Hi,folks! Yeah it's been a while since I last posted anything or lurched over this forum. Been busy and finally completed the 12 year restoration on my 68 Chrysler Newport Custom. Last summer had a blast driving it all over the Eastern Seaboard and the Canadian Maritimes https://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/threads/new-forum-old-face.100/ One thing that was instrumental in the build was my 73 Plymouth Satellite Custom wagon. 6 passenger (2 seater) 318 3 on da tree manual transmission,radio delete and no power steering. I used it as my parts chaser and occasional driver. Nice original car survivor so to speak, with the exception of maintenance and replacing what was needed. As time went by and the miles added up she was getting tired. There has been issues I was living with and did not want to tear her apart the same time as my other car. So,now is the time for give her the well deserved refreshing she needs. -Rebuild the motor -Replace the clutch upgrade to 3 finger truck unit. -Replace worn out suspension (rear springs,frt end,frame mounts,etc) -Upgrade to aluminum intake,headers,RV cam
At 79,100 miles there was a lot of blow-by and carbon. Overall engine is in good shape but old,tired and worn rod bearings and a timing chain ready to jump the original nylon gears.
It may've been tired inside, but for a basic V8/3-on-the-tree parts chaser, it's very clean. And it doesn't look like a parking lot destruction derby survivor...not by a long shot.
Thanks. She has been well cared for. Always garaged and seen very little winter usage early in it life.
Very cool Satellite wagon. I like that it's a three on the tree and the options or should I say the lack there of. I also went through your build thread of your Chrysler, also very cool. Ken.
Glad to see you made it back. It sounds like you had your hands full with the Chrysler project. Sounds like a good course of action for the Satellite. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress updates.
Good news today the block does not need any machining. I ordered standard rings and bearings from Summit. I had a spare set of freeze plugs in my Mopar hoard. Tomorrow will send the block out for hot tank cleaning. I do have cam bearings if t hey do not survive the cleaning process.
By the looks of the bone white exhaust valve we had the tuning down the best as we could despite the blow-by and carbon build up. The what used to be "soft" stem seals are now baked plastic. On the fence to freshen these up or go with 360 heads.. 360 heads have bigger valves but the larger combustion chambers will drop compression.
Couple more pics,so stay tuned for updates!! The engine bay will get cleaned and detailed so here is the official BEFORE shot,LOL