1975 Dodge Dart Swinger from North America - Comments

I have had two Dart's, this one had problems with the electronic ignition components, something you would expect as this was about when Detroit was just getting going on these types of ignition systems. Also had the misfortune of having a corner transmission shop "service" my automatic transmission, and they put the wrong filter on it, causing a complete loss of fluid and a burnt-up transmission.

This is one of my all-time favorite cars! I liked the six-cylinder engine on my 1970 Dart better than the 318 v-8 on this one, and the six seemed to have as much power.

However, I really love the body style of my 1975 coupe, and the look of the dash on the inside! When I had to have a car recently, I was looking to see if I saw a car like my old one to buy!

Although I do agree, that through modern engineering, a 2004 is a "safer" car if involved in an accident. The feeling of sitting around with the boys shooting the breeze, and actually being able to sit on the hood or trunk of your car without fear of collapsing it is somehow reassuring.

My recollection is that the 70's Mopar shop manuals advised against "servicing" a Torqueflight transmission, changing the fluid or opening it up for ANY reason unless it actually malfunctioned. The risk of some stray dirt getting inside was greater than any possible benefit of "preventive maintenance".

I think there is some truth in that. On the one hand, these Torqueflites were so rugged and dependable, that they really didn't need routine maintenance. Not like some of the rubber-band gear boxes now that need constant fluid changes and babying. It is a little ridiculous when you hear about transmission fluid changes every 15,000 miles. The owners manuals on these old Mopars did say that things like transmission fluid and differential fluid never needed to be changed for the life of the car. However, never is a mighty long time, and that probably was written for the original owner. There does come a point, say when they get to 100,000 miles, that the transmission fluid and filter should be changed, and the bands adjusted. If you buy something like a '75 Swinger, the chances are good that it has over 100,000 miles and it's probably a good idea to make sure all of that maintenance is caught up on.