Scarlett the New Yorker

Yeahrightgreer

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Just starting a thread that I’d like to update regularly on my ‘70 Chrysler New Yorker. I got the car about a year ago from a Gunny in the marines in New Bern, NC. An awesome guy.

In any event he got the car from a friend who got the car from another guy - and on and on. It seems the car had been flipped back and forth multiple times within the span of 2-3 years. Each owner buying it with the intentions of gutting the standard 440 engine but changing their mind when realizing how nice the car actually was. The only story behind the car which I can’t validate is that it was owned as a Sunday car by the original owner till he passed away in the late 2000s - passing it on to his son which sold the car.

I got the car with 32,000 miles which I believe to be correct. Original paint and seenlingly no body or engine work has been done. With much of the original Chrysler style fasteners, clips, and decals still on the car. The dash and interior is great. Some good power options - just wish it had a Tilt Wheel. Of course the AutoTemp A/C and Heat both don’t work. Engine also has developed a miss that I need to track down this week. The car rides like a top and start everytime. Never using giving me a problem other than the rare carb tune.

My biggest plan for the car is to peel the vinyl top back and see the real damage from the years. I’d like to cut out and replace the panel and tackle all the window channels. Besides that the quarters, fender, trunk frame all look strong and rust free besides the surface from age. Althought it was low-mileage and hasn’t seen salt, it spent most of its life about 15 minutes from the coast and with southern summers humidity probably did it in. But until then I try and drive it as much as I can. Just took the car to see the USS North Carolina this weekend since the hurricane hit.

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Also check the dwell reading on the points, while you're at it.
Then check for vac hose breaks/fissures in the underhood area. Easy and not expensive things first! Then the vac supply hose to the hvac controller.

When new, that was a great color combination. Many times, the old Chrysler acrylic enamel can be buffed and waxed to almost "new" looks. Get the paint cleaned up before worrying about the vinyl roof issues.

A tilt column can be a bolt-in deal, if you can find one in your color. Only thing to me is that they usually come with the famous "Rim Blow Steering Wheel", which can cause issues of its own, from my own experiences. But a different OEM wheel might fit in its place, with appropriate horn wiring items.

Keep us posted,
CBODY67
 
Nice looking New Yorker. I wouldn't peel back the vinyl roof unless there is considerable evidence of rust under there.
But then again, you may opening a can of worms and a costly repair.
 
Thanks gents. It’s been an absolute blast owning the car and it has taught me a lot about these barges. Has always been reliable and has never gave me a real issue.

I’m still new to all this and older cars considering I’m only 20 and never been under a good growing up - so tactful criticisms and tips are always helpful. Still lots to learn!
 
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I wouldn't peel back the vinyl roof unless there is considerable evidence of rust under there.
But then again, you may opening a can of worms and a costly repair.

You’re probably right about opening a can of worms. The panel has some apparent bulbbling and this gaping wound. I’ve thought about sanding the area down - tackling it with some kind of rust killer and sealing it back down as a temporary fix for now.

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That Ny`er looks gorgeous! Only thing puzzling me are those hefty rear bumper guards, though. If you don`t mind, I`d like to know if you have or have had other cars. What state of condition is the trunk?
 
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That Ny`er looks gorgeous! Only thing puzzling me are those hefty rear bumper guards, though. What state of condition is the trunk?

The bumper guards were on the car when I found it. Front and back. Pretty beefy. I believe they are from a squarebody suburban as the mounting brackets are very similar. Probably a JC Whitney or department store order from back in the day. I took the front ones off and left the rears. I know some think it’s an ugly addition but I think it gives the car a bit of different personality. And it doesnt hurt just Incase someone gives a love tap in traffic.

The trunk still has its cardboard inserts and carpet. The weather seals are cracked but the metal is very strong and shouldn’t need any kind of work when I eventually do take it down to bare metal. I religiously keep it away from snow and I get pretty bad anxiety when I drive it in the rain. Both stay in a parking structure.


I`d like to know if you have or have had other cars.

Currently I have one other C, a ‘70 Fury and a ‘68 FBird that I’d like to sell and get into another C or E-Body.
 
Took a look into the spark plugs and #7 was fouled up by a dripping valve cover. Cleaned it up and engine fires smooth. Took off the cover and reapplied Permatex so we will see how it holds.

After that - got around to tuning the carb. I’d like to make it a bit leaner and the fast idle is a little low - but I’m happy with where it’s now. Sounds healthy at warm idle. Previously had a vacuum leak that would bog down the engine under hard acceleration.



The previous owner took off the Carter carb that came on it and replaced it with a Eddie 1406. Have been thinking of going back to a Carter. Do you think 600CFM is a little too small for the engine? I’m not trying to unlock any “secret and hidden performance”. Just wanting a healthy and reliable engine with average gas mileage. I know there’s other members on here who use it as it’s fairly common and inexpensive.
 
Took a look into the spark plugs and #7 was fouled up by a dripping valve cover. Cleaned it up and engine fires smooth. Took off the cover and reapplied Permatex so we will see how it holds.

After that - got around to tuning the carb. I’d like to make it a bit leaner and the fast idle is a little low - but I’m happy with where it’s now. Sounds healthy at warm idle. Previously had a vacuum leak that would bog down the engine under hard acceleration.



The previous owner took off the Carter carb that came on it and replaced it with a Eddie 1406. Have been thinking of going back to a Carter. Do you think 600CFM is a little too small for the engine? I’m not trying to unlock any “secret and hidden performance”. Just wanting a healthy and reliable engine with average gas mileage. I know there’s other members on here who use it as it’s fairly common and inexpensive.


Yes, a 600cfm is on the small side. You should aim at the +700cfm range. For example, the original BB TQs were 850CFM.
 
It was my first car. Had thoughts about making a street machine out of it. Haven’t touched the car in nearly 2 years tho. I think I’d really much rather get into an E-body show car/street freak or something else Mopar.

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