Questions about this rare abandonned chrysler 300k

[valerianmagnum]

I think this thing has a lot of potential of being an extreme and mean Ratty car...but wayy to far $$$ to put it as an original car , Yup ! Real factory 300k / 413 "360hp" car ( #engine is gone ) ...... I never had one of these , ( i have a 68 fury III ) , i know that they are very rare , but like my fury i cant put 60k to restore this to factory

 

[CBODY67]

IF this was one of the Export letter cars, that could make it a bit more valuable than if it was a normal North American car, I suspect. No shots of the instrument cluster to see if it has a kilometer speedometer rather than miles?

Considering the time and $$$$ to "restore" it or at least get it road worthy, such activities would need to be driven by "labor of love" rather than economics. Saving the car from further deterioration.

Although it might be more expensive to restore it as a "K", that extra expense might be minimal compared to just restoring it in ANY fashion (correct 300, letter car, or "ratty"). So, making the investment would be viable, to me.

One main issue could be sourcing the cable-operated TF, a correct 413, and some trim items (which might be in the pile in the trunk). I don't recall if the K had a console TF shifter or if it was push-button. It's been a while since I was concerned about those things. Having a console shift could uncomplicate things, I suspect.

One alternative could be to do the needed body work well, get it ready to accept its new powertrain, refurb the trim items (not the upholstery), and then sell it after the "heavy lifting" items have been done. DOCUMENTING ALL things done as they are being done, for the new owner.

From there, the 413/360 was a single 4bbl engine with a hotter cam. No problems. AVS2 750cfm with a vintage Edelbrock 4bbl (1968-style) intake. Hide an electronic ignition in the mix, too. Then, under correct valve covers and cyl heads, sneak in a 440 with a 440/375 cam in it. Do some clean-up of the ports and such in the heads, for good measure. Keeping everything looking "as produced" in the process, covered in the appropriate Chrysler engine paint color. Although a real 413 block might need to be used if there are any year-specific motor mount issues as the 1965s had.

As to brakes, might need to find a rebuilder that can do some modern-friction linings on the existing brake shoes. To further enhance the OEM braking performance, rather than go back to what it was when new. Some might disagree with this orientation, but it would be easier than installing front and/or rear disc brakes (which might be an issue for later owners!).

So . . . incognito upgrades which can make the car a better performer and enjoyable driver, rather than an over-restored "don't want to drive it" museum piece. To each their own, just not "ratty". Keeping the car more-correct will protect its ultimate and continued value, by observation. Whether a normal "K" or an export "K".

Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67

 

[Davea Lux]

You would want to carefully inspect the stub and the rest of the underside for rust as Ontario cars see a lot of salt. I looks like someone stripped the car to dip the body in rust remover prior to a potential restoration. Cars that are this far disassembled are usually a major PIA to put back together as a lot of the small stuff gets lost or misplaced. I think that you will easily spend $60k you mentioned to restore this vehicle (maybe more) as it is going to need everything. I think if it were me, I would look for a running 300K and work on that. Those can still be had for $15-$25K and the restoration would be much easier and probably a lot less expensive.

Dave

 

[finsruskw]

Not all that rare as letter cars go.
3022 hardtops built and 625 converts.
They pop up for sale quite often in driving condition.

 

[twostick]

I don’t think a car sold in Canada is considered an "Export" car per se. Those were I believe cars sold outside North America, exported to Europe, The UK, etc.

Kevin

 

[Chryslerdon]

IF this was one of the Export letter cars, that could make it a bit more valuable than if it was a normal North American car, I suspect. No shots of the instrument cluster to see if it has a kilometer speedometer rather than miles?

Considering the time and $$$$ to "restore" it or at least get it road worthy, such activities would need to be driven by "labor of love" rather than economics. Saving the car from further deterioration.

Although it might be more expensive to restore it as a "K", that extra expense might be minimal compared to just restoring it in ANY fashion (correct 300, letter car, or "ratty"). So, making the investment would be viable, to me.

One main issue could be sourcing the cable-operated TF, a correct 413, and some trim items (which might be in the pile in the trunk). I don't recall if the K had a console TF shifter or if it was push-button. It's been a while since I was concerned about those things. Having a console shift could uncomplicate things, I suspect.

One alternative could be to do the needed body work well, get it ready to accept its new powertrain, refurb the trim items (not the upholstery), and then sell it after the "heavy lifting" items have been done. DOCUMENTING ALL things done as they are being done, for the new owner.

From there, the 413/360 was a single 4bbl engine with a hotter cam. No problems. AVS2 750cfm with a vintage Edelbrock 4bbl (1968-style) intake. Hide an electronic ignition in the mix, too. Then, under correct valve covers and cyl heads, sneak in a 440 with a 440/375 cam in it. Do some clean-up of the ports and such in the heads, for good measure. Keeping everything looking "as produced" in the process, covered in the appropriate Chrysler engine paint color. Although a real 413 block might need to be used if there are any year-specific motor mount issues as the 1965s had.

As to brakes, might need to find a rebuilder that can do some modern-friction linings on the existing brake shoes. To further enhance the OEM braking performance, rather than go back to what it was when new. Some might disagree with this orientation, but it would be easier than installing front and/or rear disc brakes (which might be an issue for later owners!).

So . . . incognito upgrades which can make the car a better performer and enjoyable driver, rather than an over-restored "don't want to drive it" museum piece. To each their own, just not "ratty". Keeping the car more-correct will protect its ultimate and continued value, by observation. Whether a normal "K" or an export "K".

Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67

The 300 K was a console shift car. The transmission is 300 K only because of an extra position on the manual valve lever. This car was owned by a guy in Canada as far back as 2003, so it could be an export. Originally white with a red interior. There were more K's made than any other letter car, so they are not rare compared to other letter cars. This one looks like parts car material. Better to find a decent running car, if you want a K.

 

[polaratherapy]

IF this was one of the Export letter cars, that could make it a bit more valuable than if it was a normal North American car, I suspect. No shots of the instrument cluster to see if it has a kilometer speedometer rather than miles?

Considering the time and $$$$ to "restore" it or at least get it road worthy, such activities would need to be driven by "labor of love" rather than economics. Saving the car from further deterioration.

Although it might be more expensive to restore it as a "K", that extra expense might be minimal compared to just restoring it in ANY fashion (correct 300, letter car, or "ratty"). So, making the investment would be viable, to me.

One main issue could be sourcing the cable-operated TF, a correct 413, and some trim items (which might be in the pile in the trunk). I don't recall if the K had a console TF shifter or if it was push-button. It's been a while since I was concerned about those things. Having a console shift could uncomplicate things, I suspect.

One alternative could be to do the needed body work well, get it ready to accept its new powertrain, refurb the trim items (not the upholstery), and then sell it after the "heavy lifting" items have been done. DOCUMENTING ALL things done as they are being done, for the new owner.

From there, the 413/360 was a single 4bbl engine with a hotter cam. No problems. AVS2 750cfm with a vintage Edelbrock 4bbl (1968-style) intake. Hide an electronic ignition in the mix, too. Then, under correct valve covers and cyl heads, sneak in a 440 with a 440/375 cam in it. Do some clean-up of the ports and such in the heads, for good measure. Keeping everything looking "as produced" in the process, covered in the appropriate Chrysler engine paint color. Although a real 413 block might need to be used if there are any year-specific motor mount issues as the 1965s had.

As to brakes, might need to find a rebuilder that can do some modern-friction linings on the existing brake shoes. To further enhance the OEM braking performance, rather than go back to what it was when new. Some might disagree with this orientation, but it would be easier than installing front and/or rear disc brakes (which might be an issue for later owners!).

So . . . incognito upgrades which can make the car a better performer and enjoyable driver, rather than an over-restored "don't want to drive it" museum piece. To each their own, just not "ratty". Keeping the car more-correct will protect its ultimate and continued value, by observation. Whether a normal "K" or an export "K".

Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67

This car would not have a speedo in Km/h, that only took effect in the 70s.

 

[413]

Here is a 67 Coronet with a kilo speedo.

 

[cudamark]

This car would not have a speedo in Km/h, that only took effect in the 70s.

They had them back at least as far as 1963 that I know of.....maybe even earlier.

 

[twostick]

They had them back at least as far as 1963 that I know of.....maybe even earlier.

He would be referring to Canada. If it has a metric speedo before that, it's a guaranteed export outside North America car.

Kevin

 

[marko]

77 was when canadian speedos went metric

 

[CBODY67]

77 was when canadian speedos went metric

That was about the time that USA speedometers started to have dual scales on them.

 

[valerianmagnum]

I just thinking out loud...since im selling my duster and focusing on 68 fury III , i was like...maybe this weird thing can become a ratty car ahahaha, i found that they are very mean looking...and you never ever see them in ratty or different way VS a stock look

 

[CBODY67]

Now, THIS brings up the "nobody wins" discussion of is it better to "rat rod" it or let it rust away in peace, respecting its past glory as a "factory hot rod of the times".

The reason I mention "nobody wins" is that that is what happens in these things, by observation. One option respects the vehicle for its past, plus its current situation. One option keeps it on the road in a state that disrespects the vehicle's past glory.

As we know where it will eventually end up, probably best to let it go that way now, rather than later.

In another club, a member had a '48 or so Buick Roadmaster 2-dr hardtop, the first year for a 2-dr GM hardtop. He liked the car and commenced restoring it. In that action, he discovered the wheelbase was the same as a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 4-dr sedan. So such a frame was found and rebuilt, along with the drivetrain. That got power steering, 4-whl power disc brakes, 425 Cadillac V-8, modern automatic transmission, rear sway bar, and factory Boranni wire wheels. Less the rear sway bar, it looked like it had been customized. I appreciated what had been done, including the interior in Carine Red factory velour, with the factory-style loose-pillow upholstery design. The best combinations of vintage style with modern driveability. And he drove that thing everywhere! Had the requisite Cadillac tilt wheel steering column, too.

Many in the club liked the car, but some of the purists claimed he should have left it under the tree it had been under as it was not restored back to stock configuration. As I said, a "nobody wins" discussion.

In so many cases, it can cost almost as much to do it "ratty" as to do it back to OEM configuration. Body work and such will cost the same, for example. Some might disagree, but I consider "ratty" to be another trend, as "patina" was (with some cars being clear-coated painting over surface rust and bare metal). A drivable, valid "restoration in progress" is a different deal to me.

Regards,
CBODY67

 

[fury fan]

Cars disassembled that far are difficult enough when you're the one that took it apart, let alone when somebody else did it.
There's no way to know how complete it was before disassembly, but you can rest assured there are things missing now.
The dash is out, the wiring harness is out. Look at how everything is tossed in the trunk.

Run away, quickly and far.

@Chryslerdon and @finsruskw have good advice - find a better car.

 

[valerianmagnum]

Yes....i was thinking out loud , i always have my hands full with my 68 fury , i cant imagine how hard it must be to find parts for this one honestly , and...yes i understand some people saying put it back original...but i wont put 80k on a car that will top around 25-30k , its just stupid , i was around 50k 7 years ago on a 71 cuda what was over 100k once finished and having 34k on a duster that might sell around 18-19k ? This 300k was a funny idea , but even if i go see it i dont think i would give him the price hes asking...he wants 1 500$.

 

[valerianmagnum]

The 300 K was a console shift car. The transmission is 300 K only because of an extra position on the manual valve lever. This car was owned by a guy in Canada as far back as 2003, so it could be an export. Originally white with a red interior. There were more K's made than any other letter car, so they are not rare compared to other letter cars. This one looks like parts car material. Better to find a decent running car, if you want a K.

You know the owner and the car ?

 

[valerianmagnum]

IF this was one of the Export letter cars, that could make it a bit more valuable than if it was a normal North American car, I suspect. No shots of the instrument cluster to see if it has a kilometer speedometer rather than miles?

Considering the time and $$$$ to "restore" it or at least get it road worthy, such activities would need to be driven by "labor of love" rather than economics. Saving the car from further deterioration.

Although it might be more expensive to restore it as a "K", that extra expense might be minimal compared to just restoring it in ANY fashion (correct 300, letter car, or "ratty"). So, making the investment would be viable, to me.

One main issue could be sourcing the cable-operated TF, a correct 413, and some trim items (which might be in the pile in the trunk). I don't recall if the K had a console TF shifter or if it was push-button. It's been a while since I was concerned about those things. Having a console shift could uncomplicate things, I suspect.

One alternative could be to do the needed body work well, get it ready to accept its new powertrain, refurb the trim items (not the upholstery), and then sell it after the "heavy lifting" items have been done. DOCUMENTING ALL things done as they are being done, for the new owner.

From there, the 413/360 was a single 4bbl engine with a hotter cam. No problems. AVS2 750cfm with a vintage Edelbrock 4bbl (1968-style) intake. Hide an electronic ignition in the mix, too. Then, under correct valve covers and cyl heads, sneak in a 440 with a 440/375 cam in it. Do some clean-up of the ports and such in the heads, for good measure. Keeping everything looking "as produced" in the process, covered in the appropriate Chrysler engine paint color. Although a real 413 block might need to be used if there are any year-specific motor mount issues as the 1965s had.

As to brakes, might need to find a rebuilder that can do some modern-friction linings on the existing brake shoes. To further enhance the OEM braking performance, rather than go back to what it was when new. Some might disagree with this orientation, but it would be easier than installing front and/or rear disc brakes (which might be an issue for later owners!).

So . . . incognito upgrades which can make the car a better performer and enjoyable driver, rather than an over-restored "don't want to drive it" museum piece. To each their own, just not "ratty". Keeping the car more-correct will protect its ultimate and continued value, by observation. Whether a normal "K" or an export "K".

Just some thoughts and observations,
CBODY67

100% right with you there...its about what im doing with my fury III , i am more curious than anything else with this 300k! , but your ideas and opinion , im thinking exactly like you

 

[fury fan]

FWIW, $1500 is a pretty fair price for what it is.

 

[300George]

Well, really interesting as I used to own this particular K! The SN is what gave it away. I remember this number to this day. Yes, white K, was a ratty red interior when I got it. Changed to black. Rather well built 413 by my dad/myself. Under the hood everything was 100% factory stock appearing. Always wondered what happened to her! Sad to see her like this.