Couple of n00bs checking in...

Super Sloth · Post by **Super Sloth** » Tue Nov 17, 15 11:53 am

Hi folks,

My name is Jon. Have been reading the board for a while and joined up a little over a month ago.
My other half and I are hoping to dip our toes into American car ownership in the not too distant future. We've had a lot of classic British tin over the last few years - mostly MG's Triumph and Jaguars and now it feels like it's time for something completely different.
After reading classic American for 3 years and much browsing of the interweb we've decided that we want to start with a mopar.

This was crystallised when we visited Tesco a couple of months back and parked up next to a '71 Chrysler New Yorker 2 door and it dwarfed our LR Discovery. It's gotta be a mope for us!

Of course as soon as we got back the tape measure came out and it suddenly got a lot more expensive when the drive was far too small for alot of cars. We realised we're going to have to move house to accommodate one of the B body or C body models. Our Jaguar XJ only just manages to squeeze past the bungalow so it means we're searching for an A body. That's no bad thing as I'm quite struck on the '70-73 Dart swingers and the demon / duster variants anyway!

We're based in a little village just outside of Alfreton, in Derbyshire. Bit of a long shot, but I was wondering if there might be anyone not too far away with an A body who might be willing to show us around their car and point out all the bits to look out for when shopping?

Anyway... that's enough waffle from me...
All the best,

Jon & Nicola.

Dom66 · Post by **Dom66** » Tue Nov 17, 15 12:02 pm

Welcome on board

Exciting times ahead

I know what you mean about the size, I'm currently having to build a new Garage as my B body wouldn't fit in the old one

Plenty of nice A bodies around, someone will be along with help/advice soon.

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Tue Nov 17, 15 12:24 pm

A bodies are where the smart money is now, compact, cheap parts, take it anywhere, park it in a normal garage.

Plus I have a small amount a spares.....

Post by **MattH** » Tue Nov 17, 15 12:29 pm

Welcome to the club, lots of advice on here, and I am sure there will be an A body not too far away that someone will let you try for size.

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Tue Nov 17, 15 12:37 pm

Size aside, decide what you want from your car. if you get bitten by the 'go faster' bug which is inherent to muscle car owning you need to make some further deliberations. Lots of decent A bods turning up in the UK.

First question If its a V8 (it should be

)has it got a proper axle (8.7/5")? If not, you cant put any power through it as it will destroy the standard axle. Ask Dave81 how much it costs to import and build one. Most of the cars came without the desirable axles unless a genuine 340/360 car.

Second question- Does it have disc brakes? Not an absolute pre-requisite but helps.

Third question - is it rusty beyond the usual lower rear quarters? Check with care

If happy with the above - Buy one

Just my 2 cents worth having built and lived with Dodge Dart Sport which I converted to 360 power- which I recommend

Dave81 · Post by **Dave81** » Tue Nov 17, 15 1:16 pm

Welcome Jon/Nicola!

I'm based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire (bit of a trek from Alfreton), but your more than welcome to come and have a look at my 72 Swinger. Will happily show you around the car and point out the areas to look for. The differences in years and how spending an extra £1k here may save you £2.5k at a later.

A bodies are great cars (well all Mopars are TBH), but they do have the added benefit of being UK garage friendly.

As Miles has said........What do you want from the 'finished' car. If its just a cruiser then any A body should suffice.

If you want a stout street/strip car with shiny bits, this is where it pays to get the right car as a base.

Any more specific questions just ask.......Happy to help!

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Tue Nov 17, 15 1:52 pm

Welcome

This could get confusing with a JC already and now a JC. (with full stop)!

Or at least it could for the punctuation-challenged amongst those on here

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Tue Nov 17, 15 2:10 pm

its the same for us when we meet you two at an event

who's who's.....

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue Nov 17, 15 2:41 pm

Hello

Don't forget the aussie and Seth Effrican cars

Dave

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Tue Nov 17, 15 5:49 pm

Welcome aboard. Happy hunting.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Tue Nov 17, 15 5:50 pm

Welcome! A bodies have always been my thing, owned 'em for 33 years now and the novelty still hasn't worn off....

lough3969 · Post by **lough3969** » Tue Nov 17, 15 6:33 pm

Hello there... A bodies are the way to go for sure, be patient and do your homework. Lots of really good advice from the Brian's on this forum. Good luck I

lough3969 · Post by **lough3969** » Tue Nov 17, 15 6:35 pm

I meant Brains but there may be some Brians..?

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Tue Nov 17, 15 6:37 pm

Welcome to you both, Jon and Nicola!

I have a passion for "A" Bodies and anything Mopar to be honest.

"A" Bodies are very practical and enjoyable, have a good browse around the "Garage" and "Workshop" sections for some inspiration.

Have fun!

Dart Vader · Post by **Dart Vader** » Tue Nov 17, 15 6:46 pm

lough3969 wrote:I meant Brains but there may be some Brians..?

Not in your neck of the woods clearly......