Mopar More-Door Adventure! | 1969 Valiant and 1968 Satellite Rescue | That '70s Car Episode #1

[@diedonner299]

Never saw mutton chop sideburns rocked so well on anyone but this dude!

[@ericbitzer5247]

That 225 slant six will last forever as long as you change the oil and regular maintenance. My father had one in a 75 Duster and it never failed. I love that car and the color. Four doors and all.

[@six-pack1332]

Had a '71 Dart that was very similar. It did have an aftermarket under dash AC. It had AM radio. That's it for frills. I miss that car more than any other car I've ever owned.

[@dh2360]

I keep returning to watch this video every once in a long while because it's entertaining and informative. I now have a 1968 Plymouth Satellite 4 door sedan and enjoy driving it often, I kept it a 318 engine.

[@dhart28]

I found your video by accident, and started watching because my first car was a '66 Valiant slant 6 with 3-on-the-tree. But I stayed, because you taught me alot about Mopar and your expertise. Thanks for posting.

[@franks4038]

What a surprise! Didn’t know what to expect. Clicked on it for the valiant and found so much more. Entertaining, informative and cleverly produced. Loved it ! Keep up the great work. I’ll be watching more.

[@chrisparsons7043]

I've only just discovered this, absolutely brilliant all round - cool cars, cool clothes, cool music. Edited better than the mass-produced TV car show crap.

[@shwt121]

In the movie 'Guess who 's coming to dinner?' Spencer Tracy and Katherin Hepburn drove a 1967 Valiant Signet to the ice cream shop/drive in. When they left they backed into one of the hit rods that was hanging out @ the drive-in.

[@adamtrombino106]

I had a 73 Valiant 4 dr. Whomever ordered it checked all the boxes. AT, PS, PFDB, AM radio, electric washers, blower type rear defogger, factory A/C with hd alt, fan clutch, and wider rad, factory vinyl full length side moldings, dual outside rear view mirrors, 14 inch wheels with full wheel covers, light duty trailer towing package with 8.75 rear end and 2.94 gears, and the 225 mill. It was a really nice 94k original mile car, done up in Aztec Gold on black interior. It even had electronic ignition. After a carb rebuild, it was turn key, until some nut turned out in front of me in the rain and I slid into a curb, bending the K frame, and frame rail. I managed to find a K frame from a 73 Duster, but several body shops later, they couldn't get the car to drive straight nor get the steering wheel to center/return on a right turn. I had to crank it back. A lower, upper control arm, a new gear box, used center link, pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods later, still proved the same problem. Eventually, the body shop said the unibody was tweaked, and they couldn't straighten it out. I sold the car in 2003 for $500.00 to a guy who wanted the drivetrain. What a crime. It was rust free and the interior was mint. A/C was still cold.... Like freeze your knees cold.

[@pmd467]

Umm, (Sir/Ma'am) just 1 more thing 🤔. Absolutely impressed!! You da "Mopar" man!!

[@karstenfalter4241]

Superschön,der Sattelite!❤Ich habe den gleichen!In der gleichen Farbe!Meiner wurde 68 neu von einer Lehrerin gekauft!Als sie gestorben ist,hat sie ihr Haus und das Auto an meinen späteren Onkel vererbt!Als er verstorben ist,hab ich das Auto von meiner Tante geschenkt bekommen.Seit dem ist er in meinem Besitz!😊Er ist in good old germeny!!!Hat TÜV und läuft hervorragend!!!❤😂😂😊😊😊

[@v8valiant68]

very cool, I have a 68 valiant chrysler Aussie made muscle car, paid $650, 22 years ago, it was sitting in a barn, it became my project, it has 318 fully reconditioned, new paint, interior had to be redone some of it, seats, head lining and carpets, dash and doors still original, I still have it, and still not finished. cheers from New Zealand

[@KnapfordMaster98]

Holy production value. That was amazing! Admittedly I don't really understand even half of the technical stuff, but you really captured the entertainment aspect of Top Gear perfectly.

[@spectreactual6884]

Seriously and a hint of jay Leno

[@pghharry]

That was a very well produced video - way better than the drama filled crap that passes for a car show on TV. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to Episode #2! Thanks for sharing your hard work on the car. Both old Mopars are really clean.

[@Never-mind1960]

I had a couple of Satellites and Coronets around those same years too. The engine lift brings back memories of skinned knuckles and trans fluid in my hair (when I had hair). ;-)

[@skeets6060]

I love it when a MOPAR comes together

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Cool background music! Love the guitar and Hammond B3 organ!😊

[@cm8678]

Great video! I too have a 69 Valiant, 2 door Signet that I am restoring. It was my parents and sat for over 30 years. I had a hard time with the wheels and ended up moving to 14's.

[@fvg]

I've had a 73 Valiant 4-Door custom order since I turned 16 in 2014, bounced back and forth between a daily driver and a summer car. (depending on the state of whatever turd I had) I've gone through about 7 or 8 cheap modern cars in the time it's taken the Plymouth to break down once. Someone backed over my grandfather in a Walmart parking lot (he was okay sorta) and he got this car with the settlement. He drove it for over a decade, and I grew up going to car shows and going fishing in it. It's a very special car to me. Anyways, it only broke down once, and that's with significant teenage negligence, infrequent oil changes, a hole in the floor, a broken power steering pump, no brake lights or gauges, a gas needle that sometimes works, and a driver that really pushes cars to their limit because go fast don't crash. Hell, I've driven the thing 100 miles before realizing I had literally a drop of oil in the motor, and I've forgotten to put the radiator cap back on multiple times and overheated it. *You can live and you can learn, but you cannot kill a slant six* If you have a power steering model, you can truly steer this hulking mass of a car with just your pinkie finger. It's a surreal feeling that to my understanding was a luxury feature back in the day that companies like Rolls Royce bragged about and I know from experience that its for sure possible with modern cars, but there's no way to explain how effortless it is to move 2600 pounds with your smallest finger, and I've never felt anything like it behind the wheel of another car. It's a gem to drive, and you look interesting driving it. I wouldn't say cool is the right word, but people are definitely looking. I'm 24 now and it's been in the shop for far too long having the steering assembly rebuilt because I drove it for 3 years with a burnt PS pump. ( Feeling this cars full weight was an experience of its own and has made me want a car without power steering though. Was it worth the $2000 shop bill? No. But it did open my eyes.) I regret neglecting this car, and in its absence I have come to realize how special of a ride it truly is. I miss it and I'm eager to drive it again. It's not fast, it's not flashy past being old, and the best you're getting for AC is an open vent window and a hill, but it's genuinely a fun-to-drive road boat, they've become oddly hard to find despite being so common back in the day (at least in New England where I live) and the memories I've been able to elevate from having such a cool conversation piece over the years has paid for the car and all 2 of the headaches it's given me since I took ownership all those years ago tenfold. Truly one of the best engines ever made, and simply one of the most pleasurable and smooth vehicles I've ever been behind the wheel of (considering its size, weight, and lack of power.) when I get it back from the shop, I'm going to finally put the money into it that it deserves (it's all cosmetic, the motor has 60k miles on it) and get this thing back to the condition that it deserves. Also this thing will do burnouts if you know what you're doing and it's a drift legend on the dirt roads, despite it having like a 14 second 0-60 and an automatic transmission. Thank you guys for reading :) EDIT: My only gripe is that they sound like tractors when they're stock. DO SOME EXHAUST WORK!!

[@AtZero138]

Love it.. I own Twin 68 Darts.. both more doors.. sperated at birth by 3 months. Both 270 model.. both came with Slant6 but I swapped a 318 in mine.. do whatever you want brother. I drive mine everyday..

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I had a 1971 Plymouth valiant that looked exactly like that one even the color, loved it.

[@1962pjb]

I respect and appreciate your motivation and hard work!

[@cudak888]

Thank you!

[@thegfxmech5475]

FBBO shoutout. And yes this is a masterfully done vid. Almost feel like I should be watching it on one of those premium cable channels.

[@heresy74]

Charismatic as ever and great quality! Very interesting!

[@wgrangerjr1]

The first car I ever bought was a 69 Plymouth Valiant. Same color and everything. Loved that wee beast.

[@Sirbadone]

First time watching you. I'm absolutely impressed.

[@1575murray]

That LA 360 was a good choice for this car. More power than the original 318 but not as much weight and better fuel economy than a B engine such as a 383. However disk brakes should be considered although expensive to keep this car safe in today's traffic.

[@cudak888]

It's on 11.75" M-body discs now w/FFI upper control arms.

[@RobHowell1]

You are an inspiration to do it right “back yard” mechanics such as myself. I’m 54 now but in the 70’s & 80’s My dad and 2 older brothers owned probably every mopar product from 63 - 78 my first truck (16) was a 68 dodge 3/4 ton granny low 4 speed slant six . so this video took my back to them glorious days . Thank you sir!

[@gothamauto5510]

Interesting for those of us in the real world of practical enthusiasm, very factual and beautifully produced. Subscribed. Only one thing to add: cars from snow states can have rust that isn't obvious. Like the inside of the K-member at the torsion bar sockets. That's what killed my '71 Valiant project after putting a lot of time into the engine replacement.

[@cudak888]

Thanks. By chance, were you referring to the crossmember which the torsion bars fit into under the floorpan, rather than the K-frame itself? At least the K-frame can be unbolted and replaced. That said, rot at the torsion bar crossmember is a pain to fix, but not necessarily the end of the world - I haven't looked it up, but I'd be curious if it's possible to relocate the crossmember farther back (and use longer torsion bars off a B or C-body) to accommodate one of the larger, 4-speed A518 transmissions. It's the main thing in the way of any 4-speed auto swap on the pre-fuselage B-bodies.

[@gothamauto5510]

Yes, I did mean the crossmember, although my K-frame was also compromised by rust. I was at the project burnout point when I came out to find the passenger side front resting almost on the ground. In retrospect, so much better than a sudden failure at highway speeds.

[@cudak888]

Sounds almost like a neat excuse to cut it all out and weld in some other vehicle's front subframe. Big project, but it would open a world of suspension and handling opportunities...

[@lincmerc1581]

Simplicity! I love it. I daily a '95 Taurus wagon with manual seats, door locks and windows. I love it for its simplicity.

[@ricardocavazos2926]

This fellow is a man's man .... He can be my best man on my next wedding !!! Great presentation and beautiful Plymouth's

[@npp3559]

Best first 3 mins to a video ever

[@MicrophonicFool]

The 5 on 4 rims are unavailable in this area. Even my 14" 66 valiant wheels had only 2 options for fit tires, NONE of them will ever be in stock again based on size alone.

[@F6HemiCharger]

I’m a diehard Mopar guy, musclecar guy. I have a 1969 Charger R/T and a 1970 Dart. In fact my Dart is like your Valiant in every way, even the color. I love both of them equally.

[@JackF99]

The fact that it's a PRE-'70s car makes it valuable right there.

[@mondohotrods7384]

Very well done. You really should have your own show. Most of the time I turn off videos with 100 times the views and 1/100th the talent.

[@WAstEDxLaMA]

Exceptional work as always my friend! Watching this was very entertaining. This should be on TV!!! Merry Christmas bud :)

[@archiemelkonian]

As an film maker I have to say: excellent, super film making!!!!!! Very good work!!!!

[@olikat8]

BBP disc swap needs the proportioning valve and disc master cylinder, too. But since they had standardized the wheels bearings across the passenger car line, you can swap in the 12" rotors from the B & R-body cars. If you use the '73-'76 K-member and the LCA's have the sway bar tabs, you can pop in a 1 1/8" swaybar. The '89 360? Roller cam, "308" heads...not a Magnum, but using Magnum heads on a non-Magnum block requires conversion- and the Magnum's tend to crack between the valves. Just tweak the 308's and use some shorty headers (TBC'd) to get more power than Magnums for less trouble and headaches

[@woodey028]

Great vid!! As an owner of 2 Valiants 68 & 69.. I really enjoyed watching. Also that more door Satellite looks great!

[@harryparentii9634]

Chrysler used the small bolt pattern until 1973. Therefore the factory issued tons of 14" steel rims and a plethora of ralleye and road rims. If you can't find them in a boneyard repops are readily available and will work with the steering geometry

[@knighthawk86855]

Great video, I love that the last time I bought an altenator for it cost me 19.99, and that was back in 95.....i have people telling my oh man make it a road runner, nope always gonna be a 225 six belvedere..... I subbed.

[@Baldwin587]

Good to see a Valiant getting cared for, and that is such a beautiful example. Here in Maine, they're next to impossible to get. I've been trying to find a '71 (The Duel car, of course), for years now.

[@cudak888]

Thanks! But believe me, they're hard to come by down here too (though someone did list a rough in-primer '70 not long ago on Craigslist - for $6,500!!! - but it was the ideal canvas for a Duel clone). And the Satellite is the only non-Charger B-body I've ever seen down here in 10 years.

[@RHTeebs]

Hey Kurt! Will you ever do another episode? I find this show informative, and very interesting.

[@tigerstripe.s.9039]

Both of those are absolutely beautiful, I have a 1969 Plymouth valiant just like yours but it's mint green, I don't think I could ever get rid of it!

[@piercehawke8021]

Well done video: it also brings back many memories of my large bolt pattern A body disc brake conversions and Mopar B van series engine swaps.

[@alxf66]

Ridiculously enjoyable. Well done, sir! And yes, Cardone will break your heart every single time.

[@lynowens5655]

Awesome video! We stumbled across it and my bf loved it. He actually guessed the motor that you found when you first hit the boneyard 😁 we were thoroughly entertained!

[@knighthawk86855]

I have my dad's 68 Plymouth belvedere 2 door club coupe, he bought it new in 68, 225 slant six with 3 on the tree even has the original clutch was my daily driver up until 5 years ago, I'm restoring it, just taking my time, I restored it back in 93, but it needs it again, love that car.

[@enditokamal1635]

good video. very comprehensive as seeing a good story movie about valiant. I like it first when watching a movie Duel by Steven Spielberg. hope can see another update video like this. thanks

[@ragtimejohn]

This is awesome! I've daily drive my '72 Valiant Sedan (my second car ever!; my first was a '73 VW Bug) in Los Angeles, for several years now.

[@markges6308]

Both cars look good.. glad to see them back on the road

[@tyebeams3045]

This dudes a trip, doesn’t seem to ever get worked up

[@BigBlockMopar]

Great video Kurt. Fun to watch.

[@cudak888]

Thank you!

[@Never-mind1960]

I owned several Valiants from 67-75 and had one just like the one in this vid, right down to the hubcaps and trim rings (rings were aftermarket) the only exception that mine was a funky Sea Green. Mine came stock with 13" rims so I had to get 14" rims (yes, later Valiants and Dusters came with 14s in the smaller bolt pattern) and also had to switch the transfer gear to the speedo for accuracy. These were very easy cars to work on, which was helpful, because I was always working on them. ;-)

[@pentastarperformancellc1227]

Diggin it, man. Cool show. Keep up the good work.

[@cudak888]

Thank you! And nice engine work over there at your end. That 360 is an impressive little beast there.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

I agree with you about 4 doors. I have a 68 Satellite 4dr and a 68 Dart. 318 & 273 cars. All my other mopars are forward look era. 4drs are great daily drivers

[@chrisrolfing3393]

Mahalo for the information. I found it quite educational. I am a retired electronic technician and have a good knowledge of how the charging system works. I need to get the 318 V8 running on my 73 Valiant and do some testing. Hope the OEM alternator is OK. Considering rebuilding it myself if I can get the parts. What I have discovered on most alternators is possible failure of one or more of the 6 stator diodes. (6 are used because the alternator stator is phase wye for lower amperage alternators and delta for higher amperage. My 73 Valiant has air-conditioning so probably a delta arrangement. These diodes are usually reliable and failures are rare. More likely the brushes have worn out and possible the bearings are worn and could seize from lack of lubrication. Voltage regulators can also fail. A shorted output transistor that controls field current could cause an output voltage of 18vdc or higher and will overcharge the battery and could damage other components.

[@ChadsGarage1]

Just bought a 75 more-door. Guess I’m gonna have to grow out my sideburns too!!!

[@boydsdodge]

Great show, thanks for the fun.

[@volksnut]

Great video, love that jacket....we need more updates though, love the more doors.

[@brotherjesus4246]

I don't know how you've been here since 2007 and I just stumbled upon your channel. Aces buddy. Oh and yes I subscribed 👍

[@noeltheshemale]

That car is super clean! Nice work.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Lovely looking 1969 Plymouth Valiant. I had a neighbour when I was a boy who had one like this.

[@raulpompa9173]

the cheap rear end solution for my dana 30 equipped duster was to narrow the long side of an 8.8 out of an explorer, with trak loc and 3.73 gears... front disc brake conversions are pretty straightforward... and thats the easiest right way to get 4.5" boltpattern

[@kenpringle563]

Hey ! Ffrst time viewing. I like this guy ! A old Mopar man like I had 65 Barracuda big block, 64 Valiant 318, 65 Dart 340, 65 Dart 383 and so forth👍🏽

[@rickschwartz2447]

always loved mopars

[@russchiappa4870]

Nicely done like both automobiles. The valiant in it’s simplicity and stodgy looks. The satellite a bit more capable, at least once you work out the gremlins

[@ClamTram96]

Love to see more of this!

[@roberthutter74]

Love these cars, and the channel.

[@brobicho]

Dude this Video was Amazing, Should Do more with the 70's theme. You are a Natural, there's a Future for You on the Big Screen.

[@jimervin387]

Inspiring video for the do it yourselfer. But not all of us have engine hoists and welding equipment or even am assistant. But those things can be acquired, I suppose.

[@cudak888]

I was once that guy too. Dedication, perseverance, and a whole lot of Craigslisting for good deals can solve equipment deficiencies :)

[@SheriffGerbil]

It's like Top gear. Just with older cars. Love the videos Keep up the great work.

[@josephlundy3534]

Truly enjoyed the video I too like the odd stuff Signets, Belvedere's and Futura's . Not glamorous but still fun.

[@Bradsroad]

Hi there.....i stumbled upon your episode in the search of a car like i just acquired...and surprisingly yours appeared as closest to mine...a 1969 Valiant, i've had mine for a week and a half now, first thing on the list is installing a better set of 13 inch tires to get it up off the ground, as the old ones are around 25 years old and not in the round shape anymore....i do have a set of 14 inch small bolt pattern wheels to replace them with after a while, it has the 225 slant six...and a pleasant addition surprise is a 3 on the tree manual....i'll be posting its first episode showing all this....i'd love to see more on your two if you happen to do anymore updating.

[@450hp202turbo]

well put together mate , . thumbs up from downunder

[@cudak888]

Thanks!

[@stevenbaker673]

Good job mate

[@berrisfueller8205]

That’s a great video! You should shop that around for a tv show or something, seriously.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Awesome video!

[@burfurger3074]

Great cars man.

[@mikephilp5058]

Love the valiant. I had a 74.

[@AtZero138]

5 on 4 are still out there.. and finally 14inch tires. Even in white wall tires.. I like a offset or bit wider in the rear..

[@adrianpurse6419]

Great show 🇦🇺🤟

[@SallysSpeedShop]

Nice work man! I feel like an amateur at filming and editing video watching this!

[@cudak888]

Hey, don't put yourself down like that, Jake! FYI - saw that Hot Rod hired you - smart move on their part! Best of luck in the years to come.

[@liamclarke5761]

I like the reference to the valiant from duel with the blue and yellow 149 PCE plate

[@79tazman]

Damn I'm not much for 4 doors but that Satellite is decent and in good shape body wise

[@nickmaronese]

I'm a stickler for originality, but have to say I like the mods you've made ;) '71 Plymouth Scamp slant-six owner myself, in a green not unlike your beautiful Satellite's-damn, that's a nice four-door! Fantastic video editing, and overall great presentation. Only qualm I've got is your apostrophe on "'70s Car" is backwards! You've def got a new subscriber in me, though

[@nickmaronese]

And I completely forgot until I saw yours how much a swap to an original-size tire is going to change my car's stance when I do it a few years from now-can't wait! Thanks for ratcheting up my anticipation :P

[@kirbyswarp]

1:55. Thank you for that.

[@G_Confalonieri]

Great cars. You should check out the Argentine Dodge GTX. An A body Valiant based supposedly designed over the Satellite/Belvedere and '67 Plymouth Barracuda dashboard. They were powered by the 225 slant six and LA 318, these made in Mexico, Canada and lately in Brasil for the Brasilian Dodge Dart. Regards!!!

[@enriquelopez9124]

You have two classic cars, the both of them look awesome, I like that one car has the original equipment on the police car, the only thing missing is the spotlight, it would be nice if you could get that,👌👏

[@johnbrooke2764]

Love 4 doors Mopars!

[@tommyreid2317]

If you adjust the valves according to spec they are not noisy,people generally don't adjust them.

[@charlieb2176]

make a Car Only youtube Account like That 70s car a million subscribers in a week Exceptional production quality, i especially liked the Music and Drop in tone when the Satellite First came into view, the music was perfect throughout the movie, very period correct!

[@Pershingtank]

Ohh nice video! I'll have to take out my 71 Valiant tomorrow...If only it were red, though, instead of that turd brown that mopar called "dark gold" "You didn't part [the 4 door] out?!" God, this is what makes a 4door 1970 Coronet almost impossible to find, at any price...the one I have is a bit of a project as well

[@gregrogers6886]

I'm sure you fixed your problem by now but 14" 5x4 wheels were an option for the A-body. I found my 14" 5x4s on a 71 Dart.

[@xc8487]

What happened to the follow up episode?

[@utubepro7742]

Awesome video And wow you do all that yourself with no help? I always try getting help but probably should just do it alone too

[@cudak888]

The only help I had was when I put the Satellite's hood back on. Everything else was pretty much my own work, except for a few times a couple of friends came by to assist with the camerawork. Good help is always nice to have about, if you can find someone who can work at your wavelength. Frankly, it's often better to work alone if others want to rush things or cut corners. The shenanigans that some car shows use for laughs ceases to be funny when it happens to you; e.g., an entire car lifting its weight off the front of a 4-post lift the moment the engine is pulled and its weight comes off the front suspension.

[@utubepro7742]

cudak888 Nice I’m currently trying to finish a slant six upgrade kit from clifford Didn’t want to do a 8 swap Hope itstays reliably with all the upgrades shaved down head and dual carbs with dual exhaust and cam alifters etc Lot more work than expected but worth it

[@cudak888]

@@utubepro7742 Nothing could beat that 225 in the Valiant for pure smoothness; almost makes me regret the 360 in the Satellite. Good luck with the Clifford setup - make it powerful, but don't overdo it with complexity. Simplicity + quality engineering = reliability.

[@davehibbs9111]

NO Radio 😲 I had one 2dr 69' 225 slant six they also made a 170&198 slant six depends on the year! But I had a 3SPD manual on the tree shift, power steering and front disc brakes am radio... b5 blue, back in 79' for $550 dollars and looked brand new at 67,500 miles

[@chrisrolfing3393]

Nice presentation. I understand most of the information.. Would have appreciated more detail on the alternator replacement on the Valiant. I own a 1972 Valiant and it uses an external voltage regulator. I suspect the replacement alternator has an internal voltage regulator. I would appreciate more detail on the new alternator installation.

[@cudak888]

I sold the Valiant since, but the alternator replacement shown here was simply a swap from the original up-to-'69 Mopar roundback aternator to a 1970+ squareback, both of which require external voltage regulators. There's a lot of info in this excellent thread at FABO: www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/identifying-chrysler-alternators-1960-1976.475691/ The original external voltage regulator is visible to the right of the master cylinder at 4:00 into the video. Note that it is the black box '61-69 design, not the later regulator that is OEM spec on your '72 - the dual-field box has three mounting holes, three pins, and looks similar to the Mopar electronic ignition modules. I eventually replaced the original regulator with a solid state (transistorized) external voltage regulator - they're better suited to handle the higher field current of alternators exceeding the original amp spec on these cars. The reproductions for your '72 should also be transistorized; many of the more boutique sellers will mention this in the listing (and upsell accordingly). Chances are the replacements at your average big-box parts store will be transistorized as well and cost half the price. The humidity of South Florida makes the Mopar alternators - "rebuilt" or otherwise - pretty cantankerous. They're extremely simple inside, but they are not well weather sealed and the brushes love to crud up and corrode. I have considered swapping to a Denso alternator in the Satellite, but I had issues with the fitment due to the BPE compressor bracket I had installed. Here's a great thread about the Denso install (assuming no other conflicting brackets): www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/denso-alternator-installation.97736/

[@shwt121]

Its a tough and enduring engine.....but id also like a/c and some sound!!!