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I Got Real        ---        I Got MoPar

I just found your site via a web search for info re: the Dodge Custom 880, which is one of my favorite cars of all time.  I couldn't believe how nice your site is!  You certainly have put a lot of time & effort into it.

I'd like to put a link from my site to yours. I'm just getting my site going at this point so there isn't much to look at yet...

Drews website

Hi there,

kindest greetings from Germany. I really enjoyed your site, because i used to own a 63 Custom 880 until last spring. This was one of 2 registered 1963 Custom 880 in my country , a 100% original 4dr sedan car from Illinois.

I drove this smooth vehicle to several car events, e.g. the "Oldtimer Grand Prix" at the Nurburgring race track (of course i did not race the Dodge, but it was a sight to see it in the pit area...)I had the 1963 radio commercial in my ear "the dependables built by Dodge", because this car was ALWAYS running!I sold it to a young enthusiast, who is currently restoring it. I refused to restore the car myself: it ran and drove smooth, but boy, it was so badly rusted out. But I´I never forget the crisp styling and the cool ride with this wonderful car.

I love your site,only wish someone with as much talent as you would do the same for the 65 Dodges as you have for the 63 cars. Keep it up.

Ay mate,

     Just finished reading your website, first time to see so much information on the Dodge cars. I too have a 1963 Dodge Polara, not near as nice as yours , but probably never will be. Mine is sitting in my driveway waiting for the , as you pointed out , the 1968 440 out of a Chrysler New Yorker. I'm busy finishing a 1963 Plymouth Valiant 2dr for my daughter, then on to the Polara. My goal for the Polara is to use it for Street Cruising and some Drag Racing. I have accumulated quite a few parts for my car to return it to the resto race car of the 60's. 8" steel wheels for the rear, as well as 14" American Mags for the front. A 3:91 posi for the 8 3/4 rearend, as well as a race built trans that was already in the car ,with a set a headers that were on the 440 that came out of the car. The previous owner raced this car , still on the windows is the dial in from the dragstrip, the time 12.10. As you well can tell , this car is a lifelong wish, I grew up watching my oldest brother race cars, his last 2 being a 1965 Plymouth Belvedere and then a 1963 Dodge 330 2dr ht, fully race ready. I was only 13 at the time , but knew what I liked, and it was an early MoPar.  By your story you have told , you know where Pomona,California is , I live approximately 6 miles south of Pomona. And as for the swap meet you mention , the show at Pomona is a regular selling spot for me and my brother. We do a considerable amount of business with those of you down under. If you are ever in the states again , we are in row 14, spaces 59,61, and 63 at the Pomona swap. Thanks for the opportunity to see a Dodge for once,and a very fine one at that, instead of all those Plymouths.

It is highly unlikely that one could design a more pleasing style than the 63 Dodge 2dr htp. I am currently in the sand and primer stage of my 63 440 htp and I was thrilled with the tour of your site. Mine is a Canadian production and therefore has the same interior as the 63 Plymouth. I am coming back here again for a little encouragement. That is an absolutely beautiful car you have there.

Enjoyed your project! I had a 1963 Dodge 330 model, retroed with a Roadrunner 383 4 bbl. Ex-Iowa state trooper car. 3 speed torque-flight, rubber in all 3 gears. Fastest car in southern Minn. Rolled it in a drag race. Bummer. That was in 1970. Still my favorite car, though not many shared my sentiments.
Nice job restoring.

Hello, first off thank you for a great site. The early Dodges are indeed always overlooked for reasons that are beyond me. Also this is the only site I have found with any coverage on the 880 and Custom 880 Dodges:) I am the 2nd and 4th owner of my current project... a running, driving and virtually rust free (with the exception of the floorboards) 1964 Dodge Custom 880 two door hardtop. It has the 383 2bbl and pushbutton Torqu Flite. As I am sure you know there isnt an ounce of information to help the owner of these fine cars with a resto. (Especially since I wasnt even around when these cars came around, I am only 21). Do you know of any registries or clubs devoted to the Big Dodge 880's.
Any and all info you can give me is greatly appreciated. Again thank you for the site.

Thanks,
R. Moore

Yup,
had me one of them. 318 ninety degree block. Think it had carter carb. I took a trip across the usa for two months living in it. was a two door hard top. I removed the passenger seat back and put it on the floor by the heater and slept stretched out to the rear seat. If only we could keep all our old cars. have fun old man,
.......Dick

 I own and am trying to restore a 64 Dart GT conv. and am having difficulties trying to find clips to hold the side trim.  Would appreciate any info you have.

Try: Mr.G's Enterprises

Guess it beats my VW Microbus but you couldn't get where I've been, nice though!

Very nice job. good to see a older dodge so nice. thanks .Craig.
      See Us At .......IRONHILL RANCH
www.ironhillranch.com

Hello my name is mike kincaide, I live in southern Indiana in u.s.a. I am 45. when I was a kid my older brother had a 63 Polara. your car brings back fond memories,you must have really liked your car a lot to take so many pains. it looks very nice! my brothers car was a hot rod it had a 383 four speed and was souped up I was pretty young but I liked  that car a lot. I am working on a 64 Chevy nova ss.
Wish I had some pics of my brothers old car to send you.
Well talk to you later, I am going to add your page to my list of favorites
 

I miss our old '63 440 4 door sedan.
Good luck with yours...looks sharp!
Thanx for the site...Paul

Greetings! I stumbled onto your '63 Dodge site by accident. Boy, am I jealous!! When I got married back in '73 I had several cars(young, single, and nothing better to spend my money on!) and one was a '63 Polara 4 door It had the old style 318 and the pushbutton auto. I bought the car for $75 US, paid  $150 for a front end alignment with parts, and spent $100 for new tires! Not bad, and had cheap transportation out of it! I eventually put mag wheels on it and a tach for that racy look! I eventually gave it to my brother in law because I had 5 running cars and really didn't need it. If you have the original automatic in it you can push start it like a manual trans car, did you know that? All the pushbutton Torquflites were made that way. They had a rear pump as well as a front pump. All you had to do was push the second gear button and have another car push you! At around 30 mph the rear pump will generate enough pressure to turn over the engine! It works, we did it twice when the carb flooded and ran down the battery! And mine was even the same blue, I think it must have been the standard color. Enjoy, you have a car to be truly proud of!

Florida, USA

Hi Bruce, I really enjoyed reading your page about the 1963 Dodges. I have a 1963 Dodge that you did not mention in the truck section, a Dodge Motor Home, built on the forward control truck chassis with a special truck version of the 318 engine, Torqueflite transmission (without the "park"lever), and a dual wheel sure grip rear end. The 1963 motor home was the last year for the pushbutton controlled transmission and the first year for the 27' fiberglas body that was cast in two halves with a seam down the middle. In 1970 the name was changed to "Travco" and about this time the engine was changed to the truck version of the 413. I have a 413 and tranny out of a 1972 motor home in mine now. Dodge Motor Homes and Travco motor homes were built by Frank Motor Homes in Brown City, Michigan, which sold the Travco line about 1980 to the Foretravel company in Texas. If I ever learn how to send pictures on this contraption I will send some of my motor home to you.

Hi,
You have a great web page.  I'm rebuilding a 63 Polara 500 and I hope mine will look as good as yours.
Do you know where I can get parts?

 I spent a very enjoyable hour or so scrolling and reading your very excellent web site on '63 Dodges.
What a site - one of the most informative I've ever seen.

Great website!!!
I cannot believe I finally found somebody who has information on the incredible 63 Dodge Polara.  I have had one for approximately 12 years now, but it hasn't been driven in eight of those years.  Between college and moving to another town, I never have been able to start working on it again.

To whom it may concern, I have a 63 Dodge Polara 4-door hardtop with a 383 (2-barrel) automatic that I have been wanting to restore, just haven't had the time, money or place to do it.  My question would be, am I going to be able to find body parts, etc. for this car in my region?  I received the car as a gift from a relative when I was in high school, but it's been pretty neglected since then (10 years).  Any information would be appreciated.

I just wanted to say Hello & I really enjoyed your site .

My names Desiree , I live in Northern California. I also Have a 1963 Dodge,  mines  a Dart .... I really wasn't into older cars, I mean I do have lots of family that work on them  And have learned a lot about cars , but just never got into it.
Till one day I saw this little red thing sitting in someones yard & just had to get it ... & well now its my baby ... I've only had her for about 5 months & have been spending a lot of time on her ( having a hell of a time finding parts

well anyways don't want to bore you,
So , thanks for the info in your site & if you have any tips  you can give me
I would greatly appreciate it ... thanks again ...

I'll send you a pic of my car ( not that you would want it ) hehe

 I really enjoyed viewing your website!  

I have a '63 "330" with 426 Max Wedge currently undergoing construction/restoration.  The bodywork and complete paint should be done early in '99.  If  you like, I can send pictures once the engine and interior are installed.

The car is white with tan interior.  The entire car recently had it's paint removed (including underhood and trunk) and has been repainted as original. It is a radio and heater delete car with no options other than 426 Ramcharger and Auto. trans..  Also has 3.91 rear and 3000 stall converter.  The engine appears externally correct with a few very minor exceptions.

Incidentally, I have owned the car since 1980, my parents purchased it new in '63.  I was very young when it was new but I do remember going for "rides" with my dad.  What a blast!  

 The greatest of thanks. I'm a proud owner of a '63, 330, 225 cu in., colour 'EE' blue.
It comes with a great story, broken necks, surfing, skiing, broken hearts and trans-Canada road trips. The information for this vehicle model is sparse at best so your work in metal and also digitally is greatly appreciated. The heat is on out at the workshop tonight as it's a brisk  -14 c. out back at the ice skating rink. Keep up the nice work and lets see lots of palm trees in your photos, eh!    
-Neil, an hour away from the Windsor Dodge plant.

Subject: Reported quarter mile times for a 62 413 "Max Wedge"

I raced a 1962 Dodge "440" Convertible Max-Wedge sponsored by Chrysler from 1962 - 64 and won 29 Top Eliminators in a row on the East Coast (Mainly in up-state NY at Fonda and south Glens Falls.  The car ran in the mid-8s in the eighth mile and mid-12s in the quarter - STOCK.  Yes, I ran 900 series Alas Bucrons.  Cha Cha drove the car in the Powder Puff on occasion.
The information provided on the Max-Wedge cars is more accurate then most sites provide.  I now own a '63 Polara 55 Max-Wedge car.

Chrysler supplied engines (several), technical assistance, and tuning aid.  The Polara 500 is just finishing restoration, so I do not know how well it will run.  It is the 3rd max-wedge I have done in the last few years.
 You're right about 50-80 miles per quart of oil.

  I am looking for a 63 dodge Polara 2 door hardtop - would you be interested in selling yours?

This letter was so good I had to put it all on the net

   
  Bravo! Thank you! I got my Dodge Coronet 440 In the summer of '86 as a graduation present to myself for $ 450.00 !    I bought her from the original owner, a librarian, who used it daily to drive to work (at the library), she included the window sticker, and as her and her husband stood together almost in mourning, to watch me drive away with their baby, I smiled and promised them I would take good care of her and treat her right.
    Well "Jinx" and I began our relationship with a common bond of a thirst for a zealous life and immediately began racing guys at stoplights ( and Winning!), and driving to Berkely at 1:00 am for ribs at Everette and Jones, at 120 mph on any given night. We were inseparable!
    Then the reality of ACTUAL MAINTENANCE set in. So began our nomadic journey of trying to find , learning together, how to deal with greasy letches,condescending hillbillies "Hey thar little darling..", sexist pigs,"Hey baby, why don't you come in back to my office, I can work out a special deal for you...",  masculine heros," Listen little lady, the
problem is something a lot more than a tune-up, and you're lucky we found it today..", big name franchising capitalists,.." I know $120.00 for a tune-up, and $385.00 for new brakes is a large investment, but we can help, it only takes 5 minutes to apply for our pre-approved $1,000.00 line of credit and at 28.5% interest your going to be saving.."  and we could never forget (all) the mechanical geniuses..." I can tell you exactly what the problem is without even looking at it !You wanna know what the problem is? The problem is it's a DODGE! !!!!Yuk ,yuk ,yuk,yuk (in chorus with the entire shop)...that thing's OLD (duh), it's gonna cause you nuthin' but problems, that's the worst car Dodge ever put out!
Now, if you want a GOOD car I got a Pinto wagon out back with low miles....".
    Well, saying we had to go to the bank to get the cash, and would be right back,  (yeah, right ) would eloquently  gain us enough freedom to peal-out from their lot and never look back!
    Friends and family presented different issues like realizing that there IS  a difference between someone who  really SOUNDS like they know what their talking about, and someone who actually KNOWS what their talking about. Usually asking them if they have a RUNNING vehicle, and checking out how it ran, became a pretty good indicator of which person they were.
    Well the final and best resource was the most obvious, Me! I started learning about her as we had problems together, little was I to realize that learning how to fix her was easier (reading), than the eventually desperate and creative search for parts.
     Our list of resources  quickly became a list of un-resourceful sources, making it unnecessary to write down the 2 or 3 usually places to try and check for parts.
    Your site was an accidental (for us) blessing in my usual search for finding nothing. I feel like we can stop being nomadic and vibe with the rest of the tribe. Your sight was beautifully contrived, with the style and dignity these great beasts deserve ; entertaining to read and aesthetically flowing from one piece of eye candy to another...truly Shangrila!
    I hope someone can help us with our relationship before it's too late. You see she, "Jinx" and I sort of "seperated", after giving her a full tank of gas, a new tire, new hoses, which wasn't easy because she can make everything as hard as she wants,and she can be HARD, I decided to give her filters too; air, fuel, fine no problem, outside in the winter in the rain, she won,t give me an inch to get off her oil filter, and took a bite out of my knuckles with her underside as I lost hold of
the oil wrench. Fine, forget it ! You don't deserve it I tell her, along with a few choice adjectives. Still nursing my wounds I hop into her that night, and she begins acting as I've never heard or felt. She didn't make it 2 blocks without shutting off 3 x's, (oh yeah, brand new Interstate battery too), then the tranny started slipping and groaning as I turned home, (fluid's fine), turned off 2 more times, and I finally coasted and pushed her the last 20 ft. My knuckles still stung from her attitude
that morning, I realizing that I was monetarily exhausted and knowing whatever caused those sounds was more money than i could save in months, completely carless, I lost it and cursed her with a stream of obscenities, while slamming every door, and giving her a fierce kick, told her i was through with her and then condemned her to the narrow passage on the side of the house, behind a fence , with no shade nor shelter. That was over a year ago.  Her paint is faded, tire flat, interior covered with dirt, decomposing carpet and spiderwebs. Nope haven't looked under the hood or even touched her keys. I was wrong. I was my fault, I should have appreciated her for what she was and give her more than gasoline and 2 tune-ups in all our years together. She probably needs everything, she definitely deserves it , and I'm ready to
make a real commitment to her. I MISS HER!! Except I don't know how to approach her... besides giving her a bath and  some air. Should I drain everything and start fresh ? What about the tranny (727)? What about the engine? the thermostat,or coolant? the fuel? Should I use some kind of Marvel Mystery oil, or Duralube, or some other $14.00 a bottle offering ? Any advice is appreciated. I would love to drive her this summer all the windows down, just us.
    Thanks for letting me take so much of your time, she real is special as everyone you deal with already knows, and if any of them can give me a clue I'd greatly appreciate if you'd send them our way.
     Thanks again..Peace..isabelle
                           a.k.a. Trixi & Jinx

IMH, QUEEN OF THE GEEKS