Rare Parts And Problem Solving - 1981 Dodge Challenger Steering Fix, Countless Repairs, And Triumph

[@jamessouthworth1699]

The fact that it's rear-wheel drive is enough to make me like it more than most other compacts.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@jamessouthworth1699 many cars in 1981 were rear wheel except compact Japanese cars.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@Bradydog-in7ut that's true but you don't really see them anymore. The older Corollas, Chevette, Datsun, Ect

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@jamessouthworth1699 Most of my cars were rear wheel drive until the last 10 years. I owned a 1976 Chrysler Cordoba that was a dream to drive. My best was in 87 when I bought a 1985 Camaro Z28. That car was a blast to drive!

[@jamessouthworth1699]

@@Bradydog-in7ut yes those are awesome cars too but it seemed like it's more rare for a small car to have rear wheel drive.

[@craigerickson6308]

How can any real car guy not have a bit of admiration for this lil car. It's super likable. It gets better each video, keep on with the refreshing it. 👍👍

[@behemothpowersports5958]

lol. All the good cars dried up long ago. Now we are focusing on whatever we can get. Me as well

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@craigerickson6308 Because this isn’t “real man’s” garage, it’s “dead Dodge” garage…THAT’S WHY!

[@sentenced03]

I love it ive always wanted one.

[@Fierofreak01]

It's amazing to me that the everyday run of the mill people movers of our youth, are now the fun "toys" that bring us giggles and smiles when we rescue and drive them. I mean, let's be honest, these were cheap "economical" cars that were not meant to last this long, just point A to B appliances. I'm really enjoying the videos of bringing this oddball car back from the dead and having fun with it.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

No question! This was nothing special for so long. But looking back to the simplicity of these cars in the light of today… there is a lot of good to find. Particularly if you live somewhere that allows you to be somewhat creative with respect to the original emissions systems.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@Fierofreak01 Did you also sniff glue in your teens?

[@Fierofreak01]

@@Bradydog-in7ut I might have, why do you think they changed the Testors glue formula? I mean my user name is Fierofreak, that ought to be a sure fire give away!

[@Fierofreak01]

@@DeadDodgeGarage I couldn't agree more, these nothing special cars are a way of reliving our youth (at least mine, so to speak), and maybe saving the past a little bit. I collect Fiero's, the butt of many, many jokes, I mean, my license plates even say FireHazard on them. I can tell you that they are a blast to drive and your going to be hard pressed to see one on the road going the other way. It's a quirky, oddball car just like your Challenger which is why I'm enjoying this series so much.

[@LongIslandMopars]

​@@DeadDodgeGarageI remember these when they were new. I thought it was sacrilege to bear the Challenger name. Then the Charger name appeared on the O24......oh well, have fun with it. 😁

[@minnesotatomcat]

I totally agree about the headlights. LED’s make a classic vehicle look weird. I had a 79 powerwagon with the double rectangular headlight configuration and spent big money on some aftermarket headlights that were not a direct plug in like it said and pins had to be changed in connectors, along with the back side of the new plastic headlights did not fit into the factory mounts and I had to grind things to make them fit. After all that I never did like the look of them and was never impressed by how much light they actually put out so in the end I tore everything out and replaced them with sealed beam Halogens.

[@22vx]

Such a cool little oldie 😎 Thanks for continuing to share!

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@22vx Really, an 81 Mitsubishi branded car is cool to you? What do you want him to repair next! A hot wheels?

[@packatk7431]

You brought it back to life! So cool to see a happy little 80s Challenger cruisin around town. Amazing what a couple months of consistent work can do for a worn out old car.

[@lancesteele9719]

The Challenger is a gift that keeps on giving........and taking ! I'm looking forward to it's next appearance !

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@lancesteele9719 So doesn’t Gonnarehia, but I don’t want that either!

[@SmithsonFamily]

I absolutely love it! In 1991, this was my graduation present. It was repainted white and absolutely wonderful. I always knew that this car could be. “awesome. “well as much as it could be… all my friends always asked what the hell it was. And it was usually a challenge to explain what it was… Thank you! Thank you! Thank you… From 17 year-old me.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s awesome! Thank you!

[@LouisCapps-p3z]

Still a cool car 🚗✌️

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@SmithsonFamily So your your use to Shitboxrs! Real cool car!

[@themuckler8176]

I drove a 78 Sapporo in 1991 while I was in high school. It was charcoal gray...then painted red

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@themuckler8176 The only girl I dated who wouldn’t tell me to screw pulling up with this car is now a nun!

[@renchjeep]

It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow! I love your little Challenger and all of its malaise goodness. Great score, Jamie, and nice job freshening and improving that little beastie.

[@jimringo2569]

Yes ignorable problems are the best. Sorta sage advice we wait for. Thanks for the show.

[@meatybtz]

Loving these videos. Brings back the memories. I just wish I could recall how we fixed the soft brakes in mine back in the day. I recall bleeding them forever and they never got better. Eventually we did "fix it". I just can't recall what we did to finally get them working. We didn't even do anything really special. Just pads and rotors so no "leakage" but the fronts were soft for like a month afterwards despite bleeding them like 10 times. These days I have a power bleeder which I use for clutches and complete fluid swaps. But back then it was the plastic little hand pump bleeder. The problem with the carb IS the check ball in the interior passage behind the bronze plug. They gum up.. all the damned time, even a tiny amount of debris will cause them to jam. It's a key problem point and the most aggravating to fix. Even the rebuilts we had back then had problems with them getting stuck right from the box and having to disassemble them to fix it. The problem is once you fix it, it will get stuck again, eventually. That rough acceleration.. that Mr Anderson is the sound of inevitability. There is nothing wrong with these carbs.. when they work. But the reason we all bag on them is because even when fixed.. they don't stay that way for long. It is the voice of experience.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s fine, I have other ideas anyway… yeah, the hand bleeder hasn’t gotten me anywhere with it so far. My brother has a power bleeder but I’ve never bought one myself. The hand unit and gravity have always done fine for me…

[@meatybtz]

@DeadDodgeGarage ahh, I ended up buying one because I have a GM that needs the clutch fluid fully replaced about every year or so because the slave is poorly designed so the fluid gets filthy, fast. So now I just hook it up fill the new fluid reservoir and push a button and come back in 5 min to a fully bled and operational clutch. The things I couldn't afford when I was dirt poor and wrenching....

[@Silvangreen]

Enjoyed this video. You demonstrated excellent resourcefulness and creativity. I think one reason so many of us like this car (despite stuff) is its good, simple design and solid engineering. 43 years old and it looks contemporary. Same timeless qualities we appreciate in, say, a 65 Dart with a slant.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I agree! And thank you.

[@1ihnut]

I like the way you work on vehicles, incrementally. Like me. Not like one of those fake fix it channels where they fix every nut and bolt in 2.5 days. I don't have that kind of budget or drive, I fix them slowly and correctly, on a budget.

[@kellismith4329]

Me too, I like to still be able to walk when I’m done for the day

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Absolutely. Those sorts of things are completely unrealistic out here in the real world. I do what I can, improve what I can, and leave something on the table for next time. That’s the reality of owning a project car - and something I really try to convey in these videos.

[@paulhare662]

The "Pro Resto Guys" have a secret weapon, throwing chairs around the shop when the "deadline" gets close.

[@allanperryman388]

Awesome! Great job, from wrecking yard to the streets. Thanks for saving another car.

[@petergrey7125]

It’s cool to see this car coming along. Reminds me of life in the 80s-90s. Good times.👍

[@SeaTravelr123]

I had an 83 Challenger.. I LOVED it... but it rusted out from underneath me.. I never had a pep problem with it... She seemed peppy... very comfortable room for 5 adults generally... Great sightline, good sound system... decent gas mileage.. roomy trunk for the size. I can't believe you found one!!!

[@hippylong]

Thanks for sharing knowledge!

[@MattMcCormick502-4]

Hey Jamie. Really glad the repairs you did made the Challenger even more en joyable for you. I'm not an import fan, but like you I find this car to be pretty great, and among many other subscribers, I find this video as well to be enjoyable. Looking forward to more videos on this car, as I find them to be entertaining. I actually want one now. Thanks for your awesome videos and for making sure they are not only awesome but educational. Thanks for what you do, Jamie!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@billmise]

Thanks!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Dang! Thanks, Bill!

[@billmise]

You are welcome, my friend 1:58 ​@DeadDodgeGarage

[@Pedroisanickname]

This video is popular due in great part to the JDM appeal of the Challenger. The styling frankly doesn't hurt, and it checks all the boxes. Decent-sized four-banger manual transmission with manual steer. You can't do much better in terms of a fun driving experience. Not to mention the fact that this is an oddball, so you'll have the only one at the stoplight. My neighbor had a brand new Challenger it was top of the line manual transmission and it had the red hot sticker package and a really interesting set of stock alloy wheels.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Agreed!

[@Pedroisanickname]

A 60-something neighbor in late 70s bought one of these new. It was dark silver with the orange, red and yellow stripe kit with a manual. I had some really interesting alloy wheels that had a square design and a funky red, black and green plaid seats. It had a tuned exhaust so it sounded exceptional.

[@Hollowgeasslegend]

From doing internet sleuthing these cars are SUPER popular in Thailand, Malaysia and The Philippines. So you might be able to find cool parts for it, like side Draft Carbs wink wink nudge nudge

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@Hollowgeasslegend I vote to box it up and send it to one of those countries!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

All of that stuff is available in Australia, where the Scorpion was very popular.

[@squatchfromearth4076]

You still at it? I'm trying to understand why you hate this car so much. Did an ex GF cheat on you in one? ​@Bradydog-in7ut

[@thomaslynch2083]

That little engine sounds so much better in the video now

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It really does!

[@JohnBrooks-i1b]

I love seeing this car get better. If cars had feelings, this one would be GRATEFUL!

[@fifthlomat717]

I just sold my 1978 dodge colt wagon with the 2.6 and a 5 speed, the crazy original carb was junk so i modified the intake and put a Holley 1 barrel sniper EFI on it.

[@burtbacarach5034]

That little dude has come a looong way since you started this project,and I can't believe just how good it sounds.I watch all your vids,but i really like the ones on this car for some reason.

[@bradenrichardson4269]

Love this car, for some reason.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Lots of us do. Haha.

[@pcbullets8726]

What a whip that car is! Looks fun for sure!

[@Trance88]

I love this car. My parents had an '81 Omni O24 back in the early 90's. That car seems "spiritually" similar. It really wasn't in much better condition BACK THEN than this car is, so this Challenger really isn't all that bad!

[@user-he5me9td1t]

Looks like a fun little beater!

[@paulbasham7541]

I love all your projects and content!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thank you!

[@ProtoType99468]

i'm impressed you really are making it roadworthy , too bad about having to go with stock tire size, I like that cherrybomb exhaust

[@oldtanker4860]

I had been told, and found out for myself, it is more fun to drive a slower car fast, than a faster car slow due to traffic laws and other considerations. This looks like you have proven tat saying once again. Hearing it makes me want to get a MGB but your version has tons more room inside.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Absolutely! I’ve had a couple of MGBGTs, and they really are quite small. This isn’t a huge car obviously, but I’m quite comfortable in it.

[@indianaslim4971]

​@@DeadDodgeGarageahhh memories, my oldest brother tossing the keys of his MGBGT to 14 year old me saying don't wreck it, don't let Mom and dad see you, don't go on Broadway and be back by three, two hours of pure joy!

[@jfv65]

​@@DeadDodgeGaragehowever those MG's are much roomier inside then an Alfa Romeo Spider in which i couldn't stretch my legs. In MG i could (6''2.)

[@kyle8952]

@@DeadDodgeGarage hearing a B GT get called "small" is hurting my English brain

[@chrisfreemesser]

I love me that little Fauxpar! 😁 As for finding 14" tires, as much as I detest them as a corporation the WalMart house brand of tire, Solar, are really good tires for the money. Made by Japanese company Sumitomo in South Korea, was able to buy 14" tires in factory size for the LeBaron for like $51 each shipped

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Nice! I could have considered that. But I’ve got an account at Les Schwab.

[@phr3dmcc0y]

i love watching this car come around. I still dont like that home made carrier bearing, but youre the expert. I think I would have sought another solution.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The new one is on the way! That was truly only temporary.

[@scottmiller8791]

I like them. Had one in the 90s. Brings back memories of a more simple time for me. The fact it still exists is a cool thing. They were basically worthless in the 90s. Keep up the good work. One task at a time.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

They’re basically still worthless now, and that’s what makes them great! In a world of $10,000+ A-bodies… these things are looking pretty good.

[@glennyaromy1367]

Great video! I love the challenger. I was a teenager in the 80s (class of 85) and I remember these quite well. Has to have a manual though to be any fun to drive, I'm sure.

[@sneaks01]

Awesome video Jamie! Love this car and thanks for always making me smile and laugh!! 👍

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@sneaks01 He makes me laugh also, pulling the wool over all you folks eyes. Next week he’s going to shine a toilet bowl for you….

[@zerogmopars746]

Enjoying the videos! Had a 1984 Ram 50 4x4 Prospector (loaded, 2.6L 5-Speed, gauge package, bucket seats, and more.) I did burn a MCA Jet by lashing it too tight, so passing on my failure so other don't do the same.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Those will be going away in this car at some point in the future. They seem to be functioning correctly for now.

[@Mark-po5rp]

I've heard of these cars, but I've never actually seen one. Thanks for saving this little gem, I'm really enjoying this series.

[@ted9693]

I love this car I was 15 and remember driving these. Please keep it coming

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Don’t mind if I do!

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@ted9693 it’s hard growing up in poverty….

[@angrypanda3014]

I'm glad to see that this poor car is finally getting some respect. It's very cool!!

[@DPWheeler67]

Well that was fun, nothing dead in this video leave a feeling of wanting! Cool little car, thanks Jamie

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I understand 😅 thanks!

[@PaulSteinberg-il4tw]

Just keep up the good work on this little gem.

[@MoparJimmy]

The name of this fine automobile needs no introduction, it speaks for itself.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

@@MoparJimmy You’re correct, it’s a piece of crap!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

@Bradydog-in7ut jealousy is a foul cologne 🤣

[@billmise]

Keep up the good work on the mrbishi as my dad called them 😅

[@PapiDoesIt]

Mine called them Mitsu Bitchy. Despite that, he had two and loved them till the wheels fell off.

[@boss9mustang404]

Love seeing this little bastard on the channel

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Nice Jamie! I'm glad you got it back on the road. It looks like it's a lot of fun to drive. Well done.

[@mdx_vr]

If you hang on to this car long term, I'll see if I can find a fender and door. The only problem is that I happen to be all the way over in NC. One of the salvage yards in my area has a few of these, but they have been there for a few decades so I don't know if they are in any better shape than the one on the car.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Unless they’re somehow blue and black, I’d be better off just fixing and painting these to match. And then I’ll have to fix the rust holes elsewhere in the body… nope, not at all worth it. But appreciated.

[@michaelsullivan2361]

I was already building cars when they slapped the Challenger badging on these cars. Pissed me off to no end at the time. Yet now, I find myself completely intrigued by this series on your channel. Even started searching marketplace, “just to see”.

[@peterparsons7141]

Yep, fun. And all the things you’re doing are applicable to keeping any driver, if any vintage running. I’ve got three sons and this is all the stuff I’ve been coaching them through for the past year or two. MOPAR OR NOCAR !

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly! There’s a lot of useful stuff to learn that applies to just about any car project.

[@007fredh]

The first new vehicle I ever bought was a 1984D 50 Dodge truck with the 2.6 5 speed. It was a great little truck loved it.

[@DPaint-v5j]

Its good to have steering. Sometimes good to have a little flex in the drive joint. I tried that once with wooden wedges. Didn't work. Maybe too tight. But it is cold. Good luck. Glad to see you doing a bit on it weekly. It should last ten years. Cheap parts getter. 👍👍🇬🇧

[@tonyb3864]

This was another good how to video. Your ingenuity in sourcing a similar tie rod connector was great and shows people you don't always have to have the exact part to get the job done. But highly recommending that people go out and buy one of those JSB's?....yeah right lol

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Uhhhh huh. Think out of the box, that’s the lesson.

[@tonyheslington2480]

So enjoyable! I need Neighbours like Jamie!

[@Vaino_Hotti]

"Okay it's not great, but it is actually almost better, sometimes." Clear improvement, definitely 😂😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly 🤣

[@faiththroughtheflames]

Good looking little car

[@seven7een993]

Im super surprised this car doesnt share a lot of parts with the Conquest. Toyota in the 80s was building the mr2s out of Tercel parts lol as far as tires and wheels, 15s are a pretty good sweet spot for these smaller japanese cars. Lots of availability and good gearing.

[@Greg-io1ip]

One of my girlfriends in highschool was from a pretty wealthy family. She looked amazing in a bikini. Her dad buys her a brand new Tercel in her junior year. Not a spacious back seat. She took it as a challenge. But she hated it because it wasn't stylish. She called it her "TurdCell". Or maybe we named it that. I got whiney that she invited other guys in the back seat. She mostly like to take her top off and lick popsicles. She was kinda damaged. But the truth is that Tercel was a really good car for just getting around in. It was the best gas mileage car anyone had. Easily 35mpg. Oh the mammaries of times past.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

It *does* share parts with the Starion / Conquest. That car has the sportier body, IRS, five lug wheels, and other cool things - but they share the same basic chassis.

[@glenn-q8y]

Love these...I consider them Chrysler's!!! Can't wait to see more

[@philipgenovese3478]

Coming together well. Step by step the little rear wheel car has charm .

[@Oldjohn52]

I completely agree that LED headlights have the spectrum of a fusion reaction and are orders of magnitude too forging bright.

[@Oldjohn52]

When I had to source tires for my 04 civic I wound up with a group of "Black Lion" 14 inch tires. They were cheap but as hard a compound as a vulcanized hockey puck and would lose traction in the shade ffs. Fourteens are fossils and about as rare.

[@harrylister804]

Those (offroad use only)LED replacements from the parts stores are absolutely awful. Theyre super obnoxious bright up close but no projection down road. Preston Tucker certainly would not approve. An aside, I want to see this gem get better and better. Each old car still going is one more middle finger to today's manufacturers of crap.

[@rocco3381]

Older cars are just more fun. They don’t do anything as well as newer cars, but it’s a much more tactile and visceral experience. Simplicity is beautiful.

[@rosscurtis896]

yea, yea, the 'lil car is growing on me. Good work Jamie :)

[@Cheddah45]

Love this series. I actually owned one of these around 1989. It was a fun little car, kinda wish I still had it.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

Im still in love with LSS (little stool sample) shes such a beast with that exhaust, rear wheel drive, manual, and a 4 banger...cant wait for the next video on it

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Haaaahaha. Nice.

[@jamesblair9614]

It only took me seconds to realize you said, never achieve them. I didn’t get much sleep last night, I’m a bit slow on the draw this morning.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Haha. Nice. Good morning, grab yourself a coffee. Things will improve.

[@bobg3034]

Awesome! Keep fixing that Challenger!

[@eddiea1213]

Love this series, not sure why. I like the basic economy of this car. Stick shift, 4 cylinder, no frills.

[@scottsullivan1464]

Pot o'Gold Challenger, Ducks, Tires le Schwab, you are pleasing the crowd and I like it

[@minnesotatomcat]

You are correct about the 14” tires, they are getting hard to get and only a few choices really. Im still dailying a 99 Corolla and the last 2 set I’ve bought were Lauffen eBay specials cause its about all I can find 😂

[@MrBrombomb]

As you keep driving this car, you will come up with more ways to improve the performance, & handling of it. I actually have a fondness for this lil Japanese built Challenger and I’m really looking forward to seeing what you do with it and where this project goes.

[@christopherg9806]

I love the induction roar from the intake. And your ducks. They're pretty cute too.

[@Darryl-69SE]

I watched “Dirty Mary Crazy Larry” for the first time. Hard not to cry at the end.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Still haven’t watched that one somehow. But I know how it ends…

[@geoffkeller5337]

The little car that could... Still keeps getting cooler and more fun.

[@sinformant]

You arent allowed to stop until that thing is all nice and shiny like the day it was new, and you are one of those old dudes that are proud of their really old box of a car that isnt desirable or collectible but get excited when people compliment you on it and ask what it is😜. Ps i cant even explain my own facination with watching you resurect this this odity of a car i never knew existed until i stumbled across your vids. Until this car the weirdest must obscure car named after a muscle car that was an economy car was a late 80's hatchback a guy i knew drove and it was a chevy nova.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Well, I’m not promising all that 😅 but I’ll see what I can do.

[@cbobmonster]

I am really starting to fall in love with that thing cool car

[@Gectms]

Loving this series!

[@servicegod64]

I had a Sapporo as my first real car. Once you reach its full potential you'll be impressed. I raced Celicas and Mustang twos of the era and smoked them. Had an argument with a fire hydrant when I swung wide on a corner and got into road sand after a winter storm. I really loved that car and thanks for keeping this one on the road!

[@servicegod64]

If you decide to move it along let me know. I need this back in my life! I'll give it a good home!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Man, I’m impressed now! And I know there’s a lot more hiding in there. I’ll keep that in mind - but a lot of people have already expressed interest. It’s hard to keep track of them all.

[@rjbiker66]

Look for camber adjustment bolt kits for the scorpion. +/- 1.5 degrees Also track down a "hemi 2.6" badge off an Aries.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’ve got my eye out for the Hemi badge. Haha. I do see where camber bolts could be added and I will keep that in mind. Thanks!

[@oncewaslost1982]

I love this weird little unicorn of a shitbox. We need to find you a straight door and fender for the drivers side. Make this thing super straight and clean. It deserves it.

[@jonboy9912]

Sounds a lot better than it looks.

[@RickLovesCars]

Can’t wait to see how you add the HP’s to this little beauty!!!

[@quetzalcoatl4184]

thank you for confirming I'm not the only person who doesn't like LED swaps, I prefer the incandescent

[@barryrussell4106]

Those little mid 80s disposable cars were fun. A buddy’s mom had a “Dodge” Colt we had many good times in that when there was not enough change to roll the 360 duster

[@ambirbtruckdriver]

Hell yeah! Another shitbox video! Easiest way to fix shitty old plastic: superglue with a bonding agent, I use baking soda. Drip the glue on, build up a drop, dust it with baking soda. Immediately dry and hard as a rock, you can file it down as needed. Slightly transparent so at a glance you won’t notice, especially if you build up a “weld” on the back side. Have used this for car parts, old computer cases, and half a dozen other types of old plastics with great results.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I use Rapid Fix super glue and the reinforcing powder. Works great, just couldn’t be bothered in this case. It’s cracked in four places but not noticeable. Should probably change the channel name to Shitbox Daily…

[@klapaucius77]

I was going to suggest to check for Ram 50 parts. My dad had one on the farm, with a 5 speed. It was a tough little truck until the frame was no longer doing frame things. Constantly overloading it and driving across worked fields apparently wasn't good for it. It did last 400000km, roughly 240000 miles.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Just ordered a driveshaft center support assembly that is only listed for Ram 50 and related trucks, but is the same part number referenced by the Challenger service manual. There is certainly a lot of part interchange there.

[@jeffosim8789]

I was excited to see the video dropped for this challenger again. It’s like the little train that could.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I think I can, I think I can!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

As I said on that mopar page on Facebook the other day, these are cool little cars. Muscle they are not but they are fun, and handle well.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Completely agree!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome weirdness!👍

[@wiggyjones]

Look at it. It's beautiful. I love it.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

My advise to you; start drinking very heavily.

[@ricksaint2000]

Ducks & Chickens do not lie - You Rock Jamie!

[@TroyStout-z8k]

Really enjoying this little RWD Mitsu refresh Jamey! Always wanted one or a RWD 70’s Colt but I was bitten by the FWD Turbo Dodge bug in 1995. I still have two. Broken of course, along with unfinished muscle cars & a broken 5.7 Hemi car LOL.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Broken K cars and Hemi cars together in one yard. You are definitely a real Mopar guy. Haha. Also, it was literally only today that I learned the first generation of Colts were rear wheel drive! And so was the Arrow! Those things are all like hens’ teeth around here (much like the ‘81 Challenger) so I haven’t had much opportunity to learn.

[@TroyStout-z8k]

@ just today, that’s a coincidenc, they are cool little Moparbishi’s! Yeah, I’m down to 7 cars, from 13 so that’s good I guess. At least it’s dry here in CO, OMG! Anyhow I can’t wait to watch the Barracuda episode next! My ‘66 F/S has been 3/4 done / restored for years now & you’re shaming me into actually finishing it!

[@KiwiStag74]

Oh, how I am travelling back in time every time you go for a blast in this thing! The drifting and breaking loose in second.....ahhhhhhhh, the memories! My Sapporo was so great to barrel around in when it was wet. She was so easily controllable in the wet....and although she handled brilliantly in the dry, she couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding to slide through the corners unless I was already pulling about 3500-4000rpm. A decent cam would definitely have helped that, but stomping on the gas and letting all four venturis of the twin 40s just dump fuel into the engine did compensate a bit. I thought I'd mentioned to you that the stud pattern was a 114.3 (4.5"). Sorry if I didn't. They are the same as pretty much any 70s to early 90s (at least) Japanese car wheel, so a 15" wheel certainly isn't out of the question - and there were even some 16" and 17" out there by the late 80s. There ere a lot of aftermarket wheels made for the Japanese stud pattern as well, so a 5-spoke, snowflake, turbine, Globe, star, mesh or full-face wheel would fit the beast....and plenty would suit it. Yeah - she is definitely a long-legged beast. I loved that about the car - it meant that the 300-odd miles between where I lived and where my girlfriend of the time (now my wife) lived, got eaten up so easily and in comfort. However, she was still low geared enough that first and second were great on the hills and very tight corners between my place and where my mother lived. Again, I reckoned a decent cam in it would have helped get her to the red line quicker, but even as standard she had the grunt to use the legs she had....and even if they were nothing spectacular, the whole package together worked well enough that she covered all the things I needed out of a vehicle at the time - quick enough, comfy enough, cruisy enough, tough enough, sporty enough and with those looks, she was certainly a great little car to be seen in. I wanted to keep her indefinitely, but I had nowhere to store the beast when I bought what became her replacement....and the only reason I bought THAT was because it was too good a deal to pass up. Mind you, I kept that car for 6 years and did over 100k miles in it, so it was worth the sacrifice economically....but not from the point of view I had to give up a car I really loved. Gonna miss seeing this on the channel as much, but I know she'll do what you want her to do in regard to being reliable and relatively economical on the commute.....and plenty of room for fun on the way! All the best

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Don’t you worry, it’ll be back. Need to spend a bunch of money on a new head and cool parts from Oz. Haha.

[@bboxx069]

Looking forward to the next video.

[@bookofrevelation4924]

You used a gasket that's not Felpro? Glad you used Gage and Moog. In 1985 I was awarded one of the 500 National Felpro Awards when attending UTI in Houston.

[@VanderSysDavid]

Loving this project so far! So headlights... I like to replace sealed beam headlights with Hella sealed beam conversions. All glass, none of the drawbacks of LEDs, and they use standard H4 bulbs for hi beam/low beam and H1s for hi beam. My 65 GMC has headlights as good as any new car but without the horrible glare of LEDs.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

You’re the second to mention them. I don’t hate the idea. But I also can’t just go into a store and buy them.

[@slavko8253]

Thanks for using the angle I recommended love ur vids man for a 55k sub thing can we hear this thing bang the limiter

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

The angle from the passenger glass? I’ve been using that angle for years - see any of my drag racing videos - and the phone holder has been in that spot in the Challenger for the last three videos. Also… I don’t think there IS a limiter right now 😅

[@thomas5890]

I do like watching this car in particular. It’s like a quirky street legal go cart. It’s like why I kinda like Chevettes. Cheap rear wheel drive with a manual still fairly cheap to buy. But the price is climbing. Cheap on fuel. Just something you can mess around with and have a little fun on a budget. Plus with the Chevettes. The 4 speed is a miniaturized Muntsy rock crusher. So they’re pretty much built proof. Making them good for someone to learn how to drive stick on. I learned on an old Datsun at the bottom of a hill with a stop sign at the top. On a very quiet back road. I gave the clutch a good work out. A bit of tire smoke too, and a lot of patience from myself and dad. It took me 45 minutes to pull away from the sign and a whole lot of cursing. But after that I could drive a stick. I have successfully taught others with that method. But I tell them what’s up before we leave the house. So the know what they’re in for. I also will not take them out unless they have had a snack, some water, and gone pee, before we start Because being hangry or having to pee with all of that jerking is not helpful. I know they are going to have enough stress with out adding on to it.

[@MikeJBlues]

I had a lot of k cars in the 80s and 90s. Still have a soft spot for this style of 80s cars. My brother has a Mitsubishi pickup from this era, either you hate them or love them. You need a tire sponsor lol.... Cooper Cobras would look nice on this .

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh, I agree. I hope they call some day 😅

[@stewarth8390]

You’ve resurrected such a cool reminder of the 80’s big capacity 4cyl cars and I have missed that sensational sound of the Weber carb induction noise…. If you get a chance, take the air filter off and take it for drive and just listen to the induction, best 80’s soundtrack lol

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I am planning to swap it to dual side draft Webers... then we'll have ALL the induction sound.

[@stewarth8390]

That’s the ultimate! It’s getting better and better @DeadDodgeGarage and 4 foam filter socks too 👌

[@boredom.victim]

Christmas tree on fire... usually a relaxing scent ❤

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Tested that theory in a KZbin short three years ago 😅