1963 Dodge 440, 383 2DR HT, SURVIVOR

[63440]

I'm going to take a look at this car tomorrow. Outside of making sure it's not a rust bucket what else should I look at? It is a New Mexico car, claim to be super solid desert car with original build sheet. I grew up with a Dodge 330 X-state police car in the family and kick myself for letting my Dad trade it in. I'm new to this site as I've been a die hard chevy guy for years but have been looking hard for an early 60's Dodge.

 

[63wagon]

Nice find!!!

 

[uk-maxie]

Hi there 63440 (great name!)

In my (limited, compared to some) experience, the trim seems to be the hardest to find, as it still isnt being repro'd. Bits like the 'hockey stick' trim either side of the white stripe, for example.

Our 63 Polara 500 has a missing piece that is only used on that model, and we've been looking since 2004 when we got the car...

 

[moparker]

Cowl!!!! Check it very well.

 

[Dodge 330]

Cowl!!!! Check it very well.

Yep, drivers side cowl, lower fenders, behind the rear wheels, floors.

Looks like a decent car!

 

[fwi]

Also look in the trunk underneath the rear window and the wells behind the rear wheels.
Welcome to the dark side!

 

[Red63440]

Welcome to the boards 63440 and to the brotherhood of early B's. Check it all out including under the trim at the lower corners of the rear window...hmmm,that car reminds of one I saw...

 

[63440]

More info on the 63 dodge 440

I had the ownwer send more pics and didn't like what I saw. The "super solid New Mexico car", not so much, for my tatse. Cancer in the trunk, after market radio (hacked up dash?) and some sheet metal problem below the rear bumper. Plus the broadcast sheet, as far as I can tell indicates a 360 engine. The engine in the car looks 383 ish not 360. So much for a unmolested 63.

 

[MoparMikey]

Could still be a good buy if the price is low enough.

 

[63440]

The guy has it listed for $5500. Just a little to much work for that price. IMHO The cancer in the trunk is what concerns me the most.

 

[Red63440]

I had the ownwer send more pics and didn't like what I saw. The "super solid New Mexico car", not so much, for my tatse. Cancer in the trunk, after market radio (hacked up dash?) and some sheet metal problem below the rear bumper. Plus the broadcast sheet, as far as I can tell indicates a 360 engine. The engine in the car looks 383 ish not 360. So much for a unmolested 63.QUOTE]

Actually if the floors and frame are solid then the small amount of rust in the trunk is minor. I can see two control stems for the radio and the factory cover plate would probably cover the opening. That year could have had a 361, 383 or a 426 street wedge if being a factory big block. The air cleaner is correct as well as several other items I see. Personally I would talk with him and see how low he will go. I would also ask him to move the spare in the trunk so you can see exactly what the floor looks like. It appears that at least one of the floor plugs were removed so water wouldn't have built up. The rear valance is fairly easy to straighten out so don't allow that to sway your choice. The rear end doesn't seem to be sagging real bad and I don't see extensions on the springs.

 

[63440]

Thanks RED63440
I'm second guessing weather I should pursue the car or not. I kinda know myself pretty good and I'm afraid if I go look at the car I'll buy it, if the price is right. Here is another pic of the car, looks like the red one in your post.

 

[Red63440]

Thanks RED63440
I'm second guessing weather I should pursue the car or not. I kinda know myself pretty good and I'm afraid if I go look at the car I'll buy it, if the price is right. Here is another pic of the car, looks like the red one in your post.

Only you know your limits, set them for that car, take a drive and look at it. It may be better or worse than what you think but you won't know for sure until you look at it in person. Most of the concerns that you have stated are fairly small including the trunk floor because based on the photos I can't tell if its rusted trough or not. The red car in my post is what mine looked like when I bought it and that one came from Texas originally. Most of the ones you will find are in need or floors, quarters, doors, etc., etc. Take time to look at that one keeping that in mind.

 

[6t4polara]

426 street wedge not available in 1963.
Looks like a solid car but if it is not in your comfort zone let it go.

 

[63440]

I most likely will move on down the road and keep looking, maybe I'll find the b-body I really rather have, 1964 330. In the mean time. I've had a project in the works (chevelle 300 4dr) had the car for 12 years and it is truely a unmolested survivor, no rust, 60,000 mile car. I've got the original seat fabric on order, so need to have the seats done and there is a fresh 454 waitng to go in, not to mention my 1929 ford Roadster. Since retirement last year there is more time than money. I just don't want another full blown project sitting around in my shop. I do have a 30 x 40 but it's full. I still want (don't need) a dodge car. I kind of like you dodge people. lol

 

[383man]

Looks like a nice workable car. Ron

 

[63440]

I just don't feel commited to it. It's a pay me now or pay me later thing. I'll keep looking and pay more for a car that takes less work. I can do electrical/mechanical but paint and body is not my thing.

 

[Red63440]

Then you may want to pass on your contact info for someone else on the board if they are interested, it would be a nice thing to do.

 

[63440]

here is the link to the car.
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/2846499797.html

 

[Red63440]

Thanks, should make someone a nice car!:glasses1: