Len writes: I just got a genuine Grand Spaulding Mr. Norm Coronet 500, optioned from the factory with a 426 street ram (as Mr. Norm called it), AT, PS. She is light turquoise with a two tone turquoise bucket seat interior.
The 500 was found in the corner of a small salvage yard here in IL but was protected and watched over by the yard owner for at least the last 20 years. Even with being parked for the last couple decades the old war horse is about 90% rust free and only has a couple of dents (from the fork lift that picked her up and brought her to me).
Time wasn't as gentle to the interior as it was to the metal though, all interior is present but will have to be redone. I have stripped all of the nasty interior out and the floorboards still shine with bright paint!
The car retains all of her original 426/police suspension; big brakes, sway bar and big torsion bars and rear springs too.
Besides the factory options the car has a few interesting add-ons that may be dealer related (Mr. Norm did some wicked stuff in house) or early race items i.e., add on rear coil suspension in addition to factory springs, rear end gears and a few underhood changes which I am photographing and trying to verify.
I plan a full restoration for the ole girl as she left Grand Spaulding Dodge in 1965.
| Here is the old girl looking rather naked. I am in the process of replacing an inner fender and fixing some vent box rust issues. The car is gutted completely and hopefully she'll start going back together in a couple months. Even in this vulnerable state she looks wicked! |
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I am hoping that the body will be ready for paint by Fall. I am learning and doing all body work myself.
P.S. If anyone needs any tips on replacing their whole cowl/firewall they can feel free to email me...it's easier than it looks and is a good way to ensure that no hidden rust lurks in the cowl area (provided you have access to a rust free one) that patching might not get.
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