1974 Dodge Coronet Custom Sedan 225 L6

Maus · May 10, 2026

While the bench seat and radiator at the workshops waiting for repairs, I cleaned the cylinderhead and all related parts. I'm very fortunate that I can use all the equipment at my work.
It's not just a simple cylinderhead gasket replacement, I want to do this proparly.

So all the valves need to be replaced.
The exhaust valves have lots of pitting and the intake valves suffered from corrosion due to short drives and the engine not warming up proparly.

There's way to much play at the valve guides. I'm not sure yet if the workshop will install oversized valves or install new valve guides.

The cylinderhead surface will be grinded and also the intake/exhaust side. I cleaned it at my work in a ultra sonic bath and washing machine and lots of brushing.

Sandblasted the intake and exhaust manifold. I will paint the exhaust manifold with heat resistant black of course and the intake and valve cover in the wrong RAL 5012 colour.

Maus · Jun 7, 2026

Yesterday, I got the front bench seat back from the upholstery company. Filled with new, firm cushion foam.
Sits perfect for the first time since I got this car.
They've also put the missing emblem back and I've made a metal strip so the seats can be adjusted some 5 cm more backwards so I sit way more comfortable behind the wheel.

Proud owner.

ckessel · Jun 7, 2026

Looks very nice. I'll be very happy when my seats get done in the future. Engine/trans swap/redo coming within the next week I hope.

Maus · Jun 26, 2026

Since we have an official heatwave here and code red weather warning, there's not much I can do.
But, the leaking radiator has been overhauled. It's still the original, but now with a new cooling core.

The cylinderhead surface is grinded, 12 new valves, seats and guides.

Exhaust manifold has been grinded.

I've painted the engine side with a brush. Nothing fancy, just the places I could reach.

The rest of course with spraycans Rustoleum. I used RAL 5012.

old guys rule · Jun 26, 2026

Maus said:
Maybe not a real project or body-off restoration, but I'd like to share the progress I'm making with my Dodge.
There's a lot of small things to do before I can drive it properly for the summer season.
View attachment 1778241 View attachment 1778242

First I removed the reflectors and sticker from the trunk lid and removed the silly outside temperature gauge from the dash, I think it looks much cleaner now.
I also installed the side marker lights, since they were not even installed and fixed all the other outside lights.
View attachment 1778244
View attachment 1778243
View attachment 1778246

And last week I bought some nice white line tires.
View attachment 1778248

I've also ordered a cover to keep the car dry during the winter season.
And lots of other things to do.
View attachment 1778249

If I owned that car I would be finding any excuse for a long highway trip. Thats a highway cruiser if I ever saw one. Love the paint. Very nice ride, keep it covered.

Maus · Jun 27, 2026

old guys rule said:
If I owned that car I would be finding any excuse for a long highway trip. Thats a highway cruiser if I ever saw one. Love the paint. Very nice ride, keep it covered.

Thanks! That is exactly what I'm intending to do. I just want to drive it as much as I can. It's not a showcar, it just has to be reliable for todays hectic traffic. Right now, it just needs a bit of work.
Hopefully I can finish it next week!

RemCharger · Jun 28, 2026

Maus said:
Since we have an official heatwave here and code red weather warning, there's not much I can do.
But, the leaking radiator has been overhauled. It's still the original, but now with a new cooling core.
View attachment 2057035

The cylinderhead surface is grinded, 12 new valves, seats and guides.
View attachment 2057036 View attachment 2057037

Exhaust manifold has been grinded.
View attachment 2057038

I've painted the engine side with a brush. Nothing fancy, just the places I could reach.
View attachment 2057041

The rest of course with spraycans Rustoleum. I used RAL 5012.
View attachment 2057039

Nice. It's a fun experience dropping a 6 cyl head on over a fender.

Kern Dog · Jun 28, 2026

What qualifies in the Netherlands as a Heat wave and Code red weather warning ?

I looked online and read up to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. That is a problem for you guys?

RemCharger · Jun 28, 2026

Netherlands extends Code Red alert for 4 provinces as extreme heat persists https://share.google/fLlbh0Aoe96MVHDpC

Looks like 38-40 , (100-104). We'd have at heat warning at that point too

Maus · Jun 28, 2026

RemCharger said:
Nice. It's a fun experience dropping a 6 cyl head on over a fender.

Did it with a friend and I used the old head bolts as guides.
(the cylinders look a bit rough in this picture because of the brake cleaner I used, but they're fine).

Maus · Jun 28, 2026

RemCharger said:
Netherlands extends Code Red alert for 4 provinces as extreme heat persists https://share.google/fLlbh0Aoe96MVHDpC

Looks like 38-40 , (100-104). We'd have at heat warning at that point too

Yep, it was about 100 here in our place for a few days. And at night about 90.
And yes, we're not used to these temperatures at all. There was almost no one outside last friday. Really surreal. Bit scary actually.

Kern Dog · Jun 28, 2026

The online sources I found were clearly wrong. I found a few sites stating upper 70s Fahrenheit.
Let this be yet another testament to the lack of accountability to the internet as far as truthful information.

Maus · Jul 19, 2026

Did a test drive today and the car runs fine!
There's a bit of coolant leaking from the manifold studs, because I didn't use any sealant for the studs.
Ah well, nice job for next weekend.
Was nice to drive again. The bench seat feels nice and firm and the new radiator works perfect!

1974 Dodge Coronet Custom Sedan 225 L6

Maus

Well-Known Member

Maus

Well-Known Member

ckessel

FBBO Gold Member

Maus

Well-Known Member

old guys rule

FBBO Gold Member

Maus

Well-Known Member

RemCharger

FBBO Gold Member

Kern Dog

Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

RemCharger

FBBO Gold Member

Maus

Well-Known Member

Maus

Well-Known Member

Kern Dog

Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

Maus

Well-Known Member

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