1965 Dodge Coronet

Works in Progress

Gary writes: Up until several months ago I was what you call a Chevy guy. In fact I own a ’70 big block Chevelle SS, but deep down I have always been interested in the early Mopars. As a teenager I remember guys driving through the local hangout a drive-in with there monster Dodge and Plymouth Hemi’s and Max Wedge’s. Those memories have never faded and I new that someday I would have my own early MOPAR monster.

Well I have what you would call a start on that dream. On December 24, 2006 I was checking out the collector car ads in the local newspaper and spotted a one line ad (1965 Dodge Coronet post car for sale. This is a project car). I called and arranged to meet the owner on the 26th of December the day after Christmas. I walked into his shop and there she was, dirty and painted in dark primer.

Turns out that the car has a 440 with 727 and 8 3/4 rear end. Most of the body work had been completed leaving only the floor pans which need to be replaced. Front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed and the front and rear seats have been re-upholstered in stock fabric and style. The trunk was full of parts and the guy told me that the car is complete. Every piece needed to finish the car was in the trunk.

I bought the car within an hour and picked her up the following week.

Both the 440 and 727 have seen better days so plans call for a max wedge retro build.

Update April 2007

The Dodge has 62,781 miles on it. Car has 440 727 and 8 3/4 rear end. It runs well enough to get on and off a trailer and that’s about it. It is a builder. Most exterior body work has been done and the car is in primer. It needs finish sanding and prep work for paint. The floor pans need to be replaced because of rust. Trunk pan has rust, but it appears to be only on the surface where the spare sits. The car is nearly complete and I think the only parts that are missing are the front parking lights. Front and rear seats have been re-upholstered in stock fabric and color. Front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed. Very good start on a solid car.

The restoration is now on and going forward. I purchased the sheet metal to rebuild the floors, and it will go into the shop within the next 3 or 4 weeks to have these installed. I have also found a freshly rebuilt 440 which I am haggling over the price and hope to own in the next couple of days.

I will send pictures of the progress soon.

P.S., While at the guy’s shop I spotted other early Mopars:

Contact info for Gary:

Welcome to Mopars Gary!

You will have fun with that Dodge!

Gary H.

January 27, 2007; March 16, 2007; April 14, 2007

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