1974 Valiant Revival

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Aaron.M

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
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Location
Alberta, Canada
I picked up this 74 Valiant near the end of winter this year. This is my first restoration and it's not a desirable car, but I chose this car simply because it deserved it.

As far as I can tell, its single owner took very much pride in his/her ownership. I found a note book in the glove box when contemplating buying it that dates back to 1974 when it was purchased. It logs every oil change, part purchase and repair, and even a few road trips through Canada where they recorded the cost of fuel fill ups in the varying cities and towns passed through. It covers a span of 24 years it was on the road. The entries suddenly end in March 1999. I can only assume it's been sitting since then and it has accumulated some rust as you could imagine. The rest of the car is in very reasonable shape, so I'm going to give it a new life and throw a big block in it.

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That's the first year of the Brougham model. Mine is a '75. Is yours a 318 or /6? Looks like a pretty solid Valiant. Good luck with it!
 
That's the first year of the Brougham model. Mine is a '75. Is yours a 318 or /6? Looks like a pretty solid Valiant. Good luck with it!

Yeah its /6 Brougham. Odometer reads 70,000 and doesn't appear to be rolled over based on the log book records. Just found the build sheet under see the seat.
 
A Brougham Plymouth!! The luxury A body!! Looks like a great starting point and worthy of saving.

Having lived in Edmonton for several years, i don’t miss the snow in those photos even though that’s only a dusting of snow.... which usually falls when it’s cold.. very cold.
 
I likes me a Valiant brougham

cushy velour buckets and buddy seat

could get bucket seats in a 4 door, too.
 
The trunk and rear tubs were pretty ugly but new quarters are on and rolled so now I can see how wide of a rim I can stuff in there. Anyone know? I'd like 265's on 18x9 wheels but they would have to be offset just right to fit I think.

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when u guys weld a PART quarter panel and join on the top line does it distort the panel any, this seems popular over there? in Oz we would weld into the boot/trunk gutter and into the pillar, just askin
 
when u guys weld a PART quarter panel and join on the top line does it distort the panel any, this seems popular over there? in Oz we would weld into the boot/trunk gutter and into the pillar, just askin

Yeah the welds have to be placed well or it warps. Most little warps I've seen can be filled but even rolling the wheel wells can push in the top of the quarter too. Seems like anything you do to these thin panels has consequences lol!
 
Im getting a little ahead of myself but I got excited about the big block and started work on this 383. Just nailing down some compression details at the moment but Doc Brown is somewhere else in time and wont return my calls. From what I understand, these aren't the greatest compression producers but I think the challenge and the hope of easier fitment is what lead me to choose the 383.

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I can't believe how fast the time goes by but the rust is all fixed now and the bottom of the car is all coated. I've focused now on the engine bay and suspension. Engine bay is painted and my front end parts showed up a while ago.

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Kids and summer life just seems to take over with the nice weather and with such a short summer here in Canada, the car kinda takes a back seat. But, now that cooler weather is here, I have some time to tinker. So with the help of a few great members here, I was able to get the rear end started on the Valiant. New hotchkiss leafs, lowering blocks, shackles, shocks etc. Even started tearing into an old cone style 8.75" to have a look inside.

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The sure grip is actually in really nice shape. It doesnt need a rebuild, just a good cleaning, re-assembly, new pinion seal and a coat of paint.

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This thing is almost rolling. Got some 11" rear brakes from a local guy near me donated from a Charger and got a rebuild kit from Summit. Cleaned, painted and all bolted in.

I bought new front wheel bearings and seals and kept the front rotors when the car was disassembled in case I could use them again. I wasnt so sure it was worth it at the time but I soaked them in vinegar for a couple days anyway to see if any of the rust would come apart and show any potting underneath but to my surprise, these rotors cleaned up really nice so they'll get a coat of paint and go back on after all.

I noticed the rear housing vent hole where the brake lines meet has been welded over and relocated further in on about the 10 o'clock position of the center section housing. I'm not sure why the previous owner did that but I'm guessing now I'll have to make my own brake lines to fit the new location?

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My wheels showed up today. I'm going to see if I can get some 255's on the rear with the wheel well lips pushed up.

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