Mopars of the Month: April 2001
Mopar of the Month hardtop version...
1962 Dodge Polara 500
Rusty McFarland writes:
This is my 1962 Polara 500.
It is an older restoration, but still very presentable: 3 shows - 3 second places, against trailer queens.
The motor is a stock 383 from a 1969 Roadrunner. I've added an electronic
ignition, new Carter on a Torker intake, Jet Hot coated Hedman's into
the stock exhaust, Mopar black crinkle valve covers and air cleaner.
The 500 has power steering, pushbutton auto, and power disc brakes from a 1974 E body.
I mounted 235/60 15 radials on Cragar S/S wheels to improve the ride. Rides like an Imperial!
It is driven about 200 miles a year to an occasional show, or just around the hills of Central Tennessee.
Update: this car is now available for sale, $13,500 or offers.
Mopar of the Month "top down"version...
1962 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible
Mike Callaway writes:
My convertible 500 was originally a 361 c.i. car but is now a max wedge clone.
These are some pictures beforethe finishing up a cosmetic restoration on it: paint, all new chrome etc. It now has a correct white stripe on the side. I'll get some recent photos sent as soon as possible.
Restoration Complete! Here are revised pictures!
The restoration is now complete.
At open shows most people really seem to like the car and the quality of the restoration but not quite sure what it is. We went to a big Mopar show near Minneapolis MN. and people just loved it. They couldn't seem to walk away from it. "Beautiful" and "gorgeous" were what we heard a lot of!
We've had Chargers, T/A, Gtx,'Cuda etc. before, but this car seems to have a broader appeal then they did, and they where
all very nice cars too. We are bringing the car to the Mopar Nats. in Ohio in August, 2001
This Polara has been also completely restored, everything but the undercarriage. The motor was built by Russ Berens, a
Max Wedge expert from Edgar WI. We are running 3;91 sure grip gears, 3000 stall converter, shift kit in trans. All the chrome and stainless has been redone. New paint and door panels. The dash and instrument cluster all redone. The car is really very nice, better than the photos show!
June 15, 2001 -- pictures added of Mike's restored 'vert.
Thanks Rusty and Mike,
Top up or top down, these Polara 500's are very cool rides!
Gary H.
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