1960,62,63 Chrysler Newport HARDTOP Wagon.

1963 Chrysler Newport Description

Found this jewel about a year ago. Been sitting in the high desert south of Las Vegas. Intake, a/c parts, valve covers and radiator were off when car was drug in by sellers father 30 yrs. ago. Unfortunately the rear window was down too, leading to the spare tire well floor being rusty... outside of that area(which I patched, not orig. but functional), this wagon in 99.9% rust free and about 80% original paint! I put a fresh '70 383 that I had stashed in it,had the exhaust done, went through the brakes an got it up and running and driving. Trans didn't respond well and quickly got worse so ended up with a total rebuild including converter and in-line filter. Had a vibration, ended up being a worn out ball and trunion housing so... had a custom driveshaft built. Next was a rear end noise... After messing with axle bearings, too much end play and dragging brakes I up-graded to a later(early '70s) rear end. The wagon goes down the road real nice now and can cruise all day at 75. Gauges and signals/lights work, some dash lights are out and signal lever doesn't self return. Haven't messed with heater system, as stated a/c parts under hood are missing. The interior is on the crusty side from the dryness of the area. I have the orig. drivers door panel, it's weak but repairable.The carpet is weak and should be replaced too. Headliner is mostly gone, have't messed with dome light to get it working. Nice matching set of tires on orig. 14" rims. I've lowered the car with 2" blocks, installed new air shocks too. Brakes pull to the right slightly(I didn't turn front drums but all brake hardware and cylinders are new, I did turn rears).Replaced dash switch for tailgate window so it along with the door windows go down with ease. The next step would be to up-grade to disc brakes and a 4bbl and dual exhaust. Wagon comes with the disc brake spindles and rotors needed for the swap and a stock 4bbl intake and usable carter carburetor. Time for me to move on to the next one calling my name('67 notchback cuda). These hardtop wagons a very few and far between and this is about as nice a one as you could find. The patina is unbelievable and the die cast/ trim parts are way above average coming from this extremely dry, hot area. Or... find another one.