1966 Satellite Commando

[sr71mopar]

Here is a project my neighbor picked up. The plan is just clean it up and go through the drivetrain first.

 

[sr71mopar]

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[sr71mopar]

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[sr71mopar]

This thing is kinda like a time capsule. Very minimal rust. It was supposedly parked for a bad clutch about 1983. Motor is stuck, but we'll have it out this weekend and see whats up. They say nobody rebuilds 383's anymore but owner says that's what he wants. AM/FM and touch up paint too boot.

 

[Cranky]

Welcome to the site! And I have no problem rebuilding a 383.....

 

[GTX MATT]

Very cool. AM / FM radio is pretty rare.

 

[66Satellite47]

383's be good. Not the power of a 440, but they do just fine.

 

[belvedere 67]

I like, 383s are a Damn good motor.

 

[PRND21]

383s are very under rated. If you need a crank, they make great stroker motors with that 4 1/4 inch bore. Easy to get 440+ cubic inches.

 

[Darter6]

383? Hell I would take it. All Ma Mopar engines (of that area) ARE GREAT !!

 

[Dako]

A '3 pedal' factory A/C car...with wood grain steering wheel? Nice find.

 

[sr71mopar]

We got the motor out today. Looks like anything that can leak oil did. Everything came apart easy.

 

[sr71mopar]

Still not seeing much rust. Needs work in a couple spots but its not too bad. Previous owner brought the original door and a bunch of other parts. All I can say is these are well made cars because the door took all the hit. Hate to drill holes in a GTX door for Satellite trim.

 

[sr71mopar]

We didn't get far enough in to see why the motor won't turn yet but I'm optimistic. There is end play on the crank so at least it's not welded to the block. No visible rust in the ports or plug holes.

 

[66Satellite47]

Motors are easy to deal with, although could be costly depending on what you want it to do. The car really looks like a great starting point. Best of luck with the process.

 

[Greg Ducato]

Nice project!

 

[sr71mopar]

Minor update.
The original 383 is being replaced. It was completely wore out so we didn't bother with trying to unstick it. It's documented 175,*** miles which I'm pretty impressed with.
We picked up a fresh 383 from someone else's failed project for a good price. We tore it down for inspection and everything looks good so far. .030 forged flat tops (.025ish in the hole), 346 heads with new seats and ss valves. Crane 272/284,.454/.480 112 cam. Owner wants to keep stock carb and manifolds so think this should work.