Hot Rod 63 Valiant
Hot Rodder
Hello everyone,
To start this off, I will have to share the main reason we joined. It's been 9 or 10 years since I have built a Hot Rod, & I have built/help build quite a few. Nothing spectacular, but have hopped up my fair share of Camaros, Trans Ams, Pickups, & an occasional race car here & there, but always your typical muscle car. My favorite one to was a friends '67 Camaro with a small block that ran consistent high 10's in the 1/4. Deep down, I always thought it would be neat to build up a Mopar for a personal Hot Rod but never pursued it. I was taught how to build healthy street rod & race motors, make modifications, etc by a few old hot rodders when I was a kid & I was in the racing seen for quite a while.
I took a left turn about 9 years ago, & got into Jeeps, offroading, running trails, etc. instead. I still have my '94 Jeep YJ but that's another story.
I met my wife about 7 years ago & we got married 6 years ago. The problem is, she hasn't been a fan of the Jeep & does not enjoy riding in it or driving it. It really bothered me that she was not enjoying herself with the Jeep, so very recently, I asked her what she would enjoy doing with me & she said she wanted to build a hot rod with me.
So....... Long story short, as we both have very busy work schedules during the week, we came to a quick decision on spending time together during the weekends building us a unique hot rod that you don't see everyday, at least not anywhere near where we live, lol.
We have bought a 1963 Plymouth Valiant for $2,700 with a straight body, very, very little rust other than a little bit in the rear fender wells. It is mostly all original, except for ignition coil, plug wires, battery etc. After we bought it, I drove about 2 hours back home without an issue, other than the alternator being a bit weak. I decided to do some homework on the Valiants, which is how I found this site. I will be honest, it will not stay original for long, it will be getting a lot of electrical, suspension, & brake upgrades. As far as the engine ...... yea, we're dropping in a V-8 as well. Any hints, tips, & info on parts sources would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob & Jess
Here's some pics:
To start this off, I will have to share the main reason we joined. It's been 9 or 10 years since I have built a Hot Rod, & I have built/help build quite a few. Nothing spectacular, but have hopped up my fair share of Camaros, Trans Ams, Pickups, & an occasional race car here & there, but always your typical muscle car. My favorite one to was a friends '67 Camaro with a small block that ran consistent high 10's in the 1/4. Deep down, I always thought it would be neat to build up a Mopar for a personal Hot Rod but never pursued it. I was taught how to build healthy street rod & race motors, make modifications, etc by a few old hot rodders when I was a kid & I was in the racing seen for quite a while.
I took a left turn about 9 years ago, & got into Jeeps, offroading, running trails, etc. instead. I still have my '94 Jeep YJ but that's another story.
I met my wife about 7 years ago & we got married 6 years ago. The problem is, she hasn't been a fan of the Jeep & does not enjoy riding in it or driving it. It really bothered me that she was not enjoying herself with the Jeep, so very recently, I asked her what she would enjoy doing with me & she said she wanted to build a hot rod with me.
So....... Long story short, as we both have very busy work schedules during the week, we came to a quick decision on spending time together during the weekends building us a unique hot rod that you don't see everyday, at least not anywhere near where we live, lol.
We have bought a 1963 Plymouth Valiant for $2,700 with a straight body, very, very little rust other than a little bit in the rear fender wells. It is mostly all original, except for ignition coil, plug wires, battery etc. After we bought it, I drove about 2 hours back home without an issue, other than the alternator being a bit weak. I decided to do some homework on the Valiants, which is how I found this site. I will be honest, it will not stay original for long, it will be getting a lot of electrical, suspension, & brake upgrades. As far as the engine ...... yea, we're dropping in a V-8 as well. Any hints, tips, & info on parts sources would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob & Jess
Here's some pics:
