Found a 1964 Belvedere

[Moparsmitty]

And where ya gonna bolt a shoulder harness too? I suppose it could be done to the pillar separating the doors, but it wasn't designed for that....but it could work.

www.wescoperformance.com/retrofit-seat-belts-shoulder-mt-door.html

This is just one place that you can get a kit to retrofit seat belts/shoulder harness into older cars. Although I haven't seen these installed in a 64 Plymouth, I've seen them in other cars (mostly 55-57 Chevys) and the look good. They don't look too tough to install.

 

[TX67RT]

Thanks for the link. I took a look, and it appears to be a lot of cutting; not sure I want to do that to the car. I'll probably just stick with re-webbing the lap belts, and call it good.

JD

 

[kdtjb]

I have have a 64 power steering column and box I would trade you. If you are interested shoot me a PM.

 

[MoparPhil]

I broke my hand in a wreck (not my fault and a long story) wearing only a lap belt in a '65 Barracuda when my hand on the steering wheel took all the weight of my upper body. It was better than face planting in the wheel but I can no longer make a complete fist. Even if there is a lot of cutting and hassle, this is a beautiful young woman with a lot of life in front of her. Installing better safety equipment is a smart play. I'd also swap out the front drums for disc brakes. I sold my '69 Dart Singer to a guy who let his daughter drive it to high school. Soon after she totaled the car by rear ending someone. She said the brakes quit working. Translated that means she warmed up the drum brakes until they faded. Granted this girl was more inclined to "play" in the Swinger than your daughter will be in a /6 four door but you don't want to be looking back and second guessing if, God forbid, something were to happen.

 

[Montclaire]

To be honest I would look for something else like a 73-74 B or A body. Older cars really aren't that safe but at least the later models have the advantage of a collapsible column and side bracing. I would also install frame ties which will help a bit in a side impact. I have a 64 Dodge and that solid shaft column scares the hell out of me. One good hit and that shaft is going right through my chest cavity. There is also a much greater chance that the car will have disc brakes and power steering with a later vehicle.

 

[tallhair]

Party pooper

 

[TX67RT]

So, if I understand correctly, this is an amazing car that I would be crazy not to buy. In fact, am crazy for having not already brought it home. However, once I bring it home, would then be crazy to drive without extensive modifications. Wow; Catch-22, Haha!

Thanks to everyone for their input and offers of help with PS parts. If I end up buying this car, I'll update everyone on the PS swap and minor repairs before putting it in service.

Cheers!

JD

 

[Montclaire]

FYI, I bought a zero rust, running four door out of CA as a parts car for $1500. So the price isn't bad, but it's not a steal.

 

[MoparPhil]

So, if I understand correctly, this is an amazing car that I would be crazy not to buy. In fact, am crazy for having not already brought it home. However, once I bring it home, would then be crazy to drive without extensive modifications.

That's not exactly what I meant. I meant that if it's for a teenager's first car I personally would invest in the safety equipment. It's cool that you are getting your daughter well rooted in the hobby.

 

[TX67RT]

FYI, I bought a zero rust, running four door out of CA as a parts car for $1500. So the price isn't bad, but it's not a steal.

Good info; thanks. I'm planning to start my offer in the low $3000 range. With having to conver to PS, replace the weatherstrips, rebuild the carburetor, and sort out the manifold leak, I think that's a fair place to start. With those things done, it will need zero further work, other than some detailing.

JD

 

[Ryguytoodry]

I have about 4 exhaust manifolds sitting in my shop right now haha. If you have slant six troubles, I'm the guy to come to on fbbo lol.
I also have a rebuilt carb somewhere around here. You can just swap out the innards of the steering column, you don't need the whole thing. The shaft in the middle will do the trick. Then you will also need the pump, mount, box, and pitman arm. If you are going to be digging into the steering column, change the pot connector while you're at it to get rid of the play caused by 72,000 miles and 50 years of steering. It's a good deal for the money, if it were in canada the guy would have no problem getting $5000+ for it.

 

[Dodge 330]

If the body is solid you can always turn it into a two door after she's done with it.

As far as safety, teach her how to be a good, defensive driver and the lap belt will be sufficient. Will it be as safe as a new car? Probably not.

We all make choices and live with them.

 

[Centerline]

When it comes to safety... its a relative term . If you remember back, especially the older guys, we never rode bikes with helmets or knee pads and survived. Hell I did't own a car that had seat belts till I was half way through college, and did't drive a car with a dual master cylinder till then either, and I survived.

Teach her how to drive defensively and she should be fine.

 

[TX67RT]

I have about 4 exhaust manifolds sitting in my shop right now haha. If you have slant six troubles, I'm the guy to come to on fbbo lol.
I also have a rebuilt carb somewhere around here. You can just swap out the innards of the steering column, you don't need the whole thing. The shaft in the middle will do the trick. Then you will also need the pump, mount, box, and pitman arm. If you are going to be digging into the steering column, change the pot connector while you're at it to get rid of the play caused by 72,000 miles and 50 years of steering. It's a good deal for the money, if it were in canada the guy would have no problem getting $5000+ for it.

Good to know where to get a manifold! I'll probably just rebuild the original carb. Unless the throttle blade shaft/bore is worn, I should be able to get it back to new condition. I'm thinking a center steering column shaft shouldn't be too hard to come by from someone here on FBBO, and the swap should be easy. I'll replace the coupler at the same time; I always make it a habit to replace wear items when I have anything apart.

Thanks!

JD

 

[TX67RT]

When it comes to safety... its a relative term . If you remember back, especially the older guys, we never rode bikes with helmets or knee pads and survived. Hell I did't own a car that had seat belts till I was half way through college, and did't drive a car with a dual master cylinder till then either, and I survived.

Teach her how to drive defensively and she should be fine.

Yes, it's amazing that any of us survived the 60's! Haha. But somehow, we did. I agree that a well-maintained vehicle driven by a skillful driver is the best saftey feature. I wouldn't consider this car if it were a piece of crap, but it's already in near-new condition, functionally.

My Daughter's very mature for her age, and will take any car very seriously. And, I'll teach her how to drive correctly and defensively. No one can mitigate all the risk in the world.

Thanks,

JD

 

[Sonny Black]

Sonny would like it:icon_thumright: ..if you don't....for 4 G's

 

[aldal]

The direct fit steering box coupler from Bergman will solve your problem. This adapter eliminates the need for any steering column changes.

 

[Centerline]

The previous owner of my '64 Polara installed sholder belts using some kit that actually mounted the belts to the roof. On the outside there is a chrome cover which IMHO looks hidious. One of the first things I'm going to eliminate when I get this car into the garage for rebuilding. PLEASE.... PLEASE if you put sholder belts in this car... don't do it with a kit that mounts the belts to the roof.

 

[TX67RT]

The previous owner of my '64 Polara installed sholder belts using some kit that actually mounted the belts to the roof. On the outside there is a chrome cover which IMHO looks hidious. One of the first things I'm going to eliminate when I get this car into the garage for rebuilding. PLEASE.... PLEASE if you put sholder belts in this car... don't do it with a kit that mounts the belts to the roof.

That sounds horrible! No worries; I'm not planning to cut the car to add shoulder belts if I get it.

Thanks,

JD

 

[moparcrazy]

Just Put airbags and for get about the seat belts

then put the new "auto park" system from ford, for when she go's to the mall

then put GPS

**** just get a 2014 ?

Wow Sorry tx67rt