Mopars Of Month: February 2004
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1964 Plymouth Valiant By Mike S.

This is my rarely abused 1964 Valiant 2 door sedan (post) with the factory 4 speed and 225 inch slant six engine. 1 owner in 34 years. I acquired the vehicle 1/15/04.

Short history: built in March '64, first sold in Bradenton, Florida, and purchased by last owner in San Francisco in Jan.'70 with 89,000 miles showing. Total miles now are near 250,000, on it's 2nd engine (over 100,000 mi.) The 833 trans was freshened about 20,000 mi. ago, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere today. The engine runs strong but does have some 'blow-by', and the 3.55 posi 8 3/4 rear axle has had a low frequency noise since installed it over 10 years ago, gotten no worse, no better.

A FEW MODIFICATIONS: Offenhauser 4V 4bbl
aluminum intake....Clifford exhaust header & single exhaust...Carter AFB...MP electronic ignition... trunk mounted battery...manual switched electric radiator fan....10 inch drums F & R....dual brake master cylinder...chromed valve cover....cyl. head cut approx. .090...8 3/4 axle assy with 742 case 3.55 posi, Koni shocks,....fresh air intake to carb...14X7 inch ralley wheels chromed but need re-done to be nice...tires are 235/60-14 Grand Am/GT.

'Cuda rally steering wheel...Denon radio/cassette in glove box, 4 speakers...seats from '83 Challenger, recliners...floor and overhead consoles & map/reading lights...rear glass defroster fan (all Mopar)...fresh shaded and tint windshield....trunk mounted luggage rack....has HD torsion bars,#893/892....the rear flares are cut from front fenders from '82 Omni, welded in and Bondo finished....and a 4 inch front 'chin spoiler' that really works at highway speeds... story in "Slant Six News" issue #31, page 18. Vehicle Condition Over-all, a really solid car, no rusted out frame rails or floor pans- even the spare tire well is totally solid. It had surface rust inside but was rust-treated and spray painted in'92. Both rear quarter panels had rust-out, and most was cut away when the wheel opening flares were welded in. Note the rounded rear wheel opening contour. Also, both doors have rust starting to show at the front bottom corners. Common for the "A" body cars. Misc surface rust in general areas.

Mike S.        

Colfax, California