There's no such thing as a "Y Body"

[Cordoba1]

I was going to post this in the recent "puke" thread, but it really would have been a hijack of that conversation, but:

There's no such thing as a "Y Body." I'm not entirely certain where this got started, but it's wrong. 1980 to 1983 Imperials are built on the J platform. I believe this stems from a mis-reading of VIN codes and a mis-understanding of "Body" and "Car Line." Imperials are Car Line "Y", and have an attendant vin-code. Cordobas of that period are Care Line "S" while Miradas are Car Line "X" -- but nobody says, "My Mirada is an X Body."

For some times, even Allpar were calling these cars Y bodies, but they now have it correct: http://www.allpar.com/ed/imperial-body.html

End rant.

 

[Jack Meoff]

I'd say you were correct....


Chrysler Rear Wheel Drive Body Codes - 1957 to 1989

As with most automobile manufacturers, Chrysler Corporation used body platform designations (Body Codes) for various vehicle lines that were manufactured.* Below is a list of the different body codes (referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F,* J, M, and R bodies), and their respective models for rear wheel drive (RWD) passenger car lines manufactured by Chrysler from 1957 through 1989.* It should be noted that Chrysler's practice of naming chassis lines by letter did not begin until 1964 or 1965.* Earlier model years listed below are grouped with named later model chassis lines based on their similarity.* Chrysler introduced unibody construction in 1960, so models produced after that time will have more similarities with their later counterparts.*

Body Codes:

A - Body*(Compact models) (1960 to 1976)

* 1961 to 1962 Dodge Lancer
* 1963 to 1976 Dodge Dart
* 1969 to 1976 Dodge Dart Swinger
* 1971 to 1972 Dodge Demon
* 1973 to 1976 Dodge Dart Sport
* 1964 to 1969 Plymouth Barracuda
* 1960 to 1976 Plymouth Valiant
* 1970 to 1976 Plymouth Duster
* 1971 to 1976 Plymouth Scamp
* Wheelbases:*

* 106: '63-'66 Valiant; '64-'66 Barracuda; '63-'66 Dart wagons
* 106.5: '60-'62 Valiant; '61-'62 Lancer
* 108: '67-'73 Valiant; '67-'69 Barracuda; '70-'76 Duster; '71-'72 Demon;'73-'76 Dart Sport
* 111: '71-'76 Scamp; '74-'76 Valiant; '63-'76 Dart (ex. wagons);Canadian Valiant (Dart front clip, Valiant body, 111" wb)

B - Body*(Mid size models) (1962 to 1979)**

* 1962 Dodge Dart
* 1962 to 1964 Dodge Polara
* 1963 to 1964 Dodge 220 (Canada only)
* 1963 to 1964 Dodge 330 and 440
* 1965 to 1976 Dodge Coronet
* 1968 to 1971 Dodge Super Bee
* 1966 to 1978 Dodge Charger
* 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
* 1977 to 1978 Dodge Monaco
* 1978 to 1979 Dodge Magnum
* 1962 to 1964 Plymouth Savoy, Fury
* 1962 to 1970 Plymouth Belvedere
* 1965 to 1974 Plymouth Satellite
* 1968 to 1975 Plymouth Road Runner
* 1967 to 1971 Plymouth GTX
* 1970 Plymouth Super Bird
* 1975 to 1978 Plymouth Fury
* 1975 to 1979 Chrysler Cordoba
* 1979 Chrysler 300
* Wheelbases:

* 115: '71-'79 all 2 door models (incl. Charger, Magnum, Cordoba, 300)

* 116: '62-'70 Plymouths ex. wagons; '62-'66 Plymouth wagons; '62 Dart; '62-'64 Polara; '63-'64 Dodge 220, 330, 440
* 117: '67-'74 Plymouth wagons; '71-'74 Plymouth 4 doors; '65-'70 Dodges
* 117.5: '75-'78 Plymouth and Dodge 4 doors & wagons
* 118: '71-'74 Dodge 4 doors & wagons

C - Body*(Full size models)* (1957 to 1978)*

* 1957 to 1959 Plymouth Plaza
* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Savoy
* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Belvedere

* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Fury
* 1965 to 1974 Plymouth Fury
* 1966 to 1969 Plymouth VIP
* 1975 to 1977 Plymouth Gran Fury
* 1957 to 1961 Dodge Coronet
* 1957 to 1959 Dodge Royal
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Dart
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Seneca
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Phoenix
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Pioneer
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Polara
* 1962 to 1965 Dodge Custom 880
* 1965 to 1973 Dodge Polara
* 1965 to 1976 Dodge Monaco
* 1975 to 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco
* 1957 to 1974 Chrysler* - All models
* 1965 to 1971 Chrysler 300
* 1965 to 1978 Chrysler Newport
* 1965 to 1978 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1967 to 1975 Imperial (C-bodies per Galen Govier, Gil Cunningham - (Chrysler engineer from 1963 to 1982).
* Wheelbases:

* 119: '65-'68 Plymouths (ex. wagons)
* 120: '69-'73 Plymouths (ex. wagons), '74 Fury I/II
* 121: '65-'66 Plymouth wagons; '65-'66 Dodges; '65-'66 Chrysler wagons
* 121.5: '75-'77 Plymouths (ex. wagons); '74-'77 Dodges (ex. wagons)
* 122: '67-'73 Plymouth wagons, '74 Fury III/Gran Fury; '67-73 Dodges; '67-'73 Chrysler wagons
* 124: '74-'77 Plymouth and Dodge wagons; '65-'78 Chrysler sedans; '74-'78 Chrysler wagons; '74-'75 Imperials

D - Body*(1957 to 1973)

* 1957 to 1966 Imperials* - all models (per Galen Govier and Gil Cunningham - (Chrysler engineer from 1963 to 1982).
* Wheelbases:

* 127: '67-'73
* 129: '57-'66

E - Body*(1970 to 1974)

* 1970 to 1974 Plymouth Barracuda ( Cuda, AAR ) All were 108" wheelbase
* 1970 to 1974 Challenger ( R/T, T/A) All were 110" wheelbase

F - Body*(1976 to 1980)

* 1976 to 1980 Dodge Aspen, Aspen R/T
* 1976 to 1980 Plymouth Volare, Road Runner
* 1979 to 1980 Plymouth Volare Duster (special Volare package and not a separate model)
* Wheelbases:*

* 108.7": All 2 door models
* 112.5": '76 4 door models
* 112.7": '77-'80 4 door models
J* -* Body*(1980 to 1983) (All models were 112.7" Wheelbase)*

* 1980 to 1983 Dodge Mirada
* 1980 to 1983 Chrysler Cordoba
* 1981 to 1983 Chrysler Imperial

M - Body*(1977 to 1989)

* 1977 to 1989 Dodge Diplomat
* 1977 to 1981 Chrysler LeBaron
* 1977 to 1981 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
* 1982 to 1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
* 1982 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1983 Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue
* 1984 to 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue
* Wheelbases:*

* 108.7": '80-'81 2 door models
* 112.7": '77-'79 2 door models; '77-'89 4 door models

R - Body*(1979 to 1981) (All models were 118.5" wheelbase, and based on a stretched B-body)

* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler Newport
* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
* 1979 to 1981 Dodge St Regis
* 1980 to 1981 Plymouth Gran Fury

Sources:

* Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1914 - 2000 - Edited by James T. Lenzke
* MOPAR BODY TYPES Compiled by Ed Hennessy

* National Mo-Parts

* Allpar.com

* Carnut.com link

 

[MiradaMegacab]

To add to the confusion, there are also FWD J bodies such as an 89 LeBaron.

 

[ramenth]

I was going to post this in the recent "puke" thread, but it really would have been a hijack of that conversation, but:

There's no such thing as a "Y Body." I'm not entirely certain where this got started, but it's wrong. 1980 to 1983 Imperials are built on the J platform. I believe this stems from a mis-reading of VIN codes and a mis-understanding of "Body" and "Car Line." Imperials are Car Line "Y", and have an attendant vin-code. Cordobas of that period are Care Line "S" while Miradas are Car Line "X" -- but nobody says, "My Mirada is an X Body."

For some times, even Allpar were calling these cars Y bodies, but they now have it correct: http://www.allpar.com/ed/imperial-body.html

End rant.

Actually, there is a Y-body and it's attached to the Imperial name: those of the early '90's. My mistake in typing too fast was attaching it to the early '80's models. My bad.

But I stand by what I said in that thread when it comes to ridiculing the new four door as a Charger. I've heard the same ridicule coming from the B-body Cordoba owners towards the J-body Cordoba owners: "It's not a real Cordoba."

 

[Cordoba1]

Actually, there is a Y-body and it's attached to the Imperial name: those of the early '90's. My mistake in typing too fast was attaching it to the early '80's models. My bad.

But I stand by what I said in that thread when it comes to ridiculing the new four door as a Charger. I've heard the same ridicule coming from the B-body Cordoba owners towards the J-body Cordoba owners: "It's not a real Cordoba."

Re: 1990's Imperials as "Y-Bodies" -- I learned something new today! -- Thanks --
Re: J-Body Cordoba's not being real Cordobas: "Whatever." I'm pretty sure it says so on the trunk, on the title, identified as such in the vin-code, say-so on the owner's manual. I'm pretty sure they're wrong. I've had several -- of both models -- and they were all genuine Chrysler Cordobas. Here's a pictures of three from my fleet:
http://www.functionbox.org/77Doba.htm
http://www.functionbox.org/doba.htm
http://www.functionbox.org/81Doba.htm
Re: New chargers being ridiculous: I don't much love them, but we have the Challenger, right? Can we agree that of the Big Three who have attempted a retro-car, that the Challenger is a fantastic interpretation of a classic?

 

[Cordoba1]

To add to the confusion, there are also FWD J bodies such as an 89 LeBaron.

Copy that.. Anyone who has had to order parts late eighties / early nineties LeBarons can easily get stuck in car-body hell. You had the coupes, convertibles, and those weird Acclaim-like 4-doors. They stuck that name on a lot of cars!

 

[ramenth]

Re: 1990's Imperials as "Y-Bodies" -- I learned something new today! -- Thanks --

You're welcome.

Re: J-Body Cordoba's not being real Cordobas: "Whatever." I'm pretty sure it says so on the trunk, on the title, identified as such in the vin-code, say-so on the owner's manual. I'm pretty sure they're wrong. I've had several -- of both models -- and they were all genuine Chrysler Cordobas.

You're not going to hear any disagreement from me. But I have heard it. It's definitely an example of what mindset is when it comes to the hobby.

Re: New chargers being ridiculous: I don't much love them, but we have the Challenger, right? Can we agree that of the Big Three who have attempted a retro-car, that the Challenger is a fantastic interpretation of a classic?

I actually like the new Charger. It's a go-fast option for people with kids. Combine that with the AWD availability and it makes it a viable option for those of us who live in the rust belt and have to contend with snowy winters. Since I'm sitting on a '69 Plymouth Sport Satellite with a factory 383-4bbl I'm kind of fond of go-fast 4 doors.

But getting to your point you made above: The factory put Charger badges on it, it says Charger on the title, it says Charger on the owner's manual that makes it a Charger.

As far as the Challenger goes, in styling I'll agree that's it the better looking of the three retro's.

 

[MiradaMegacab]

Copy that.. Anyone who has had to order parts late eighties / early nineties LeBarons can easily get stuck in car-body hell. You had the coupes, convertibles, and those weird Acclaim-like 4-doors. They stuck that name on a lot of cars!

More than one year at Chryslers at Carlisle they had the RWD and FWD J bodies in the same class. It took a personal explanation from myself to Lisa Leatherly and Chip Miller, owner of Carlisle Productions to clear up the confusion.

 

[NoCar340]

There was the H-body LeBaron GTS, too. Chrysler re-used a lot of platform names; the later Acclaim/Spirit/LeBaron was an A-body and various longer-wheelbase K-based models (Dodge 600, US Plymouth Caravelle, Chrysler New Yorker) were E-bodies. The Dodge Dynasty and its sister New Yorker were C-bodies.

Also interesting to note is that the '57-'62 Imperials were not D-bodies originally. They were just Imperials; Chrysler appointed a platform name retroactively in 1963.

 

[Mr.Lopar]

if you ask me, all the mid-late 80s Chrysler fwd cars are K-cars

 

[Jack Meoff]

if you ask me, all the mid-late 80s Chrysler fwd cars are K-cars

Lol!....
Pretty much the way I look at it.

 

[Mr C]

I'd say you were correct....


Chrysler Rear Wheel Drive Body Codes - 1957 to 1989

As with most automobile manufacturers, Chrysler Corporation used body platform designations (Body Codes) for various vehicle lines that were manufactured.* Below is a list of the different body codes (referred to as A, B, C, D, E, F,* J, M, and R bodies), and their respective models for rear wheel drive (RWD) passenger car lines manufactured by Chrysler from 1957 through 1989.* It should be noted that Chrysler's practice of naming chassis lines by letter did not begin until 1964 or 1965.* Earlier model years listed below are grouped with named later model chassis lines based on their similarity.* Chrysler introduced unibody construction in 1960, so models produced after that time will have more similarities with their later counterparts.*

Body Codes:

A - Body*(Compact models) (1960 to 1976)

* 1961 to 1962 Dodge Lancer
* 1963 to 1976 Dodge Dart
* 1969 to 1976 Dodge Dart Swinger
* 1971 to 1972 Dodge Demon
* 1973 to 1976 Dodge Dart Sport
* 1964 to 1969 Plymouth Barracuda
* 1960 to 1976 Plymouth Valiant
* 1970 to 1976 Plymouth Duster
* 1971 to 1976 Plymouth Scamp
* Wheelbases:*

* 106: '63-'66 Valiant; '64-'66 Barracuda; '63-'66 Dart wagons
* 106.5: '60-'62 Valiant; '61-'62 Lancer
* 108: '67-'73 Valiant; '67-'69 Barracuda; '70-'76 Duster; '71-'72 Demon;'73-'76 Dart Sport
* 111: '71-'76 Scamp; '74-'76 Valiant; '63-'76 Dart (ex. wagons);Canadian Valiant (Dart front clip, Valiant body, 111" wb)

B - Body*(Mid size models) (1962 to 1979)**

* 1962 Dodge Dart
* 1962 to 1964 Dodge Polara
* 1963 to 1964 Dodge 220 (Canada only)
* 1963 to 1964 Dodge 330 and 440
* 1965 to 1976 Dodge Coronet
* 1968 to 1971 Dodge Super Bee
* 1966 to 1978 Dodge Charger
* 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
* 1977 to 1978 Dodge Monaco
* 1978 to 1979 Dodge Magnum
* 1962 to 1964 Plymouth Savoy, Fury
* 1962 to 1970 Plymouth Belvedere
* 1965 to 1974 Plymouth Satellite
* 1968 to 1975 Plymouth Road Runner
* 1967 to 1971 Plymouth GTX
* 1970 Plymouth Super Bird
* 1975 to 1978 Plymouth Fury
* 1975 to 1979 Chrysler Cordoba
* 1979 Chrysler 300
* Wheelbases:

* 115: '71-'79 all 2 door models (incl. Charger, Magnum, Cordoba, 300)

* 116: '62-'70 Plymouths ex. wagons; '62-'66 Plymouth wagons; '62 Dart; '62-'64 Polara; '63-'64 Dodge 220, 330, 440
* 117: '67-'74 Plymouth wagons; '71-'74 Plymouth 4 doors; '65-'70 Dodges
* 117.5: '75-'78 Plymouth and Dodge 4 doors & wagons
* 118: '71-'74 Dodge 4 doors & wagons

C - Body*(Full size models)* (1957 to 1978)*

* 1957 to 1959 Plymouth Plaza
* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Savoy
* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Belvedere

* 1957 to 1961 Plymouth Fury
* 1965 to 1974 Plymouth Fury
* 1966 to 1969 Plymouth VIP
* 1975 to 1977 Plymouth Gran Fury
* 1957 to 1961 Dodge Coronet
* 1957 to 1959 Dodge Royal
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Dart
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Seneca
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Phoenix
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Pioneer
* 1960 to 1961 Dodge Polara
* 1962 to 1965 Dodge Custom 880
* 1965 to 1973 Dodge Polara
* 1965 to 1976 Dodge Monaco
* 1975 to 1977 Dodge Royal Monaco
* 1957 to 1974 Chrysler* - All models
* 1965 to 1971 Chrysler 300
* 1965 to 1978 Chrysler Newport
* 1965 to 1978 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1967 to 1975 Imperial (C-bodies per Galen Govier, Gil Cunningham - (Chrysler engineer from 1963 to 1982).
* Wheelbases:

* 119: '65-'68 Plymouths (ex. wagons)
* 120: '69-'73 Plymouths (ex. wagons), '74 Fury I/II
* 121: '65-'66 Plymouth wagons; '65-'66 Dodges; '65-'66 Chrysler wagons
* 121.5: '75-'77 Plymouths (ex. wagons); '74-'77 Dodges (ex. wagons)
* 122: '67-'73 Plymouth wagons, '74 Fury III/Gran Fury; '67-73 Dodges; '67-'73 Chrysler wagons
* 124: '74-'77 Plymouth and Dodge wagons; '65-'78 Chrysler sedans; '74-'78 Chrysler wagons; '74-'75 Imperials

D - Body*(1957 to 1973)

* 1957 to 1966 Imperials* - all models (per Galen Govier and Gil Cunningham - (Chrysler engineer from 1963 to 1982).
* Wheelbases:

* 127: '67-'73
* 129: '57-'66

E - Body*(1970 to 1974)

* 1970 to 1974 Plymouth Barracuda ( Cuda, AAR ) All were 108" wheelbase
* 1970 to 1974 Challenger ( R/T, T/A) All were 110" wheelbase

F - Body*(1976 to 1980)

* 1976 to 1980 Dodge Aspen, Aspen R/T
* 1976 to 1980 Plymouth Volare, Road Runner
* 1979 to 1980 Plymouth Volare Duster (special Volare package and not a separate model)
* Wheelbases:*

* 108.7": All 2 door models
* 112.5": '76 4 door models
* 112.7": '77-'80 4 door models
J* -* Body*(1980 to 1983) (All models were 112.7" Wheelbase)*

* 1980 to 1983 Dodge Mirada
* 1980 to 1983 Chrysler Cordoba
* 1981 to 1983 Chrysler Imperial

M - Body*(1977 to 1989)

* 1977 to 1989 Dodge Diplomat
* 1977 to 1981 Chrysler LeBaron
* 1977 to 1981 Plymouth Caravelle (Canada)
* 1982 to 1989 Plymouth Gran Fury
* 1982 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1983 Chrysler New Yorker 5th Avenue
* 1984 to 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue
* Wheelbases:*

* 108.7": '80-'81 2 door models
* 112.7": '77-'79 2 door models; '77-'89 4 door models

R - Body*(1979 to 1981) (All models were 118.5" wheelbase, and based on a stretched B-body)

* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler Newport
* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler New Yorker
* 1979 to 1981 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
* 1979 to 1981 Dodge St Regis
* 1980 to 1981 Plymouth Gran Fury

Sources:

* Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1914 - 2000 - Edited by James T. Lenzke
* MOPAR BODY TYPES Compiled by Ed Hennessy

* National Mo-Parts

* Allpar.com

* Carnut.com link

Only one mistake: B bodies ended in 1978 and were replaced by R bodies in 1979.

Yes, I know the 79 Cordoba/ Magnum look externally just like the 78s...under the skin there are a lot of differences, though and as far as Chrysler Corp was concerned, the Cordoba and Magnum were R bodies in 79.

 

[Mr.Lopar]

Only one mistake: B bodies ended in 1978 and were replaced by R bodies in 1979.

Yes, I know the 79 Cordoba/ Magnum look externally just like the 78s...under the skin there are a lot of differences, though and as far as Chrysler Corp was concerned, the Cordoba and Magnum were R bodies in 79.

everything for a 78 will bolt to a 79, so its still a B

 

[Jack Meoff]

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/

 

[Veteran Cosmic Rocker]

Only one mistake: B bodies ended in 1978 and were replaced by R bodies in 1979.

Yes, I know the 79 Cordoba/ Magnum look externally just like the 78s...under the skin there are a lot of differences, though and as far as Chrysler Corp was concerned, the Cordoba and Magnum were R bodies in 79.

Sorry, 79 Cordoba is a B body.

 

[Jack Meoff]

I believe Mr. C is correct......

I stand corrected Sir.
I got this from the allpar site.


"*R Body —1979-1981*"**Plymouth**Dodge**Chrysler*
“Real” R-bodiesGran Fury
* (1980-81)St. Regis

Newport
,*New Yorker
*/*Fifth Avenue

Reclassified as*
R-bodies (see note)*1979*Magnum
1979*Cordoba
*/ Cordoba 300

The wheelbase of all “true”*R-bodies
*was 118.5 inches. Gill Cunningham of the Chrysler 300 Club wrote that the Cordoba, Magnum, and Charger —*previously called B-bodies —*were classified by Chrysler as R bodies, though they were essentially carryovers from 1978. We are*"only"*including the 1979 Magnum, Cordoba, and Corodba 300 in this list to conform to Chrysler’s official records.

 

[Mr.Lopar]

its still a B

 

[Jack Meoff]

its still a B

With a longer wheelbase. :toothy1:

 

[Veteran Cosmic Rocker]

Ok, I worked on these cars when they were new. I've owned a couple, including a 79. So...somebody please explain to me, specifically, what these "differences under the skin" are, and how the 79 wheelbase is longer than the 75-78 models.

 

[NoCar340]

As I recall from my days behind a Mopar dealership counter or two, the parts & service literature at the dealer level still referred to them as B-bodies, so I'm with VCR on this one. The wheelbase of the Corgnum did not change in 1979, so it was not reclassified as an R-body. The Rs were the replacement for the C-bodies, which is well documented, not considered anywhere within Chrysler as an upgrade or replacement for the B-body sedans. Quite simply, it was designed to compete with GM's & Ford's fullsize cars such as the Caprice and LTD.