January 2003 Mopar of the Month
1963 Plymouth Belvedere
The Father & Son Team of Chris and Jim Guarnere have an extensive background in building street rods, but were not Mopar guys.
This 1963 Plymouth Belvedere, in mint condition, was purchased 3 years ago at a local cruise night, and was used as a daily driver for about a year. The Mopar had a 440 six pack engine. Here is the '63 as purchased:
Chris and Jim decided to make the '63 their first Nostalgia Drag Car Mopar project. It took a year for them to completely gut the Plymouth and perform a frame up, unibody restoration.
Added in the process was a new 500 / 505 crate motor, a roll bar, frame connectors, shorted Dana 60 as well as mini tubs.
No project is ever "done" of course, so the plans are for Winter 2002 are to pull the rear end gears and replace them with a stiffer set, with the goal set for better 60 foot times and improvement of the the top end 113 MPH. Also planned are adding finishing touches on the cars interior, including rug and correct door panels to help finish the look of the nostalgia racer, and while at it, a fresh red paint job!
Welcome to Mopars, Chris and Jim!
A 1963 B body is a great way to learn more about these fine cars, so have fun!
Gary H.