Aesthetikz
Well-Known Member
Here is the Story and Build Thread for my recently acquired, All Original Ivy Green Metallic, 1970 Plymouth Satellite Sport! - LA318/A904.
Decoded VIN:
Body Type: R = Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite
Price Class: P = Premium
Body Type: 23 = 2 Door Hardtop
Engine: G = 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
Year: 0 = 1970
Sequence Number: 114793 = 14793rd Vehical Built
Decoded Drivers Side Fender Plate:
RP23:
Plymouth Belvedere,Satellite
Premium
2 Door Hardtop
G0G: 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1970
St. Louis, MO, USA
114793: Sequence number
E44: 318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D31: A904 3-Speed Auto Trans.
FF4: Light Green Metallic Exterior Color
P6F8: Trim - Premium, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Green
EF8: Dark Green Metallic (Dodge), Ivy Green Metallic (Plymouth) Int. Door Frames
904: Build Date: September 04
046989: Order number
V1X: Full Vinyl Top, Black
A01: Light Package
B51: Power Brakes
C21: Center Front Seat Cushion
C55: Bucket Seats
G33: LH Remote Racing Mirror
H51: Air Conditioning with Heater
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
N95: Emissions Control
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
7X: Unknown
26: 26in Radiator
END: End of Sales Codes
Story (Long):
I was at the local Pick-N-Pull self service wrecking yard, Looking at cars they have for sale as "Builders" for something to use as a Daily Driver, Nothing called out to me besides a Minty 1993 LT1 Camaro, But it wouldn't start, And had unknown engine and or tranny problems.
Just about to leave I hear a very loud man who had been talking with a couple that just bought a late 90's Explorer. He exclaimed "WOW LOOK AT THAT SATELLITE, I BET THEY PUT OUT FOR SALE SOON, THAT THING IS AWESOME".
I promptly headed over and this is what was seen:
Now this junkyard is pretty UN-organized and not one person ever seems to know what the other is doing most of the time it seems...
So I went through 2 checkers that led me to a yard worker whom had just come in from outside and said, "Oh the Plymouth Satellite? Yea that thing just drove in you want to buy it?" My Response "Possibly, How much? Can I go look at it?" He then led me to Office 1, Where they said "Ya that's fine, Go see so and so about getting a price and such" And led me over to Office 2.
Had to wait like 15minutes for the lady to come into "Office 2" from the staging area all out of breath, Where she didn't even know what I was talking about, Was very blunt and didn't seem to care much at all about my situation. She then (Without even checking) Couldn't give me a price, Wrote down my name and number (Not positive she even actually wrote it down) And said I'd get a call back in 2 days at the least, And that I could not go see it/look it over.
I left and couldn't stop thinking about it.
I called first thing the next morning and asked to avoid the previous Lady and talk to a manager or owner of the yard, I got "Melissa" On the phone who I then played phone tag back and forth for several hours and she said I could come in (18th) And look at it up close, But had to wear a construction helmet and vest to enter the staging area, And the Price would be $1299. Also went out and checked on some question I had.
I grabbed my father and we headed right over, Suited up (Workers reflective stuff) and was led to the yard.
They had now written sales numbers on all the body parts that were not there the day before, Which means it would have gotten processed and sent to the graveyard before being crushed... She was also a bit rougher than expected, My mindset at the time not being familliar with classic Mopars was parts would be extremely hard to find and expensive.
I also wasn't really looking for another project, Just a reliable vehicle.
But even with the broken metal behind the quarter and drivers door and it not shutting and random other truly minor issues now that I've looked into it IMO) I just couldn't pass it up.
After checking for rust at all the typical areas (Just surface everywhere I that I could find) And going over everything, Even starting Her up, I immediately brought up the price of $1299, Explaining "It's rougher than I was thinking, And Needs some work~Whats the lowest you could go?" She said $1199, You cant do any better? I asked, $1099 was thrown out by Her, I gave a meh face and she Asked "What are you thinking" I say the lowest I've ever seen you guys go is $899" She says "I dunno about that... But, Well come with me" And led us back to the office area where she told another higher up that We had an offer, He asked what? She says $899 He says, do it! I don't want to see it scrapped, Get it out of here.
I look to my Father and ask his opinion, He says lets do it, So I say SOLD!.
We Paid ($899+Tax and some random $25 fee, They then tried to get the paperwork ready for us but it wasn't even started/processed in there system yet and asked us to come back the next day, I asked and was assured it would not be sold or messed with, Asked what time was good, Melissa said around Noon (19th).
We set out to finish paperwork, And then figure out if we could drive her home or if we would need a tow, Brought tools, I stopped into Autozone and got fluids and we got some gas also as it had seemed to be running on fumes.
Brought some tools and a MultiMeter to find a good battery.
Found a mega tron II Interstate battery with 14.5volts that they just put out, Purchased ($30) And took out to Van then came back to find Melissa, Who said she would be right with us. I played around the Multimeter and found a brand new looking Everstart battery, Dated 4/12 and over 15v. I grabbed it intending to buy it, Melissa comes back at this time and sees it at my feet and "Says that goes with the car". We Thanked her and she went to figure out what was going on with the paperwork, Handed us the Keys and told us to wait for the lady in office 1.
We waited like half an hour while 2 other people ahead of us were buying cars, I think the Camaro was on of them. Finally came our turn and I'm signing stuff and then she mentions to get a Title do this and that, Which struck me, I figured it came with some sort of title... Apparently they shred them, standard procedure.
I had also stupidly mentioned the tabs on the plates were good through FEB/13 which seemed to freak her out, She like jumped out of her seat grabbed a screwdriver and led us out the yard and yanked those plates like her job depended on it... I took pics of them before and after she pulled them.
Anyway, at this point we were clear to get the Satellite out of there.
1st problem, Saturn that was behind it was now in front of it... And behind was a HUGE concrete block,
2nd problem was a Stant Locking Gas Cap... Went back to Mellisa now working the register and she said she would send a guy out who could "Probably just yank the sucker off with his bare hands" Dude got out there quick and had already shoved a Flathead driver in, Busted and yanked it off, Thanked him (Even though he probably got debris in the tank... And he walked off the cap which I didnt notice till later).
3rd issue was the back of the vehicle too close to the concrete slab, Went into there "Yard Sale" and found a couple funnels and was able to get the gas in. Installed the new battery, Topped off fluids and she fired right up first turn of the key!
However when you stepped on the gas or the brake she would die... Random guy comes over and says the trick is to let her warm up, And he had hauled her in from an old shed, Drove it right up and then off flatbed.
We let Her run for like 15-20mins before we could actually move her, But not far with a Saturn parked in front of us, We brought bungee cords and I strapped the drivers door shut with my Father in it, Then back to Mellisa who came out herself and moved the Saturn which drove quite well itself and My father pulled forward with me following behind, Tow truck guy was like "Whoa, You gonna fix it up?" I said sure am, He was like "Awesome, Need a tow" I said Nah we got it covered. Ran into Mellisa who was on a smoke break and just coming to check on us, And surprised we got driving and my father sitting waiting to head out, Turning heads in the lot:
Mellisa asks me "you got a daily permit?" I say no, We are going to drive it home... She is like oh no you cant do that, I'm now explaining "Were just up the block, And the Paperwork Lady said it was fine", She is like WHAT?? And I tell her paperwork Lady also said an employee drove around like that for like weeks and didn't have any issues. That freaked Mellisa out and she seemed kinda pissed to hear that, Heh.
She then said well I'm not going to stop, Just be careful.
I thanked Her very much for making this all happen and shook her hand, Jumped in the Van pulled up behind my Father in the Satellite and Honked:
And we were off!
Apparently She (The Sat) tried to die at the stoplight but was pretty decent otherwise says my Father on driving her home.
And then She met Her parking space, At her new home:
We then had an issue with the Latch on the drivers side actually latching, After acting like it wouldnt latch for anything or anyone (Junkyard was slamming the crap out of it before I stopped them).
No Door/Trunk key. Door does not like to open from the outside due to linkage issues which I'll be fixing, But she sat awhile with us fully locked out until the 31st when I got a chance to play with Her.
I picked up a thick welding rod, PlastiDipped end, And bent a hook shape, Then shimmed the door and glass, Slid the rod through and yanked on the inside drivers door handle where it popped right open.
She is having a rough time running right now.
There is a very loud clicking coming from the drivers mid or rear that I need to diagnose, Pretty erratic... Also very audible in the drivers seat.
And she has to warm up before she wont die on brake or gas pedal.
Otherwise EVERYTHING seems to be original and mostly untouched besides a lock cylinder + keys for the ignition (Looks aftermarket).
No mods or anything.
Back seats have no tearing at all, Headliner needs repair/stitching towards the back seam, And the front seats need redone.
Has factory dash clock which seems to be fairly rare, And Woodgrain stuff.
Right now she is in line for a State Patrol VIN Inspection.
Been through tons of stressful phone calls and posting around about how the title might come out. Looks like it's going to be a 50/50 shot of either a Salvage title simply because its from a wrecker or stay clean and clear.
NMVTIS as of today still shows an entirely clear history as of Jan 1st 2013, Last Titled in 1976 same state. Clear of 62+ Brand areas. I pray she comes out clean.
I'll be taking Her on a flatbed for the 44mile round trip for the inspection to the nearest station, Thanks do "Doug at Dougs Affordable towing" In Snohomish county.
But want to drive her through the inspection lane as to make her look a little better, Even though they claim to not be inspecting the condition, Just the VIN tags versus Vehicle History.
She needs a good wipe down also, Plus I have to remove all the junkyard part numbers they wrote with yellow paint pen...
The Ivy Green Metallic will certainly need to be redone some time in the future.
I'll probably stick with the Black Vinyl roof after finding them available in the Classic Industries Catalog for a lot cheaper than expected.
Here is a list of part I'll be looking out for:
Left and Right Front Grill/Headlight Bezels with Chrome Trim.
Rear Chrome Trim for the Trunk, And Lower Chrome Trim Piece.
Nice straight Chrome Front Bumpers.
E-Brake Release Handle.
Instrument Cluster Face panel.
"Sport" Emblem for Drivers Side.
Lower rocker Chrome Trim Piece for Drivers Side.
Drivers Side Green Armrest.
Green or Black Belts that Are not rusted.
Pass Fender or Cutout of the Front Headlight Area.
Washer Fluid Reservoir/Tank.
The Rear Quarter Panels/Outer Tail Surrounds (Don't know what these are called).
Otherwise she is all there! And who knows what Treasure I might find in the Trunk when I get a key made.
So that's my Long Story of How I ended up with a car I never thought I would own.
I literally saved her from the crusher, If I hadnt seen her the day I did and stayed on top of thngs, Her fate would not have been good at all.
A pretty nice Christmas present I think.
And this thread will now continue on as my "Build Thread", So stay tuned!
- Jeremey
Decoded VIN:
Body Type: R = Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite
Price Class: P = Premium
Body Type: 23 = 2 Door Hardtop
Engine: G = 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
Year: 0 = 1970
Sequence Number: 114793 = 14793rd Vehical Built
Decoded Drivers Side Fender Plate:
RP23:
Plymouth Belvedere,Satellite
Premium
2 Door Hardtop
G0G: 318 230HP 1-2BBL 8 CYL
1970
St. Louis, MO, USA
114793: Sequence number
E44: 318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D31: A904 3-Speed Auto Trans.
FF4: Light Green Metallic Exterior Color
P6F8: Trim - Premium, Vinyl Bucket Seats, Green
EF8: Dark Green Metallic (Dodge), Ivy Green Metallic (Plymouth) Int. Door Frames
904: Build Date: September 04
046989: Order number
V1X: Full Vinyl Top, Black
A01: Light Package
B51: Power Brakes
C21: Center Front Seat Cushion
C55: Bucket Seats
G33: LH Remote Racing Mirror
H51: Air Conditioning with Heater
L31: Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21: Roof drip rail moldings
M25: Wide sill moldings
N95: Emissions Control
R11: Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
7X: Unknown
26: 26in Radiator
END: End of Sales Codes
Story (Long):
I was at the local Pick-N-Pull self service wrecking yard, Looking at cars they have for sale as "Builders" for something to use as a Daily Driver, Nothing called out to me besides a Minty 1993 LT1 Camaro, But it wouldn't start, And had unknown engine and or tranny problems.
Just about to leave I hear a very loud man who had been talking with a couple that just bought a late 90's Explorer. He exclaimed "WOW LOOK AT THAT SATELLITE, I BET THEY PUT OUT FOR SALE SOON, THAT THING IS AWESOME".
I promptly headed over and this is what was seen:
Now this junkyard is pretty UN-organized and not one person ever seems to know what the other is doing most of the time it seems...
So I went through 2 checkers that led me to a yard worker whom had just come in from outside and said, "Oh the Plymouth Satellite? Yea that thing just drove in you want to buy it?" My Response "Possibly, How much? Can I go look at it?" He then led me to Office 1, Where they said "Ya that's fine, Go see so and so about getting a price and such" And led me over to Office 2.
Had to wait like 15minutes for the lady to come into "Office 2" from the staging area all out of breath, Where she didn't even know what I was talking about, Was very blunt and didn't seem to care much at all about my situation. She then (Without even checking) Couldn't give me a price, Wrote down my name and number (Not positive she even actually wrote it down) And said I'd get a call back in 2 days at the least, And that I could not go see it/look it over.
I left and couldn't stop thinking about it.
I called first thing the next morning and asked to avoid the previous Lady and talk to a manager or owner of the yard, I got "Melissa" On the phone who I then played phone tag back and forth for several hours and she said I could come in (18th) And look at it up close, But had to wear a construction helmet and vest to enter the staging area, And the Price would be $1299. Also went out and checked on some question I had.
I grabbed my father and we headed right over, Suited up (Workers reflective stuff) and was led to the yard.
They had now written sales numbers on all the body parts that were not there the day before, Which means it would have gotten processed and sent to the graveyard before being crushed... She was also a bit rougher than expected, My mindset at the time not being familliar with classic Mopars was parts would be extremely hard to find and expensive.
I also wasn't really looking for another project, Just a reliable vehicle.
But even with the broken metal behind the quarter and drivers door and it not shutting and random other truly minor issues now that I've looked into it IMO) I just couldn't pass it up.
After checking for rust at all the typical areas (Just surface everywhere I that I could find) And going over everything, Even starting Her up, I immediately brought up the price of $1299, Explaining "It's rougher than I was thinking, And Needs some work~Whats the lowest you could go?" She said $1199, You cant do any better? I asked, $1099 was thrown out by Her, I gave a meh face and she Asked "What are you thinking" I say the lowest I've ever seen you guys go is $899" She says "I dunno about that... But, Well come with me" And led us back to the office area where she told another higher up that We had an offer, He asked what? She says $899 He says, do it! I don't want to see it scrapped, Get it out of here.
I look to my Father and ask his opinion, He says lets do it, So I say SOLD!.
We Paid ($899+Tax and some random $25 fee, They then tried to get the paperwork ready for us but it wasn't even started/processed in there system yet and asked us to come back the next day, I asked and was assured it would not be sold or messed with, Asked what time was good, Melissa said around Noon (19th).
We set out to finish paperwork, And then figure out if we could drive her home or if we would need a tow, Brought tools, I stopped into Autozone and got fluids and we got some gas also as it had seemed to be running on fumes.
Brought some tools and a MultiMeter to find a good battery.
Found a mega tron II Interstate battery with 14.5volts that they just put out, Purchased ($30) And took out to Van then came back to find Melissa, Who said she would be right with us. I played around the Multimeter and found a brand new looking Everstart battery, Dated 4/12 and over 15v. I grabbed it intending to buy it, Melissa comes back at this time and sees it at my feet and "Says that goes with the car". We Thanked her and she went to figure out what was going on with the paperwork, Handed us the Keys and told us to wait for the lady in office 1.
We waited like half an hour while 2 other people ahead of us were buying cars, I think the Camaro was on of them. Finally came our turn and I'm signing stuff and then she mentions to get a Title do this and that, Which struck me, I figured it came with some sort of title... Apparently they shred them, standard procedure.
I had also stupidly mentioned the tabs on the plates were good through FEB/13 which seemed to freak her out, She like jumped out of her seat grabbed a screwdriver and led us out the yard and yanked those plates like her job depended on it... I took pics of them before and after she pulled them.
Anyway, at this point we were clear to get the Satellite out of there.
1st problem, Saturn that was behind it was now in front of it... And behind was a HUGE concrete block,
2nd problem was a Stant Locking Gas Cap... Went back to Mellisa now working the register and she said she would send a guy out who could "Probably just yank the sucker off with his bare hands" Dude got out there quick and had already shoved a Flathead driver in, Busted and yanked it off, Thanked him (Even though he probably got debris in the tank... And he walked off the cap which I didnt notice till later).
3rd issue was the back of the vehicle too close to the concrete slab, Went into there "Yard Sale" and found a couple funnels and was able to get the gas in. Installed the new battery, Topped off fluids and she fired right up first turn of the key!
However when you stepped on the gas or the brake she would die... Random guy comes over and says the trick is to let her warm up, And he had hauled her in from an old shed, Drove it right up and then off flatbed.
We let Her run for like 15-20mins before we could actually move her, But not far with a Saturn parked in front of us, We brought bungee cords and I strapped the drivers door shut with my Father in it, Then back to Mellisa who came out herself and moved the Saturn which drove quite well itself and My father pulled forward with me following behind, Tow truck guy was like "Whoa, You gonna fix it up?" I said sure am, He was like "Awesome, Need a tow" I said Nah we got it covered. Ran into Mellisa who was on a smoke break and just coming to check on us, And surprised we got driving and my father sitting waiting to head out, Turning heads in the lot:
Mellisa asks me "you got a daily permit?" I say no, We are going to drive it home... She is like oh no you cant do that, I'm now explaining "Were just up the block, And the Paperwork Lady said it was fine", She is like WHAT?? And I tell her paperwork Lady also said an employee drove around like that for like weeks and didn't have any issues. That freaked Mellisa out and she seemed kinda pissed to hear that, Heh.
She then said well I'm not going to stop, Just be careful.
I thanked Her very much for making this all happen and shook her hand, Jumped in the Van pulled up behind my Father in the Satellite and Honked:
And we were off!
Apparently She (The Sat) tried to die at the stoplight but was pretty decent otherwise says my Father on driving her home.
And then She met Her parking space, At her new home:
We then had an issue with the Latch on the drivers side actually latching, After acting like it wouldnt latch for anything or anyone (Junkyard was slamming the crap out of it before I stopped them).
No Door/Trunk key. Door does not like to open from the outside due to linkage issues which I'll be fixing, But she sat awhile with us fully locked out until the 31st when I got a chance to play with Her.
I picked up a thick welding rod, PlastiDipped end, And bent a hook shape, Then shimmed the door and glass, Slid the rod through and yanked on the inside drivers door handle where it popped right open.
She is having a rough time running right now.
There is a very loud clicking coming from the drivers mid or rear that I need to diagnose, Pretty erratic... Also very audible in the drivers seat.
And she has to warm up before she wont die on brake or gas pedal.
Otherwise EVERYTHING seems to be original and mostly untouched besides a lock cylinder + keys for the ignition (Looks aftermarket).
No mods or anything.
Back seats have no tearing at all, Headliner needs repair/stitching towards the back seam, And the front seats need redone.
Has factory dash clock which seems to be fairly rare, And Woodgrain stuff.
Right now she is in line for a State Patrol VIN Inspection.
Been through tons of stressful phone calls and posting around about how the title might come out. Looks like it's going to be a 50/50 shot of either a Salvage title simply because its from a wrecker or stay clean and clear.
NMVTIS as of today still shows an entirely clear history as of Jan 1st 2013, Last Titled in 1976 same state. Clear of 62+ Brand areas. I pray she comes out clean.
I'll be taking Her on a flatbed for the 44mile round trip for the inspection to the nearest station, Thanks do "Doug at Dougs Affordable towing" In Snohomish county.
But want to drive her through the inspection lane as to make her look a little better, Even though they claim to not be inspecting the condition, Just the VIN tags versus Vehicle History.
She needs a good wipe down also, Plus I have to remove all the junkyard part numbers they wrote with yellow paint pen...
The Ivy Green Metallic will certainly need to be redone some time in the future.
I'll probably stick with the Black Vinyl roof after finding them available in the Classic Industries Catalog for a lot cheaper than expected.
Here is a list of part I'll be looking out for:
Left and Right Front Grill/Headlight Bezels with Chrome Trim.
Rear Chrome Trim for the Trunk, And Lower Chrome Trim Piece.
Nice straight Chrome Front Bumpers.
E-Brake Release Handle.
Instrument Cluster Face panel.
"Sport" Emblem for Drivers Side.
Lower rocker Chrome Trim Piece for Drivers Side.
Drivers Side Green Armrest.
Green or Black Belts that Are not rusted.
Pass Fender or Cutout of the Front Headlight Area.
Washer Fluid Reservoir/Tank.
The Rear Quarter Panels/Outer Tail Surrounds (Don't know what these are called).
Otherwise she is all there! And who knows what Treasure I might find in the Trunk when I get a key made.
So that's my Long Story of How I ended up with a car I never thought I would own.
I literally saved her from the crusher, If I hadnt seen her the day I did and stayed on top of thngs, Her fate would not have been good at all.
A pretty nice Christmas present I think.
And this thread will now continue on as my "Build Thread", So stay tuned!
- Jeremey
