Is This A Good Idea?

[dynodon]

I posted this question earlier in the wrong section I think. I know you folks can answer this question in your sleep.
Will 1964 Polara front sheetmetal go on a '63 330? I know they're both B body cars. I want to build a "Color Me Gone" racecar replica. I now have a very good 4dr 1964 Polara and a rusty (but good doors, roof, trunklid) 1963 330 2dr. Am I on the right track? Thanks, Don

 

[Dodge 330]

No, won't work.

The 62 and '63 are similar but they changed up a lot of the exterior for the '64 model year.

Cowl is different, roof is flatter and more squared off, vent windows are different.

I used to have cutaway drawing that showed the physical differences from '63-4 but I can't find it. It's significant!

 

[dynodon]

You saved me months of work, thank you!!!! Sounds crazy--how about I swap the doors rear jams and part of the quarters into my 4 door? I've seen on HAMB (I think) a guy that does those? Lots of work but, you know...I'm not afraid of MIG or Plasma, also bought a very cool Mac linear cut-off tool...Whadya think? Dodge 330 you know your stuff! Don

 

[Dodge 330]

The doors will physically work but the top front is different due to the more "squared off" roof of the '64. You could probably cut and paste parts of the door frame from the 4 door to the two door and make it work if you're doing a post 2 door car. From what I understand the door latches are a little different too.

Quite a few guys have done the 4 door to 2 door swap. It's especially neat on wagons! I had a mint '64 Dodge 4 door I wish I would've kept and done that to it but sold it off as a donor for the front clip.

I've owned 3 '63 330/440's, a '64 Plymouth and a '64 Dodge so I've gotten pretty familiar with them...

 

[dynodon]

So, if you were in my position, would you use floors and whatever else from the '64 to make a "ramcharger" 330 or take the doors and modify the '64 to make a "Color Me Gone" replica? Maybe that's a personal preference question... The '63 is a mess--rusty floors missing part of the left rear quarter...The '64 is great...You're saving my poor brain and my poor hands...thanks, Don

 

[Dodge 330]

Wow, tough decision as I'd kill for a replica of either car (Color Me Gone or Ramchargers).

The '64 Probably has a broader appeal since iit's more refined and doesn't have a "love or hate it" look the '63 has.

Personally, though, I wouldn't trade my '63 for a '64 even up because I've grown to really appreciate the look.

To see pics of my junk, go to the Moparts.com "Member Projects and Survivor Pictures" area and search for "My 63 Dodge 330 Project". I'm GY3 over there....

 

[moparsteve636]

PM sent

 

[dynodon]

Very nice car. Looked at most of the photos...Any "before" of the entire car? Thanks, Don

 

[Dodge 330]

Very nice car. Looked at most of the photos...Any "before" of the entire car? Thanks, Don

Yeah, but it was long enough ago that they're actual photographs and I don't have a scanner. It was a rough lookin' but solid /6 3 speed car!

The car got a k-frame and rearend then sat in Dad's barn for years while I played with a '71 'Cuda.

 

[Polara Pat]

I really appreciate the '63s but unfortunately have a '64 bias since I'm building one. Converting that four door into a two door post is no big deal if you just take your time and measure lots. Just like anything really. Dodge 330 is right about the angle on the vent widow post. It angles more than the '64/65. We haven't changed this as of yet on our wagon but it's high on the list, like the next couple of weeks hopefully. We have roughed in the B-pillars and temporarily hung the doors though. We are planning on grafting our 4dr front vent window assembly and window frame onto the '63 doors. Since we are doing exactly the conversion you are considering feel free to pm with any questions or follow our build blog. Pictures usually suck but that's what I have to work with.

Do it!!

BTW Roger Lindamood also ran a '64 "Color Me Gone" car but I think it was a 2%er.

 

[dynodon]

So I'm not so crazy after all. I just got through chopping two rat rod
roofs so a little cut here or there shouldn't be a big deal. Gonna be cool. Yes, I'll follow your project! Thanks, Don

 

[Polara Pat]

Just did our '63 door mod last night, it was surprisingly easy.

 

[dynodon]

Yeaaaah!