S23 plague project

[Whiskytango]

First thing I replaced was rear floor that I saved from the 69. The only difference from a 4 door and a 2 door is the position of the rear seat supports. The 2 door sits further up so make sure you save your old bracket to use over and weld to floor.

 

[Samplingman]

You cant part that police rig!

Lol, cut up a rare car to save a super rare car. @71Polara383 probably has all the panels you need, you should trade. Oh wait Wyatt is not into the lowly Plymouth’s.......

 

[Whiskytango]

Next was trunk drop downs. I ended up using the tops from the 69 and pieces from the 71. The sides on all the ones I had were getting thin so I replaced with new metal. Not exactly factory correct but lots of good metal to weld rear fender to. The 69 sides are round and 70 are square to accomodate the different bumper styles.

 

[Whiskytango]

The tops on the 69 are narrower at the rear where the bumper bracket goes so you have to widen to make work. You also have to reuse the indented pieces from the 71. The dents on side are to allow the two bolts and wiring plug for the side marker lights.

 

[Whiskytango]

I removed trunk floor from 71. Once I scraped the seam sealer I saw that it was weak in a few places so replaced with new metal and welded it into place. Also welded the drop downs in so trunk is solid again.

 

[67valiant 100]

Glad to see another one saved. That S/23 is in my favorite '70 color combo!

I agree that the patrol car should be saved as well even if its just a 318 car. Looks to be in remarkable condition all this considered & probably even fewer of those have survived the last half century.

But if you do sadly cut it I will buy the speedo

 

[71Polara383]

I cant believe there wasn't a different fury that could have been used for donor metal.

 

[FURYGT]

I cant believe there wasn't a different fury that could have been used for donor metal.

But you came close to the cutting the roof off a '70 GT to save one of your Dodges...

 

[71Polara383]

But you came close to the cutting the roof off a '70 GT to save one of your Dodges...

But it didn't happen and the car is almost done...

Probably more GTs around then TX9 fleet rigs.

Just sayin.

 

[Samplingman]

All someone needs now is another parts car to fix up the police parts car. It's the never ending game of Mopar musical chairs. "You love her, she loves him, he loves somebody else you just can't win".

For the record, I would have cut up the cop car and never blinked, but that's me.

 

[71Polara383]

I would have cleaned it up, got it running and sold the cop car, bought another sheet-metal donor, AND had some money in my pocket for the build. Oh Well.

Nice work regardless!

 

[Whiskytango]

Interesting comments. This will be my one and only reply on my 71cop car. It was sold to me as a parts car and thats what it was used for and thats all I ever would have done with it. I guess everyone has a different idea of what a parts car is and that could be a whole new conversation for someone to start.

 

[USSMOPAR]

My highest compliments to your work. As for the whiners who rule the roost on here whining to saving the patrol car that is a good laugh.

 

[Whiskytango]

Well onto the rear quarters. I had to make a hillbilly quarter panel for drivers side by welding the rear passenger door from the 71 to the rear quarter once I got it removed . That whole driver side on the 71 had previous panel work from accident that I had to deal with along with rust on bottom of rear quarter. Got it stitched on and onto passenger side. Ibus

 

[Whiskytango]

 

[Whiskytango]

The passenger side I again used the rear quarter from the 71 . It also needed rust repair before I welded it on.

 

[Marv]

Making good progress Great job

 

[Whiskytango]

So last thing I worked on was trunk lid. I decided to repair the original trunk lid as I don’t know when if ever i will get around to a complete paint job. That way it will still match the rest of the car. And like every piece I have used to replace panels, with the exception of the rear floor, I have had to fabricate or repair. Trunk was same. So I put away welder and will start bodywork and primer paint. I won’t do that until the weather warms and I can leave garage doors open. Too messy and I don’t care for the smell and fumes. Once weather gets nicer I plan on spending as much time camping, canoeing and travelling as I can with our short summer and after this long lockdown. Don’t plan on spending it in the garage. Hope you have enjoyed my ramblings and wish everyone the best during these difficult times.

 

[FURYGT]

WhiskyTango, you have awesome skills. I hope that some day you will paint the entire car.

 

[Whiskytango]

Thankyou everyone for kind compliments. I enjoy working on all makes of N American vehicles and have owned all from across the brands. My intent all along was to repair obvious rust, rebuild drivetrain and interior and drive as is. The other project I am working on is a rotissiere build and I am getting to the stage of downsizing and having to decide what to keep and how much more $$ to spend on this hobby. I am guessing I am not the only one facing these decisions. My goal is to always have a driver and a project in my garage.