Post by: T229 on February 04, 2017, 20:33:48
Spent an hour at a junk yard today. Found some mint parts from an 88 Fifth Ave.
My dash is cracked terrible. I picked up a new dash pad and gauge surround for $22 total. I just gotta fit the oil pressure gauge into this somehow.
My radio doesn't work. I changed it out and still nothing. I'm not real worried about it.
The speedo doesn't work either. It didn't look stripped or anything but I suppose I should change the cable I assume? I've been searching for a thread on that with pictures and not having a whole lot of luck just yet.
I found some 194 LED bulbs that I think I'm gonna put into the dash since it's all taken apart.
Here's some pics.
Post by: T229 on February 04, 2017, 20:35:00
Old and new.
Post by: T229 on February 04, 2017, 20:39:42
Post by: lsm360 on February 05, 2017, 07:58:23
I think the 168 bulbs are a little brighter than the 194's.
The O/P gauge should go in no problem. It's the air bag cars from mid '88 and '89 with the knee bolster that make it more difficult to fit the gauge in, but it still goes because they came with it from factory. Maybe by "fit" you mean wire it up?
I'd drive the car with speedo out and see if the cable is spinning so you know if that part is working ok.
Post by: MarkM on February 05, 2017, 10:18:22
Great to see forward progress on a project here. It's 25 degrees here right now.
For the bulbs you might want to consider going LED while you have it all apart. I converted my entire interior over a couple years ago. Bought them all from superbrightled.com.
Post by: doomedgame on February 05, 2017, 10:49:53
Post by: lsm360 on February 05, 2017, 13:21:27
This looks like it's going to sell cheap, and it would look good in your dash since your needles have faded (which is common).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mopar-NOS-1977-1978-LeBaron-Dodge-Diplomat-ammeter-gauge-4051083-1979-1980-/252750400807?hash=item3ad9190d27:g:mX8AAOSw2xRYgoZW&vxp=mtr
Post by: T229 on February 05, 2017, 15:34:46
Post by: Prospect62 on February 05, 2017, 16:13:11
Why in the hell am I living in Michigan?! lol.
Great to see forward progress on a project here. It's 25 degrees here right now.
X2. I've had my garage pellet stove going since 8am and it's still only 56 out there. Doesn't exactly make you want to go tear into the car...
Great job with the dash. Can't wait to see further updates...
Post by: lsm360 on February 05, 2017, 19:00:18
You didn't like the NOS temp gauge I posted? It would look nice on your dash.
Post by: T229 on February 05, 2017, 19:35:31
Right now, it'll crank but won't start. I'm sure it's an electronic issue or coil so I can't drive it and see if the speedo works or not. I'm not putting any money into this motor because the new one is going in shortly. I'm just trying to get the interior cleaned up in the meantime.
Post by: Darth-Car on February 06, 2017, 20:34:17
Post by: lsm360 on February 07, 2017, 21:57:34
Post by: doomedgame on February 08, 2017, 00:54:29
Post by: lsm360 on February 08, 2017, 08:42:28
Could have tested it using a drill and a prime rod or using the motor that was in itDrill and prime rod for the AHB electric oil pressure gauges? The motor that was in it won't start, according to him.
Post by: T229 on February 09, 2017, 19:58:38
The oil temp gauge would read right in the middle then FLING to the right where it stayed and never moved.
Post by: fifthcrunch on February 10, 2017, 05:24:29
Post by: T229 on February 10, 2017, 08:39:43
Post by: DobaMark on February 10, 2017, 09:02:35
Bad sender, bad gauge, sending wire shorted to ground.
Post by: T229 on February 13, 2017, 16:27:27
So, I'll be offloading the stock gauge if there's any real interest in it.
Post by: T229 on February 13, 2017, 16:30:29
Post by: Prospect62 on February 14, 2017, 13:51:00
The stock plastic here looks like the template was cut out by a 3rd grader with an exacto knife.
That's how they all look man. That's why we said earlier in this post (maybe it was a different thread) that it almost looked like the cop oil pressure gauge was a complete afterthought by Chrysler ("oops we forgot the oil pressure gauge"
. I just installed mine this weekend. I had one with a cutout but I also had a MUCH nicer bezel WITHOUT the cutout, so I went at the nicer one with a router bit and tin snips. It ain't pretty but the black gauge bezel covers all the jagged edges. It came together very nicely.
Also you have the gauge inverted. When on the car, the gauge goes on the left and the defrost switch on the right.
Post by: lsm360 on February 16, 2017, 11:52:22
Post by: Prospect62 on February 16, 2017, 15:27:38
To me the stock AHB gauge with the stock black plate and defrost switch looks good now. It's part of the Mopar lore and belongs on the Dippy and GF squads. It also is just another indicator of something I love about Police package cars. It's about the "go" not "show". HD components without the flash. Dog Dish hubcaps, blackwall tires, generally less chrome, and things like that. I'll take the stock gauges all day.
Agreed. That's the best and most alluring thing about police cars. All business just like the people who drive them.
Post by: joeytunes on February 17, 2017, 08:52:15
Post by: lsm360 on February 17, 2017, 10:32:26
Agreed. That's the best and most alluring thing about police cars. All business just like the people who drive them.Exactly.
Post by: Darth-Car on February 17, 2017, 17:33:02
This was a dash project I was working on a few years back on the Fifth that went bye bye, never installed it. I bought a very nice looking stock '87 Fifth that's all original, I'm leaving it all original.
When you see the slope of a J body dash you instantly know that a gauge swap in of this fashion just will not work; but the M dash lures you in, and says sure this will work. Then you put it into the car, and realize you can not read those gauges, because now they point at the floor. :pound:
Post by: MarkM on February 17, 2017, 18:53:16
When you see the slope of a J body dash you instantly know that a gauge swap in of this fashion just will not work; but the M dash lures you in, and says sure this will work. Then you put it into the car, and realize you can not read those gauges, because now they point at the floor. :pound:
They make adapter rings to correct for that stuff.
http://www.autometer.com/2-1-16-angle-rings-pack-of-3.html (http://www.autometer.com/2-1-16-angle-rings-pack-of-3.html)
Hopefully soon here I'm going to start mocking up my center console soon (maybe this weekend) out of cardboard. The idea is have to a gauge cluster in it as I don't want to hack up the original dash. Pictures to follow.
Post by: lisa.b on March 12, 2017, 19:49:30
Post by: 80 Lebaron Coupe on March 12, 2017, 20:43:27
Wow, the dash looks incredible. Good job! Have you finished it all or not yet?Welcome Aboard Lisa.
Post by: Prospect62 on April 15, 2017, 20:46:17
Post by: T229 on May 08, 2017, 06:18:55
New crate motor, new 100 amp alternator, 360 Ram 3 core radiator, MSD Ignition, wires, plugs, distributor, speed cable, Edelbrock Performer manifold, Edelbrock carb, air cleaner, new dash (pulled from a wrecked 5th Ave).
Half of the dash lights were blown so I swapped some blue LEDs in there instead. The speedo cable was kind of a pain so hopefully it works. It was unreal how heavy the stock intake manifold really was. Hopefully, I saved about 40lbs.
It runs, drives ok. Needs minor tuning and an exhaust system. When I bought the car, it didn't have any cats on it, just two mufflers that are worn out and full of holes. All the lean burn crap is gone and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna grab a couple high flow cats to throw on there. I bought a set of Walker Sound Solutions mufflers to keep it quiet but the whole exhaust needs rebuilt, which isn't a big deal.
I bought a set of headers but apparently didn't read enough because the no name brand didn't fit. I don't want to spend a fortune as I'm on a budget like most people so, I'm gonna go with a set of Magnum manifolds if someone would be so kind as to tell me the part numbers that will work for my 86. The search function doesn't agree with me here.
A friend of mine has had it at his shop and we've been working on it at our leisure one day a week or so. Im getting antsy to get it back but it's headed to paint next. Im either gonna paint it the factory blue or a nice silver. Havent decided yet.
I have the stock oil pressure gauge if anyone wants it. I also have a couple spare new orange boxes that need to go as well. I'll post photos shortly.
I have pictures but the site wont let me upload them.
Post by: MarkM on May 08, 2017, 08:05:51
I don't think Magnum exhaust manifolds will fit, or at least one side won't, but I can't remember which. If your motor is only making 300HP then I would stay with the manifolds that came off of the old 318. You won't notice loss in power at that level. Long tube headers are a pain in the neck. I'll never mess with those again.
Post by: T229 on May 08, 2017, 14:53:10
What are you guys' thoughts on cats? How many did these have on them from the factory? Thing is, I don't want it loud. I don't mind a little burble but I think catless exhaust sounds obnoxious, outside of 60's and early 70's muscle.
Also, I've had nothing but issues with this site since joining. Im not sure if its on my end or not. I'am unable to upload images via the attachment link below.
Post by: MarkM on May 09, 2017, 14:01:20
Ok, so leave the exhaust manifolds alone. Got it. I thought for sure even a set of shortys would benefit it.
What are you guys' thoughts on cats? How many did these have on them from the factory? Thing is, I don't want it loud. I don't mind a little burble but I think catless exhaust sounds obnoxious, outside of 60's and early 70's muscle.
Also, I've had nothing but issues with this site since joining. Im not sure if its on my end or not. I'am unable to upload images via the attachment link below.
There is a gain to be had, but on a 300HP 360 crate motor the difference between manifolds and long tube headers was 20 ft/lbs of torque. Hardly a deal breaker. If you're not producing even that much then don't give it a second thought. Besides, if you want quiet then manifolds it is.
Cats will certainly quiet it down, but if you don't have smog in your area then you can get quiet a lot cheaper than putting cats on the car. Are you running dual exhaust or single? If dual, then you need to move the gas tank over a strap and run the pipes out to the bumper. If dual I would say 2.25" or if single then 2.5".
Post by: T229 on July 04, 2017, 15:56:16
New dash, new dash pad, new speedo cable and new light bulbs that were burned out.
The new crate 318 is in. OEM factory roller cam motor, bought new for $1200, and it comes with a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Lots of parts needed to be replaced. The alternator, waterpump, ignition, you name it. New plugs, wires, cap, rotor, MSD, motor mounts, 360 Ram 3 core radiator, belts, hoses, oil pan, and lots of miscellaneous crap.
Edelbrock 4bbl is on there. Its running rich, but none the less, runs quite strong for what it is. Edelbrock intake manifold dropped right on and saved what, 40lbs off the stock manifold?
I had to put a new exhaust system on it. It already had duals but no cats and 2 worn out mufflers. I put on 2 high flow cats and 2 OEM style mufflers from Advance Auto. It's quiet, just how I wanted it.
New paint went on. $900 later, minor body work was done and I think it looks nice. I need a headliner badly, but before that, I'm getting the A/C fixed. It's a sweatbox here during the day lately.
I will probably be selling the car at some point this year, if the right offer comes along. I have receipts for everything, but in the mean time, I'm gonna enjoy it.
Post by: T229 on July 04, 2017, 15:57:23
Post by: MarkM on July 04, 2017, 21:49:37
Post by: T229 on December 10, 2017, 07:49:15
Pulled the correct colored dash from an 87 Fifth in a junkyard and it was immaculate.
Also went on was the Taurus fan.
Post by: T229 on December 10, 2017, 07:56:55
I replaced my clutch fan with a Hayden unit. That thing drove me nuts. It was engaged at 95% of the time. After 15 miles at 70mph, it would finally kick off, until I came to a stop sign and it reengaged again for another 15 minutes. It drove me crazy.
So, I went with a 3.8 Taurus fan.
At idle, it's working great. I was out and about and the lights started dimming. I limped it home, about 10 highway miles. The voltage regulator came unplugged. Yesterday, the fan rpm is going up and down at idle, like it's not getting near the juice it needs. I give it 500 rpm and it screams. My voltmeter is rock steady at a tick past center. I'm running a brand new (remanned) 114amp from Rock Auto. I replaced the voltage regulator yesterday and seems I'm still having a voltage issue. It doesn't seem it's getting the proper juice at idle. My battery is old. I may replace it and check my grounds for my alternator.
Post by: Darth-Car on December 10, 2017, 18:09:29
Are you running a stock alternator setup, or have you converted to the single wire setup?
Post by: 80 Lebaron Coupe on December 10, 2017, 18:39:20
Post by: T229 on December 10, 2017, 18:43:14
Your interior is looking sharp with those new parts!
Are you running a stock alternator setup, or have you converted to the single wire setup?
Stock set up, just a new 114 amp.
Post by: Darth-Car on December 10, 2017, 18:47:52
Post by: MarkM on December 11, 2017, 08:03:58
Car looks great!
Post by: T229 on December 11, 2017, 09:10:59
I have a ton of man hours in this pile of steel. I spent 6 hours yesterday disassembling both front doors, scraping crusty window stripping off and removing rusty panels. Unreal how water getting inside the door has just deteriorated the inner workings of the windows. Now to find weather stripping that works. I have some, but it's generic. This car was a rotting pile of metal and severely neglected when I bought it.
I still have no working radio. (no speakers or wires) and no heat, not that I'll need that much here in Florida.
I think this alternator puts out plenty of amps at idle. My connector to the voltage regulator popped off when I was driving so I suspect I was driving off the battery so the charge may be low.
I do appreciate everyone's feedback. This site has been a wealth of knowledge since day 1. I'm always searching something and finding the answer. Im probably gonna be seriously shopping for heads here after the holidays.