From the pasture; The valiant story of my '66 Valiant
When we arrived, our host suggested we take the closest cars, but with severe and inclement weather coming, I was only interested in freeing one car, the Plymouth. Strategically located at the bottom of the pasture, behind every other car, it waited. He was agreeable and we got started. One by one, using his tractor, some chains and a willingness to get muddy, we drug each of the cars to dryer ground, clearing a path to the Plymouth. It took over an hour and a half, as navigating a tractor through a quasi swamp while encumbered with dead automotive treasures can be tricky. Eventually, we made a sodden path to an awaiting freedom trailer. I did my best to air up the tires. The passenger side duo aired up and while damaged, managed to hold enough air to roll. The rear drivers was pretty much the same, other than leaking slowly around the corroded bead. However the front drivers wheel is badly ate up from being submerged in the mud, and would not hold air long at all. At this point I didnt even know if it would roll, so lets start small.
Taking great care to not damage any suspension or bumpers, I hooked up the chains. It was a marshy sucker down there. Once connected, I got inside to "steer" as my tractor power drug me backwards. We were very very careful not to damage the bumper or lift too high causing damage, as I read some bumpers are one year only. Not sure if these are, but just in case, doesn't cost extra to be a bit careful. The Gods of fortune were smiling upon us, as after two gentle tugs, all four wheels began to roll. Away we go!
Steering a dead Plymouth past dead farm implements, with one super flat tire and three soft tires, was kinda spooky, but we made it! Once out of the pasture, and standing on three and a half legs, I was able to better evaluate what I was working with. That rocker is pretty badly damaged, but it doesn't impact the door function at all.
Also, all his dogs were super cool.
I was pretty happy to have the original owners manual and associated paperwork. This little thing on the glove box door is interesting too.
With a little finesse, we got it loaded (more air = more ground clearance over that trailer) which means I can get it into cover before the storms. I know this is going to need a ton of work, and I know I have a long hill to climb, but I am SUPER excited about it. To the point that I really wish I hadnt just bought a big ole jeep Grand Wagoneer project currently occupying shop space and all its assorted new parts. But I made myself a deal that I would get the Grand Wag running first, and decide where to go with the jeep from there. Either I'll set it free or roll it to the back to wait on some other day.
I am slowly turning into that old man that is going to "FIX ALL DEM CARS SOME DAY". More to come Constant Reader, stay tuned.
When we arrived, our host suggested we take the closest cars, but with severe and inclement weather coming, I was only interested in freeing one car, the Plymouth. Strategically located at the bottom of the pasture, behind every other car, it waited. He was agreeable and we got started. One by one, using his tractor, some chains and a willingness to get muddy, we drug each of the cars to dryer ground, clearing a path to the Plymouth. It took over an hour and a half, as navigating a tractor through a quasi swamp while encumbered with dead automotive treasures can be tricky. Eventually, we made a sodden path to an awaiting freedom trailer. I did my best to air up the tires. The passenger side duo aired up and while damaged, managed to hold enough air to roll. The rear drivers was pretty much the same, other than leaking slowly around the corroded bead. However the front drivers wheel is badly ate up from being submerged in the mud, and would not hold air long at all. At this point I didnt even know if it would roll, so lets start small.
Taking great care to not damage any suspension or bumpers, I hooked up the chains. It was a marshy sucker down there. Once connected, I got inside to "steer" as my tractor power drug me backwards. We were very very careful not to damage the bumper or lift too high causing damage, as I read some bumpers are one year only. Not sure if these are, but just in case, doesn't cost extra to be a bit careful. The Gods of fortune were smiling upon us, as after two gentle tugs, all four wheels began to roll. Away we go!
Steering a dead Plymouth past dead farm implements, with one super flat tire and three soft tires, was kinda spooky, but we made it! Once out of the pasture, and standing on three and a half legs, I was able to better evaluate what I was working with. That rocker is pretty badly damaged, but it doesn't impact the door function at all.
Also, all his dogs were super cool.
I was pretty happy to have the original owners manual and associated paperwork. This little thing on the glove box door is interesting too.
With a little finesse, we got it loaded (more air = more ground clearance over that trailer) which means I can get it into cover before the storms. I know this is going to need a ton of work, and I know I have a long hill to climb, but I am SUPER excited about it. To the point that I really wish I hadnt just bought a big ole jeep Grand Wagoneer project currently occupying shop space and all its assorted new parts. But I made myself a deal that I would get the Grand Wag running first, and decide where to go with the jeep from there. Either I'll set it free or roll it to the back to wait on some other day.
I am slowly turning into that old man that is going to "FIX ALL DEM CARS SOME DAY". More to come Constant Reader, stay tuned.
