" but mostly a road course car, but the main part of doing up an older car would be because A) I love older vehicles, I think honestly the 98 is the newest thing I'll own because I just have no desire to deal with the bs the auto manufacturers have put out, B)I have never driven a car I've actually enjoyed other then my brothers 80 road runner. I used to work for a auto auction to so thats saying something I used to drive any kind of car to the auction block. I've only ever driven trucks I know a 53/54 dodge regent wouldn't ride much like a car but it sure would be fun.

So I dunno opinions guys?

I'm also looking at a 1954 Regent but don't have pictures of it yet. the above car is listed at 600 bucks.

EDIT btw just noticed I guess I'm a God now, don't worry I won't let it go to my head

Edit correction I jsut found out the year for sure it's a 52 dodge regent.

[doug 371]

looks solid...i never was really interested in the pre 55's

[SRT440DUSTER]

It'll probably cost you alot more then you think to get it on the road. Have you found any place you can buy parts? Anything that old would need completly gone through before putting it on the road. Even if you replaced all the suspension parts its still 55 yearold technology not design for the highway speeds of today. On the other hand, to find a complete car like that is pretty rare. Theres no doubt that could be sweet, but i think you would be better off putting your time and money into your 

[MyCreation68]

yeah I can understand that it'll take a while to get it running and I'll have to upgrade alot but I'm thinking I'll likely find a newer rear diff and graft in a 78 volare front suspension that way I can have a somewhat newer setup so it'll be more highway friendly.

[chryco]

Have fun with it !

[MyCreation68]

maybe I can make it so It can tow the dart around to shows and race events

[bOb shingler]

a 4 door?

[MyCreation68]

nothing wrong with a 4 door I'd turn the rear doors into suicide doors.

[Pedalkisses]

I think it has potential!  Have fun!

[Thin White Duke]

Looks like a waste of time and money. 

[rarefish]

Hey Hey Hey we're talking a 241 Dodge Hemi if it has a V8. Check HotHemiHeads for all of your drive train parts. A small block 727 bolts up with an adapter plate that runs about 250 bucks., An 8 3/4 out of a C-body works with relocated spring perches. Someone one HHH was doing one of these. Unfortunately they were gettting so much porn spam they had to reformat their web site and several years of fantastic info was lost. It's starting to build back up and if you posted a question it'll get answered quick. Their site is much a like of the early Hemi. All of the early Hemi's have the same block pattern so thhink blown 392, real pricey. But 354's are pretty much dirt cheap if you look around. Most of the parts for a 354 and 392 interchange. The '92 is a high deck and the '54 is a low deck, just like the 383 vs 440. I had a guy give me a 56 DeSoto with a 330 Hemi, but it's about 5 hrs away. Good luck, the 241 is good for about 250 hourses. Another thing to look for is a Dodge truck up to a 61, I think, and it could have a 325 Hemi. Big truck not P-U. Once again good luck and have fun, Joe.

[jamesdart]

my buddy had a 4 dr 50 or 51 desoto the same color the car sat in untouched in a garage since like 75 or something. the body was very nice. he got it running and yard driving. the car was like a lincoln or cadillac of the day, he couldnt give the damn thing away the guy that bought it was restoring some sort of desoto limo and only bought it for parts. if it was a 2 dr it would be a different story, it would have been sitting in my driveway. those cars are ugly as sin in 4 dr. but if it doesnt bother you, save it from the crusher.

[rarefish]

my buddy had a 4 dr 50 or 51 desoto the same color the car sat in untouched in a garage since like 75 or something. the body was very nice. he got it running and yard driving. the car was like a lincoln or cadillac of the day, he couldnt give the damn thing away the guy that bought it was restoring some sort of desoto limo and only bought it for parts. if it was a 2 dr it would be a different story, it would have been sitting in my driveway. those cars are ugly as sin in 4 dr. but if it doesnt bother you, save it from the crusher.

UGLY IS AS UGLY DOES When you pop the hood and see those holes in the valve covers and 6 strohmbergs (3 on a 241) or better yet a modern Hilborn injector set up with stacks ($5000), ugly starts gettin a little cuter, Joe.

[jamesdart]

still wouldnt do anything for me.

[67Dart34dr0]

Looks like there'd be some potential there. What draws me to them is the tall hoods, just think of what you could fit underneath...