Some time ago I wrote about repairing my 1984 Corvettes door panel. The panel its self was not well made … read “cheap” and didn’t stand up well to time/use. Unfortunately, I can’t say there was any improvement in “quality” of the door panels in my 2007 Vette. But this project isn’t a Corvette door panel, but my son’s Chrysler LeBaron.
The LeBaron is 1990’s car and the door panels are 1990’s cheap, no nice way to say that. This quick project was didn’t start out about the door panel, other than we had to take it off to check the multiple window control switch. The window controls were part of a plastic insert that also has the remote control for the drivers’ side mirror poked through it. It stays put, normally by 3 prongs that push into “V” clips that are on stand-a-lone braces that are mounted on the door panel directly – but not well done.
Since the insert has slid down over the past few months, it seemed that either driving vibrations and/or normal door operations, so while we are in there we’d push the prong back in. Seemed simple enough.
The back of the panel a fiber board/plastic composite – not really fiberglass but similar and it’s pretty sturdy.
Back side of the door panel.
Here you can see the brackets I mentioned above. However, the way in which the bracket are attached to the board is meant to last forever. They are held together with bits of glue in holes along the edges of the bracket. In the heat of Arizona and the great condition our roads are in (tongue in cheek) this type of connection is not ideal.
Here you can see the glue the back of the bracket and that is oozed out into the holes.
This image below is the results of the glue pulling off – separating from the fiber board.
Part clue – Part fiber board. This was laying at the bottom of the door panel
I re-posted a discussion on “Would You Take A Viper Over A ZR1?” (http://wp.me/pKHNM-1nH). To me there is really no discussion to be had. There is absolutely no way I’d select a Dodge Viper for a ZR1. Heck, there’s no way I’d select a Viper over any Corvette (even the ugly, big butted C5’s). Yup, even over the horse power difference.
It is mainly the design. The Viper looks like the it’s either broken in the middle or was two cars shoved together. Check this out?
So here ya go – the curve of the hood and rake of the windshield make he look “bent” at the vertical line drawn on the fender. The bump where the side exhaust starts the bent look. The door is hinged inside what would normally be a fender brake cooling vent. Then notice the back-end – it looks familiar, yes like a Mazda. It really looks like a sports car got been by shoving a Mazda Miata in its trunk.
Now take a look at a 1992 Corvette ZR1.
Let rake in the windshield and the brake vents are as they should be!!! Great lines!!!
Collector for a 1992 Viper vs. the 1992 ZR1 is a little one sided with the Viper about $15k more than the Vette, so for investment purposes the Vipers the one to own.
She needs a little work but it seems the owner drives it. I love the suicide door and the 9 windows!!
The Chrysler Royal was an automobile produced by the Chrysler division of the Chrysler Corporation between 1937 to 1942 and 1946 to 1950. The Royal represented the entry-level Chrysler during its production,[1] making it the most affordable Chrysler model. The Royal was replaced at the end of 1950 model year by the Chrysler Windsor.
Call me crazy, but I love these cars. I have only seen one in running condition and it was well restored. I’d love to own one.
The Jensen Interceptor debuted in 1966, but not originally – that was back in 1950 (I’ll cover those in a separate post.). These hand-built in Kelvin Way Factory, West Bromwich in the England from 1966 – 1976. The body style designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy and changed from fiber glass bodies to steel.
1966 Jensen Interceptor
1967 Interceptor
So what was this car made of? Let’s take a look.
Engines:
These cars were by….wait for it…………………..Mother MOPAR!!!
Yup these cars sported a Chrysler V8. The Mks I – III used either the 6.3 or 7.2 liter engines.
The 1966 started with the 383 CID which continued through 1970 knocked out 335 hp. The 383 was nurtured in 1971 dropping down to 250 hp. So Jensen decided to use the 440. They offered to versions, one had a 4bbl Carter carb making about 305 hp. The second was topped with three 2 barrel Carters and pushed 330 hps out of the block – we know this engine as the 440 Six Pack – only 232 of these were produced.!!!
In 1972 the 440 suffered the same fate as the 383 – the Six Pack was no longer available and the 4 barrel was de-tuned to 280 hp and again in 1976 dropped to 255. Jensen continued to use the engines.
Transmission:
The Jensen team selected the Chrysler’s TorqueFlite 727 automatic (3 speed) and 4 speed manual.
The curb weight was between 3500 – 3600 hundred pounds (about the same as a 1969 Cuda).
Other features:
Electric windows
Reclining front seats
Wood rimmed steering wheel
Radio with twin speakers
Reversing lights
Electric clock
Power steering (after Sept ’68)
Jensen produced the Mk I, MK II and MK III from 1966-1974. They came in 2 door convertible, hatch back and coupe.
Jensen Interceptor ‘Vert
Power specs: 0-60 in 6.4 seconds and top speed 137 mph (oh…I’m betting it would do better than that).
From Wikipedia:
Variants
A convertible with powered soft top was introduced in 1974 mainly intended for the American market but also sold in Europe. 267 convertibles were made.[3]
Rarer still is the Coupé version with just 60 made,[3] derived from the convertible and therefore without the distinctive rear window of the regular car that was introduced in 1975, a year before the company’s demise.
Jensen were one of the first manufacturers to equip a production car with four-wheel drive, in the 1967 Jensen FF (Ferguson Formula). At the time it was hailed as a remarkable development, coming also with Dunlop Maxarat mechanical anti-lock brakes and traction control. The car is five inches (127 mm) longer than the Interceptor, and although looking virtually the same the extra length is identified by an additional side vent ahead of the doors on the front flanks, an extension to and additional swage line in the leading edge of the front wing (fender). Press articles from the time quote “drag-strip” performance when describing the car. In total 320 FFs were produced; 195 Mark I, 110 Mark II and 15 Mark III. [4]
The Jensen Interceptor R
A Jensen specialist based at Cropredy Bridge rebuilds original Interceptors using modern components.
In May 2010, Jensen International Automotive was set up, with the financial backing and know-how of Carphone Warehouse founder and chairman Charles Dunstone who joined its board of directors. A small number of Jensen Interceptor Ss, which had started production under a previous company, are being completed by Jensen International Automotive (JIA), in parallel with JIA’s own production of the new Jensen Interceptor R; deliveries of the latter have started (beginning of 2011) at the Oxfordshire-based manufacturer and restorer. Tony Banham is JIA’s Managing Director.
The New Interceptor? Jensen Interceptor XL concept!!
At this particular show I was admiring a car on the other side of the aisle, when I heard the an interesting conversation behind me.
1948 Continental – FOR SALE
The young man in this picture seemed to be having a hard time understanding why the owner (the adult in this picture) was selling his car. At one point he was even questioning the price of $35k!!!!
Good to see such a young guy have such an interest.
The Drive By is new way to spotlight cars. As the name states these are cars that I see where ever I’m traveling.
The 1966 Barracuda wasn’t much when compared to the 1970’s younger brothers.
1966 Barracuda – old school.
Often referred to as the Formula S – 2 door coupe fastback with the V8. I don’t know if this one was the V8, I would have had to see the if it was badged properly to determine. (Small medallion placed below the ‘Barracuda’ script. The V8 would have been the Commando 273 CID with a two barrel carb – about 235 hp and a 10.5:1 compression when topped with a 4bbl Carter AFB.. The 6 cylinder was the Valaint Signet slant 225 CID with about 145 hp with a single barrel carb. They came in convertible as well – only 2570 of those were produced.
We have a couple of debuts’ this week and a couple of Birthdays.
First up on Sept. 23 in 1969 the iconic and now recreated Dodge Challenger.
From this:
1969 Challenger
And this:
The Iconic General Lee
To this:
The 2012 version.
Virgil Exner was born on the 24th of Sept in 1909. Who was “Ex”? A car designer. Oh…ok…of what? Just a couple of designs, like all of these:
Studebaker Champion
Studebaker Starlight
Chrysler C-200
Chrysler 300 letter series
Chrysler 300 non-letter series
Chrysler New Yorker
Imperial 1955-1961
Chrysler Diablo Concept with Ghia
Plymouth Savoy
Plymouth Belvedere
Plymouth Fury
Plymouth Suburban
Plymouth Valiant
Dodge Coronet
Dodge Firearrow Concept
Desoto 1961
Desoto Adventurer
Bugatti 1965 concept with Ghia
Mercer-Cobra 1965 concept
Duesenberg 1966 prototype with Ghia
Stutz Blackhawk
Bill France was born on the 26th in 1909 in our nations capital. Mr. France was an American race car driver. He is best known for co-founding and managing NASCAR, a sanctioning body of United States-based stock car racing.
The final debuts was on Sept. 26, 1967 when AMC released the Javelin.
Back by popular demand (Ok, not really, I just like doing them.)
But I’m going to add a give-away on the end of each one.
On Aug 14 in 1877, Nicholas Otto gets a patented for his 4 cycle combustion engine.
From the ZweiRad Museum Otto’s 4 cycle engine.
On the same day Paris, France creates the first every license plate in 1893. Or was it? Sources agree that it in fact Paris, France but the date isn’t clear as some sources say it was Leon Serpollet of Paris, France, who obtained the first license plate in 1889.
A sad note on the very next day (Aug 15) in 1956 an early car manufacture ceased production. Packard closed its doors.
It was a Packard Caribbean
In 1984 on Aug 16, John DeLorean was acquitted of cocaine charges stemming from an alleged deal to help raise funds for the car company. He worked at Chrysler, Packard, GM (responsible for the GTO) and then his company producing the now famous Delorean DMC-12.
Back to the Future.The company still exist – original parts were purchased and now lives in Humble, Tx. Find them here on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/deloreanmotorcompany
Finally, in 1905 on Aug 18, Cadillac got it’s crest trademarked.
Caddy Crest Chart from http://www.cartype.com/pages/1051/cadillac
GIVE-AWAY:
Add a relevant comment to this Auto Factoid and you be entered in the monthly Auto Factoid Give Away.
This month:
1/32 scale 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee (new in the box)
Fresh out of WWII the America car industry was facing the challenge of converting back to peace time auto production. This as a huge task and the pressure was on, because if the average American owned a car there was a good change (50%) that it was 9 years old or older and needed replacing. Materials were still in short supply, money wasn’t and to ensure that stayed the case most of the car company merely refreshed their 1942 cars. Toss in labor issue and you can understand how tough the situations was.
Ford lead the 17 manufacturers that year with 468,022 units produced. Chevy followed second with 398,028 cars. The others followed as such:
Thought I’d share this. It’s amazing how many and the variety of US cars made in the 50’s and 60’s made it overseas. It’s also very interesting what they do with them. Check out these MOPARs in Sweden. Way Cool!!!
You can always tell a car guy by looking in his garage and seeing what he has in there. If you see a couple of cars, that’s could be your first clue. But when you see muscle cars from the 60’s and 70’s, and engines on pallets, car lifts, stickers from internet performance shops, and various parts on the shelves, then you know that garage isn’t the run-of-the-mill garage.
Looking at Anders Ohlin’s garage in Sweden lets you know that this guy is into cars and performance – particularly Mopar performance. His collection of Mopar muscle cars is enough to make you drool.
Anders collection is interesting, and he says that some of his cars are the only ones that he knows of in Sweden. He considers himself a fanatic, as do many of his friends. Just looking at the pictures in his garage and you can see that he likes to surround himself with performance.
Some of his cars include a 1958 DeSoto Fireflite with a 361 Wedge, a 1965 Dodge Coronet A990 Super Stock Clone with a race HEMI that he imported in 2010, a 1964 Dodge 440 that has a 426 Wedge with dual carbs, a 1962 Chrysler 300 Sport Coupe that appears to have a 413 with dual carbs, and also a 1964 Dodge 330 to round out the cars we know of.
You can check out the YouTube video and see him moving his 1964 Dodge 330 around the garage. It’s a very healthy sounding Mopar, and if the deep rumble of that exhaust doesn’t sound like music to your ears, then you need to turn your speakers up!
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