SEIZED SOLID! Will This 1961 Dodge Polara Big Block Run Again?

Today's episode is a wild rollercoaster of emotion. At least we all learn a valuable lesson... ‪@rocketresto‬

[@tedcorey3054]

The Polara is pretty cool ,definitely worth saving ,cleaning the interior would make a big difference .

[@MrPFFlyer]

It's been a very long time since I've seen a decent 61 Dodge two door Phoenix or Polara. Over time, they've become a car I shoulda', woulda', coulda' sought out as their body lines appeal to me greatly. Thanks for giving this particular Mopar a well done video...complete with the realities of bustin' knuckes and fingertips.

[@claztube]

The injury to Jamie's digits is what kept me from getting serious about auto mechanics. I had done some repairs to brakes and shocks in my time so long ago, but wrenching on an engine was something I steered clear of as I was too much a 'sissy' I'll admit when it comes to pain.

[@richjordan9375]

@@claztube blood sacrifices are just part of the gig. And they do make mechanics gloves these days that can help at least a little

[@lkmsl]

@@claztube ouch !

[@r.hill.2369]

The outboard taillights are kinda nifty in my opinion. Also, that dash with the "wingtips" below the speedo are really odd, yet so fitting on that car.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I love the tail lights! I agree, all of the quirky little design features make sense in that quirky of a car.

[@majortwit]

I love that speedo casing. Looks like 50’s-60’s horn rimmed sunglasses. Right on the nose!

[@dh2360]

These cars are gold, I've had several of these 1961 Dodges. These cars do catch the wind on very windy highways....

[@richdorak1547]

Early 60s Mopars were pretty odd looking for the most part . This one is more cool than odd . Go for it !

[@spaceghost8995]

Few survive . I think most people thought they were really ugly cars and they just all got scrapped.

[@mrbrooks9969]

I would most defin. go for it,

[@1575murray]

They were so ugly that they got Virgil Exner fired. Elwood Engel was hired from Ford to replace him. The Phoenix convertible has added tail lights after the original ones were almost invisible to following drivers causing a number of rear end collisions.

[@juliancrooks3031]

What a cool looking old car, it has style

[@toledoswillysjeepchannel4021]

I love the 61 Polara! I own a former CHP version. These cars are super cool

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s awesome!

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

That looks like a good candidate for another project for Scott up there at Cold war motors 👍🤠

[@luvr381]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@carl5536]

I think it's amazing how they paid attention to the detail and the style of vehicles back then cause all the lines and everything is what made em so unique in their own way..I don't think I could've ever came up with the ideas of how they wanted em to look back then cause I use to love drawing car's that just popped in my mind but none of the ideas I had came close to what the people that designed em came up with..Engine's that hasn't run in 4ever I always used 2 cycle gas to hopefully get em goin again cause I always thought it'd help lube the top of the pistons and cylinder walls. I've changed the oil out with not so expensive oil and I'd pull the distributor to pump the oil pressure up and hope they'd fire up lol..You gave it your best shot and banged your knuckles and fingers in the process, that's a plus and I figured it fire up but some of em will and some won't. It'd make a good project for someone that's 4sure cause I 4get about alot of vehicles that use to be on the roads in the 60s and 70s..

[@20thCenturyMan]

I used to own a 1961 Dodge Polara. I loved that car.

[@Frankinsteinguitar]

Love the tail lights!

[@economicsandguitarsandsome1722]

Oh man -- I love these! Favorite Exner era car. I can't recall the last time I saw a reasonably priced '61 Polara 2 door for sale.

[@samhicks97]

Big fan of Virgil Exner's designed cars, love the fin designs, especially the 61' Plymouth Fury. My 64' Dodge 880 has got the 361 also, damn good motors. Appreciate the look at the Early C body Dodges, from my view, a rare platform to come across at local events/shows.

[@peterruddick1952]

'61 Fury fins ? U must mean '60

[@samhicks97]

@@peterruddick1952 No sir, 1961 is the Fury with the MASSIVE tailfins near the rear, I may also add on, The 1960 Dodge matador is a sight to behold!

[@peterruddick1952]

@@samhicks97 Suggest U look up '61 Fury, it has no fins

[@samhicks97]

@@peterruddick1952 I apologize & I stand corrected, indeed 1960, I suppose the various vids I watched on it were mere typos and the like. Calling it 61' instead of 60'

[@staceyrenner5418]

Stuck at work on Saturday morning, what better way to start the day! Commenting before I even watch the whole video, just going to assume cool shit happens.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Well, it’s definitely a roller coaster of emotion…

[@staceyrenner5418]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Well, you weren't wrong my friend.

[@cudafry1967]

I have a 58 Coronet that ran after 30 years in a junkyard, now I'm a Forward Look fanatic. Sometimes they pop off, sometimes there is no hope.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s awesome! My experiences have been largely the former, but occasionally the latter - unfortunately.

[@rockystanaitis2908]

A little 25-1 2 cycle gas does double duty. Lubes and seals rings temporarily

[@arthurhudgens8213]

Glad to see someone young saving these old Chrysler products. the ones from the early 1960s kinda looked spooky cool definitely unique.keep up the great work I just subscribed 👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@davestark2015]

Still binge-watching. Lol got several hours in . I'm enjoying it immensely !!!!!! Cheers 🎉

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks Dave!

[@peterruddick1952]

Gotta admire young mechanics with such patience, reminds me of myself 60 years ago... with Chevys

[@jagvette1]

Just found this channel, must say I would LOVE one of those car, especially the rocket one :)

[@leipersgreen6763]

Just found your video. Dude, awesome stuff. Keep up the good work. Who knows. 50 years from now, they maybe the only things on the road!

[@bishopofrustyiron3101]

Very cool old rig man, nicely done!

[@jewishman2687]

Owned a 61Dodge Polara Convertible 383. Bought it from a woman (in 1968) who had upgraded to A Monaco. About the only thing that car couldn't pass was a gas station. The car was in great shape, and I gave the woman $300 for it. The last hundred was a coffee can full of change. It had thirty-seven + thousand miles on the odometer, and although the car was a convertible, it had an air conditioner. Chrysler was one of the few car companies (maybe the only one) which made their own air-conditioning systems. BTW Chrysler's "downsizing" of the early Sixties (64. 65, 66 was short lived. The 68 Monaco was huge, as were the early Seventies high-end models. Thanks for the vid and the memories. Wish I'd kept that car. Hope you get yours running!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The downsizing came in ‘62 for Dodge and Plymouth. Dodge almost immediately got the 880, a recycled Chrysler body with a Dodge nose, but Plymouth didn’t get a big car again until ‘65. That downsizing gave us the B body, which stuck around alongside those humongous boats and underpinned some great cars - like the Charger, Roadrunner, etc.

[@idaholineman5788]

Another good one..well video that is

[@timrayburn2461]

Another great video

[@retro440]

"Bring the thunder!" Well, maybe, not. First time on your channel. I like it. I'll be back!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Not so much with the thunder around here… bring the failure? Haha. Thank you!

[@beljames1563]

Those cars are so homely they're cool. It's only been in recent years that I've come to appreciate them. I've never been a fan of the 361. 383's were being produced at this time and seemed to be a better engine...certainly more powerful. I never could figure out why Papa Chrysler wanted to produce a smaller version. Seems like it would have been cheaper to just do one. Anyway interesting. Id.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right. And they kept that up for quite a while - my early production ‘66 Charger was among the last cars with a 361. They kept making them into the 70s for use in trucks. I have no idea why. Tom was sure this car would have a 383. He thought Polara was 383 only. Meanwhile, I had already looked at the ID pad and found the critical “36” designation.

[@jewishman2687]

@@DeadDodgeGarage The 318 (which replaces it) was a far better engine, and if you wanted to tweak it you could squeeze out 400 HP . The 361 was an outlier very few inferior Chrysler engines. (before the 1980's)

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I love em I was going to score a 59 new Yorker I love to get a 60 dodge or a 59 DeSoto

[@michaelbenardo5695]

In 1958, there was a 345 horsepower version of the 361.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

The 318 came out in 57. It did not replace the 361, which came out in 58. There was a 345 horsepower version with dual quads.

[@cliffordplasd8239]

You definitely not vice grip garage but that's not a bad thing. Keep being you doing your channel your way and real fans not haters will come.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Don’t mind if I do!

[@weirdkindofsexsymbol]

I love your '61's! My own '61 is a Pioneer 2-door post Slant car that is not cursed with the auxiliary tail lights that your PHX vert has. I guess that was a mid-model add-on because the small low lights weren't very visible (true story). They offered these lights as dealer-install items for the earlier cars. There are no shortage of NOS sets of these on FleaBay.

[@williwass6837]

Love this Dodge!Its a BEAUTY!The "MUD" in the distributor cap is Bees or Wasp nests!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes I think I did say that. Whatever those little shits are called.

[@robonecoolguy]

I had a loaded '61 Polara wagon. Loved that car.

[@brojoelchannel]

Amazing good job man

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

I love it We had that front end in 🇦🇺on our Dodge Phyixes

[@robertg5437]

I owned a 61 Polara station wagon loaded..great auto........glad to see this car...

[@patmayer7222]

What a car,,,never saw one until this,,,tnx,,,land o' lakes,wi.

[@66balsam]

Love the early 60’s Mopars, we had a 4 door 63 Saratoga, beautiful car

[@dunkirchen1940]

Worth restoring. Deserves a different engine if this one can't get freed up. Keep up the great work!

[@alexgrazioso2506]

Valiant effort brother. Can't win them all

[@rodneybyrd9516]

My Grandfather, Ulysses Byrd, had a 1960 Phoenix 2dr htp. 361. I have a picture of it sitting in his driveway in Macon, Ga., covered with snow.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s so cool. There is a white ‘60 two door (Seneca with a post, I think) at the “Mopar Ranch” I featured in a video earlier this year. It’s really rough, but pretty awesome.

[@rockystanaitis2908]

As a welder for 44 years I can’t count how many times the cow hide has saved my fingers. When in doubt wear gloves.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I have real mechanic gloves in my toolbox… I just never use them. So there’s that.

[@edwardmartinez9459]

Old Dodge had personality.

[@bjdelaronde]

That's right you are not Dereck but you are defiantly gifted,,Keep on doing what you do.

[@falconman9554]

Thanks for helping me ID a car! There is one of these at a local junkyard thats actually a police car...still has all the "Police package" parts on it black with white doors...and its super solid...been thinking about brining it home.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Damn… that sounds amazing!! I would love to have one like that.

[@todddenio3200]

SAVE IT... Especially if it's an old police car as they are extremely rare and are very sought after.

[@falconman9554]

@@todddenio3200 I would if. I had the room was up there to pick up an engine for my 62 chrysler 300 they only wanted $2500 for it

[@rocketresto]

@@falconman9554 I'd love see see pics of that 61 police car.

[@falconman9554]

@@rocketresto I did take pics of it but there on my phone.

[@heavyearly2232]

Those side -sweep tailights.......so cool.

[@wiggyjones]

With regard to the paperwork problems, I hear that the so-called 'Vermont Loophole' is now closed, which sucks. I am sorry this one didn't pop off; I was rooting for you. Hopefully it has a future. I was really tempted by a C body last week (1970 Sport Fury). Need to stop looking at cars online.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes, really unfortunate. There are other states that still do that sort of thing. Man… I also want a 70 sport fury. It’s a problem.

[@RonNorman-qu4qz]

Awesome video😊😊😊

[@richjordan9375]

I hope you'll take care of this car even though its definitely a 'not for me' style. Most Mopars clicked in for me in 1964, and while I love nearly all the late 60s to 1973-76 (and a few after that), the fuselage Chryslers are my epitome of beautiful lines and elegance, but that '61 is cool in its weirdness and deserves to live and run again.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

This one definitely isn’t in my sweet spot for style either, but I do like it a lot - and it’s super solid. It definitely deserves to live. My handle on FABO was “70sABodies” and that has always been my happy place. Obviously I love lots of B bodies as well - but my real interest has always been in that 64-76 range. I fell in love with the ‘55 Chrysler though. And I can find the appeal in these weird machines between those two points.

[@LongIslandMopars]

I think those cars had two different quarter panel and taillight styles in 61 depending on the model. The frenched taillights on yours is indicative of a high trim level.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep - that rocket tail light is Polara only. The overall quarter design is very similar, if not actually the same. Apparently the trim is different though - the higher line Polara trim is more lines in it, or something.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@DeadDodgeGarage The quarter maybe the same stamping but the Polara has the frenched in taillights while the lesser models have the taillights in the panel below the decklid.

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Liked, first time viewers, Subscribed also

[@dominickserignese8837]

You look like a guy a raced in 1987. His name was George and he had a ratty looking 68 Dart GT 340 automatic, 410 gears. I had a 69 big block Corvette, 4-speed, 410 gears. I only beat him by half a fender!That Dart was REALLY QUICK!made me a believer!😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s awesome. Haha. I wasn’t born until a few years after that. Maybe I am George’s spiritual successor.

[@steverennekamp2125]

BLESS YOU😊

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’ve been waiting all day for someone to do that!

[@todddenio3200]

A great thing with old Mopars is pretty much ANY Mopar V8 starter from then until in the 80's or even the 90's will fit it so a replacement starter to get it going should not be a problem. I had a 60 Phoenix and currently have a smaller Dodge --- 63 Dodge 440 with the 318 Poly. A friend now has my old 60 Phoenix and also a 61.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Unfortunately that is not the case with these early direct drive starters… trust me, I’m hip to the starter interchange.

[@timothyharrison8953]

I support you and your quest for global dominance! My dad had a '60 Phoenix, and it was the first car that I there are pictures of me in it. I like their front end better than the '61, but to each their own.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

‘60 definitely has a look to it. I dunno, I like straight and understated lines. Not that any other line but the grille on the ‘61 is straight or understated…haha.

[@barrycarlisle4511]

Love that body style!

[@shaunclifton5281]

Dude...that ragtop is KILLER. Too bad it doesn't have the cool rocket taillights.

[@indianaslim4971]

Well now, I was put into the WayBack machine when you showed the 64 wagon, my uncle traded in his pride and joy 59 Buick Invicta convertible for a new wagon, cause kids.... remember riding in it on a 200 mile family reunion trip.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I have a video on reviving that car! It’s big block powered. Perfect period race car tow rig… it has been sold and is awaiting shipping. The last time I had it running, it allegedly puked gas everywhere and caught on fire - leading to at least one recurring joke found in this video.

[@indianaslim4971]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I'll definitely find that video and watch it, don't know what engine was in my uncle's car, what impressed me was it was brand new and shiny, our family never had a new car...

[@darrellepickering8433]

That convertible's upper set of rear lights were a later fix of the lower sets placement. Mid-year if I remember correctly. They were set too low to be seen so the upper set were used. Those cars also used the 383 with 2-4 Ram Induction as an option. Think the 4-speed was available.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Interesting. I know dual quads were available on long rams. Apparently ten ‘61 Polaras were so equipped. If there was a four speed available it was some weird french thing. The Chrysler four speed was available starting in ‘64.

[@darrellepickering8433]

@DeadDodgeGarage Pont-A-Mousson, I believe, what it was called on the '61-'62 letter cars, it was French. Ram induction was where the 4bbls were hung over the valve covers. It was something to see! In '66 I saw a power blue '60 Dodge Phoenix convertible, white top, equipped with the ram setup. Always wondered what happened to it. White bucket interior too.

[@darrellepickering8433]

@DeadDodgeGarage it was the French tyranny used on, I believe, the only so-equipped letter car made in '60. It was hyped as the million $ car b/c only 1 was made.

[@alansmith7626]

Lordy I do Love that body style!!!

[@butcher390]

I appreciate you trying to save these cars 🚗 🙏 Absolutely 💯 love the Virgil Exner Era , Mopars . Never see these anymore . I would love too see you , resurrect this one from the , mechanically undead rhelm , And make it road worthy again

[@stevekitowski686]

I had a dodge seneca wagon in high school.lovedit

[@Friedbrain11]

That is a good looking Dodge!

[@lowbudgetbob1155]

That car is actually pretty cool and would make a nice cruiser so I hope it gets a shot at a new life...

[@marioncobaretti2280]

These cars look so good

[@barryrussell4106]

I love your channel.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!!

[@gasser66]

I just saw some really nice Polaras at The Chrysler Nationals yesterday, but not one like this unless I missed it, very cool. I wore my DDG t shirt there to "represent" as they say and I noticed it seem to garner a lot of attention. Even my wife said to me "So many people are reading your shirt". Car shirts are normally super busy, DDG shirt is basic, large font, catchy name. BTW, the sneeze almost made me spit out my coffee. Ill post a photo on your FB merch post, in all my goofy glory.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s amazing. Please do! I appreciate that! It took a little longer than I expected for someone to comment “bless you” yesterday 🤣

[@user-KrackerJack]

There were all kinds of odd stuff back then but that taillight is hight on the list. Always thought the push button trans was kinda cool too

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

That car is a beast please save it . 👍🏻🇦🇺💯⛽️

[@jerryeverett8739]

New subscriber here. Great video. Please, you have to do the Blues Mobile. You are on a mission from God. I have been looking for one forever...lol

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

We’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses…

[@donschultz8491]

I had a 58 desoto with the 350 b block with the same issue. Only differnce was it would start fine when cold but if it was hot, I had to wait a couple hours. Finally locked it up after flooring down the freeway a few miles.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh wow. Impressive…

[@stephencrowell5923]

The exhaust manifold and tail pipes were not shielded from the starter. When the car ran for a time the starter would get hot and not perform. My Dad welded a little metal shield on the exhaust pipe and fixed the problem on our ‘58 New Yorker. In the early 1960s Chrysler shielded the starters and fixed the problem.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

Yep! That is just exactly how I start up fire up Every single morning... A ton of race gas coffee then some starting fluid with something really super sweet and I just might start firing on all 8 cyl...

[@bigwrenchtech]

Just in time for my morning pot of coffee....... The entire pot!.... Am I too reliable? Predictable?..... Yeah Sneeze......bless you.

[@cumminski]

Hell yeah brother. Awsome cars. Chrysler sold same body De sotos (Diplomat) in europe.

[@adamfabing8250]

that car is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!

[@mzaccagnini7179]

Those are very cool cars. Very different. 😊😊

[@musclecarmitch908]

I remember when I was a young boy thinking the 61 dodge was a ford, really different grille for a dodge at the time. But as I got older I came to love Virgil Exner's styling! 61 was a kinda strange styling year for the big 3, they were all kinda out of place and different compared to the year before and after.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right. Much like early 50s cars - stuck between the tall, stodgy styling of the pre and immediately post war era, and the lower, longer cars that were to follow. I really love ‘55 Chryslers, and in my view the more Exner did from that point, the weirder it got - until the ship was finally righted with simplicity, conservative design, straight lines, and… honestly some boredom. Then ‘67-‘68 happened and everything was awesome for a bit there. Haha.

[@musclecarmitch908]

@@DeadDodgeGarage 👍

[@vincemajestyk9497]

Sounded like it was bound up when you started cranking it. Probably the reason it was parked/junked. Never ever seen a bearing grab from just cranking. You need combustion pressure forces which act on the loose clearances and hammer the insert. Even if they were dry, they're Babbitt which won't weld to steel. It'll just wipe. I probably would have pulled the valve covers and hosed down the valve train with some lube though. The valves can stick and hit the pistons. Sometimes you can use fogging oil in the oil fill or pvc openings instead of pulling the covers. I think because of the starter draw it was dragging the voltage too low to get a really decent spark.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yes, I am thinking the same at this point. It was probably already goobered. Starter draw was a thought I’d had to - but I checked and had spark at the plug end of #1 wire while cranking at one point. And was getting that kickback when timing was too advanced. It’s just odd that it was turning perfectly free when I first got it rolling, and then wasn’t after a few attempts. Listening back to all of the video I got after the fact, it was apparent that it had been doing that most of the time. Valvetrain was a thought, but the fact that it turned two revolutions with zero tough spots after I broke the rings free told me I was probably fine there, and if it had lit off they would’ve had lubrication in a hurry. I would really like to know what’s hiding in the oil pan now…

[@66skate]

Interesting that the dash on the convertible is identical to the 63 Dodge Custom 880. I had one of those in convertible form a long time ago. The interior was also red.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

There’s a reason for that! And I’m guessing the reason is… they had them left over? I’m not sure actually. But along with the ‘61 Dodge nose, the mid year ‘62 880 also got the ‘61 Dodge dash. For whatever reason, the 880 stuck with that basic dash through ‘64, although the cluster was updated in ‘64. The 880 was built one more year - ‘65 - when it shared the dash as well as just about everything else with the full size Polara.

[@66skate]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Not sure why they kept it that long. It was also used in the 61 DeSoto.

[@leerindal8980]

Makes me wish I had kept my 61 Seneca. I got it free via barter system helping another car guy save his 69-70 Corvette aluminum big block from getting seized by a landlord for the guy “forgetting” to pay his shop rent in Big Timber, Montana. I did not fully appreciate the aesthetic Lind’s of the Seneca so I donated it to a local father/son project . . . but then the son joined the Army Rangers and headed to the big desert across the pond for some “on the job” training. So the father, instead of letting me know his son left the country, sold the Seneca. Wish he would have told me so I could give him back ALL of his money (ZERO) and get it back. Lesson learned . . . no good deed goes unpunished.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Damn… that’s not cool at all. Bummer.

[@EricDuffy13]

Had a super low mile 61 Phoenix, 2dr, white with blue interior. Wish I still had it.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang…

[@EricDuffy13]

@@DeadDodgeGarage Yeah, rust free.

[@jamesharrison6201]

What I really enjoy is the factory installed sleeping quarters 🤠

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I feel like I missed something important here. Lol.

[@billymcmanus9642]

I've seen a few people use 2 batteries to get the car to run on last resort and it's worked. Not great for the starter but it got it started quickly lol

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

We made that joke. 24 volts baby! Haha.

[@22vx]

Love these old amazing American beauties 🇺🇸

[@eugenemorris6097]

I love this 61 body It got me subscribed hope you will do more with her spun bearing and all.. Gee if you pre lubed it you would not have had that happen JK lol . That's nonsense. Thanks for sharing this 😊

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I actually just found a broken ring in another engine that did someone very similar to this. One way or another, given some time, I could get this thing figured out. I hope to do more with it soon.

[@carlinshowalter1806]

Damn,that's way cool! I want.

[@fordssuck]

Bought 63 custom 880 and had exact same luck. Total rebuild of the 383 was needed

[@paulpaintshop103]

Beautiful car

[@markcollins457]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?😊

[@arthurmccarron4379]

Great. Bunch of. Molars. On to. The. Next. One. Thanks

[@phillipsrundripbubblecompa9232]

Paperwork! we don't need no stinking paperwork. In Georgia before 1986 we just have to have a Bill of Sale...

[@rockystanaitis2908]

Can’t go wrong with the Blues Brothers car

[@vermontguy7692]

A valiant effort (pun intended) but it was probably junk before you ever laid a wrench on it. I'm a big Exner fan, especially the incredibly odd '61's. I haven't seen a can of Chrysler Heat Riser lube for years. I started using it as an all purpose penetrating oil in the 1970's and never came across a fastener it couldn't break loose. I called it "torch in a can", but it got so I couldn't find it at any MoPar dealer parts departments anymore about 20 years ago. In fact, the parts guy at my local dealer just flat GAVE me the last six cans of it that he had on the shelf back then and I think it was discontinued after that.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

All the good stuff was… alas. It seems to work really well! Tom cleans out old dealerships across the country and has come across a good few cans. I like a lot of his designs - but things sure got weird. Haha.

[@jeromebreeding3302]

BIZARRO styling for sure. The dash-board styling could open up your browl in a panic stop(seat-belts were'nt common yet).

[@413x398]

I used to watch Derek all the time, but I lost interest when he hit the Big Time and became commercialized. Don't get me wrong; I think it's great he's providing a good life for his family and all, but it's just not the same.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The show has definitely changed to a degree. Sometimes he’s still doing the same stuff. The guy has millions of followers… I just don’t have half a clue what happens when you get to that level.

[@413x398]

@@DeadDodgeGarage At some point his vocabulary schtick started to get repetitious and old. And, he was not a "little guy" any more, if you know what I mean. Similar story with Cleetus. I don't watch either these days.

[@HughJanus-xh9dz]

I so wanted it to start. I just can't believe a spun bearing would keep it from hitting just one time. Perplexing to say the least.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I heard it hit on a cylinder here or there at least a couple times, and had it kick back against the starter whenever I would advance the timing too far. I don’t know that that’s what happened, but the crank barely turning now is definitely a problem…

[@dantupper1784]

Ahhh, Exner- more of the 'aircraft styling' of his. Also noticing how the fender & door are shorter than the rear quarter panel. And it's a fastback!- does it have a roof line break like the early Barracuda's to keep the rain off going down the road? And then there is the dash- lots going on there. I like these cars but the idea of owning or restoring one with so many unique or one year/model/trim level only parts is intimidating.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The quarter is hugely long! Very much so. I can’t imagine the hunt for parts… I’m not sure on the roof. I was looking at the side profile while working on the thumbnail for the video and realized I never said anything about the fastback design. That’s my bad.

[@briane.5656]

Had a '60 Dart Pioneer years ago, poly 318. It looked pretty normal for the time, a 'compact' car that could only fit, oh, 16 spare tires in the trunk. But the 1961's were just a super confused mess with that curved-in fin and the lights and reflectors. The Polara isn't quite so bad as the Darts (Seneca/Pioneer/Phoenix), and actually that taillight is pretty sweet. But Engel really saved Chrysler when he stepped in, IMHO.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Have to agree. He really righted the ship and made things delightfully boring for a time after all of the outlandish Exner stuff.

[@ervinthompson6598]

You should have pulled the valve covers- standard B engine Mopar, and checked for stuck valves - or did you individually check each cylinder for any compression ??

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Neither of those operations is worth the time it takes in this case. Half of the valves could be stuck open and it wouldn’t do what this engine did. I’ve talked a lot about why I don’t do compression tests.

[@forterierocks]

My dad had a 64 Polara, was a cool car.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’d really like one some day.

[@ToyKingWonder]

As I said below, I recommend looking at the exhaust but really oiling up the top end as much as you can. Is it also possible that you might have slipped a tooth or two on the timing chain? I know you are feeling top dead center and seeing that on your timing pointer, but if there is a tooth or two off it may SEEM like TDC but the valve train is off. That car could have been parked because of a timing chain issue years ago. Also, if it was a nylon chain, bits of plastic could have fallen into the oil and created some oil blockage via plugged pick up in the pan, making the engine run "dry". I am trying to think of all angles for you!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Totally possible. My evidence pointing to the timing most likely being ok is the fact that the distributor rotor pointed right at the factory cap tower position for #1 when aligned with piston #1 reaching TDC. That doesn’t really mean anything, as someone could’ve had the distributor drive out. But it doesn’t seem like the engine had been apart any time recently, or ever. Just as an addendum to that thought - the chain could slip at least a tooth or two and still run. A friend proved that by installing his *several* teeth off somehow, and running the engine like that for some time. Another friend’s Dart Swinger went off a sweet jump and the chain jumped a tooth or three right then. I cranked the distributor timing to compensate, and it ran that way for… like a year or two actually. Not that it was driven every day or anything. One day it finally jumped far enough that it wouldn’t run anymore. I definitely appreciate your thoughts. Until I get to the bottom of why the crank no longer turns without resistance we don’t know what the actual failure here is. I would say it’s even likely that the car was laid up for a mechanical issue. But it definitely ran with the fresh plugs that had been put in it decades ago, so that makes me think it couldn’t be too horribly screwed.

[@ToyKingWonder]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted to see how it all shakes out. I love the car and your attitude. These ALL need to be saved. My next project is my 1969 AMX, which I bought non-running over 25 years ago! Got it running, even drove it around for a while. It has been sitting after its rare fuel pump went out (it is a Trico, and it runs the air powered windshield wipers, if you can believe that!). Finally going to get it running again. When it runs, it is a strong 390 and really goes. After that, it is brakes, interior, bodywork and paint. It was a car that was damaged but worth saving too!

[@jonboy9912]

Did this thing run eventually? Its too good to part out!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No, but thankfully someone bought it with the intention of saving it.