SP Rides: The Good Times Keep Rolling
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Brian Mallin
Age: 25
Occupation: Engineer
Hobbies: Dune buggies, school, church
Year/Make/Model: 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger
Color: Pearl White
Engine: Mopar 360, .30-inch Over, TorqueFlite 727 Trans, 2500 Stall & Shift Kit, Aluminum Radiator, Holley Blue electric fuel pump, Holley 750 double pump carberator with mechanical secondarys, Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake Manifold, J Heads, Hooker Competition full length headers, MSD Ready-to-Run distributor, Purple Cam, new fuel tank
Transmission: 8 3/4 posi rear end, 3.91 gearing
Exterior: OEM replica rear wing
Suspension: Airs shocks Rear
Chicago native Brian Mallin has spent the past few years finishing his degree as an engineer here in paradise. Much like his college education, his first ever classic muscle car has been quite the learning experience.
Mallin grew up modifying choppers alongside his father before moving on to dune buggies, which allowed him to learn the ropes of customization. He picked up this gorgeous 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger three years ago, when he dove headfirst into the automotive world after the car literally blew up while he was driving home.
Mallin took the mishap in stride and worked hard to bring this classic piece of Americana back to life. It’s definitely been a journey as the automobile has been through two motors and three transmissions during his short time of ownership. Right now, practically everything residing in the engine bay is new and was slapped together in his bedroom. Currently, the motor and tranny have less than 800 miles on them. It’s a Mopar 360-bored .030-inch over mated with a TorqueFlite 727 tranny with a 2500 stall and shift kit installed.
Also installed are an all-aluminum radiator, a Holley Blue electric fuel pump and a 750 double pump carb with mechanical secondaries. A Holley double pump carb with mechanical secondaries is combined with a Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake manifold as well as J Heads, Hooker Competition Headers, and an MSD Ready-To-Run distributor.
Although it’s his first big attempt at modifying his car, Mallin has no qualms about doing the work himself. The entire car was primered and painted pearl white in his garage with a little help from his uncle. The car gleams in the light and the paint really helps the car stand out in addition to its classic musclecar styling. The rear wing definitely helps add to the bodylines.
Mallin fabricated a new cross member to clear the trans tunnel while also upgrading the suspension to air shocks. The rear is 8 ¾ posi with 3.91 gearing while the ride intentionally runs high to avoid the nasty potholes that can damage the underside.
This ride is a great effort to preserve the classic musclecar and it has heart, too. According to Mallin, this car is a reminder of the good times he spent with his father. With his dad’s passing, Mallin and his brother used this car to occupy their minds — almost as if they were building it alongside their father.
