1980 Volare Cop Car

[Ash_Whole]

had this gem since 1993. drag raced it wit the stock beat 360, ran 14.2. swapped in 390 gears and never went down the 1/4 again. pulled the motor, built the motor, 727. then sat till ~2002. started the cage and a family. car sat.

fast forward to spring this year. new tires and today EFI. the car has never run better. no longer tears from my eyes when standing behind it. the more i work on this thing the more i find i need to repair.

next is a 8.75 swap with Caltracs over the winter.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

That is a good looking automobile. I'm also glad I'm not the only one in the bad paint club

 

[LSM360]

I love it! What a rarity. My '80 Aspen A38/E58 (which I often brag about lol) was such an impressive car! For a stock smog era car it was surprisingly fast, handled great (very nimble) and so fun!

 

[AMC Diplomat]

I love it! What a rarity. My '80 Aspen A38/E58 (which I often brag about lol) was such an impressive car! For a stock smog era car it was surprisingly fast, handled great (very nimble) and so fun!

View attachment 50754

I notice you have the battery Thermo Guard. Are those really worth what people ask for them on ebay? I thought about getting one because I like the vintage look

 

[Mikes5thAve]

I got one years ago because I saw one Iin a junk yard and at one point they were standard here.. not worth it. I had to cut the top of the one I have a bit to clear newer batteries. They're a pain to get on and off unless the j hooks are clipped on.

They help keep the battery cool for HD applications back then and might help if you're in a hot climate but look at the millions of vehicles with underwood batteries over the decades that don't have anything around the battery.

My Ram has a blanket or shield around the battery, probably for the same reason to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.. don't know if it helps anything at all. I leave it cause it's always been there.

 

[DCAspen]

My old minivan 20 years ago had a wrap around shield on it and it was basically small bubble wrap with a plastic coating on the outside of it from the factory

 

[LSM360]

I notice you have the battery Thermo Guard. Are those really worth what people ask for them on ebay? I thought about getting one because I like the vintage look

I've seen crazy prices on them too. I like the look of them too and I think they do guard the battery from some heat but it's hard to pay what people are asking, even with their rarity now.

 

[MoparDan]

I got one years ago because I saw one Iin a junk yard and at one point they were standard here.. not worth it. I had to cut the top of the one I have a bit to clear newer batteries. They're a pain to get on and off unless the j hooks are clipped on.

That's why I gave up on them, more trouble then they're worth

 

[AMC Diplomat]

That's why I gave up on them, more trouble then they're worth

I like vintage crap way too much

 

[LSM360]

My experience has been different. I still have the one on my AHB and while it's not the easiest thing to take on and off it's not that big of a deal, and how often do I need to take it off anyway? Not very.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

My experience has been different. I still have the one on my AHB and while it's not the easiest thing to take on and off it's not that big of a deal, and how often do I need to take it off anyway? Not very.

View attachment 50765

See, that just looks good

 

[DCAspen]

Here’s my 77 Aspen R/T battery cover

 

[AMC Diplomat]

Here’s my 77 Aspen R/T battery cover

View attachment 50766

Mint.

 

[LSM360]

Wish I could find the blue silicone hoses. I'm still running my factory ones but I'm afraid one day I'll need a new one. I never see those come up NOS.

 

[LSM360]

My AHB also had this option.

 

[Mikes5thAve]

Wow that change was done early on.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

Wish I could find the blue silicone hoses. I'm still running my factory ones but I'm afraid one day I'll need a new one. I never see those come up NOS.

Off my ebay watchlist, used though. I was debating about getting them, but I don't really need them, so here ya go: 1980 1989 Dodge Diplomat Plymouth Fury Cop Car Blue Silicone Radiator Hoses More | eBay

 

[LSM360]

Off my ebay watchlist, used though. I was debating about getting them, but I don't really need them, so here ya go: 1980 1989 Dodge Diplomat Plymouth Fury Cop Car Blue Silicone Radiator Hoses More | eBay

Um tempting at the price but they do look pretty rough. Thanks!

 

[LSM360]

Wow that change was done early on.

Yes. Car was brand new and dealer installed option before it was delivered.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

Um tempting at the price but they do look pretty rough. Thanks!

Same seller has a K9 set up for the back seat and a whole instrument cluster