|
| |
(99) 1987 Dodge Diplomat Salon Police Pkg
- 96,000 mi.
This is the fourth Diplomat my family has owned and the second we currently own. Our 86 SE is also listed here. This car was an Illinois
State Police car. Delivered to them on 8/7/86 and retired from service on 3/1/1999. We
bought it from a guy who got it at a state auction on 3/6/1999. It was used as an unmarked
car for at least the end of its career. It was removed from service after it had been hit,
busting the grille and header panel. The dome light doesn't work when the front doors are
open, and it has a large light on the ceiling between the front seats.
It is white with a blue taxi-like interior. Has the 318 4BBL police engine with many
police and factory options. It has an almost new set of Goodyear Eagle GA's on white
slotted cop wheels with the dog dishes that have cooling holes. Also has the driver's
spotlight and I even found an antennae in the trunk. :) For more on our 2 Diplomats,
check out my homepage.
Adam Taylor - 3/28/1999
Adam's Dodge Diplomat Page
(98) 1988 Dodge Diplomat Police Pkg Salon - 130,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Solid sub frame bushings, 340 camshaft
I bought the car from the California Highway Patrol in 1991 with 66,000 miles. I have
begun a complete restoration of the car, and it should be seeing parade duty by the end of
the year.
Marc Bergman - 3/23/1999
Update on previous
registration
(22) 1979 Dodge Diplomat Medallion - 100,000 mi. (30k on the
engine)
Special Equipment - Since the last time I posted here: Sony CD, MTX 12's
in the trunk, MTX 6.5 components in each of the four doors, spark control computer
removed, found my tail lights. :>
Well since the last time I posted on here back in March of '98 we're ALMOST finished!!!
After having the whole brake system redone, ripping the gas tank apart several times cause
it wouldn't work right, and a few other head scratching moments it's pretty close. I got
to drive her for the first time back in September but unfortunately that didn't work out
too well. Heh half way home from the Garage that did my brakes were going down toll 66
when the car started dying... We barely made it home that night to find out that all the
seals in my Carb were totally screwed up! Anyhow got that fixed then spent a lot of time
adjusting it because it wouldn't run right in gear at higher idles. Lastly and most
currently somehow my caddy got plugged :< Oh wellz, hopefully within another month
we'll be set... Or at least I hope cause my station wagon, current ride for at least 100
miles a day, is falling apart! Oh wellz more update laterz...
Jesse C. Smillie - 3/22/1999
(97) 1986 Dodge Diplomat SE - 113,000 mi.
I purchased this car from a used car dealer in Feb./94. It had 32,000 original miles on
it. The car originally came from New Hampshire. How it ended up in Nova Scotia is a
mystery, but it was fortunate for me that it did. I commute 160 miles a day round trip to
work. For the first year that I owned this beast we made this trip daily with no problems
what so ever. I was promoted to service manager which meant that I now got to commute with
the company piece of crap Sonoma pickup (Oh, my aching back!). The Dip still serves my
family well as a weekend and vacation ride. I'll keep this one until it or myself dies.
Unquestionably the most comfortable car I have ever owned. (of course all my cars and vans
have been Chrysler products, starting with my first, a 1972 Plymouth Scamp.)
Tom Sherman -
3/19/1999
(96) "The Dope Dip" 1988 Dodge
Diplomat Police Pkg - 176,743 mi.
Well, after seeing so many Diplomats in a fine number of chase scenes, I couldn't resist
it when I found my Diplomat for sale for only $200.00. $272.00 after taxes and
license and it was on! Let me tell you a little bit about our first week
together.... It started after seeing a special on the Secret Service drivers training, and
learning how to do "J-turns" driving in reverse and cranking the wheel, and
dropping it into drive to keep your momentum. Much quicker than a three-point
turnabout. I have since learned to keep it in a single lane of road while performing
this feat.
Roughly a month after the purchase my friends and I went out to try out its wings.
Surely not the best thing for the car, I simply had to try it. We ran across a
perfect jump at the end of a road. How could I resist? Foot all the way down
and heading for takeoff I hit the jump. This was an amazing feeling, what a
rush. Four and a half lanes and 80 feet later I landed. The only thing as a
result of the amazing leap was a cracked battery from it not being secured properly.
Anyway the car is great, and amazingly tough. I have come to love this car
which has brought so much joy to my life. I was so bummed when somebody stole it,
luckily my friend found it later that week with only minor damage. I will send you
updated pictures as time passes.
Robert Pyne - 3/19/1999
(95) "Betty" 1985 Dodge Diplomat Sedan -
79,000 mi.
Derek Fraley - 3/17/1999
(94) 1979 Chrysler LeBaron Medallion - 100,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Stereo, soon to add Edelbrock goodies
I've only had the car for about one month. It was an interesting story about how I got it
though. I had an old ratter VW Jetta Diesel with way too many miles and a terminal case of
electrical problems. I got pulled over for a non functional turn signal and was told that
I would be best served to scrap the car, since it had so many problems. I was low on cash
and didn't know what to do when I saw my LeBaron. I bought the car for $375, which I
thought was a steal since it is in v.g. condition and has documented low mileage (for a
1979). Two weeks later I found out that the tranny was toast and cost me another $825. I
now have about $1200 in this car, but I feel it is well worth every penny. Enjoyed the
stories about Farley and hope to see more.
Jon And Kelli Smith -
3/17/1999
(93) "Skuld" 1984 Plymouth Gran Fury Salon 4 door
sedan - 196,975 mi (or, 317,000 km.)
Not sure who used the car before, but it looks like a government vehicle - even has some
worn out number written on the side and all the wiring for a GE Master radio with those
standard jones plugs (the police department used to use GE Master radio's in the trunk of
their cars - most of which ended up in the local ham radio club as repeater systems). Very
little rust! This car is an absolute tank, you're not easily intimidated while driving -
If you want into a lane you'll get it :). People like to move out of the way for fear of
denting their '98 whatever car. Has a pretty poor low end, but after about 25 she can
really move! I'd like to fix this car up so I don't have to worry about the brakes going
out (they are being replaced hopefully...). Hopefully I'll keep this car forever. OH -
this car sat in a lot for months, the 318 started right up - I was impressed :) - best
$300 I ever spent.
Michael Jantzen - 3/8/1999
(92) 1985 Dodge Diplomat Salon - 44,000 mi.
Great website! I own an '85 Dip w/ 44,000 orig mi. My uncle bought it about 2
years ago at a city auction with 35,000 orig mi for $700 as transportation for his new
wife. I wound up buying the car from him for my wife who doe not appreciate it as much as
myself. This is my 1st Dip & I've been very pleased so far, on 2/1 some idiot
broad sided my wife in it & undid all the restoration my uncle & I put in it. It
probably kept my wife from being injured on top of being 7 mos. pregnant. The car was a
traffic control car that has a 318 w/ 2 barrel. It really drives better at higher speeds
than on neighborhood streets. What's also impressed me is how smoothly the tranny shifts
compared to my '83 Impala w/ overdrive. I have owned the car 10 mos now & the only
major repairs to report are a water pump & windshield wiper bushings (I feel for you
if yours are due for replacement). The car handles stiffly and rides well for it's weight.
All my other vehicles have weighed 3800 pounds & up. I'm also impressed with the
fairly quiet ride for it's age. The interior colors are that wonderful Chrysler beige/tan
whatever with the plaid seat striping, also sun-faded to death. Most of the int. is faded
from the tan to a vanilla white. Also, these cars don't seem to run any temp at all which
I find amazing. My uncle & I put a new thermostat in it before last summer & we
left of the radiator cap of & the engine running to make sure the thermo would open
& move the antifreeze like it should, I swear we waited at least 20 minutes for this
to occur & that's w/ the a/c. The car is also equipped w/ the new R-134 compressor but
I can't quite get the vacuum right. I'm about to begin the lengthy restoration! process
again since the wreck. This is the car 2nd restoration in the last 2 yrs so wish me luck!
Keep up the great website!
James S. -
3/5/1999
(91) 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury 4 door - 87000 mi
I just bought this car used from a man who had inherited it from his father in-law. The
motor starts up first try every time.
Todd Twemlow - 3/4/1999
Update on previous registration
(77) "Alice" 1979 Dodge Diplomat Wagon - 120,000 mi.
This car was given to me by a friend who bought a new minivan, and no longer needed a
station wagon. I haven't had a chance to drive it regularly yet, as it has been sitting
for a few years, and needs some work before it will drive!
Nick - 3/3/1999
(90) "Whitie" 1987 Plymouth Gran Fury Salon -
108,690 mi.
Joseph Nunnally - 2/26/1999
zeus mmi @aol.com [sic]
(89) "Equalizer" 1987 Dodge Diplomat Police Pkg
- 130,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Lean burn conversion.
Couldn't find the Mopar I wanted so I picked this one up at a police auction. After going
over the car to put it in top mechanical condition, I found I liked it. So I bought
another one.
R.P. Ganow - 2/21/1999
(88) "White Streak" 1986 Dodge Diplomat Police Pkg
- 177,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Lean burn conversion, intake manifold, Holly 650 cfm
carb, oversize tires, and more.
Like MOPARs, my third police car. I like driving this car, not too big, not too
small and will perform with the best of them. Plan an engine change soon, 383 (360
block). Will probably move the spring hangers inboard for larger rear tires.
R.P. Ganow - 2/21/1999
(87) 1979 Chrysler LeBaron SE - 170,000 mi.
It was a very dependable though extremely rusty ol' beast. The rear-end went out one
winter so it sat for six months but it still started with the first turn of the key.
Even in the dead of winter it would start on the first try. Too bad there
wasn't any solid metal from the dash back, changing tires was almost impossible. The
paint stripped off the front fender when it was washed but even after two years it never
rusted, just wish the rest of the car was like that.
Christopher J Nichols -
2/14/1999
CJ's Homepage
(86) 1981 Dodge Diplomat Salon Miles - 180,000 mi.
Bought it in the winter of '94 for $200. The previous owner had an accident with it
bending the front passenger corner around the tire. I fixed the fender and have driven it
without putting any money, other than general maintenance, into it until the summer of
1998 when it needed a new trans and rebuilt the carb.
Christopher J Nichols -
2/14/1999
CJ's Homepage
(85) "Maude" 1988 Dodge Diplomat Medallion -
149,000 Mi.
I spared her from a retiree whose hands became too worn to tweak her bolts. The
water pump was immediately replaced as was the fuel pump, plugs and wires, the gas line
from the carburetor to the fuel filter [it was so bad that the fuel filter may have been
the original]. This weekend it's the valve cover gasket but she drives like a
dream. The interior is immaculate but she needs a new paint job. The
adventures are still ahead [I've only had her a few months]. She'll make a trip or
two a month from San Antonio to OKC and back. Not a bad purchase for $300.
Julie Autaubo - 2/12/1999
(84) "Captain Lou" 1988 Dodge Diplomat Salon
Special Equipment - Suspension, Turbine Rims, rear lift, 360 4bbl.
It's been over since Dec 9, 1997. That was the last time I laid eyes on my old faithful
rig. You see, being from the Atlantic Canada, you become accustomed to having to
move west to find decent paying work. After working in Halifax for a few months my
contract ended, and I and a friend were on the road to Prince George, BC to find our
wealth in the lucrative Electronics Technology field. In the town of New Waterford,
Nova Scotia. Sitting having a coffee in Lou, we decided it was going to be Lou to be
our shuttle to B.C. (over my friends recently functional 81 Pontiac Lemans). I think
Lou heard us saying this because pulling away from the coffee store, the transmission was
slipping.. Due to the quick nature of the trip (we were leaving the next day!!) we
decided we would take our chances with the slipping transmission, however, both of us
being mechanically inclined decided to pile another transmission in the trunk and take all
the required tools to change the transmission on the side of the road!! So we
started out with all of our things in the car (you couldn't see out the rear window), all
of the tools in the trunk with the transmission to head for the other side of the country
some 6500 KMs away.. The car (laying on its leaf springs) never stopped, with the
slipping transmission the gas cost ran a little high, but we made the trip in 5 days all
across Canada and the car didn't so much as over heat.. The sad ending to this story
is that Captain Lou stayed in Prince George and I ended up leaving to go back to
Halifax
due to lack of work. I ended up transferring the car to my brother who resides there
and he has been in 3 accidents with the car. I never want to see it again. It
was the most dependable, great looking (after a paint job that had me sanding him for 2
weeks straight), and pleasing car I will ever have. I originally purchased the car
in the summer of 1994 to go to school with for the price of $800.00. I will
never again obtain such a value. On a side note, after I returned and my friend stayed, I
purchased the 81 Pontiac LeMans from my friend. Listen, anyone who ever insults a
Diplomat, should just own this piece of crap for one day, they'd never say anything bad
about the box then. Granted, the 325HP 355 in the LeMans pulls around 12.3's in the
1/4, the car is lucky it makes it.. and has cost me (stupidly) over $4000.00 in the
last year with breakdowns.. I still have the ownership paper for Nova Scotia on the
Captain and his license plate, CPB660.. To Lou: I'll never forget you ol'
Buddy!!
Rob Baxter - 2/9/1999
(83) "The Baron" 1979 Chrysler LeBaron Coupe
- 131,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Engine swap 360 in place of 225.
I'm the second owner of The Baron and will be the last. She's very solid with the
exception of one fender. I recently completed the engine swap, suspension upgrades,
and restored the interior (original except for Stealth front buckets). Soon she'll
have a new fender and then paint and new chrome.
Micah French - 2/8/1999
(82) "The Green Bomb" 1980 Dodge Diplomat Sedan
- 21,000 mi.
Michael Taber - 2/8/1999
Mike's Page
(81) "The HP" 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury Salon Police Pkg
- 120,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Hooker Super Comp. headers, dual exhaust with torque
tube, MSD 8.5 SD wires.
I just purchased it from the Hoven, SD police dept. It has some drivers side damage,
but other than that it's in good shape. They had it for 8 years and never tuned it
up. The original wires, cap and rotor were on the car. They wondered why it
wouldn't get out of its own way. The computer vacuum line was disconnected and
another line was in its place (everything was screwed up). Now she lights the tires
quite often. Headers are a must for these cars. I want to install a 625 cfm AVS and
junk the QuadraJUNK. Purchase price was $255.00, what a deal.
Ryan Peterson -
2/7/1999
Dodge dude and other unique
Mopars
(80) "Deidre" 1988 Dodge Diplomat Police Pkg
- 92,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Straight Police Stock.
Found on a car lot that specializes in used Police Cars. Previously was with
Baltimore County Police as an unmarked unit #P304. Has seen service more recently
with me being an EMT and 911 Operator.
Stan Fredericks - 2/7/1999
(79) "The Nipple" 1977 Dodge Diplomat Police Pkg
- 247,000 mi.
Special Equipment - Jacked-up rear end, 4WD frame.
Need a little excitement, well just go for a ride in my 77 Dodge Diplomat. We have souped
up the Diplomat to be a four wheel drive car. It has a rebuilt 318 with a edlebrock 650
carb feeding it, pushing out almost 350 horse. It has oversized tires and stands taller
than most trucks. We call it the Nipple, short for Diplomat.
Mike Hansen - 1/20/1999
(78) "Blue Angel" 1979 Dodge Diplomat Coupe -
452,000 mi.
Blue Angel and I have traveled together since April, 1984; all except approximately 46,000
of those miles were put on by me. She started off as a 318 cu. in. V-8. When the oil pump
failed at approximately 169,000, I decided to have the engine rebuilt, although it was
still running fairly well. Over 265,000 miles were placed on the rebuilt engine; I
replaced it with a 360 cu. in. and I plan to keep and drive Blue Angel many more thousands
of miles (although her load is now being shared by a 1997 Intrepid 3.5 liter). She has
traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast and back three times. Around the end of
December, 1997, while we were stopped and waiting to make a turn, someone ran a traffic
light, resulting in a collision, with Blue Angel being considered a total loss. I was not
about to give upon her, and had Blue Angel rebuilt, and we continue to travel together--
although primarily within a range of about 600 miles from home. I did have her repainted
the original royal blue (the 360 consumes quite a bit more gas than did the 318 and than
does the 3.5 liter). If you travel with a similar Dodge Diplomat, treat her well, and she
will reliably do the same for you.
Bill Martin - 1/17/1999
(77) "Alice" 1978 Dodge Diplomat
Wagon - 120,000 mi.
A friend's mom gave me the car. It was my first car. I also got my first kiss in that car!
Nick Leal - 1/5/1999
(76) 1985 Plymouth Caravelle Salon -
187,000 km. (Images)
It was bought in Nova Scotia Canada by my grandparents. My father was given the car
in 87 by his mom and dad, and then it was passed on to me in 97. I have been
restoring the car to original condition as money allows, but I have a hard time getting
certain parts like the rear window fuzzys (ext window stripping). My car looks very
much like the Diplomat, but I understand the Caravelle was only sold in Canada.
According to my VIN #, the car was made at the St. Louis No. 2 Plant. My car is gold
in color and has a vinyl roof. It has the 318 2B carb, 5.2L Engine.
Bruce Hale - 1/3/1999
| |
|
