1965 Plymouth Belvedere II Station Wagon

Bob writes: My latest project is a 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II station wagon. The photos show the Mopar when I got the car home.

This Plymouth station wagon started life as a New Jersey Forest and Parks superintendent vehicle. The Mopar was sold at a N.J. state auction and purchased by an elderly gentleman who took good care of the car. He parked the wagon up on blocks in a barn during the winters in N.J. When this gentleman passed away his granddaughter, whose husband I know and he knew I was a Mopar guy, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in an old Plymouth wagon her grandfather had. She said it had been sitting in the barn for approximately 18 years because her grandfather stopped driving then. I said I was interested and wanted to take a look.

The Belvedere II wagon is fairly solid with some rust in the spare tire well and the very bottom of the tailgate. The rest of the car is rust free.

tailgate rust

I started the restoring process in March 2009, starting on the tailgate. I am just getting under way, but am making progress.

The original 273 had been replaced by a 318 after the second owner bought it. It is an automatic with radio delete and certified speedometer. Power tailgate window and factory 15 inch wheels. Also it is a 999 paint code car.

I have rebuilt a 1970 440 4 barrel and I will be installing a Tremec 5 speed with factory console and buckets.

Thanks for the valuable 1962 to 1965 Mopar Web site; I have been visiting it for years, what a great resource.

Update October 2009

Tailgate metal work done.	Starting on dented front fender...
	and checking for any rust in likely spots.

Update January 2010

	I have restored all the interior metal, trim and dash and changed the color.

Update June 2010

Fender Repair

Rear QuarterRepair

Body Shop Repair Fudged

Body Shop Repair Fudge Fixed

Much Better Now!

Update August 3, 2010

Progress continues slowly but perfectly: Inner fender repair; Passenger side quarter in excellent shape, no surprises.

Update January 17, 2011

Progress continuing:

• The body work is now complete.
• Hood scoop has been fitted.
• All the door skins have been removed and checked and minor repairs made then put back together.
• All gaps are perfect as are the alignment of all panels.

The only repair left is the repair of the rust in the spare tire well and block sanding of the body and final priming for paint.

Update April 25, 2011

• The last of the rust has been taken care of (spare tire well).
• Block sanded and all trim fitted.
• Just need to sand blast the firewall and door jams then prime them.
• Then ready for paint.

Update August 23, 2012

Finally the paint is on the wagon attached are some photos, it looks fantastic.

Update September 4, 2016

Finally got back to the project: engine and transmission are in and front end has been rebuilt and disc brakes added. Putting things back together!

Update October 26, 2016

Progress continues: undercarriage almost done; stainless steel brake and fuel lines; new 3:55 SureGrip gears installed in the 489 case; housing and springs cleaned and painted; on rear installed new brakes, cables and shocks; sway bars installed front and rear; exhaust system installed. Interior: dash ready for install; steering column and wheel installed.

Update November 15, 2016

Vintage Air and dash installed

Update May 10, 2017

Installation of the front doors, fenders, and hood. | Windshield and quarter glass installed. | Some trim and stainless installed.

Update July 18, 2017

Progress continues on the wagon.

All body panels are on, linkage and door handles installed, stainless trim around doors installed, grille and headlight buckets installed, as well as hood lettering, and tail lights.

Side moldings are restored and installed.

Wiring for the factory power windows is in, as are power window regulators and motors in two doors; the other two regulators need repair and I need to find 2 power window motors, which is proving to be very difficult.

Update May 25, 2018

I have completed the interior restoration.

And I have finally finished this project: completed May 15, 2018. It was a long haul but I am completely satisfied with the results!

Thanks to Gary H. and the 1962 to 1965 Mopar Web Site for the dedication to these cars!

Contact Bob:

Thanks Bob!

It is good to have friends who know of your Mopar hobby interests. Great barn find!

And GREAT restoration! Thanks for letting this website show off your excellent work and beautiful Plymouth!  

Gary H.

Posted: May 6, 2009. Revised/Updated: October 30, 2009; January 26, 2010; June 10, 2010; August 3, 2010; January 17, 2011; April 25, 2011; August 23, 2012; September 4, 2016; November 15, 2016; May 10, 2017;July 18, 2017; May 25, 2018