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New guy with questions about a 1962 Chrysler newport
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    My name is Jesse, I am pert owner of Jade Lotus tattoo and piercing in Burlington Vt, and I am a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, and I am thinking of taking the plunge into old cars. I am looking at a 1962 Chrysler Newport this evening, and am looking for a little guidance from some of you more experienced members. What are things I should look out for with this car? What I have gotten from the previous owner is that the car is originally from Texas, and has very little rust, it still has the original paint, but most of the clear coat is gone, It is running rough, but drives, does not burn oil, and is the 2-door hard top with the push button auto transmission. When talking to the current owner it sounds like the gas in it could be old.



    My main question is does it need lead re-placer with every fuel up? There is a gas station near me that does non-ethanol gas, should I try to only fill up there (I have heard that ethanol can damage older seals/fuel lines.)

    I am planning on doing an oil change/all fluids change right off the bat, is there any special oil, transmission fluid, coolant...that I should be looking for?

    and what would be a fair asking price for one of these with low rust, runs and drives? (I know its hard without pics, but a price range would be help full)

    Any help would be appreciated,



    Thank you

    Jesse
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    I just got back from the test drive, SO SMOOTH! It starts with zero hesitation, rides supper smooth, the engine is quiet and smooth. Keep your eyes open for pictures, I am going out to look at it again on Sunday, and I believe that I will be coming home with it.
  • Oldcar_MechanicOldcar_Mechanic
    Posts: 1,786Platinum Member
    Good luck with the car. I look forward to the pictures.



    In 1962 they did not have clear coat. It should be single stage paint.



    No lead substitute is needed. if you have carb problems you need to rebuild it or have it rebuilt. I have been running my 69 Olds for years on gas with Ethenol in it and have no problems with the carb.



    Get yourself a factory manual for the car. It will give you all the things you need to do repairs.



    Ron
  • 62pluckedchicken62pluckedchicken
    Posts: 3Hitchhiker
    stay away from "engine renew" oils unless you've dropped the oil pan and cleaned it.. having gunk floating around can only cause problems.. make sure the front suspension is in good shape.. the tie rod ends for a 62 are hard to find, and pricey when you find them...



    Other than that it's a great car.. my '62 has over 100K on it an still runs like new.. quiet and smooth.. one of the best cars I've ever owned
  • hemiparts
    Posts: 74Senior Contributor
    The 1962 Chrysler is a fine ride! As mentioned, be sure to get a service manual. They are loaded with info.

    A quick web search for '1962 Chrysler' turns up alot of sites and offerings.



    Good Luck
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    Front-1.jpg

    fullfront.jpg

    Drivingaway.jpg

    Lookinggood-1.jpg



    Picked her up today, Drove it the 45 min drive home with out even a hiccup! Smooth, quite, relaxing. I think I did pretty good for $1,000.
  • hemiparts
    Posts: 74Senior Contributor
    Looks very fine for $1000.



    Here is one of many sites:

    http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/welcome.html



    .
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    Thanks for the website, I found a factory repair/maintenance manual in the living room this car calls a trunk! (that thing has more room then my F150's bed had lol) I also discovered that the cars name is Ethyl (its written in the cover of the repair manual)
  • Oldcar_MechanicOldcar_Mechanic
    Posts: 1,786Platinum Member
    Congrats on the car, it looks like a nice one. I hope you get many miles of pleasure out of it.



    Thay used to call the high test gasoline "Ethyl" back in the day also.



    Ron
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    Oldcar_Mechanic wrote:
    Congrats on the car, it looks like a nice one. I hope you get many miles of pleasure out of it.



    Thay used to call the high test gasoline "Ethyl" back in the day also.



    Ron



    I figured that's where the previous owner got the name. Anyone have a good source for a new ignition coil? I have been cruising the JCWhitney website and am intrigued by the "points eliminator kits" Does anyone have any experience with these?
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,769Moderator
    Assuming you intend to hold onto this car, you should join a club devoted to that make. You will find this an invaluable resource for technical information and leads on parts, as well as a way to tap into a network of people who own similar cars and may be able to help you. This is one of the biggies for Chrysler: http://www.chryslerclub.org/



    There are specialty Chrysler parts vendors like Bernbaum but you should also be looking at places like www.Hemmings.com under "Chrysler Parts". J.C. Whitney is fine, but only a portion of their catalog is devoted to older cars; Hemmings Motor News is 100% old cars, and the 'bible' of the hobby.
  • Oldcar_MechanicOldcar_Mechanic
    Posts: 1,786Platinum Member
    I agree with Jon. A group with the same interest is an invaluable resource.



    For your coil try Napa, Advance and Rock Auto.



    I have a 69 Cutlass high performance and it still has the points. I never have problems. If you want to go breakerless, I would suggest Pertronics.



    Ron
  • hemiparts
    Posts: 74Senior Contributor
    If you want to change the ignition then stay with Mopar, they have a complete electronic conversion package. Remember that Mopar was the pioneer in electronic systems starting in 1970.
  • 62pluckedchicken62pluckedchicken
    Posts: 3Hitchhiker
    I haven't made the electronic ignition plunge yet, but many of the guys on the 1962to1965mopar group have and rave about Pertronix...



    there are several posts about (though it's hard to find on the Topix platform)



    BTW your car is like a sister to my "Blue Betty"
  • 62pluckedchicken62pluckedchicken
    Posts: 3Hitchhiker
    I was gonna post pictures of my "Plucked Chicken" AKA your car's sister, but the insert image is not working (access denied)

    but here's my blog about her http://omaha.timelesstransport.com/
  • VermonterVermonter
    Posts: 6Hitchhiker
    that is one fine car, I hope mine looks that good some day.