Kaitsu
Well-Known Member
I got a permission to start this topic since I felt like I had too many small topics. So the topic is everything that is related to my project, I need you to be my guidance here whenever I feel lost.
So, I began my project by buying myself a 1980 Dodge Aspen SE, with 318 (4BBL)/904/8.25. Manual AC, rear window defroster and the typical SE package.
Now, I started to do a total overhaul on my project, partially because I want it to roll with me as long as possible, and partailly to get my MoPar mechanics degree.
-ENGINE: I bought LA 360 without oil pan, intake or exhaust manifold. I´m going to put the original intake/carb into the 360, and put performer camshaft since I had no cam for new engine. I´m also planning for some steel exhaust manifold to replace the old cast iron original ones. Otherwise the engine will be stock.
-DRIVETRAIN: Hunting for 727 lock-up, in pieces because I´m going to do a master overhaul for it to keep engaging for years to come. For rear axle, I´d like to have a 8.75 Sure- Grip. (were there 8.75 originally in Aspens?)
-INTERIOR: I´m planning on just keeping the original SE look, just to put a leather couches to replace the old cloth ones full of cig stumps. I´d also like to upgrade my AC to SATC, install a C-cassette AM/FM radio (original) and find original speakers. Also electric locks and windows. I pretty much would like to have the most expensive trim there was.
EXTERIOR: I repaint the car for the original Tan-Mocca two- tone. There are rust here and there because the original rust proof won´t work here. I also need to work on original Vinyl roof that seems to have gotten some moisture under it. I try to change the ATS rims for original spoked ones.
ELECTRIC: Everything will be new. There are too many open wires and so on... (Wonder where can I find original connectors and components.)
CHASSIS and SUSPENSION: Needs new bushings throughout. I cannot find a good set of master bushing set anywhere. Springs I´m trying to swap for Police/heavy duty ones for rear and front. As well as shocks.
I know this will pay me a price of new Aspen and I could´ve found already restorated projects for smaller effort, but, when this is done, I can call myself a mechanic. The idea is to make a car that is both performing as well as luxury, in the name of keeping it original. This also makes me know my car better.
In order to make this happen, I first buy off all the parts and restore them, then tear down my car, sell out the old parts "as is" and try to finance the exterior part of the car. I know there are many who want to upgrade from 225 to 318.
What say you? This is my 1st car and I hope it stays that way. I know its only an F-body, but who knows the value of properly working F-body after 30 years?
So, I began my project by buying myself a 1980 Dodge Aspen SE, with 318 (4BBL)/904/8.25. Manual AC, rear window defroster and the typical SE package.
Now, I started to do a total overhaul on my project, partially because I want it to roll with me as long as possible, and partailly to get my MoPar mechanics degree.
-ENGINE: I bought LA 360 without oil pan, intake or exhaust manifold. I´m going to put the original intake/carb into the 360, and put performer camshaft since I had no cam for new engine. I´m also planning for some steel exhaust manifold to replace the old cast iron original ones. Otherwise the engine will be stock.
-DRIVETRAIN: Hunting for 727 lock-up, in pieces because I´m going to do a master overhaul for it to keep engaging for years to come. For rear axle, I´d like to have a 8.75 Sure- Grip. (were there 8.75 originally in Aspens?)
-INTERIOR: I´m planning on just keeping the original SE look, just to put a leather couches to replace the old cloth ones full of cig stumps. I´d also like to upgrade my AC to SATC, install a C-cassette AM/FM radio (original) and find original speakers. Also electric locks and windows. I pretty much would like to have the most expensive trim there was.
EXTERIOR: I repaint the car for the original Tan-Mocca two- tone. There are rust here and there because the original rust proof won´t work here. I also need to work on original Vinyl roof that seems to have gotten some moisture under it. I try to change the ATS rims for original spoked ones.
ELECTRIC: Everything will be new. There are too many open wires and so on... (Wonder where can I find original connectors and components.)
CHASSIS and SUSPENSION: Needs new bushings throughout. I cannot find a good set of master bushing set anywhere. Springs I´m trying to swap for Police/heavy duty ones for rear and front. As well as shocks.
I know this will pay me a price of new Aspen and I could´ve found already restorated projects for smaller effort, but, when this is done, I can call myself a mechanic. The idea is to make a car that is both performing as well as luxury, in the name of keeping it original. This also makes me know my car better.
In order to make this happen, I first buy off all the parts and restore them, then tear down my car, sell out the old parts "as is" and try to finance the exterior part of the car. I know there are many who want to upgrade from 225 to 318.
What say you? This is my 1st car and I hope it stays that way. I know its only an F-body, but who knows the value of properly working F-body after 30 years?
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