Poor mans Hemi car.

joeblo

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This will be the shortend version of this restoration. Started in 9/2009, car is a 1980 Dodge diplomat, slant 6, 60,000 miles and starting to show its age (rust).

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65 Dartman

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Subscribed here as well on FABO since a FMJ would be the perfect spot for my rebuilt 392. The 80 Cordoba I bought was gonna be the recipient but holes in the frames rails cut that idea short.
 

joeblo

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Back from the sand blaster and looking much better.

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joeblo

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8 3/4" with Firm Feel hangers and E-body XHD springs. The spring perches were not square so this rear will be coming back out later.

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joeblo

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Front end going back together after many hours of cleaning and painting,Firm Feel solid K-frame mounts and PST polyurethane bushings.

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joeblo

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Brakes and suspension all back in, time to put it back on the ground.

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joeblo

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After modifying several motor and transmission mounts, several trips to the hardware store and maybe a little swearing...its in! The engine will be coming back out later for finale prep, but for now the fit looks good.

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bremereric

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Looks real good right now....keep it coming....I have the same FFI stuff and have yet to install it...I just got the motor out this weekend and will start on the engine compartment this week...what made you choose that color for the K-member? I am going extreme chassis black:)
 

65 Dartman

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Awesome! What trans?

Don't know about this build as I don't recall seeing anything on FABO. I have a rebuilt 392 sitting on the stand for a future project. Also have a Hemi to small block 727 adapter to keep it all Mopar whenever I stumble onto the "right" project. A decent J Imperial would be great since IMO they "need" a Hemi (wish I hadn't sold my 81 Imp - that was a nice car!.)
 

joeblo

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Transmission is a 727 smallblock with an adaptor plate from T.R. Waters (very nice piece).


I used the silver paint because I thought I bought black, I didn't find out I had bought the wrong color until I was ready to paint and opened the can. The autobody store seemed to far away at the time and I just wanted to get it done. Now I kind of like it and may paint the rear the same.
 

joeblo

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Used a steering adaptor from flaming river and a manual box box from a 69 GTX, its a little tight but I think it will work. When I pull the engine back out I will have to do some work to the pass. inner fender for the exhaust manifold to fit (nothing a torch and grinder can't fix).

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joeblo

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Time for a little bodywork, this will be my first full car paint job so it took me awhile (alot of trial and error).

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joeblo

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Doors where chemically stripped and the fenders and hood where media plasted. 90% of the original paint was removed. Check out the hi-tec paint both, I used an old furnace for an exhaust fan, worked pretty well.

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