Howdy from Oklahoma

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MopaRookie

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Howdy everyone, I am the proud new owner of a 65 Valiant Signet, new to Mopar muscle, and new to this site. I've had my eye on this car for a couple of years now, sitting out in my buddy's pasture. I sat on another project (81 Vette) for 10 years, and recently sold it off; I didn't have time before retirement and lost motivation for the car.

The Valiant has been sitting for MANY years, so I really didn't know what to really expect when I got her home. Let me tell you, I was very pleasantly surprised. Almost Zero rust, no broken glass, has all of the chrome trim (except 1 fender well), even the interior looks pretty damn good. The car came with the original slant, but that isn't the direction I intend to go with it. AFTER I set the car up the way I want it (based primarily on your recommendations), I intend to drop in a 383/727.

After giving the car a wash and looking her over, I found this site and began reading every thread I can find on the early A Bodies. Man, there is a lot of experience in here! I plan to consult with you guys for the entire process.

Now that I finally have my shop in functional order, and finally have some free time, it's time to get started!

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front2.jpg


Rear.jpg


rear2.jpg


dside2.jpg
 
Make sure to post pictures of your build/progress as you move along.
 
MopaRookie said:
Howdy everyone, I am the proud new owner of a 65 Valiant Signet, new to Mopar muscle, and new to this site. I've had my eye on this car for a couple of years now, sitting out in my buddy's pasture. I sat on another project (81 Vette) for 10 years, and recently sold it off; I didn't have time before retirement and lost motivation for the car.

The Valiant has been sitting for MANY years, so I really didn't know what to really expect when I got her home. Let me tell you, I was very pleasantly surprised. Almost Zero rust, no broken glass, has all of the chrome trim (except 1 fender well), even the interior looks pretty damn good. The car came with the original slant, but that isn't the direction I intend to go with it. AFTER I set the car up the way I want it (based primarily on your recommendations), I intend to drop in a 383/727.

After giving the car a wash and looking her over, I found this site and began reading every thread I can find on the early A Bodies. Man, there is a lot of experience in here! I plan to consult with you guys for the entire process.

Now that I finally have my shop in functional order, and finally have some free time, it's time to get started!

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Where ya at? I'm in Shawnee area. There is going to be a big Mopar show May 10-12th in Bristow. Southern Plains Mopar Fest.
 
Welcome! Nice Valiant. It will be a whole lot easier to run a small block and 904 in an Early-A, 64-66. They are nice small cars. Nice find, thanks for the pictures!
 
go-fish said:
Where ya at? I'm in Shawnee area. There is going to be a big Mopar show May 10-12th in Bristow. Southern Plains Mopar Fest.
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I retired from the AF out of Tinker just a couple of years ago. I recently moved to the McAlester area. Bristow sounds fun, but the car definitely won't be on the road yet :)
 
66fs said:
Welcome! Nice Valiant. It will be a whole lot easier to run a small block and 904 in an Early-A, 64-66. They are nice small cars. Nice find, thanks for the pictures!
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I understand, I just have the big block set up readily available. One of my closest friends is a Mopar guy and he's willing to be my doner. I'm going to plan on giving her a big block but also keeping my eyes open for a small block set up. Here's a couple more pictures, I'm still impressed by the condition of this car.

Interior1.jpg


Interior2.jpg
 
MopaRookie said:
I retired from the AF out of Tinker just a couple of years ago. I recently moved to the McAlester area. Bristow sounds fun, but the car definitely won't be on the road yet :)
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I'm south of the big casino between Tinker and Shawnee. Make a list of the parts you need and go to the swap meet.
 
That sounds like a great idea! As you can imagine, I've already started with my parts list and dream sheet.
 
I second the small block. You could even build a stroker and have all the torque of a big block.

I would take advantage of what it is. Small car, light weight, shorter wheelbase. What you need is an RPM happy engine and cam selection, 3.55 gears, and an overdrive auto (46RE/700R4/4L60E....). The light weight of the car would do good with a stock stroke 340 or 318 (3.31 stroke) and a bigger piston (.060" 318). The key is head flow so top all that off with some cheap Speedmaster CNC heads. Use your military discount during the Speedmaster Holiday Sale at Summit for an additional 10%.

Also, in the State of Oklahoma you can get you a couple chickens or other livestock and apply for an agriculture tax exemption. You will get a tax exemption ID and # you can use anywhere that you can buy anything for your Agriculture needs. For example, food, auto parts, lumber, plumbing, John Deere tractors, ... I have mine on file with Summit, Rock Auto, Lowe's, Oreilly, Harbor Freight, Home Depot, and many more..... By law a retailer has to accept your tax exemption if it is "for your farm". No tax, ever. Toilets, nails, oil filters, grinding discs, tool boxes, jeans...... I can even go to the Ag store and buy non-taxed diesel in bulk (farm use only!). Apply at your county tax assessor's office or there is a OK.gov website you can apply at online. Remember though, all the purchases have to benefit your agriculture "operation".
So, ..... get some chickens! Or if you can get 100% DAV you get tax exempt for all purchases on more things than the Agriculture exemption.
 
go-fish said:
I second the small block. You could even build a stroker and have all the torque of a big block.

I would take advantage of what it is. Small car, light weight, shorter wheelbase. What you need is an RPM happy engine and cam selection, 3.55 gears, and an overdrive auto (46RE/700R4/4L60E....). The light weight of the car would do good with a stock stroke 340 or 318 (3.31 stroke) and a bigger piston (.060" 318). The key is head flow so top all that off with some cheap Speedmaster CNC heads. Use your military discount during the Speedmaster Holiday Sale at Summit for an additional 10%.

Also, in the State of Oklahoma you can get you a couple chickens or other livestock and apply for an agriculture tax exemption. You will get a tax exemption ID and # you can use anywhere that you can buy anything for your Agriculture needs. For example, food, auto parts, lumber, plumbing, John Deere tractors, ... I have mine on file with Summit, Rock Auto, Lowe's, Oreilly, Harbor Freight, Home Depot, and many more..... By law a retailer has to accept your tax exemption if it is "for your farm". No tax, ever. Toilets, nails, oil filters, grinding discs, tool boxes, jeans...... I can even go to the Ag store and buy non-taxed diesel in bulk (farm use only!). Apply at your county tax assessor's office or there is a OK.gov website you can apply at online. Remember though, all the purchases have to benefit your agriculture "operation".
So, ..... get some chickens! Or if you can get 100% DAV you get tax exempt for all purchases on more things than the Agriculture exemption.
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I'm with ya', I was awarded 100% T&P after retirement. I haven't got my farm tax number yet but I guess I should; we've got a few animals around here :)

I do agree with you about going with a small block, from everything I've read in here points in that direction.

BTW, my Mopar buddy also lives in Shawnee. He has a restored 71-72 Demon (I forget). If you don't know each other, I'll be shocked. He and I did an engine swap twice in one weekend on his car. 440 both times.... long story, lol :)
 
When the weather is nice I take the Duster to the donut shop on Harrison on Saturdays. Hope to see him around. You too.
 
MopaRookie said:
I understand, I just have the big block set up readily available. One of my closest friends is a Mopar guy and he's willing to be my doner. I'm going to plan on giving her a big block but also keeping my eyes open for a small block set up. Here's a couple more pictures, I'm still impressed by the condition of this car.
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Wow! that is a premium interior. Steering wheel, auto console, AC, bucket seats, and all. For a big block swap everything is custom and the 727 does not fit without modifications, been there and done that. Not saying it can't be done, but A small block and a 904 is bolt in, exhaust manifolds or headers are available. Best of luck either way. That is a really sweet uncobbled car.
 
Thanks! I mean, it seems really cool to me, but I don't know jack-**** about these cars. I grew up working on Fords and Chevys, but I'm a lover of all cars. From what I am told, this car was owned by an old man that barely ever drove it. The OD shows 15,320 and I do not think it rolled over; very little interior wear (rubber on the brake pedal has barely even has any wear). Even if I'm wrong, it was well taken care of by the original owner. Suffice to say, I'm excited about this project!
 
MopaRookie said:
Howdy everyone, I am the proud new owner of a 65 Valiant Signet, new to Mopar muscle, and new to this site. I've had my eye on this car for a couple of years now, sitting out in my buddy's pasture. I sat on another project (81 Vette) for 10 years, and recently sold it off; I didn't have time before retirement and lost motivation for the car.

The Valiant has been sitting for MANY years, so I really didn't know what to really expect when I got her home. Let me tell you, I was very pleasantly surprised. Almost Zero rust, no broken glass, has all of the chrome trim (except 1 fender well), even the interior looks pretty damn good. The car came with the original slant, but that isn't the direction I intend to go with it. AFTER I set the car up the way I want it (based primarily on your recommendations), I intend to drop in a 383/727.

After giving the car a wash and looking her over, I found this site and began reading every thread I can find on the early A Bodies. Man, there is a lot of experience in here! I plan to consult with you guys for the entire process.

Now that I finally have my shop in functional order, and finally have some free time, it's time to get started!

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kick a$$ , always liked those looks like a great start.
having put a 440/505 in a 68 barracuda , I would recommend a big inch 340 or 360 , your engine bay is probably smaller than mine ...
 
Welcome to the forum...Lots of smart guys n gals on here more than willing to help..... First things first if you remember the firing order to a SBC then its the same for the LA series engine ..Yep 18436572
Except Chryslers run much better ......Nice looking find and ditto on the small block install for your upgrade.
 
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