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65 Coronet 440 rescue

65moneypit440

Active Member
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Location
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This car was introduced some months back in the 62-65 forums. Here is some background and updates for any other concerned members of the B-body community.

The car itself is a garden-variety 318 column automatic, ps, pb, factory air, tinted glass. I bought it in early 2012 in Illinois. Although the Indiana plate was so rusty I couldn't make out the year of issue, and the passenger quarter panel was pretty wrinkled and rusty, the car was complete and somebody had recovered the seats nicely (not sure why, maybe from another project). Anyway, I thought it was worth rescuing. None of the usual tricks to free up the engine worked, so out it came, along with the rusty floor pan.

Before I go on, a little perspective on me so that you can understand some of the decisions I made.
I like all things Mopar (such as the survivor 67 Coronet 500 383 auto/ac that I wish I had back), but am blessed with neither a lot of mechanical know-how or experience nor the deep pockets to take advantage of that ability. But I am resourceful.

This not being a limited production model, I decided to do this one as a driver. An LA 318 and trans from an '87 Ram pickup went in, after I installed new oil and fuel pumps along with a car oil pan. No, I didn't pull the heads or start it first, I figure a $300 motor is a good buy whether it runs or can be used for parts. I did take the risk, though. I fabricated the motor and transmission mounts from the original poly-318 mounts. New Edelbrock 600, swap-meet intake, new electronic distributor, aluminum radiator, lengthened driveshaft 6 inches for the driveline. Then complete brake rebuild from the master cylinder out....yes, original. The dual-system and discs will have to wait.

Over to the front-end guy for complete rebuild using Moog parts. Rattle-can army green primer paint to keep the neighbors from complaining about the derelict car (got pulled over in front of my own house after somebody called the cops about a "suspicious vehicle"). Then a 120-mile round-trip shakedown cruise one Saturday afternoon to make sure the investment was paying off.

The beginning of June found "Honey Dodger" (my wife says its nasty-a$$ in a good kind of way) in a buddy's body shop. I did the low-tech stuff, such as sandblasting every body panel early on. Now I'm learning the finer points of block sanding. The high-skill stuff is being done by a guy whose previous work is way nicer than what I originally had in mind for this car, but he is working cheap, the car is going to look great, and you can't ask a good body-man to do a crappy job.

The drive line, wiring, and suspension is all staying in place, because that would only complicate the project. Those of you who say "it doesn't take any time at all to take those parts off", I hear you. Again, this car is getting rescued from the scrap yard, not restored for the show circuit. This car will be going on the trailer and back to my garage as soon as the paint is dry; other projects are waiting in line.
Note to MoparSteve, who I'm sure will be reading this post: the quarter panel that I got from you will be going on the car next week. More photos to follow then.
 

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Nice save. Wish I could find a two door but I'll live with my 4 door for now.

Thomas
 
Update time....used right wheel arch found to have rust holes, so aftermarket patch panel was used to patch the patch panel. Wheel arch connected to wheel well with about a dozen individual patches welded in sequence. Solid as a rock, but thank goodness for seam sealer. Paint is '08-'10 Chrysler "red" code PRN.View attachment 136706View attachment 136707View attachment 136708View attachment 136709View attachment 136710View attachment 136711View attachment 136712View attachment 136713View attachment 136714
 
Well that photo upload could have gone better......if these two come through in the right form, that should make up for it. All paint work is done; now to the upholstery shop for headliner, then the glass man for windshield and back glass install. done paint front.jpgdone paint rear.jpg
 
Beautiful............:tongue3:

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My dad had one of those. It had the 426 street wedge, Dana 4.56 rear, auto. It was fast. WV state championship 2 years in a row, runner up at the Nationals at Pittsburgh International Raceway . It was an honor to get to ride in it even though I was 2 years old.
 
That is a stunning car!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see it with everything on it.
 
Wow, nice work, all done at home! Keep us updated, and keep the wife that let's you call it "honey dodger"!
 
Is that a factory color? Sure is bright. I was thinking of a complete color change to my 65 but that red looks really good.
 
98% done, it runs and drives great. I learned a ton about body work as well as fabricating motor mounts, welding in floors, etc., but I won't take on another task like this anytime soon. Thanks to Greg, Fred, Steve, Dan, and Bill for their encouragement, knowledge, and patience. By the way, SandDiesel, color is Dupont PRN.
Now, if only I could find those two rear ash trays........12 23 13 2.JPG12 23 13 3.JPG12 23 13 4.JPGfinished at park 12 23 13 1.JPGfinished engine.JPGfinished interior.JPG
 
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