I'm going to let out a little bit on a 'dream' idea I've been having... The early Valiant wagon is one of a number of wagons I'd consider for a project, but if I got one, I wouldn't leave it stock and original. Plymouth had the first Valiant in '60-'62 and Dodge had the Lancer in '61-'62 (became the Dart when the body changed in '63). They were both pretty much the same vehicle, one not being any more 'upscale' than the other... What if............Chrysler had brought out a luxury compact based on this platform? Offer luxury options like power windows and locks, leather interior, swing-out bucket seats like the big Chryslers had, maybe a small V8 engine (you couldn't get a V8 in these until '63....). A/C integrated into the dash instead of stuck on below. ---- that's what I would do to it. I'd call it the Chrysler del Coronado, or something like that. Make up a poster for display that shows a story about how it was a styling exercise for Chrysler that was cancelled for production - the only one made. - Well that's what I would do...... Marshall
Love the idea, KK. If I had the money, and it would take a LOT, I would do that, too. Lacking the necessary funds....I would like to do a number on pt's car. I would love to leave the patina on it, but, with all the screw holes in it, it is likely impossible. I would like to shoot the previous owner. That car has a terrific patina. But, then, there's the rust that has to be addressed, too, so, I guess the patina will have to be destroyed.
That's not a bad idea, I have to look into it, thanks. No, just like the grille and on the tailgate he just screwed and or glued bmw logos on.
It's an automatic on the column. No idea what he pulled the steering column from but that's what it is...and it needs a neutral safety switch.
They were, but it looks like this one has a later-model column (maybe from the same '72 Dart that supplied the engine...) The push-buttons would have been in a slim (almost) vertical pod to the left of the instrument cluster - opposite the HVAC buttons in the right pod.
Yeah....they should have been an almost mirror image of the pod on the right. I'm kind of disappointed that the push button is gone. The spacey design of this car doesn't seem complete without the Jetson push button tranny. If it were mine I would look into reinstalling it.
The push button set up is still there, it's just covered up flush with the panel(no buttons sticking out).
Congrats on getting it home, hope you and your wife are having fun with it...these guys are already on board
Try Wildcat Auto Wrecking in Oregon. They seem to always have early A body parts and cars. http://www.wildcatmopars.com/index.html These pictures may be cars they are trying to sell complete, but they have lots of early A body parts available as well.
Wow...I like that place, cuda! And I love the patina on that first one in the bottom pic, too. I'd like to be driving that one around!
Although its been a few years since I've been to Spring Fling Mopar show in Van Nuys, California (on April 21st and 22nd this year), I believe Wildcat usually has a vendor spot there. So anyone going to that show, that needs Mopar parts, might consider having Wildcat bring parts with them to the show to save shipping costs.
