Upgrades to a formal (77 Newport)

[Pclancy]

My 77 Newport is running like a champ. A thirsty champ, but nonetheless.

Just "upgraded" my radio from an AM/8-track to an AM/FM Stereo 8-track. Got the radio from Murray's, had it refurbished by Joe's classic car radio. Sounds fantastic. Same thing with the clock. Upgraded to a year/model correct chronometer from Murray's and had it refurbished by the Clock Works. Very cool. I've gone digital!

What neat other upgrades can I do? I am looking for relatively inexpensive Chrysler options that were available for that year and model.

Chrysler shows a "deluxe wiper package (Newport only)." My Newport only has a 2 speed wiper. What does deluxe mean? Intermittant would be very nice. Even a three speed would be nice.

Purchase a lighted vanity mirror? In green? Either NOS or used?

Purchase road wheels--chrome styled? How much $$?

Install a model correct sun roof? (Crazy, I know)

Swap out the fabric seats for green leather seats (really crazy).

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[cantflip]

My 77 Newport is running like a champ. A thirsty champ, but nonetheless.

Just "upgraded" my radio from an AM/8-track to an AM/FM Stereo 8-track. Got the radio from Murray's, had it refurbished by Joe's classic car radio. Sounds fantastic. Same thing with the clock. Upgraded to a year/model correct chronometer from Murray's and had it refurbished by the Clock Works. Very cool. I've gone digital!

What neat other upgrades can I do? I am looking for relatively inexpensive Chrysler options that were available for that year and model.

Chrysler shows a "deluxe wiper package (Newport only)." My Newport only has a 2 speed wiper. What does deluxe mean? Intermittant would be very nice. Even a three speed would be nice.

Purchase a lighted vanity mirror? In green? Either NOS or used?

Purchase road wheels--chrome styled? How much $$?

Install a model correct sun roof? (Crazy, I know)

Swap out the fabric seats for green leather seats (really crazy).

Thoughts?

Thanks

Slow down and just enjoy the ride... next thing you'll be regretting this one not being original... You can easily reverse all you have done, Road Wheels and wipers too... SUNROOF??? NAH

 

[Carmine]

No intermittent wipers till '78 (I think). Apply Rain-x and call it a day.

A power seat is an easy upgrade. Swap in the much higher quality plastic (vs. cardboard) trunk closeout from an Imperial. Get the thicker carpet too if it's good. Road wheels.

I don't think I'd do much more than that. Your car's originality is one of the things that makes it nice.

 

[Pclancy]

Thanks guys. I knew I was getting carried away a bit. But re originality, if all the "upgrades" are genuine Chrysler items that could have been ordered with the car when new, then.........

Case in point: when I upgraded the radio/8 track, I discovered that what I thought was the original AM radio was actually from a 1980 Cordoba. At least that's what was written on the radio case in black marker. A PO must have replaced the "original" radio at some point.

Your're right, the cheesy cardboard trunk closeout in my car is ripped and torn and had been repaired with black electrical tape. Where's the best place to get an Imperial closeout that you speak of? Kinda goes against my point above, but..........

 

[cantflip]

Where's the best place to get an Imperial closeout that you speak of? Kinda goes against my point above, but..........

A derby guy... unfortunately

I'm not busting your chops about the car staying perfect... just saying you don't want to go that far changing a clean car like yours. I f you were welding patches into the roof of a rust bucket with no particular province... I might encourage it. You have a sweet survivor, no point ruining that with too much "it could have been" stuff...
Radio works and fits without chopping up anything
If you find a clean Imperial trunk set... fine. but take good care of it, it has value to some of us.

My thoughts are mostly that you could just enjoy her as she is... and focus on the mechanical items that will help you enjoy her more.

 

[Pclancy]

A derby guy... unfortunately

I'm not busting your chops about the car staying perfect... just saying you don't want to go that far changing a clean car like yours. I f you were welding patches into the roof of a rust bucket with no particular province... I might encourage it. You have a sweet survivor, no point ruining that with too much "it could have been" stuff...
Radio works and fits without chopping up anything
If you find a clean Imperial trunk set... fine. but take good care of it, it has value to some of us.

My thoughts are mostly that you could just enjoy her as she is... and focus on the mechanical items that will help you enjoy her more.

Point taken. I will never chop her up, and am VERY concerned about originality. Wash my mouth out with soap about the sunroof. And you are correct, there will be enough mechanical stuff to keep me quite busy.

 

[commando1]

Whoa..... slow down, Pclancy. Slow down.
I'm willing to bet I could spend an hour with your car and find 20 mechanical issues that need to be attended to first. Bling and toys come later.

 

[Mr C]

My 77 Newport is running like a champ. A thirsty champ, but nonetheless.

Just "upgraded" my radio from an AM/8-track to an AM/FM Stereo 8-track. Got the radio from Murray's, had it refurbished by Joe's classic car radio. Sounds fantastic. Same thing with the clock. Upgraded to a year/model correct chronometer from Murray's and had it refurbished by the Clock Works. Very cool. I've gone digital!

What neat other upgrades can I do? I am looking for relatively inexpensive Chrysler options that were available for that year and model.

Chrysler shows a "deluxe wiper package (Newport only)." My Newport only has a 2 speed wiper. What does deluxe mean? Intermittant would be very nice. Even a three speed would be nice.

Purchase a lighted vanity mirror? In green? Either NOS or used?

Purchase road wheels--chrome styled? How much $$?

Install a model correct sun roof? (Crazy, I know)

Swap out the fabric seats for green leather seats (really crazy).

Thoughts?

Thanks

By refurbishing the radio, what do you mean? One of those digital guts with iPod jack upgrades? I'm curious because I have an old radio that I'd like upgraded in that fashion, but the companies I've seen that advertise the new internal upgrade say that they will not touch tape players (don't know why).

Premium wiper option upgraded you from 2 spd to 3 spd wipers. Intermittent wipers in C bodies were 78 (one year only).

 

[commando1]

Premium wiper option upgraded you from 2 spd to 3 spd wipers. Intermittent wipers in C bodies were 78 (one year only).

Years ago, before Jules the Wiper Man passed away, I asked him if a 2 spd to 3 spd wiper swap could be done.
He said only if the entire wiper harness from the 3 spd were swapped in also.

Jus passin it on...

 

[Carmine]

Years ago, before Jules the Wiper Man passed away, I asked him if a 2 spd to 3 spd wiper swap could be done.
He said only if the entire wiper harness from the 3 spd were swapped in also.

Jus passin it on...

I concur. That's why I suggested the Rain-x. I actually added intermittents to my '77 NYB many years ago, but I doubt I'd bother today.

 

[Pclancy]

Whoa..... slow down, Pclancy. Slow down.
I'm willing to bet I could spend an hour with your car and find 20 mechanical issues that need to be attended to first. Bling and toys come later.

Good point. Whoa.

 

[Pclancy]

By refurbishing the radio, what do you mean? One of those digital guts with iPod jack upgrades? I'm curious because I have an old radio that I'd like upgraded in that fashion, but the companies I've seen that advertise the new internal upgrade say that they will not touch tape players (don't know why).

Premium wiper option upgraded you from 2 spd to 3 spd wipers. Intermittent wipers in C bodies were 78 (one year only).

I ordered a stock radio/tape deck restoration. Basically, that means bringing the unit back to a "as new" state but without adding more power or installing newer modern components. You can do that of course, but it is expensive.

 

[Pclancy]

Years ago, before Jules the Wiper Man passed away, I asked him if a 2 spd to 3 spd wiper swap could be done.
He said only if the entire wiper harness from the 3 spd were swapped in also.

Jus passin it on...

Thanks for the info. Too much work.

 

[Pclancy]

I ordered a stock radio/tape deck restoration. Basically, that means bringing the unit back to a "as new" state but without adding more power or installing newer modern components. You can do that of course, but it is expensive.

Forgot to mention: The restoration included the 8-track. Sounds great.

 

[olsn500]

By refurbishing the radio, what do you mean? One of those digital guts with iPod jack upgrades? I'm curious because I have an old radio that I'd like upgraded in that fashion, but the companies I've seen that advertise the new internal upgrade say that they will not touch tape players (don't know why).

Premium wiper option upgraded you from 2 spd to 3 spd wipers. Intermittent wipers in C bodies were 78 (one year only).

Are you talking about getting an 8 track radio to play an Ipod? I saw an Instructable one time where a guy took his old garage cassette player and soldered a head phone jack to the magnetic head that read the cassette tape. Basically doing the same thing that one of those cassette adapters does to play MP3's. I don't see why you couldn't open up an 8 track and do the same thing.

found it!
Connect an MP3 player to a tape player - All

 

[75LandYacht]

By refurbishing the radio, what do you mean? One of those digital guts with iPod jack upgrades? I'm curious because I have an old radio that I'd like upgraded in that fashion, but the companies I've seen that advertise the new internal upgrade say that they will not touch tape players (don't know why).

Premium wiper option upgraded you from 2 spd to 3 spd wipers. Intermittent wipers in C bodies were 78 (one year only).

Mr. C.. I just sent out my Am/FM 8 track unit to "Barry's 8track repair" he's gutting the internals and upgrading power outputs as well as adding Bluetooth and USB connection of which is all hidden from view maintaining OE apperence.. I've upgraded my speakers as well. He was a bit pricey I though, but can't wait to get it back and installed. There are several other companies that do that kinda work. Shop around. Ask lots of questions.

 

[kmccabe56]

My 77 Newport is running like a champ. A thirsty champ, but nonetheless.

Just "upgraded" my radio from an AM/8-track to an AM/FM Stereo 8-track. Got the radio from Murray's, had it refurbished by Joe's classic car radio. Sounds fantastic. Same thing with the clock. Upgraded to a year/model correct chronometer from Murray's and had it refurbished by the Clock Works. Very cool. I've gone digital!

What neat other upgrades can I do? I am looking for relatively inexpensive Chrysler options that were available for that year and model.

Chrysler shows a "deluxe wiper package (Newport only)." My Newport only has a 2 speed wiper. What does deluxe mean? Intermittant would be very nice. Even a three speed would be nice.

Purchase a lighted vanity mirror? In green? Either NOS or used?

Purchase road wheels--chrome styled? How much $$?

Install a model correct sun roof? (Crazy, I know)

Swap out the fabric seats for green leather seats (really crazy).

Thoughts?

Thanks

Just about any upgrade worth doing requires electrical work and gutting the interior. Cruise control? Tilt/telescope steering column? Right remote control mirror? (OK, no wiring here). Rear window defogger(blower style)? power decklid release?, trunk light?, fender top turn signal lights? Doing any of these will go a whole lot easier if you invest in the factory service manual. Not electrical, but really cool is the rear auto height control. Murray might have a complete setup or be able to get you all of the pieces. Also a really great upgrade is HD torsion bars and leaf springs. Surprising how many '78s I've run across that have this option. Add in a set of KYB shocks and you'll be REALLY impressed with how the car rides and handles.