MrMopar goes Topless

MrMoparCHP

Old Man with a Hat
Joined
Aug 9, 2013
Messages
5,775
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5,818
Location
Lompoc, CA
It all started here...
Snowbound
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then I saw this...
SOLD - Not Mine 1969 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible - Desert Valley Auto Parts - $13,500
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And then sold my CHP car and made my way to Arizona...
DK41L9D to DM27L9D in 60
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So it begins.
November 13, 2020

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The number one priority was to find the fuel problem, first up was the basics, new fuel filter and clean the carburetor filter. The carb filter was clean but the fuel filter was another story.
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That being said, I stopped the idea starting it up. I have a new tank already so in the morning I'll get on the and cleaning the fuel line.

The rest of the day was cleaning out the trunk. everything was taken out along with the matt, the floor was wet, probably from when they washed it. I dried it and let it air out while I went through the stuff.
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First up is what is left of the cover that goes on the back of the seat (I think)
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then there was a radio and switch bezels, couple courtesy light bezels a starter relay for something else (I thought is was funny as the CHP used these for the siren) and a tray full of hardware.

a busted fan shroud (I have another one)

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...

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that's a pretty car. i can't believe you made it that far the way the filter looks.
yes, that's the cover for the back of the rear seat. they are reproduced now. looks like a ford starter solenoid.
don't make it too nice to drive :poke:
 
and it continues.
an AM/FM radio...
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some unknown substance...
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another pair of the chrome fender extensions (better than the ones on the car??)
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headrests...
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cardboard divider...
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Dodge letters?
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Seat side skirt...
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and a boot...
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Tomorrow is another day, maybe I can get the car out of the garage for some pictures.


Alan
 
You can get the rear seat speaker cover from ABC Moparts. I gave Bob a perfect one that he could use to reproduce for the C body guys (the original gets destroyed in the process, also the case with dashpads used for making reproductions). In my case, I decided not to keep any convertibles I had and so I sold about 15 of them. So it wasn't too hard to give up.

But it looks like Bob's reproductions will be going to a good cause in this case and others. His are not brittle like the originals are after all these years.
 
maybe that divider could be sent to ABC Moparts to reproduce. that's the first one i've seen in the wild.
 
Overall first impressions is that the car is very original, too bad for the bad auction paint and some of the other quickie fixes. Under the hood it is very original, original engine and transmission, what appears to be an original alternator and carburetor, unmolested harnesses. The interior has been freshened up, seats have been redone, dash pad was done but incorrect. I cannot open the glovebox, not sure where to start on that.

Even with all the work needed I still love this car. My plan is to make this a lifetime project with the emphasis on driving, at no point do I want it to be a restoration but it will get restored.


Alan
 
You can get the rear seat speaker cover from ABC Moparts. I gave Bob a perfect one that he could use to reproduce for the C body guys (the original gets destroyed in the process, also the case with dashpads used for making reproductions). In my case, I decided not to keep any convertibles I had and so I sold about 15 of them. So it wasn't too hard to give up.

But it looks like Bob's reproductions will be going to a good cause in this case and others. His are not brittle like the originals are after all these years.

The ABC pieces are very very nice. Thank you for donating that to the cause. His aren’t expensive and they are sturdy but flexible. Easy to install just make your own holes.

I when I picked my speaker cover up at the spring fling I did give him my ‘69 front bench side covers to maybe repop in the future. Every little bit helps...

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maybe that divider could be sent to ABC Moparts to reproduce. that's the first one i've seen in the wild.
@Samplingman has a pattern he sent me that may be of some use. (assuming the Chrysler one is the same)

Might have to find it, but it's here somewhere.
 
It must have been hard for you to give up the cop car. I think you will be happy with this one. Congratulations, nice score.
The funny thing it wasn't hard at all, not even a tingle.

November 15, 2020
I wasn't able to get to the car as early as I wanted. I needed to swap out the heater control valve, the other day when I was looking at things I moved a hose and it stared leaking bad. Having one already I chose to just replace it.
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With plans to get the car back on the road I wanted to try and patch the exhaust leak, at the time we previewed the car the pipe only had about 1/2" of metal actually connected so we had them wire it up. We tried a patch wrap but it failed within the first 50 miles. Good thing it was wired up as the last connection was gone.

I used a different tape that in itself was a better choice but chose to buy a little more time and wrapped a soda can around it with a couple clamps.

I have tail pipes and head pipes already and the left exhaust manifold (for some reason the original manifolds were replaced). Soon as I have the parts I'll have them installed.

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Alan
 
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I’m glad the universe was working in your favor Alan.

Congratulations again, and thanks for saving another rare C-body! You are the guy!

What a car!!!!
 
Well, would you look at that! No surprise, must be the difference in seat backs, or a design change between ‘69 and ‘70. Curious if the measurements are even close.
I was going to check this afternoon, I cant imagine there being any changes.


Alan
 
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