madfins

Thanks for the Bloomington gold suggestion. Will check it out when I get a chance. Yes, the engine was repainted when it was opened up to replace the intake and exhaust manifolds (reasons listed in original post) along with the exhaust system due to leaks. Once opened up, the rings were replaced with 'hardened' ones to deal with unleaded fuel and sludge buildup after 55+ years was also dealt with. Will see if I can find the receipt to see what else was done when I get a chance. The 'brake' issue - These 'forward look' cars were built using the 'Lockheed' brake system - 2 smaller wheel cylinders in each front wheel, 1 large wheel cylinder in each rear wheel. Even when new they were a pain to get 'just right'. Brake fluid leaks can be found almost anywhere in the system, especially if the cars are not used on a regular basis causing grabbing, pulling, etc.. I have had multiple master cylinders, stop light switches, wheel cylinders, hoses, shoes, etc., replaced and usually within a year to 18 months if I am lucky, I am back to the grabbing, pulling, etc., again. If I keep what I have, I have found a part that has never been replaced before and others have found to be an issue - the brake fluid pipe (the nipple into each cylinder) between the two cylinders. Looking to discs to eliminate those issues. However, that opens a whole list of new ones. Which disc conversion kit to get? Possible need to go to heavier 15' inch wheels (lose original wheel covers)? Type of tires (bias/ply vs radial)? If radial, since the tire circumference is so much less how does that affect stance and overall look? If radials are chosen that in size are closer to bias/ply, how does the wider radial tire affect full turning capabilities? Extra weight (more need for heavy-duty suspension parts)? In any case I would like to switch from the single to double reservoir master cylinder which requires new brake lines. Perhaps coming up with some sort of hybrid brake system using front brakes from the mid-to-late 60's or early-mid-late 70's Mopar cars that used 14' wheels is the way to go.

More photos!

Hi, I'm scheduled to get my car checked to address mechanical issues in mid-April. My normal maintenance timing had been delayed by the passing of my last two regular mechanics (both died and trying to get info in order to find another local one is like pulling teeth) who worked over the years on what my now grown-up daughter called 'Big Old Car' when she very a young child. Over the years, maintenance was performed on things like tires (still bias/ply), shock absorbers, oil filters, wiper blades, water pumps, brakes (shoes - wheel cylinders - drums - springs - hoses, etc.) and belts as needed with NOS replacement parts, though not necessarily Mopar dealer parts. All of the paint is still original. Being in our family for 63 years old, however, means that addition items have been upgraded over time. Again, when possible, original parts / materials replaced those that needed to be updated (gas tank - exhaust system - radiator - heater core - rubber gaskets - headliner - package tray - new matching seat covers). Hoses clamps are not the original type. An oil filter adapter has been added to eliminate the 'filter can - (V8 -318) washer' which younger mechanics could never seat properly. From a safety point of view, seat belts were added (front and back) though not the ones offered back for the 1960 model along with the replacement of the intake and both exhaust manifolds (same part numbers along with the hear riser) due to leakage of fumes from them into the interior. I have gone through the judging booklet and cannot really find a straight answer as to how 'original' an 'original' car has to be in order to qualify for the first award (23 or more out of 30 points) along with (27 or more out of 30) for the next level 'original' ranking. I have received awards as part of car shows and holiday parades in the past but nothing AACA-related. Awards are nice but my world will not be crushed if I don't qualify for either version. My goal has always been to keep the family memories going by driving it around, answering questions about it, trying to avoid accidents almost caused by others (who lose their driving abilities once they see 'Big Old Car' on the road) and just spending time cleaning, polishing and waxing it (would take 2 days to do it all). In fact, I will probably spend more on it than it is worth monetarily but not looking to make money on it. With this upcoming maintenance, I am trying to decide whether to upgrade to radial tires, front disc brakes (new wheels - etc.), replacing the rear springs (we now have speed bumps I would have to go over to leave/reenter our development - do not want to rip the bottom of the car off after getting everything else fixed!) So I ask. What would you do? If requested, I can add more photos.