New 65 Dodge Coronet

[tlwesch]

Some of you may have read in my post on the 'New to the Forum' section I recently bought a 65 Coronet 500 from my aunt. The car was previously owned by my Great Grandfather. He bought the car used, with 600 miles on it, in 1965. My aunt has owned it since the late 80's, the last time she drove the car was in 1992, it has not been run since then.

Car is in pretty good shape for its age has some rust over the rear wheels and I noticed some rust on the bottom of the rear quarters. Floor pans look to be in good shape. It also has some dents on the nose and front fenders, my Great Grandfather couldn't see to well and he clipped two trees.

Interior is in ok shape, driver seat needs to be recovered. One thing I need to fix is the steering wheel, the cover or horn bracket has two rivets that are popped off. Could I just drill them out and put in a screw?


Since the car has not run since 1992, I need to go through it before I even try to start it. I have put some mystery oil in the spark plug holes and I also put some in each of the oil filler on either sets of valve covers. I know I need to drain the gas from the tank. What is the best way to do this? Also, can anybody give me other things I should do. All opinions are welcome.


Here are some pics from it being moved and some I took of it in the garage.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Good project to start with!! Keep us posted on whatcha doing with it.

 

[snakeyes]

that's gonna be a nice project ,welcome to the site :headbang:

 

[moparker]

273?

 

[5.7 hemi]

My guesstimate is poly 318.

 

[snakeyes]

Its calling for a big block :headbang:

 

[Plymouth63]

I agree with Moparker about being a 273. The valve covers look like 273's. Then I also agree with Snakeyes, it needs a big block.

 

[5.7 hemi]

The op said its a 500, so the base engine should hav been a poly 318, but that doesn't mean it wasn't changed at some point.

 

[RedHot67]

Hi,

congratz to your Coronet, nice when a car like this remains within the family.
Regarding your steering wheel, there are 1 or 2 horn rings at ebay for little money, or just repair as you already mentioned.

Can you do me a huge favour and take some pics of the heater box under dash?
I want to rebuild mine but all the vacuum hoses and cables are disconnected :-(

Dan

 

[tlwesch]

As per the fender tag the engine is the 273. I don't think it was changed. Car will stay pretty much as is until I get some funds. I already have a car in pieces, so my plan is to get this car running and on the road to cruise with on the weekends.

Redhot I will take a pic today under the dash for you.

 

[RedHot67]

Redhot I will take a pic today under the dash for you.

Thx, you have a pm :icon_super:

 

[dartforforty]

Nice project, welcome to the site

 

[eric383]

I would drop the tank and inspect it, I'm guessing it will need to be replaced. Also inspect the rubber parts of the fuel line and they are probably in need of replacement. New fuel filter also. If you need to drain the tank just get get some clear aquarium type of hose(something like 1/2" and about 10" long and siphon it out, I like the clear stuff so you can see when the gas is coming thru or buy a siphon from the hardware store). I'm guessing the carb will need a rebuild also. When you do go to start it up the first time have someone watch for leaks while you crank. Good luck.

 

[wedgie]

The '65 Coronets had a 273 2bbl as the base engine. You definitely have the 500 interior, but the left fender trim is not 500.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Ill be dipped!! Can't believe it came with a 273!!!

 

[tlwesch]

Wedgie please tell me which trim you are referring to. All trim on the car is the same on either side, minus the fender trim that is missing.

- - - Updated - - -

I stand corrected just looked at another pic and the passenger side is different. Is this the correct trim? Does anybody know what the trim on the driver side is from? I will want to replace that.

 

[poly1963]

that's from 440 trim level coronet

 

[rgoss_10]

Love the car... What a nice project...!!! Please keep us posted on any progress

 

[poly1963]

I have a 65 convertible in the same color options as yours

 

[wedgie]

The trim on the right side is correct for the 500 model.

Wedgie please tell me which trim you are referring to. All trim on the car is the same on either side, minus the fender trim that is missing.

- - - Updated - - -

I stand corrected just looked at another pic and the passenger side is different. Is this the correct trim? Does anybody know what the trim on the driver side is from? I will want to replace that.