Going to Look at at a '66

[JimKueneman]

Ok guys I am getting more serious..... I'm going to look at a '66 500 on Saturday in Phoenix when I take the '68 500 to the H.E.M.I show.... It has been disassembled and on a rotisserie with the underside restored and painted the original silver. It has been a desert car its live and has no rust, or that is the story. What I am told it is does not have the correct rear axel (the one it has is too wide and used only to roll it around) and needs the transmission.[/FONT]

1966 Dodge Coronet 500, Factory 361ci big block, 2bbl, console auto, pwr steer & brakes, a/c, 112K miles, Original silver poly ext, black vinyl top, black interior, have Certicard too.

I know I have asked this question in general terms before but what should I look for not being there that would make this way harder than I want it to be to restore. Is dealing with the 361 and getting a transmission for it a difficult hunt? For the '68 I could by all the weatherstripping, rubber shields, body seal kits, etc that I needed. Are all these basic restoration items available for the '66?

He is asking $5900, I am thinking if I can get it for $5k and put $15k in restoring it I will have about a break even'ish car like my '68.

Thought from the experts on these old girls?

Thanks,
Jim

[67r/t4speeder]

That sounds like a cool car. Something like this in a hardtop.

Make sure all the trim is nice and present since that will gobble your budget quickly. Hopefully all original panels, so no signs of an accident.
Keep us posted

[thebankerstoy]

I absolutely agree with Andy. If any of the 500 only trim, or the front grille assembly is missing or in disrepair, pass on the car, as those parts are made out of unobtainium as the 500 trim level models have a lot more exterior trim on them than the other 1966 Coronet models have and almost NONE of that trim has ever been reproduced and most likely never will be offered, so please keep that in mind. At this time no aftermarket companies that I know of are offering reproduction front fenders, hoods, doors, or full quarter panels either, so take a VERY close look at ALL of the exterior sheet metal as well, as those parts will drain your budget quickly if you have to go purchase any of them. On the positive side of the ledger, engine, transmission and rear differential parts, as well as front suspension parts and most of the interior parts are available either used or reproduction, so not too many issues there (EXCEPT FOR THE PLASTIC UNDER DASHBOARD MOUNTED DEFROSTER NOZZLES!!!!). Paint and body work are always the biggest hit for any project car like the one you're looking at, so look at that very closely as well.

Unfortunately even though I absolutely love the 1966 and 1967 Coronets and have championed them for many years, I realize that they will not bring the kind of resale value to the table that the 1968- 1971 Mopars will unless it's a very rare model which this Silver 500 that you're looking at isn't, so don't go into this with the idea that you will recover all of the money that you will put into the car, as you most likely will not. The 1966 and 1967 Dodge and Plymouth B-Body cars have always been looked at by the rest of the Miopar community as the "red haired stepchildren" of the Mopar hobby and that's a damn shame because they really are fantastic cars indeed if you can find one which includes all of the difficult to find parts. Good luck.

Richard

[ws27]

The pics look like it's a great project. I remember you were looking at this before.

[honcho]

Hey Jim, when I got my 66,it was pretty much done so far as restoring her. When we repainted her,I had no problem getting weatherstripping and all the other little parts you would need in a repaint. Like my good buddy Richard said, big parts are non-existent . So when I take my ride out, you have to drive so defensive ,one mistake and you may not have a car cause you can't buy any parts for the car. Sucks but I love her!!!!Beer

[JimKueneman]

I posted it for you guys to buy but it has not sold and I am starting to get the restoration bug again..... the guys girlfriend had a baby Saturday so I could not go see it. .

[JimKueneman]

I never go in thinking that I will come out ahead or even. I just love the feeling of bringing an old girl back to her former glory and seeing people go crazy over her

[JimKueneman]

Richard you live in Phoenix don’t you? Would you be willing to take a look at it for me and let me know if it is worth a 3 hour drive to dicker?

[67r/t4speeder]

I am confused, your thread says "going to look at a '66" and need opinions on what to look for . Then" I posted for you guys to buy "Was there another thread showing pics ?
Did miss something like I do allot?��

[JimKueneman]

Sorry, I posted this one and a wagon a while ago. Or maybe it was in the FaceBook Coronet group and Rich is remembering from there... I don't remember.....

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d...55850.html