Resurrecting Polara_500's Red beast

[Polara_500_Jr]

That's what he always called her anyway.

Many thanks to @HWYCRZR for the assist this weekend getting a start. What seemed like an impossible task for me, looks much more achievable after walking through it with him.
Also to @LocuMob for the encouragement to get this started again. It's been a tough one to tackle, the car has been like a brother to me, Dad loved this thing and passed it along, she needs to be on the street again.

When dad passed 2 years ago he left this car in many pieces. Marty and I managed to get the new clutch and transmission in, along with the driveshaft.

He also had everything from the heads up taken out. Lucky for me the heads were done, bagged and sitting next to the car to go back on. We found gaskets, found the pushrods, rocker arms and all the upper parts. These have all been reinstalled now.

Dad had planned to reuse the valley pan and gasket, and I have decided to put new in. So now it's down to getting some bolts to mount the exhaust, installing the intake, carb, wiring and bolting all the accessories on.

Then we see if she fires up.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I enjoyed the drive up there and I like mechanical stuff so it was a great day until the wheels fell off. Literally. Any members in Somerset, PA. May need the lay of the land

I had a little trouble focusing around lunch time.
But we got something accomplished. The hardest part was figuring out the logic on how and where the bolts were sitting.
Anyway the most miles I put on my car this summer.

Happy to help. Mike helped me out a few times with parts a special tool’s when I was restoring mine.

The trip there.

 

[mikedrini]

I enjoy these stories of comradery within the car community. Thanks for sharing boys.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Hey @Polara_500_Jr - tell us more about your car.

From what I see, it's a 65 Polara 500 with manual transmission AND factory AC? Do tell, do tell! I will be embarrassed if this is a car I already know about, but just forgot! Senior moments coming on more frequently these days!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

Hey @Polara_500_Jr - tell us more about your car.

From what I see, it's a 65 Polara 500 with manual transmission AND factory AC? Do tell, do tell! I will be embarrassed if this is a car I already know about, but just forgot! Senior moments coming on more frequently these days!

This was my dads car. Polara_500 on here. Mike Muir. I’m getting it back together finally after his passing.
Most here probably remember him a little, if not, he bought the car in 78 and it now has upwards of 400k.
I have to break down the tag but I know he always said he built her factory optional. Not everything came as it is now but everything was an option from the factory. It started as an automatic, he made it a 4 speed because, well he wanted a 4 speed…
I’m not sure about the factory AC either at this point. He started within the options, but chose all the options he wanted. That might be why I now have 3 complete cars, 3 or 4 parts cars and parts on shelves everywhere.

Someday I’ll be done sorting it all.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Ah, OK, that gives me more understanding on what I saw in the engine bay. Thanks!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

SHE LIVES!
Rode the bike just over an hour to dad's place. left there just before 10pm, but....She LIVES!

First time under her own power since the fan went through the radiator on the way to either Mopars in the Park or Carlisle that year, I forget which.

Also, first time I have been behind her wheel since the mid 90's.

I buttoned things up last night, took her for a short 1/2 mile cruise down the rural gravel the house is on and..... man is that an amazing feeling after 3 years of puzzle assembly.
@HWYCRZR made 3 trips to help over the last 2 years. an hour each way.
@LocuMob assisted over phone and text
@halifaxhops gave advice on the distributor I found in a box, freshly rebuilt by him. (worked flawlessly)
the rest of y'all gave input and assistance over the internet.

Title transferred this morning, insurance activated. Should be coming home with me Saturday. so stoked I can't sit still at work today.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Glad you got it moving again. Don’t forget you only have 5 gallons of gas in it

 

[3175375]

No video. Glad to hear that you got her running!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

Glad you got it moving again. Don’t forget you only have 5 gallons of gas in it

I only went south just past the first curve. The plan Saturday is to head north into town, gas up and wash the accumulated dust off the poor girl and then get her home.

Some time semi near future you up for assisting in adjusting the shifter a little? This time I we can do it without 2.5 hours of road time!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

No video. Glad to hear that you got her running!

interesting, the video plays on mine.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Video won’t play on mine either. The one you texted me worked.
Yes I can help with adjustments of the shifter. If we need to run it up on my lift we can.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

No video here either - would like to see it!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

Try these

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Not working. Whatever hosting site you've got your vids/pics on requires permissions...

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

Not working. Whatever hosting site you've got your vids/pics on requires permissions...

I think I opened them up now

 

[Xenon]

Click videos TWICE ....
Will play then....



.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Working vids! Very nice!

 

[Polara_500_Jr]

If anyone can hear it.... there seems to be a slight chirp type sound idling from the engine area. I can't seem to figure out where it's from.

Anyone have hints to look?

 

[3175375]

Try these

Those videos work.