Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Daryl and Paul , in relation to other known vin #s on verified hemi darts, have either of you or anyone else tried to figure out where Daryl's dart fits in the production line? I know you figure it was part of the first run.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I have the VIN # LO23 M8B 2978**


Out of courtesy, I cannot post the full #

The LO23 Dart was one of the early cars built. Within the first 15.

It was pulled from the Hurst Facility in March, and put on a Car Hauler with the other cars that were to be shipped to New York City, that were to be on display at the New York Auto Show
{March 30 thru April 8}

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul

Do you know if it was included in that display. I was looking @ that pic, & all I can make out is there's some guy with his hand up the butt of a puppet with glasses & a helmet.................................

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul, I'm still looking for that video. This is crazy! I watched it and now I can't find it!

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Tommy D,

Are you sure it wasn't the S & K Speed Shop Dart at the
1968 Super Stock Magazine Nationals @ New York National Speedway.

July 1968.

There is a video of that event. Quite a few LO23 and BO29 cars.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

The very early LO23 darts, first 10, did not receive a hood when shipped from Chrysler. Mine did not receive a hood.

Paul, here's a couple questions to ask Al
1) Does he remember if this car had a hood @ time of delivery?
2) Does he remember anything about that dent on the quarter panel?
3) AND last but certainly not least, Is Pete M still with us?

I have that video of the 68 SS Nationals from New York National . which is part of the video showcasing drag racing on Long Island

http://beeonvideo.homestead.com/LongIsland.html

I've watched it several times in hopes of getting a glimpse of The Mannhattan Speed Dart....... Nothing. I woulda thought that if this car made it to Sunday eliminations there would be something, but nope. Not even pit shots of it I've found. Great video none the less tho.

tommy d. I went searching for that video again with the Mutt Bros. (ex S &K Speed) Black Hemi Dart. I can't find it again either. Dammmmnnnn!!! If anyone does, can you post it here.

liteweight

*****poll test *********
 

Happy New Year to all

750,000, 3/4 of a MILLION plus views. Unbelievable!!!!!. Must be a record for one thread on a forum. Thankyou to all !!!!!!

So, I came up with an idea just to see how many followers there are for THIS thread & Original Hemi Dart Info thread. I am starting a new thread to get a poll on the head count.

It'll be titled ***** POLL TEST**** Original Hemi Dart & Manhattan Speed Parts Dart.

Click on it, but do not comment on it. And ONLY VISIT IT ONCE. This is the most important to get a reasonably accurate number.

To the Administrators. I will keep this on the top of the post list to keep it current for the month of January. After that I'll let it go, so don't ban me for doing this. Thanx.
This is just a wanna know thing.

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Liteweight,
Don't think this is the vid you are looking for but a good one just the same (think I've posted it here before?). Note the comments posted against this particlular video, one says "I was there that day and have lots of photo's of the Wildfire dart" and others posts stating location of the car and another seeking info. Although the posts are a bit dated, a lead is a lead and maybe they'll have pertinent information supportive of this thread. Happy New Year to all.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMHXitkbMWc

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

yes, I have seen that video & probably because you posted it before. I am the one on the comments seeking info on it. Location of it is unknown at this time.

liteweight

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/...psa56780e5.jpg

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/...O/Wildfire.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Tha Manhattan - LO23

Daryl,

Pete M***** is no longer with us.

Further information from Al Ripolla was,

After Pete got the Dart in April 1968, it was brought to his Garage on Delafield Avene in Riverdale, in the Bronx.

They pulled the Cylinder Heads, and sent them to Jack Merkel
for a complete Competition Valve-Job and CC'ing.

The block was left alone, other than a Deep Oil Pan.
Al remembers that they didn't pull the Engine, because
Pete didn't have a lot of extra cash.

Al remembers that Pete went with an Engle 'Solid-Lifter Camshaft'
and Racer Brown components, which he purchased from either Manhattan Speed Parts, or Bronx Speed Shop.

But it took Pete about 2-Months to get the Dart out and running.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Part V

The Manhattan - LO23 Dart

As per Al Ripolla,

Pete M*****did not get the Dart on the Track until early June 1968.

Pete took the Dart out to both New Yok National Speedway
and Westhampton Drag Strip in the early Summer to work
on getting the 'bugs out' of the car.

Also, since Pete was a member of the Motion Supercar Club, he
was part of the guys who hit Westhampton Dragstrip for Match Races.

Below, is a photo from Sunday ~ June 23, 1968 at Westhampton Dragstrip.

This is where Pete match-raced his SS/BA Dart against
Bill Mitchell in his Motion Performance A/MP 1968 Camaro.

Note; This photo was published in the ''December 1968'
{Speed and Supercar} magazine, but the photo was taken on
June 23, 1968.

Note; The caption 'incorrectly' stated that the Dart was a
SS/B Hemi-Dart. It was Pete M***** in his SS/BA Hemi-Dart.

Note; If you look at the roof of the Camaro, it was just lettered
as the NHRA National Record Holder for A/MP.

Note; Bill Mitchell had set the A/MP National Record only
3-Weeks earlier on Sunday ~ June 2, 1968 at Tri-City Dragway
in Saginaw, Michigan.

Note; The Camaro had set the record with a 10.98.

Documentation >
The {December 1968} 'Speed and Supercar' magazine hit
the newsstands on September 10, 1968 {2 1/2 months} ahead
of the issue month.

That December issue had photo's in the magazine that were
taken in June, July and August.










http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Fun read and great work Paul!! It's always great knowing people are willing to lend their experience and help for a fellow hobbyist.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Thanks, Wes.

In depth research,

Found that Pete M***** was a charter member of the Motion Performance Supercar Club with his 1968 SS/BA Hemi Dart.

These guys had 'Club' Match Race Events out at Westhampton
Dragstrip all the time.


Pete's Dart ran 11.25's when he first got it out on the Track.


It was not painted. It was 'primer gray' with a Black Hood when it was first seen on the Track in June 1968.


There was no lettering or decals on the car.


A few weeks later, it was painted Silver with a 'Mauve' tint.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Paul, why do I recognize the name " Al Riplolla"? Was this someone my father would have known?

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

So the damage occurred in basically a one month period, between June sometime & July 23 where that color photo was taken. They wouldn't of painted it with the dent, I'm sure.
Does Al Ripolla recall how this dent occurred?

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Does not really contribute anything to the topic but just wondering, were windshield wipers required in Super Stock and Modified Production?
Both cars have them.
And there is still a complete exhaust system hanging under the Camaro.
I remember the early Super Stockers were required to keep the exhaust and mufflers to the rear axle but Modified Production as well?


http://109.imagebam.com/download/gg0...Speed_Dart.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

1968 Modified Production

Yes, the NHRA required the same 'stupid' rule.

Exhaust pipes were required, and replacement production-type Mufflers had to be 18" in length.

The Mufflers had to be placed in the 'stock location', or if
they were originally installed behind the Rear-Axle, they
could be re-positioned in front of the Axle.

The Exhaust Outlets had to exit equal to the center-line
of the Rear-Axle.

Here is the Motion Performance A/MP 1968 Camaro.

http://www.camaros.net/forums/attach...5&d=1308137494

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

From Yenko.net. Think this shot is on the same street as photo above


http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbaf2a467.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Excellent Post ^^^

That is Sunrise Highway in Baldwin, Long Island, New York.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

That is a very awesome picture. Nice find. Wonder if there was any gold dust involved for the hook? doesn't look like it tho.

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Photo is from April 1968

Check out the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 'W-30' {Outside Air Induction}
Air-Scoops under the front-bumper.

The 'SS' Hood was later changed to a Fiberglass 'Stinger Hood'.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbaf2a467.jpg

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

is this possibly the car that ran against Brooklyn Heavy's Hemi Dart for that infamous 1/4 mill. street race?

liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Nope and nope. It was "Super John" McFadden vs. Ron Lyles' driving the "Mutt Bros." ex-S & K Speed Shop Hemi Dart.

http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=46048

Pete

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Photo taken the same day as the Manhattan Hemi Dart 'match race'
at Westhampton Drag Strip.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...evy/ss164a.jpg


The Motion Performance 'Cars Magazine' sponsored 1968 Camaro
was a stroked 427 L-88 {466 Cubic Inches}.

The 1968 Camaro SS weighed in at #3280 lbs. ~ 466 Cubic Inches

7.03 Weight-to Cubic Inches

1968 Modified Production
* A/MP ....... 7.00 to 7.99
* B/MP ....... 8.00 to 8.99

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

http://v8fm.com.br/wp-content/upload..._summary_1.jpg


Coincidence?

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

71 Dartman,

Good digging, but they are not the same LO23 Dart's.

The 'Manhattan Dart' was an Automatic with an 8 3/4" Rear.

Herb McAndless had a 4-Speed, with a Dana.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

And...Daryl's Dart shows repair inside the passenger door as well as "Manhattan" Dart has. Look closely and you can see it in that picture.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Looks like Pete Marzec was from Riverdale, Ny

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I have pictures of the existing building where Manhattan Speed was located through out the late 60's into the 70's.
Has any more info been found on this Dart. I suspect I can find some info by sniffing around since I knew the owners and their Sons for a long time.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Get over to the Hemi Dart topic and message "liteweight" He has the Dart believed to be the Manhattan Dart.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I currently own the Manhattan Speed Hemi Dart. I haven't been able to make a connection with the owners to my car. Joe Dotto if I remember right . Spoke with him but he told me he doesn't remember sponsoring a Dart. He was into Fords.
If you could speak with him again maybe......???
I know 100% this is the car now

Liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Yes, I had connected you guys if I remember. I see Joe's son from time to time. Joe was indeed into Fords but there were a few guys running that crazy shop back then and maybe the Dart was not priority. Joe had quite a few Ford parts and rare engines in the basement of the main store for years. I saw his cammer on a stand.
I'll try and see what else I can uncover when the time allows. I love this stuff.
I'm pretty much sure that it is the car in question as well. Congrats.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

I would appreciate that. Been looking for over 10 years now and any new info would be great. Thankyou

Liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

BTW fullmetaljacket. Is this you Lee?

Liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

In the flesh.

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

The owner of Manhattan speed parts son sells Buick grand national turbo car parts on eBay and there is a link to a long gone website of Manhattan speed parts. I believe he is in garden city park New York area if I remember correctly. Did I post this info before? Not sure just bringing it up again for you if it will help
We sure miss Paul and his encyclopedia memory

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Yup been there. Done that. I have spoke to both of them. Unfortunately they dont remember my Dart.

Missing Paul too.

Liteweight

Re: Manhattan Speed Parts '1968 Hemi Dart'
 

Found this pic online, listed as Manhattan Speed Shop Willys.