This is how we found her.... a rusty old American dream...
Back in Summer 2003, Ben got this bright idea that he would like to restore a cool late 60's Plymouth Car. Now, since Ben only had a little money saved away, he couldn't afford to restore a 440 powered Plymouth Road-Runner. He decided to make this a "learning project" and practice for when he could afford the muscle car. After a few months of searching on Ebay, he bought a 1967 Plymouth Fury II with 34,000 original miles. An old lady had died and donated the Fury and an old RV to her church in Pontiac, Michigan with the stipulation that the Baptist church sell them and give the money to missionaries on a Native American reservation in Montana!
"What a great story," thought Ben.
"Yeah, nice car...," thought Rebecca sarcastically!
All in all, Ben completely disassembled the engine, body, and interior so he could repair rust outs and repaint it. Everything was rusted or in extreme decay! He really felt like Noah when people would come by and look at his "boat" and laugh.
*WHEW*.... Paint, brakes, brake lines, fuel tank, fuel lines, shocks, steering pump, springs, electrical and charging system, new hidden CD/Radio with 4 way speakers and subwoofer, new carpet, sewing, and re-upholstering the interior! The only thing he didn't do himself was re-seal the transmission. There were probably about 600+ hours of work done by Ben on the car. He was driving the "big boat" on the road by Summer 2004!
A special thanks to everyone who helped: Especially Rebecca who believed that the seemingly impossible could actually happen, Ben's sister Deborah for washing and polishing all the chrome, Steve Schilling for his technical advice, and Eric Hubbard for not getting too upset at all the mess in the hangar!
BEFORE
AFTER
For those interested, here is an example of the art of restoration. When no factories exist to fabricate a replacement of a rusted out part, you make it with your own two hands (a lot welding, brazing, and sanding)... This is how Ben repaired all the stuff that had rusted out!
Did we mention sanding? This is Ben repairing the left front fender. The hood is in the background.
Here's the Fury just before the new primer and paint. Ben and Bec sanded on this part of her for about a week...
This is the 225 cubic inch Chrysler Slant 6 engine after Ben disassembled, inspected, resealed, and re-painted it. This nearly 40 year old engine only has 35,000 miles on it!
After Ben painted, Rebecca cleaned 30 years of grime off the inside and outside of all the windows. What a woman!
This is just after Ben's friend and co-worker Steve Schilling helped drop the engine back in and put on the left fender. Oooooohhhh it's going to be a car again!
Ben couldn't wait to show off the car to Grandpa Harris. Grandpa has been an auto mechanic and automotive teacher all of his life. He taught Ben to take the time required and fix something the right way the first time.
MORE GREAT PHOTOS BELOW:
Woo
Hoo!
"
Yeah, don't stick your finger in this..."
Hey
Ladies!
If you made it all the way to the bottom of this page, you really should come out, visit us, and go for a drive!