1966 Plymouth Belvedere II

[rockcod]

This is my first Mopar anything, so my learning curve is going way up and I will probably ask some really stupid questions. I apologize in advance for my Mopar ignorance.

The previous owner gutted the car and was getting ready for paint when family issues put an end to his progress. The car had spent its entire life in the dry Arizona desert, so body rot/rust is non existent and and there is not a dent or ding to be found anywhere on the body, but the interior didn't fair as well in the hot desert sun. I would rather deal with the interior parts than cutting and welding patch panels on the body.

The nephew of the original owner swapped out the 318 and replaced it with a 360 from a rolled Ram Charger pick-up truck. The car has power steering, non power drum brakes, 727 auto trans and KK1 Mono Medium Turquoise paint. I am looking into getting it painted in the next month or so and then the fun begins of putting it back together.

I have already picked up a complete 1975 400 motor and big block 727 auto and a 383 short block, I am on the fence if I want to build a 451 stroker or just rebuild the 383. Any insight either way is much appreciated.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Wouldn't hurt to pick up a "donor" car with a good interior. If you can find one. Or maybe a big block car to use for parts. There are so many little pieces to put in, if you have never done one its gonna take awhile to build. A Parts car shows you how everything is put together. Even having a friend with a complete one you can look at helps a lot. I just bought a complete 67 Satellite, very similar to yours, but mine is complete and running. Drove it from Ohio to Colorado and it ran great. PM me your e mail, and I can send you some pics of the assembled car, which might help you.

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I have a 451 that I built for my 69 RR, and they are great motors!

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I will PM you my E mail address

 

[Redhorse719]

That is a nice project. I agree with you interior work is much nicer to do than body work.
Keep posting pictures of your progress.

 

[gdrill]

Rust free?!?!? Damn I'm jealous! Nice start and you're way ahead of the game already.

 

[ga66mopar]

That's got a clean body. You're at the right place. Good luck

 

[Propwash]

Nice N' Solid.. Good luck with your resto.

 

[snakeyes]

looking real nice a clean car to start with

 

[RickBright]

Looks like you and I are in the same boat, we both bought a '66 Belvedere that someone else took apart. I bought a Plymouth '66 Parts Catalog off e-bay that is going to be a big help. There are several listed for over $100, I watched for about a week and found one in great shape for $70.00. Breaks down all the parts and give's exploded pictures and part numbers. Heres mine.

 

[rockcod]

I am getting back on this project, sold my FJ40 to help fund this endeavor. Living in So Cal. means I have to deal DMV, tried to get this registered and they told me I need to go to CHP because the car is not intact or together. So I need a little clarification on the body stampings. I have searched and have a general understanding, but I am somewhat puzzled with what I am finding.

The VIN tag is in place in the door jamb with the correct rivets,


I have the fender tag,


Nothing matches the radiator support stamping,


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Now, I find the rear package tray is stamped with numbers matching the fender tag, it is stamped on the driver side to the back of the 6x9 opening.


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Then lastly, these are the numbers stamped on the driver side trunk gutter,


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The numbers are stamped where the flashlight is shining.

Because the stampings on the radiator support and rear package start out 65, would this make it an early production 66 model using the 65 year designation? anyone else run into this type of numbering?

 

[mmissile]

Awesome car. Check the weatherstrip rail, close to where you have the flashlight. Engine choice would depend on your intended use. I'd definitely get some front discs. Good luck.

 

[YY1]

I love that KK1 turquoise color.

 

[rockcod]

These came in the mail a few days ago, I will be putting them in, in a couple of weeks. I will also be doing mini tubs and in-boarding the springs, I need to get everything welded in before its date with the painter in January. Going to be a busy couple of weeks for me!

 

[mmissile]

Nice. Doing a resto-mod, huh?

 

[1966Christine]

it will be awesome to watch your progress

 

[rockcod]

Nice. Doing a resto-mod, huh?

Not really sure what to call it. I want it to go, turn and stop. The rear will be getting 4 linked as well.

 

[66Satellite47]

Did you decide on the motor yet? FYI I built two 400 block 451's 30+ years ago for my '65 Coronet drag car. The 440 crank / 400 block was combo great & easy to do. It would be really easy now with the kits available. You really do have an outstanding starting point. Good luck.

 

[rockcod]

I ended up selling the 400/727 combo, I have a line on a fresh 440 and 727. I will be selling the 360 and small block 727 trans that is currently in the car.

 

[rockcod]

I got the VIN verified by a local mobile service, turned out the guy is into Mopars!!
Then wasted 3 hours of my life, that I will never get back, at DMV and got the car in my name.

Today I got a couple of hours in the garage and started welding in the frame stiffeners. These are the types of welds I get when I can't find my glasses and weld anyway. I still have a few more welds to make on this side.

 

[onephat66]

I got the VIN verified by a local mobile service, turned out the guy is into Mopars!!
Then wasted 3 hours of my life, that I will never get back, at DMV and got the car in my name.

You mean you only wasted 3 hours at a California DMV??? God you're lucky!! Looking forward to this build!!