My new 65 Coronet

[Tlwesch]

Some of you may have read in my post on the 'New to the Forum' section I recently bought a 65 Coronet 500 from my aunt. The car was previously owned by my Great Grandfather. He bought the car used, with 600 miles on it, in 1965. My aunt has owned it since the late 80's, the last time she drove the car was in 1992, it has not been run since then.

Car is in pretty good shape for its age has some rust over the rear wheels and I noticed some rust on the bottom of the rear quarters. Floor pans look to be in good shape. It also has some dents on the nose and front fenders, my Great Grandfather couldn't see to well and he clipped two trees. Interior is in ok shape, driver seat needs to be recovered. One thing I need to fix is the steering wheel, the cover or horn bracket has two rivets that are popped off. Could I just drill them out and put in a screw?


Since the car has not run since 1992, I need to go through it before I even try to start it. I have put some mystery oil in the spark plug holes and I also put some in each of the oil filler on either sets of valve covers. I know I need to drain the gas from the tank. What is the best way to do this? Also, can anybody give me other things I should do. All opinions are welcome.


Here are some pics from it being moved and some I took of it in the garage.

[Tlwesch]

Pics of the car being towed away. This is the first time this car has seen day light in about 21 years.

[ws27]

Very nice. This looks like a really neat project in the making.

As far as the fuel system. Assume every component is contaminated. I guarantee if you try to reuse/ignore something it will bite you in the end.

Drop the tank, open it up, and visually check the insides. Leave the metal fuel line in the car, but change all rubber pieces, flush out the line, change the fuel pump, filter and rebuild the carb.

That's about all you need to do to the fuel system LOL everything.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[67r/t4speeder]

Great project

Keep updates coming

[Piper]

GREAT PICS!!


Do yourself a huge favor if you ever replace the gas tank, re- use the factory lock ring (trust me on this one)

[JennFAFA]

Do yourself a huge favor if you ever replace the gas tank, re- use the factory lock ring (trust me on this one)

Yea what he said! the new ones SUCK!!!! If you get a new gas tank use the new lock ring for door knocker or something cause that's all its good for!
Anyway - great pics! Wow what a great car! I do love the 65's its fun working on mine; Im sure you will have loads of fun too!

[Tlwesch]

I was underneath the car a bit today. Is the strap the only thing holding up the gas tank? Is there a way to drain it before I drop it down? I did remove the fuel filter and rubber houses that on either side of the filter, are there any other rubber houses? Thanks for the help so far. I need to pick up a manual. How is the Haynes Manual for this car, or does someone recommend something better?

[Histoy]

There is a rubber hose at the outlet to the gas tank. Be sure to remove the gas filler neck before removing the strap and dropping the tank. Unless someone has added a drain to the tank, there is no way to remove the gas other than using a siphon. Forget about the Haynes manual and buy a '65 Dodge Factory Service Manual.

[Tlwesch]

Thanks Histoy, I've used the Haynes manual for other cars and have not been impressed. I did see the rubber hose from the tank. How does the gas filler neck get removed, I saw one screw on a bracket coming through the trunk...Anything else holding it on?

[Histoy]

I think that's it. You may have to twist it a little to break it loose from the grommet. You may also want to get a new rubber grommet for the filler neck. When you installed the filler tube, lube it with liquid dish soap, and it should slide into the grommet easier.