MrMopar's 1969 California Highway Patrol restoration

[MrMoparCHP]

I have absolutely no doubts that this is the original engine, at least the one it left the factory with.

One theory is that they were running short on engines but had some set aside for replacements and just started using those.

This picture shows the two numbers together, the top being the two ghosted together.

This is why I feel there is no doubt that the two were stamped at the same time and this is the engine that left the factory in this car.


Alan

 

[72Fury]

Is it odd to have a VIN on a warranty replacement block? I would have thought the pad should be blank. Is it also common to have the casting date out of sync with the build date on the block? Is there a range of dates that would be considered date correct, can you have a 68 casting date on a 69 or even a 70? And those little clocks..... Just curious, I'd love to learn what all of these stampings mean. Dang, I think we need a whole thread just to explain this!

I was under the idea warranty blocks were left blank.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I was under the idea warranty blocks were left blank.

Therein lies the question.

There is no doubt that this was stamped at the factory at the same time as the transmission, so it really isn't a warranty engine.

I'm not sayin it wasn't a replacement but it was done at the factory and before they are assigned a VIN or they swapped both the engine and trans then added the numbers.

The fact that the engine was assembled 12 days after the schedule build date raises the question along with what looks like it could be a tag like that used on warranty blocks, without the rest of the tag we have no idea what it was.

More likely was they pilfered the stock of warranty engines/blocks and might be part of the reason for the delayed shipping was an inventory issue on engines/blocks.

I am very intrigued by this but in no way do I think it isn't the original engine that was in this car when it left the factory.


Alan

 

[Samplingman]

Sorry, Alan, my original question was not intended to question the originality of you engine. I was looking for general information on engine stampings, and what would constitute "date correct".

James

 

[69CoronetRT]

Just curious, I'd love to learn what all of these stampings mean.

I think you'll find the answer to that question here: http://www.mmcdetroit.com/Date_Codes/

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I just spent the afternoon cleaning the steering gear. This thing was filthy, I had to scrape a 1/4" of grease off of it before I went at it with carb cleaner and brake cleaner. This thing has more nooks & crannies than Thomas' English muffins. Needless to say it took me four hours to clean it. Now that is clean I can take it to work and pull the pitman arm.

Some before shots...

I should have my suspension parts back from the powder coater soon, then I get all this back together and put wheels on it again.

Alan

 

[polara71]

I am so anxious to see this Polara done!!

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I am so anxious to see this Polara done!!

Get in line

 

[polara71]

I am, is this the right one?

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I could be done by the end of the year but there are two vendors that I am depending on to fabricate new stuff.
There is someone working on a New dash pad using my core, the other is working on insulation and all the foam gaskets to seal the bulhead and rebuild the AC box, something not available for C-bodies yet.

With those parts in hand I'm 2-3 months from being done but all that holds up a fair amount of work.


Alan

 

[73satwagon]

Lookin good I have a NC highway patrol polara Have a lot for it gonna start some day. Keep going don't lose heart it will be worth it in the end wonderful cars. Jim

 

[73satwagon]

I know Road Atlanta, maybe a F1 car may hit 160+ .....maybe

 

[polara71]

Really? a 1969 Polara pad? they are looking into making a one year only part? That would be impressive if that get pulled off

 

[polarus]

Who is making a new dash? I'd like one made for my 72.

 

[polara71]

We all want at least 1. The 69 pad is different than the 70 that is different than the 71 which is different than the 72

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Really? a 1969 Polara pad? they are looking into making a one year only part? That would be impressive if that get pulled off

Yes the 69 Polara/Monaco is a one-year-only part but so is a 1970 Barracuda, a 1970 Challenger, 67 Barracuda/Dart/Valiant.
Ok some of those may be in more demand.

Not fully sure of the process but I know Just Dashes only cleans up the existing foam, fills the crack and overlays new vinyl. I don't think they even grind off the old vinyl. This place removes all the foam and starts from scratch, he said they have what was needed to mold a 69 Polara w/AC pad, do the double stitch. Untill I see the pad and its quality I will reserve my comments on who they are, lets just say I do have some reservations.


Alan

 

[polara71]

I do hope it works out

 

[monaco75]

Everything is looking great Alan! Can't wait to see this car put back together either. I wish I could wake up, walk out to the living room, and see that every morning! Hell might make getting up a little easier! lol

 

[Jim 68cuda]

Looking forward to seeing it completed.
Looks like after their life on duty, they spent their retirement getting thrashed around the track at the CHP Academy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD2uj66f-c8

 

[CanCritter]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-PLYMOU...387?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item43cad37c53