I have a bead on a 1963 Chrysler New Yorker project car in really nice shape. A friend is moving and can't take it with him. I need some advice on this car. I've never been a mopar guy but this car is talking to me and I can see this thing as a bagged boulevard sled. What should I look out for? Opinions of the 413ci and push-button torqueflite? How is parts availability? Anyone here own(ed) one? Pictures? /Mike
Rust. Poor initial build quality. Rust. And did I mention rust?? These are unit bodied cars, and any rust will affect the car's structural integrity. Esp. rockers, they are basically the frame rails. Engine parts are basically 440 MoPar, no problem. Trans parts are, I think, 727, except for the shifter, so no problem. Body parts are somewhat unique to the New Yorker, which saw fairly limited production, so possible problems. Cosmo
Extremist, any of the Mopars from that year would have, most likly, a big block, which could be a 361", 383" or 413". Parts are readily available for all of them. They are all good reliable motors and can be built to give stout performance. Of course, the 413" is the most desirable. The pushbutton TF is basically the same as the late TF's except the cable shift apparatus can present some problems. Parts are becoming harder and harder to obtain for it. Be sure that the trans works properly in all gears and that the cable is in good condition. They (the shift cables) are very prone to leak if the sheath is damaged, which happens frequently. The driveshaft features a trunnion front joint which can be a real pain in the ass if the boot covering it is damaged. The trunnion joint bolts to the back of the trans, so if it and the trans are suspect, I would recommend changing to a later model trans and replacement shaft with regular u-joints. The bodies were fairly good but, you did mention rust. So, I would closely inspect the cowl right at the windhield and also the rear window as the old Mopars of this vintage were very prone to rust out there, which can be a costly fix. The rear end featured tapered axles which are keyed to the hubs, very similar to the old Fords. While serviceable, they are a weak link if you like to drive with a heavy foot. The rears are easily replaced by a later model 8 3/4 out of another Mopar. Lots of them in the yards. Other than the things I mentioned, I can see no reason not to grab this beast. Of course, I do love my Mopars so I may be more than a little prejudiced! The brakes are nothing to worry about and, in fact, disc brakes can be had to convert the front system.
Bottoms of these, the rockers were so heavy I've seen cars sunk into the mud that get flooded every year and have no trunk at all, but have rockers left on them. The rear frame rails are the structural issue area for these cars. The underframe is not a lot different from the 60-62 models, in fact the wagons use basically the same body, glass, etc. -
Excellent info guys really appreciate it. I'm going to give this car a thorough inspection this week. I'll take some pictures and you can tell me what you think. The body looked to be rock-solid, with the exception of the bottom of each front quarter, and 1/2" or so of the wheel wells in the rear. No dents anywhere. All brightwork is there except a couple of little fins on one of the taillights, and two "gills" on one front quarter. It's been sitting outside and I didn't notice any evidence of water penetration in the trunk or interior. Needs to be re-upholstered and re-carpeted, steering wheel has cracks, all weatherstripping and window felt is trashed. He's owned the car for about 15 years, says he believes it has 70k orig miles (doubt it). It's been sitting for a few years, but he starts it once a week and says the A/C works. It definitely needs brake work. Pretty sure I could get this car for about 2k. I'd love to see some pictures of these cars rodded. Doesn't seem to be many around... maybe one reason why I'm interested. /M
I'm looking at the car this week with the advice given here in mind. If it passes inspection it's mine for $1k. I'm a decent mechanic but inexperienced with body/paint work on cars. I'll get it on the road and for a grand it's a good place for me to practice before I start on the shoebox next year. I'm already thinking about paint color/combinations. Here's the beast:
The car looks clean. A good buffing and detailing would probably make it look respectable, and a grand is a steal if you can get it driveable. This will have torsion bar suspension in the front and parallel leafs in the rear, so lowering should be easy, although bags are almost completely out of the question. I like it, keep us updated.
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