1963 Dodge Polara

Works in Progress

May 2004

Update February 2006

Bill writes: It’s been a few years since the first story about this Polara
being saved from becoming a donor parts car for my red 1963 Dodge
was posted on the 1962 to 1965 Mopar Web Site.

The engine is a 474 ci built by Muscle Motors from a 1972 400 block. The ’324 heads and valve covers are 1962 413 and the intake is the original 4 bbl from my red 1963 Dodge. Inside includes 10-1 JE pistons, Eagle H beam rods, and steel 440 crank with journals cut to 3.9" stroke. Heads have had port work and larger valves installed. Camshaft is a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy hydraulic.

I’m running (hopefully it WILL run)
a Holley Commander 950 cfm
closed loop injection system.

Exhaust system includes 2" primary TTI headers
(with a number of tweaks to get them to fit),
3" X-pipe, Dynomax mufflers, and 3" tailpipes.

I changed the interior color from black and white to red.
Carpet by Auto Custom Carpets. Headliner and visors from Legendary.
Seats, door panels, armrests, and dashpad from Just Dashes.
Steering wheel by Automotive Specialties in Pickens, NC.
Instruments by Red Line Gauge Works. Instrument cluster by GCar.

The transmission is a 1965 pushbutton 727. Rear axle is 1966 Charger with 489 case and 3.23 clutch Sure-Grip.

I installed Moser shafts with green bearings.

This was a non-A/C car I’ve converted it to factory A/C using bits and pieces purchased from various sources.
NOTE TO OTHERS WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING THIS INSTALLATION:
Find a donor that has a complete A/C system if you can find one and save time, headaches, and MONEY!

Body and paint by A-1 Collision in Burket, IN. Trim straightened, anodized, polished or rechromed by Ano-Brite and Classic Welding and Repair.

Thanks Bill!

As always, you are doing an excellent job!

Look forward to the “completed” pictures...and a test drive report from you.

Gary H.

February 4, 2006

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