New Compact Dart Has 111-Inch Wheelbase

The 1963 Dart has a wheelbase of 111 inches -- 4.5 inches longer than the 1962 Lancer. The overall length of the 1963 Dart sedans is 195.9 inches -- 7.1 inches longer than the 1962 compact.

The 1963 Dart will have a full line of body styles including sedans, hardtops, station wagons and convertibles.

A senior, luxury compact, the Dart will have generous proportions to provide more passenger comfort and convenience. Front headroom is 38.1 inches and rear headroom is 37.2 inches. Effective front legroom is 40.9 inches, and rear seat legroom is 35.8 inches. Hiproom is 56.9 inches in front and 57.0 inches in the rear. Front seat height is 8.7 inches and rear seat height is 11.6 inches. The trunk has 5.4 cubic feet more space than that of the 1962 Dodge compact, and the spare tire is stored in a compartment under the floor.

Models

The Lancer Coupe will be the price leader for the Dodge compact line. [Editor's note: Chrysler must have changed its mind after this; as far as I know, no car called the "Dodge Dart Lancer" was ever sold in this country.]

Colors

The new front-end features a broad concave anodized-aluminum grille, the wrap-around bumper, and the seven-inch, single head lamps with their large, bright anodized aluminum bezels.

The hood extends outward at the sides to the peak lines of the one-piece bolt-on front fenders. The windshield has a shallow curvature and is swept by new parallel-acting wipers.

A full-length character line along the belt emphasizes Dart's length, while the roof contours are visually integrated with the lower body masses by a broad C-pillar and a smoothly sweeping sheer line at the rear.

The horizontal top surface of the roof extends from aft to the large back window to provide good rear-seat head room. The chrome script "Dart" nameplate is on the rear quarter panel.

Wheelcovers, optional for the 170 and 270 and standard on GT, are a new design with radial slots and the Dart name in a black circle.

The rear-end styling features a broad, flat deck outlined by a slim molding that sweeps up and across the rear edge of the roof above the rear window. Large circular tail lamps are in the quarter panel extremities.

The back-up lamps, which are optional on all series, are housed in the deck lid.

The deck design is functional. The high contour of the deck lid provides maximum luggage space, and the low trunk sill makes loading and unloading easy. The trunk sill is only 22 inches from the ground.

The optional bumper guards are sturdy and extend both above and below the bumper face bar. On 270 and GT models, a body molding emphasizes the massiveness of the bumper. The rear license plate is protected in a recess in the lower section bumper.

Station Wagon Styling Features

The horizontal loading width, at the tail gate is 2.3 inches wider than the 1962 compact wagon. The vertical loading height, at the tail gate, is 26.1 inches.

There is a full drip trough over the tail gate window to prevent water from dripping into the cargo area. The outside tail gate window mechanism is of a new design that does not have to be unfolded.

Interior Styling

Upholstery

Dart interiors are available in four color choices, each one selected to harmonize with exterior colors. The four interior color choices are: blue, tan, red, and burgundy.

Instrument Panel

All instruments and controls are conveniently placed in front of the driver. The windshield wiper control is located above the headlight control at the extreme left of the panel. Adjacent to them are the parking sprag and the push-button controls for the automatic transmission. Below the transmission controls is the handle for the parking brake. Next is the large, circular, 0-110 mph speedometer.

Then on a level with the 40-70 mph crest of the speedometer we find the other instruments. They are: left direction signal arrow; oil pressure warning light; right direction signal arrow; gasoline gauge; temperature gauge; and alternator gauge. Below the gasoline gauge is the cigarette lighter, and then below the temperature gauge is the ignition key. Below the alternator gauge is the ash tray -- convenient to both passenger and driver.

The instrument cluster housing and face are made of methacrylate plastic, formed and metal-surfaced. The cluster face has a satin metallic finish, contrasting with the black background of the easy-to-read instrument dials.

The radio speaker grille is located on the top surface of the instrument panel and is flanked on each side by defroster outlets. The heater controls are grouped on a small console below the radio.

Seats and Door Panels

The seat trim styling suggests the theme of the bucket seats used in the GT series. The upholstery body cloths on cushions and backs of the 170 and 270 series are separated by wide bands of saddle-grain vinyl. Bolsters and sides are also trimmed in this vinyl. All headlinings are of durable, easy-to-clean, perforated, basket-weave vinyl.

The 170 station wagon has perforated vinyl trim with simulated, vertical pleats. Floor coverings are colored, rubber mats. The station wagon cargo area has a black rubber mat.

Seats of the 270 series have vinyl bolsters and facings with inserts of 'biscuited' double-knit nylon fabric or vinyl. The body cloth 'biscuit' pattern is repeated in the vinyl door panel inserts. Floors are carpeted, and the station wagon cargo area has a colored rubber mat.

The GT has all-vinyl trim. The front seats are individually adjustable bucket seats. The bench rear seat simulates bucket seat styling. Door panels are trimmed in vinyl with carpeted kick pads. Long arm rests conceal the door handle pivot. Floors are carpeted and the headlining is vinyl.

1963 Dart Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions

* Lancer; (a) Was 770 1962 model year

270
		Sedans		Convertible Coupe		Station Wagon
Overall Dimensions		1962(a)*	1963	1962*	1963	1962(a)*	1963
	Length	188.2	195.9	--	195.9	188.8	190.2
	Width	72.3	68.7	--	68.7	72.3	68.8
	Height	53.4	54.0	--	54.5	52.7	53.1
Wheelbase		106.5	111.0	--	111.0	106.5	106.0
Track	Front Wheels	55.9
	Rear Wheels	55.6

* Lancer

GT
		Hardtop		Convertible Coupe
Overall Dimensions		1962*	1963	1962*	1963
	Length	188.2	195.9	--	195.9
	Width	72.3	68.7	--	68.7
	Height	53.4	54.0	--	54.5
Wheelbase		106.5	111.0	--	111.0
Track	Front Wheels	55.9
	Rear Wheels	55.6

Interior Dimensions

* Lancer; (a) Was 770 during 1962 model year

270
		Sedans		Convertible Coupe		Station Wagon
		1962(a)*	1963	1962*	1963	1962(a)*	1963
Effective Head Room	Front Seat	38.0	38.1	--	39.7	38.0	38.1
	Rear Seat	37.3	37.2	--	37.8	37.6	37.9
Effective Leg Room	Front Seat	40.0	40.9	--	40.9	40.0	40.9
	Rear Seat	35.7	36.3	--	34.8	35.7	34.4
Hip Room	Front Seat	56.8	56.9	--	56.9	56.8	56.9
	Rear Seat	56.9	57.0	--	46.4	56.9	57.0
Seat Height	Front Seat	8.7	8.7	--	8.7	8.7	8.7
	Rear Seat	11.6	11.6	--	11.6	11.7	11.6
Rear Seat Knee Room		4.2	4.6	--	3.2	3.2	3.3

* Lancer

GT
		Hardtop		Convertible Coupe
		1962*	1963	1962*	1963
Effective Head Room	Front Seat	38.0	38.1	--	39.7
	Rear Seat	37.3	37.2	--	37.8
Effective Leg Room	Front Seat	40.0	40.9	--	40.9
	Rear Seat	35.7	36.3	--	34.8
Hip Room	Front Seat	56.8	56.9	--	56.9
	Rear Seat	56.9	57.0	--	46.4
Seat Height	Front Seat	8.7	8.7	--	8.7
	Rear Seat	11.6	11.6	--	11.6
Rear Seat Knee Room		4.2	4.6	--	3.2

All dimensions in the above charts based on the new Automobile Manufacturers Association Measurement System; therefore, the data for 1962 model cars differ from previously published information. Seat height, leg room, and knee room figures are significantly different while head room and hip room dimensions show very minor changes.

Body Design and Engineering

Package Size

Body Structure

The body metal is a unified stressed component. It shares loads equally throughout the body. Body joints and seams have been eliminated wherever possible to obtain rattle-free simplicity. The front fenders are one-piece stampings -- thus easing and lessening the costs of possible repairs.

The front cross-member-and-radiator-yoke assembly is a single, strong-structured component. Cowl, bulkhead and heater plenum chamber are combined in a simpler, more efficient assembly.

The great strength of the body is most evident in (1) the heavy, load-absorbing sections of the underbody, (2) the door opening reinforcing structure, (3) the deep-section floor pan members, and (4) the high torsional strength of the all-welded structure forward of the cowl.

Engineering tests of unit wheelbase rigidity have proven that the 1963 Dart has a twist stiffness increase of 20% over the 1962 Dodge compact. The beam strength is maintained, despite the increased wheelbase.

There is additional strength in (1) the new and more-massive center door pillars, (2) the broad rear roof pillars with their inner reinforcing webs to resist bucklings, and (3) new rear longitudinals with one-piece construction. The inner door panels provide additional strength and rigidity at the belt line. The simpler door opening design also permits vertical window retraction.

Windshield pillars are straight to provide additional roof header support and extra protection in case of a roll-over. The windshield pillar flows smoothly into the roof structure; there are no sharp corners or abrupt angles to increase stress concentrations. Similar structural continuity is featured at the point where the windshield pillar joins the cowl.

In the underbody, the rear spring front hanger structure has been redesigned. New bumpers and bumper supports offer improved protection of sheet metal, grilles, and parking lamps.

Typical of the advanced techniques used in the construction of the Dart body is a new, semi-automatic, fusion welding process which supersedes previous hand welding methods in certain areas. Over 5000 high-quality spot and seam welds are used in the manufacture of each Dart body.

New Convertible Body

In total, the convertible structure is designed for maximum rigidity, freedom from rattle, and long life.

New Manual Top Mechanism

New Body Hardware Features

New door hinges have torsion bar loaded cam-and-roller checks which operate quietly and smoothly. They provide positive door check action in both the semi and full-open positions.

A new single-arm window crank mechanism is smoother operating than the previous design. It requires less effort to open and close these windows than on the 1962 Dodge compact.

Screw fastening for door and window handles is an improved method of attachment. The screws are concealed in the hub of the handles and are locked by nylon thread inserts. Compared with the previous snap-on method of attachment, screw fastening provides more-positive retention. It simplifies removal, and eliminates the need of special tools to remove and replace the door and window handles.

An improved hood latch requires less effort to open the hood. It provides additional security when latched. The positive closure type latch mechanism is completely stable and resists vibrations forces. The design is similar to that used for trunk lids.

A unique new hood hinge, torsion bar counterbalanced, has a single-pivot design. It takes up less space than the previous coil-spring-and-link mechanism. It is smoother in operation, and makes hood raising easier. Torsion bar hinges are also used on Dart deck lids.

A new glove compartment utilizes an overcenter spring device to obtain positive opening and closing action. Cup stands for refreshments are provided on the inner surface of the door. The glove compartment is bigger than that of last year's Dodge compact.

New Test Techniques

Various door closing rates can be simulated. Every part of the door -- seals, locks, hinges, structure, etc. -- can be subjected to a lifetime of wear and fatigue in two days of testing. Similar machines slam hoods and deck lids continuously in accelerated fatigue testing of these components.

One machine simulates intensive proving ground structural endurance testing. Forces are applied through the rear axle of the car to reproduce the effects of driving and suspension loads. In 90 hours, this equipment can subject the car structure to stress and fatigue which is the equivalent of 50,000 miles of road testing.

Protection Against Corrosion

Higher grade stainless steels are used for exterior trim parts such as moldings and wheel covers. In 1963 about 80 percent of the clips used for attaching the moldings to the body are made of nylon. These are durable, inherently rustproof, and provide excellent sealing of clip attachment holes. Since nylon is a nonconducting material, it also eliminates any electrolytic action which can accelerate corrosion, or rust, between moldings and sheet metal.

Die cast ornamental parts are designed with more round edges to protect the pains from cutting and cracking. Tail lamp bezels and door handles are provided with rubber gaskets to provide more protection.

In addition to the reliable multi-stage dip-spray process, the body is further protected by the application of vinyl sealer to the visible door and tail gate clinch flanges before final painting.

The addition of splash shields under the fenders prevents accumulation of corrosive materials in critical pocket areas, and prolongs fender life and appearance. The new one-piece stamped fender reduces the number of rust-trapping joints and seams.

Sealing Improvements

Sealing of the deck lid is more effective for, in addition to the new weatherstrip, a drain trough has been added to the opening. The trough acts to divert most of the water while the weatherstrip serves as a final seal.

Interior Trim Quality

Higher body cloth strength standards are now specified. This assures Dart owners of a consistent, higher-quality, more wear-resistant seat material. For 1963, minimum tensile strengths of various seat fabrics have been increased to specify 130 pounds when dry, 70 pounds when wet. In addition, fade-resistance requirements have been increased by 40 percent to keep seat material dyes from fading from constant, prolonged exposure to sunlight.

The molded carpeting in 1963 Darts has a polyethylene backing. This provides a better seal for the carpet pile, to help keep its molded shape. It also gives the carpet a more tailored appearance. The polyethylene backing also improves the wear resistant qualities of the carpet.

An improved, perforated vinyl headliner used in the Dart is thicker, smoother, and easier to clean. This type of headliner provides excellent sound absorption.

New hardboard cowl trim panels are more rigid, have neater trim appearance and greater scuff resistance. An extruded vinyl molding covers the hard edge of the trim panel.

Door sill scuff plate extensions have been added to the outer edges of the door openings. These protect the painted sill and also provide a neater appearance.

Dart station wagons have molded rubber mats for the cargo areas. This rubber matting is thicker and more durable than previously used fabric mats.

The convertible top features a new, improved construction. Fewer sewn seams are used to obtain greater durability, better weatherproofing, and improved appearance. An improved rear window design is more rigid, and more leakproof. It is also easier to remove and replace. The zip-up simplicity of the rear window makes the new top very practical.

Passenger Comfort and Safety

Seating Comfort Improvements

Bucket seats feature softer seat cushions. The durability of bucket seat cushions has been increased by using heavier construction. Both front seats are now individually adjustable. The also have the "custom-positioning" feature previously available only on larger Dodge models.

New Heater and Ventilation System

The heater is of the air-mixing type. The desired temperature is achieved by varying the percentage of air flowing through the heating core. This blending of hot and cold air allows closer control of temperatures. It also provides instantaneous response to adjustments of the control lever.

The heater controls are remarkably simple, and they are located practically: in the center of the car. Three push-pull knobs are used to control (1) blower speed, (2) choice of heating or defrosting, and (3) temperature level. Simultaneous heating and defrosting may be obtained, with a range variable from full heating to full defrosting. At the same time, the system offers a choice of two air flow rates -- low and high blower -- or may be used with the blower off to obtain ram air only.

Heating outlets under the instrument panel provide efficient distribution of warm air to both the front and rear compartments. The heat exchanger core is located inside the car, rather than in the engine compartment. Thus heat losses are minimized and high average discharge air temperatures can be maintained.

Two new defrosting outlets on the top of the instrument panel incorporate vanes for most effective aiming at the windshield. Defrosting performance is considerably improved because the outlets concentrate the warm air jets for complete coverage of the windshield. In the full defrosting condition, adequate warm air is bled to the heater outlets to keep the car interior comfortable.

The heater is a simple, compact design. The entire unit is installed under the instrument panel. Only the blower motor and hot water tubes protrude into the engine compartment.

For summer comfort, ventilation air takes a short and direct path from the plenum chamber through two large ducts, straight into the passenger compartment. Doors below the instrument panel may be opened manually to admit the high-capacity air flows into the car. These doors are hinged and may be used to deflect air where needed.

Factory-Installed Air Conditioning

All-transistorized Radio

The 1963 Dart radio also features improved audio response characteristics for greater listening enjoyment. The audio stage has been modified to provide better filtering of high frequency noise. It also minimizes interference from channels adjacent to that selected.

Parallel Windshield Wipers

Amber Turn Signals

Wheelbase

Engine and Accessories

Spring-Staged Choke

A coil spring and bellcrank device incorporated in the carburetor choke mechanism reduces the choke blade closing torque when cranking at temperatures below zero. Under these conditions, the spring staging allows the choke to open slightly, obtaining a leaner starting mixture. This feature allows the choke to better match the engine's starting mixture requirements at both low and moderate temperatures.

Improved Air Cleaner

Larger Fuel Tank

The engine fuel filter has been relocated on 1963 models to reduce its temperature and ensure better venting of vapors produced during hot starting. This small refinement will improve hot starting quality.

Engine Lubrication Improved

Closed Crankcase Ventilation

Closed crankcase ventilation reduces the amount of unburned hydrocarbons released to the atmosphere. Since there is positive flow through the breather whenever the engine is running, better crankcase ventilation is provided at idle and low speeds. This removes the blow-by products which cause sludge and engine contamination, and ensures a cleaner engine.

The oil filter-breather cap has been improved to obtain more efficient air filtering and crankcase breathing.

Improved Starter

Alternator Reliability Increased

The alternator housing now has a chemically treated (alodized) surface which improves its corrosion resistance yet does not affect its electrodynamic properties. (This surface finish also is used on the starter housing.) These are among the many improvements which combine to provide a significant gain in electrical system reliability.

Ignition System Wet-Weather Protection

Ventilated distributor contact points extend point life and combat point oxidation under all driving conditions.

An improved distributor cap and rotor design provides more-positive starting during wet weather. The new distributor cap contains wider electrodes that retard the formation of conducting deposits, consequently minimizing misfiring when starting and operating in damp conditions.

Transmission

Drive Train

Higher-Capacity Rear Axle

The standard ratio is 3.23 for both manual and automatic three-speed transmissions. Many of Dart's competitors offer only a 2-speed automatic.

Suspension

Stronger Rear Springs with Optional Engine

Brakes

Hand-Operated Parking Brake

Chassis Corrosion Protection

Longer-Life Exhaust System

Underhood Corrosion Protection

In summary, thirty separate underhood items receive additional protection and improved appearance as a result of the program.

1963 Dart Chassis Specifications

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