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(37) "Madeline" 1986 Dodge Diplomat 4-door Salon
- 140,000 miles
Special Equipment - Carter AFB, no computer, dual exhaust.
Our car is the 6th member of the family. She is currently awaiting a 360 to give us
more leverage over Camaro and Mustang idiots. She has the look of an unmarked cop
car, with the cop slots and dog-dish hubcaps. Many people have been embarrassed
by
our maroon marauder. With 3 car seats in the back, the girlfriends of these lesser
cars are continuously hanging in shame.
Matt and Stephanie Vail - 9/30/1998
(36) 1981 Chrysler LeBaron Police Package - 138,000 mi.
This is one of the RARE '81 LeBarons with the police package, and it doubles my M-Body
collection; I have an '86 Gran Fury also listed here. I bought it for $250 in
Bernie, Missouri this past June. As my grandfather said, it looks like the hind-end
of hard times. It has a 318 2 bbl, a blue vinyl interior, the body has been painted
a blue primer all over, the left rear door glass is broken out, the hood was warped
incredibly, the trunk lid looked like someone had used a ball-peen hammer on it, and the
windshield is plexi-glass. It runs great, starts easier than does my '86 GF, but it
still needs lots of attention. There is no rust on it anywhere. I guess this
is about the only car listed here that isn't being driven regularly, but this condition is
only temporary.
Jason Shafer - 9/26/1998
(35) 1978 Dodge Diplomat Wagon
When I was a child, my mother had a 1978 Diplomat Station Wagon. I really loved that
car. I really want to find one in any condition. If you can help me, please
e-mail me. Thank you so much.
James Dupre - 9/24/1998
(34) "Hooter" 1985 Dodge Diplomat Police Package
- 200,000 mi.
Special Equipment - 318 V8, police push bars, zig zag headlights and
police spotlight.
I purchased the Hoot from a police auction in Detroit, Michigan in 1996 for $800.
She was an ex-Detroit police car, with an oxidized baby-blue finish and American flag
stickers on the side in front of the front doors. She still had the original police
switchbox inside and the headlight flashers still worked, as did the spotlight on the
side. She was a good car for a long time, but in Michigan, the weather can be rough
on vehicles, and wear and tear was starting to appear on the car.
When I first bought the car I did a complete overhaul on the brakes to get them in top
condition, as well as new Goodyear GA rubber. She was a screaming machine. I
drove the car up to Flint, Michigan to Auto City Speedway to race it in the
"Spectator Drags" where all you need is a car and a helmet (I had to borrow a
helmet). I raced the car and lost, and ran the oil sump dry in the process.
Driving back to the parking lot with no oil pressure and I had lost one of the caliper
bolts on the right side, so when I put pressure on the brake, the whole caliper would
slide forward with a loud clunk and then shake to a stop. I figured we could limp
the hour back to my house without a problem. Unfortunately on the way home, the same
bolt came out from the other side. Now the car was in rough shape, and we barely
made it home. I had to buy new bolts from the Dodge dealer and they soaked me $5 for
each one. I bought extras.
After that, it was usually less expensive to pull a non-vital broken piece off the car
than to replace or fix it. One day I picked up a friend to go out to lunch, and upon
exiting his driveway the car became VERY loud. One of the mufflers on the dual
exhaust system had fallen off and was dragging under the car. Now of course I cannot
drive the car like this, so we proceeded to bend the crap out of the dangling metal to get
it to come off. It took a few minutes to yank off the muffler, and we were on our
way.
Soon after, I found myself with an overheating engine and stranded 1/2 hour from my
house. I left the car there thinking this may be the end. The lower radiator hose
had split on the radiator side and had leaked all the coolant from the engine. With
a regular screwdriver and a knife, I took the hose off, cut out the damaged section, and
put the same hose right back on the car. It runs to this day like that.
Towards the end of my time with the car, the power steering pump had a crack and was
leaking terribly. I spent several dollars buying quarts of heavy motor oil to pour
into the reservoir to be able to steer the car around town.
But alas, all things must come to an end, and when I purchased a newer car, the Hoot had
to go. In the middle of winter, she was not doing well. I had not driven her
for a few weeks, and she would not start. The city had also given me a pre-ticket warning
that trash was not allowed to sit in front of my house for more than a week. With
the "Racing Fever-Catch It...Auto City Speedway" bumper sticker fading and
peeling, I did what I had to do and called the local scrapyard. They gave me $40 for
it and towed it away. Shed not a tear however, because she has been resurrected. The
scrapyard guys got her running again and used her to haul parts back and forth, and a
sighting on the car two weeks ago puts her a few miles north of me with a new owner.
Eric Culling -
9/23/1998
(33) "StreetMachine" 1987 Plymouth Gran Fury
- 130,000 mi.
The "StreetMachine" was a granny car until I rescued it from a garage.
People often joke that it looks like something a nun would drive. I reply,
"You're right . . they're in the trunk."
Todd Plesco - 9/22/1998
(32) "Ghost" 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue -
85,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Blackouts on headlights, Mopar Performance stickers
on back window, Pioneer tape deck.
This is the fourth car that I own, after a 1987 Dodge Omni, 1994 Dodge Shadow, and 1986
Chrysler LeBaron K-car. It is by far my favorite car. It is the biggest, and
has the biggest engine. I dig the V-8, even though it isn't the fastest car on the
street. I would like to put 340 heads on the stock 318, an Edelbrock intake and a
Holley 700 cfm four barrel on it, dual exhaust, and five spoke rims to make it one heck of
a sleeper. I would also like to tint the windows pretty dark and repaint it
soon. I have gotten many comments on the car. Everyone likes it. But
what really surprises me is how many more I have gotten on the stock interior. It
is a VERY comfortable ride. Chrysler sure got something right with these cars.
I would appreciate anyone who has interest in these cars to email me.
Chris Woller - 9/4/1998
(31) "Max" 1978 Dodge Diplomat Coupe -
192,067 mi.
Special Equipment - MP Electronic Ignition, Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler,
freeflow Cat., polished heads w/3 angle valve job, MSD Blaster2 Coil, Summit Timing Chain
w/4 degree advance, Sealed Power Camshaft w/lifters, and a LOUD air horn.
Hi all! I am a proud owner of a 1978 Dodge Diplomat. It is a Maroon/White 2-Door
with power everything and over 192k. I purchased this car in Sept. of '95 just to
get around in. It was in fairly good shape but with a lot of oil leaks and some
rust. The Body is in decent condition despite the hole in the rear quarter
panel! This turned out to be a pretty good and reliable car. Last summer, I
performed a minor overhaul of the engine. To date, I replaced all engine gaskets,
timing chain, water pump, fuel pump, belts, alternator, camshaft, and lifters. I
also rebuilt the 2-barrel carb and, since the heads were off, removed all carbon deposits.
Just recently, I converted the A/C to r-134a (A whopping $35 done by myself
compared to the $150 I paid two years ago for a mechanic to charge it with R-12).
When I first got the car, it barely made 70 mph and got a whopping 12/15 mpg
local/highway. Since the minor overhaul and the fairly recent upgrade to MP's
Electronic ignition, I can now get the car over 100mph (speedo's limit) with no problem and
an average 23 mpg with an occasional jump to 25mpg on long trips. I used to have to
fill up after 150 miles. Now, I can go 265 miles between fill ups! A HUGE
difference, especially on those monthly Amoco bills!! My car gets more looks and
interests than these newer cars! I also get a kick when I run light to light against
these newer cars. I just slam Max (my daughter named him) into first and peel out!
Due to the standard 318 2V, they can pass me quite easily after 85 mph. When the
engine blows, I'll throw in a 360 with an Edelbrock intake and a Carter AFB 4 barrel.
We'll see who passes who!
Victor Dumeng - 8/25/1998
(30) 1979 Dodge Diplomat 2 door
Justin Wiese - 8/24/1998
(29) "The Cruiser" 1987 Dodge Diplomat AHB Police
Package - 151,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Twin spots, Polygraphite front-end upgrade.
A fine vehicle, a true "cop-car". Get all the details (as I add them) on
my Cruiser Restoration Page at: http://geocities.com/pentagon/6205/cruiser.htm.
Alan Sease - 8/24/1998
(28) "TBD" 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury Salon Police
Package - 69,870 Mi.
Special Equipment - 318 4bbl interceptor, additional tuned coil over
shock suspension, HD anti-sway bars, oil cooler, trans cooler, power steering cooler,
6-hole rims with 215/70R15 Goodyear Eagle GT +4's.
I picked this car up from High Performance Motors in Nokesville, VA on Sat 8/22 (I now
have 3 running M-bodies!). It is an ex-Richmond, VA Sheriff's unmarked car.
The car had 69,197 miles on it. I drove it 635 miles from there to Eastpointe, MI
(Detroit area). This car is GREAT! I averaged 17.4 mpg with an average speed of
about 70mph (posted speed limits). The body is in almost perfect condition.
The interior is a little tired, needs a new headliner, the sun and heat have taken their
toll on her. The performance is not quite what I expected (but then again it is not
the 300+hp 360 I have in the 84 Diplomat!) but performs admirably. I think I need to
put a new carb. on her. This one bogs out on takeoff if I floor it, also stalls
sometimes when i come to a stop. Will restart no problem and then stays
running. A Camaro thought he was going to pass me to cut me off for an exit this
morning....NOT! I have plans to dress her out with spot lights, push bars, back seat
cage, shotgun rack, light bar (depending on markings used), radios, siren, flashing
headlights and tail lights. I haven't decided if I am going to put markings of the
original department or one of my choice. Either way this GF is going to be one for
the Police car club shows. Check in on the Forum page for the updates.
Tom Adams - 8/24/1998
(27) "Daphne" 1987 Chrysler Fifth Avenue -
161,000 mi.
It occurred to me rather suddenly that neither of my M bodies are on my own web
site. We bought Daphne in November of 1997, apparently as the third owner.
She's got every option listed in the owner's manual save the sunroof. Main
difference from Farley is all of the power everything seems to give the car more things to
break, and I've been getting a little frustrated tracking down all the annoying things
that quit working but take only fifteen minutes to fix. Overall an OK car, but no
way could she ever replace Farley.
Frank Billington - 8/24/1998
(26) "Farley" 1979 Dodge Diplomat Sedan -
297,500 mi.
Special Equipment - Red/white DashLaser M, 100 watt siren, wig-wags, rear
deck red and amber tear-drop lights, fog lights, CB radio, fire band two way radio.
I really don't have much to put here since this web site is built around Farley in the
first place, but at least he's on the registry now.
Frank Billington - 8/24/1998
(25) "Nina" 1983 Dodge Diplomat
Salon Police Package - 218,136 mi.
Special Equipment - Full police package, owner-added AM/FM stereo.
Bought her in February '97 to replace a long-lost Dart (stolen). Gave $800 for her,
and most of my friends still think it's too much to give for a retired cop car that had
199,572 miles showing on the odometer... But she refuses to die, and continually shames
newer cars anywhere above the legal limit. Bodywork will be less extensive than
originally anticipated, so that is a plus. Still missing small stuff like 6-hole
wheels, push bars, and spotlight, but those are the details right now.
Phil Johnson - 8/14/1998
(24) 1985 Dodge Diplomat Sedan
Special Equipment - Police lights in the grill, super wide tires.
My Diplomat was used as an inspector's car for the Capitol Hill Police, then I bought it
from a police auction, it only had 52,000 miles on the car.
Joe Close - 8/6/1998
(23) 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury Salon Sedan Police Package
- 141,000 mi.
Special Equipment - 318/4 bbl carb. Fully loaded with all the options to
include airbag.
I picked this car up at an abandoned car auction in Tacoma, WA in Feb 1998 for $110.
All I had to do to get it running was replace the spark plug wires and jump it. Although
it still needs some work to bring it back to top shape, I've put over 3000 miles on the
car since I got it with no further work. Best $110 I ever spent!
Michael Hammelman - 8/2/1998
(22) 1979 Dodge Diplomat Medallion Sedan
- 119,000 mi. (engine 30,000)
Special Equipment - Posi Rear-end, I'm not sure of the ratios
though. 318-2bbl.
I figured I'd add some detail to my last post so here it is. My dad bought our
Diplomat back in 1985, I don't know how many miles were on it back then. We drove it
straight for three years and did some heavy traveling with it as he closed restaurants in
various stores for Ames after they bought out Murphy Mart which my dad was a restaurant
manager for. Anyway around May or June of 1988 on the way back returning from
Greensburg, PA to Riverdale, MD we blew the oil pump out of our 318 pretty close to
Breezewood. Got the car towed back to Greensberg and had another Engine put in
it. The engine had 30k on it when we got it and I have pretty good reasoning that
this engine came out of a cop car some where along the line. :> Anyway after the
new engine was dropped in, the car developed some electrical problems and was parked with
the notion to fix it when we came back on vacation. This never happened. So
here we are after ten years of it sitting in my Grandmother's yard. I started it last
summer with the help of a few friends and got pretty far along with it. For sitting
for ten years the frame shows hardly any rust. I attribute this mainly to the fact that it
was Z-Barred. The transmission has about 20k on it. It was replaced about a year
before the engine went. Currently my car has been moved to our local mechanic to
finish off the brake system and a few other minor details. I'll send you a few
pics
when she's done. Laterz for now though.
Jesse C. Smillie - 7/30/1998
(21) 1985 Dodge Diplomat Sedan SE -
60,000 mi.
One reliable car, fully loaded I think it weighs in at 5k?
John - 7/30/1998
(20) 1977 Chrysler Lebaron 2 Door - 77,000 mi.
Special Equipment - 1970 340 TA Six Pack 8 3/4 Rear.
The car is like the day it was on the floor at a NJ Dealer.
Steven Stecchini - 7/26/1998
(19) 1979 Dodge Diplomat Special Order - 100,000 km.
Special Equipment - E-58, hd 727, 81/4 sure grip, tranny cooler,
pscooler. Big brakes.
This car is now dead. I was hit by a kid in a stolen GM at 130 km/hr. I have
the drive train...and the memories.
Greg Haza - 7/25/1998
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