Dibbons
Well-Known Member
- Local time
- 3:09 AM
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2014
- Messages
- 4,992
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- 6,017
- Location
- La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
Took my daughter's 4Runner to the dealership to reline the brakes, but after a $2,500 estimate, she decided to shop around a little more. But during the two hours or so I waited around, I took a look inside the Honda/Toyota showroom before I sat down to read another chapter of the book I brought with me.
When I got to the far corner of the showroom, I bumped into a mini-classic car display: a 1940's era Plymouth, a Prowler, a Ferrari, an older Power Wagon, and a couple of other Mopars. There were no for sale signs posted, so I just figured someone used the spot to show off their cars and share them with the public at large.
As I began to review the vehicles one by one, a gentleman walked into this cozy "museum" and stripped a sheet of paper that was taped to the front door glass (a notice they were closing early the day before). I figured he was the custodian or something, but introduced myself anyhow to see what he had to say. Much to my surprise, he introduced himself as the owner of the agency. After discussing my affinity for Mopars, the guy told me he was also a partner in the Chrysler dealership across the street.
Right behind us was a 1978 or 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express. I mentioned to him how I believed that was the fastest production vehicle in it's day. He said his model was originally the '79 with lower compression and catalytic convertor. What was meant by "originally" I was soon to find out.
Then this friendly, unpretentious man snuck in the fact that he had swapped in a crate motor, none other than a 426 Hemi with less than 100 miles run in on it. I told him I had never remembered having seen a street Hemi installation in person, so he opened the hood for me.
There it was, with a single belt drive and those massive black valve covers, (a style I don't remember having seen before-see foto) The cavernous engine compartment had no problem accommodating the beast with room to spare. He did mention the modification made to move the brake power booster up and over.
So there you have it, only by chance that I was there when the owner/manager arrived was I privy to find the 360 had taken a "back seat" to the elephant motor. Sorry no photos, but I am sure you can imagine the scene as described.
P.S. This took place in Juneau, Alaska, no less.
When I got to the far corner of the showroom, I bumped into a mini-classic car display: a 1940's era Plymouth, a Prowler, a Ferrari, an older Power Wagon, and a couple of other Mopars. There were no for sale signs posted, so I just figured someone used the spot to show off their cars and share them with the public at large.
As I began to review the vehicles one by one, a gentleman walked into this cozy "museum" and stripped a sheet of paper that was taped to the front door glass (a notice they were closing early the day before). I figured he was the custodian or something, but introduced myself anyhow to see what he had to say. Much to my surprise, he introduced himself as the owner of the agency. After discussing my affinity for Mopars, the guy told me he was also a partner in the Chrysler dealership across the street.
Right behind us was a 1978 or 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express. I mentioned to him how I believed that was the fastest production vehicle in it's day. He said his model was originally the '79 with lower compression and catalytic convertor. What was meant by "originally" I was soon to find out.
Then this friendly, unpretentious man snuck in the fact that he had swapped in a crate motor, none other than a 426 Hemi with less than 100 miles run in on it. I told him I had never remembered having seen a street Hemi installation in person, so he opened the hood for me.
There it was, with a single belt drive and those massive black valve covers, (a style I don't remember having seen before-see foto) The cavernous engine compartment had no problem accommodating the beast with room to spare. He did mention the modification made to move the brake power booster up and over.
So there you have it, only by chance that I was there when the owner/manager arrived was I privy to find the 360 had taken a "back seat" to the elephant motor. Sorry no photos, but I am sure you can imagine the scene as described.
P.S. This took place in Juneau, Alaska, no less.
