This 1966 Dodge Dart GT Convertible has been off the road since 1986, but the seller has already put in the work to get it running, driving, and stopping again after decades of sitting. Powered by Chrysler’s 225ci Slant-6 and showing 139,657 miles, the Dart now wears primer but still has solid floors and comes with extra trim pieces. Located in Greenville, Texas, it’s offered with a clean title and is ready for its next caretaker to take it to the next level. You can find the listing here on Barn Finds.
The Dodge Dart GT was the sportier version of Chrysler’s compact lineup, and in 1966, the convertible added a fun open-air element to its affordable charm. This one won’t turn heads for its power, most GTs like this were ordered with the durable Slant-6 rather than a V8, but the 225ci engine is legendary for reliability, and the seller has already gone through much of the mechanical sorting needed to revive it.
According to the seller, the engine was pulled to replace rusted-out steel freeze plugs, and while it was out, it was painted and given a rebuilt carburetor. New parts include a distributor cap, rotor, points, condenser, fuel tank, fuel pump, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gasket, and oil pan gasket. On the braking side, a new master cylinder, four new wheel cylinders, and new front shoes were installed, making it safe to drive as-is.
The body tells a different story. At some point in its history, it was skim-coated with body filler. apparently by a previous owner’s kid, who was learning bodywork, and the result is chipped paint and a primered finish. The seller notes that the floors are solid overall, though there is a small graft in the rear seat area. Additional trim pieces are included with the sale, which could help if the next owner decides to pursue a full restoration.
Inside, the Dart’s condition isn’t fully detailed, but given its long period of storage, expect it to need cleaning and upholstery attention if you want a show-quality finish. For a casual cruiser, though, it could be enjoyed as-is, especially with its mechanicals now sorted.
While a Slant-6 convertible isn’t the rarest or most valuable Mopar, these Darts have their fans for being affordable, fun-to-drive classics. With its combination of solid bones, running condition, and a convertible top, this one seems like a good starting point for someone who wants an approachable project with lots of potential. Would you keep its patina and drive it as-is, or tear it down for a full restoration?
Hmm, I find it a bit unsettling a classic car should be displayed at a cemetery,,,I just don’t understand sellers, they go all out on stuff the average person today has no idea about, yet, can’t sport an Earl Scheib $99 paint job. Okay, Earl is gone, but I bet a grand would still get a nice job, and this car would be sold for double. In that regard as is, sadly, the cemetery is a perfect place for it.
For the record, it may not have been the kid, I’ve seen entire doors coated with bondo.
@Howard A
Howard, what century you living in? Earl Scheib hasn’t been $99 in forever.
At any rate, there is still an Earl Scheibs in Vegas. Down by the Rio and Gold Coast
The last time I used Earl Scheib was in 1976. They painted my 59 Rambler American from the original light green color to their tan. It faded pretty quick, and a couple of years later a house mate painted the Rambler light blue in the garage. That was the car that pulled the rear of a Ford pickup as trailer from N CA to Philadelphia. There was no rust anywhere when I sold it.
Actually, Howard’s living in the 21st century. Earl Scheib’s closed in 2010 : https://www.autobodynews.com/news/industry-pioneer-earl-scheib-inc-folds-after-75-years-painting-cars
Thanks for the interesting article about the Earl Scheib history. They tried to upgrade their paint quality and succeeded, but too late ultimately. Yes, I received the poorer quality paint job around 1976 at the Jenkintown (suburb of Philadelphia) location. As said, my paint just lost its gloss within a year and looked more like a tan primer. Too bad the efforts to save after the better-quality paint, even using Sherwin Williams near the end. A low-cost company is needed. People used to do their own prep and trim removal before taking to Sheib because that work was not a certainty at the location.
Why would you give it to an outfit like Earl Scheib to do it wrong again? The way the car is now you can see the warts and you know what you’re getting into. If I really cared about this car I would strip it and start over, just like all the ones I really like.
Not sure that’s an actual cemetery, but regardless:
Obviously, this is an artsy way of contrasting the eternal boredom of being old and dead in the ground with the youthful, unburdened energy and optimism which is the 66 Dodge Dart convertible!
Some are quick to judge. Maybe an owner was buried there. Maybe a Veteran. But I find myself making the same assumptions with little information. Trying to stop and think a little first. Love you guys and gal. Is Angel the only gal to post on this site. Can anyone say “gal” today? If not, I apologize.
@Bovey
Hi Bovey! You can call me anything you want as long as it’s not late for dinner. Barump bump! I’ll see myself out now.
Seriously though, there are a couple other “gals” on here but they only post on really important things. Unlike me who is obnoxious with my opinions! But I love the guys on here and we have fun. As Ken is so fond of saying, we’re one big happy family.
@Bovey
Hi Bovey! You can call me anything you want as long as it’s not late for dinner. Barump bump! I’ll see myself out now.
Seriously though, there are a couple other “gals” on here but they only post on really important things. Unlike me who is obnoxious with my opinions! But I love the guys on here and we have fun. As Ken is so fond of saying, we’re one big happy family.
If the owner was buried in what looks to be a military cemetery, it should have been called out in the ad. Otherwise, I agree, it’s bizarre. Regarding Earl Sheib, the last shop is still open in Glendale, Ca. and run by his two sons. A $99 paint job hasn’t been available for at least 30 years. 10 years ago I went into their shop for a scuff and shoot paint job – they wanted $3,500.
Speaking from experience,doing a skim coat of bondo is how you get those “laser straight “panels as long as its done right.most of the time getting a good paint job for cheap involves alot of DIY on the prep and sanding if you want to go to MAACO or Earl Scheib or some place like that….show up with a vehicle that is sanded,moulding and trim removed,door handles,wiper arms,and the cowl removed…..
Maaco shop in El Mirage AZ charges
$ 5 000.00
Doors are easy to come by…..just about any hardtop A body 1963 – 66 including Cuda’s should fit …..
Hey look, it’s a. 66 with a slant 6 and a rag top what’s not to like. Just buy a door. No reason to get panties in a bind. It is what it is and that’s gonna get some looks don’t see many slant 6.ers anymore.
Plenty of slant sixers on this site.
The interior being that nice makes the $7000 ask not unreasonable. Always liked the ’66 Dart.
@ablediver
Whatever century Howard is in, thanks for the article, but, even though Earl is dead and his company is closed, the article did say some stores went to the managers/owners. But, there is an Earl Scheib shop in Las Vegas.
Thanks for the update, Angel. Yes, I read that some Earl Sheib shops were able to keep the name as owner operators. I also read that before the end of the national company an effort was made to upgrade paint quality, at one point using Sherwin Williams. I wonder how the ratings are for the one in Las Vegas, and, I think, for at least one in the LA area. How would they compare to Maaco? My guess is that since they are individually owned quality and cost would vary. There is a definite need for a lower cost body and paint shop that produces reasonable results for our “drivers” like the ones that we see on Barn Finds.
I was very surprised to see that shop. I thought they went out if business long ago. Turns out it wasn’t THAT long ago, LOL.
The $29.95 was a little too early for my being, I do remember the 99.95 and it going up to $139.95, $159.95 and $199.95.
In this day and age it’s has to be over $1099.95
What I didn’t care for about their painting techniques was I had a friend who had his Eldorado repainted by Earl back in the 1990s. They did an ok job, but they don’t remove anything, they just tape over it. I guess to have it done right you yourself have to remove the bumpers and all the chrome trim and emblems.
Even when I primed my 70 Riviera I removed all the chrome first.
Angel, you were lucky back in the 90’s that it was “ok”, and yes, they taped over the trim instead of removing, so the wise removed trim and even sanded down prior to going to Earl’s. At least the paint quality was said to improve near the end, and maybe that continues today at the self-owned Earl shops. Does anyone here have reviews? I don’t think there are any Earls back east.
I did speak to a man at the Las Vegas Earl Sheib location this morning. He was not friendly with my simple questions. On the other hand, there is at least one Earl Sheib shop in Montclair, east of LA, maybe others in the LA vicinity. This man was willing to answer questions without making me feel unwelcome. He did not think there are Earl shops back east. The funny thing is that on the internet there are plenty of Earl Sheibs, but they may have been listed there for ages. One in North Philadelphia, for instance, has a disconnected phone, but they have reviews online that are relatively recent. Do others know of remaining Earl Sheib shops?
@Dave in PA
Wow, you’re taking this very seriously. What were your questions, if I may ask? I’d like to know what they’re charging now.
Im sorry the guy in Vegas was so rude, but it doesn’t surprise me. People in Vegas are not the friendliest.
Angel, I merely mentioned to both that I participate on Barn Finds online, mostly concerning old cars, and that I am curious about any remaining Earl Sheib shops, that I knew that they are owner operated. Do they know of any other shops back east? I asked nothing about their paint or pricing. The man in Montclair suburb of LA was friendly, or at least civil. He did not think any remained back east and did not know of others in LA area (though it may not be good business to acknowledge others in the area). On a map of LA area quite a few are shown, but, like I said anything online that is not dated can be old. I picked the most remote one in Montclair over others that were on the map closer to the center. Both online sites in PA, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have disconnected phones. Hey, this is just a curiosity for me. I’m sure you know that it is too hot outside to do much except in short spurts. Looks like very cool weather on Friday up here and good prediction for the weekend. There’s your forecast!