snailgarden
Active Member
Hello!
I’ve just purchased my first project vehicle, a 4-door 1968 Plymouth valiant with a 273 V8 engine, in honor of my father who passed away last year. I realize the 4-doors aren’t the most popular, but I sincerely don’t mind it at all. My father had one very similar to this one that I had always wanted as a teenager/young adult. He was passionate about anything mechanical, especially computers and cars. I hope to carry on his legacy through learning how to work on cars and to have fun with it also.
My knowledge is very minimal on car mechanics (although I grew up with old cars, car parts strewn throughout and outside our house), but I’m very determined to learn. I was directed her by several individuals who said this was by far the best place to begin my journey and I am so glad I have joined.
The previous owner apparently had the engine rebuilt, put a 4-barrel elderbrook carburetor, rebuilt the radiator, and put 16 inch wheels and shock absorbers on it also.
There are several issues with the car as of right now; the AC doesn’t work because the compressor is out (they gave it to me, but pretty sure it is broken and were planning to get it fixed), the heater doesn’t kick on (apparently it worked last winter), doors don’t lock which isn’t a hard fix, radio doesn’t work, and the issue I am the most concerned about at the moment is the possible electrical issue going on with it.
When it’s running, everything flickers in the car and the ammeter needle bounces slightly when doing this, the ammeter needle will dip lower when I am driving and holding the brake at a light, it will go to the half point while parked and bounce.
I went and got the battery checked, was told it needed to be charged up, but should be okay, we tested the alternator while the car was on and idling, but it was showing a zero reading.
I’m guessing it is the alternator, the regulator, or possibly a fuse related problem? Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated. Or if anyone has pointers on why the heater will not work also, I’d appreciate it greatly! I’m unsure if it is even possible to “fix” the old A/C compressor Either, so any feedback with that would be great also.
Sorry for the long and messy novel! I just figured it may be easier to combine my intro and what I need help on posts together.
Thanks for reading and much love.
I’ve just purchased my first project vehicle, a 4-door 1968 Plymouth valiant with a 273 V8 engine, in honor of my father who passed away last year. I realize the 4-doors aren’t the most popular, but I sincerely don’t mind it at all. My father had one very similar to this one that I had always wanted as a teenager/young adult. He was passionate about anything mechanical, especially computers and cars. I hope to carry on his legacy through learning how to work on cars and to have fun with it also.
My knowledge is very minimal on car mechanics (although I grew up with old cars, car parts strewn throughout and outside our house), but I’m very determined to learn. I was directed her by several individuals who said this was by far the best place to begin my journey and I am so glad I have joined.
The previous owner apparently had the engine rebuilt, put a 4-barrel elderbrook carburetor, rebuilt the radiator, and put 16 inch wheels and shock absorbers on it also.
There are several issues with the car as of right now; the AC doesn’t work because the compressor is out (they gave it to me, but pretty sure it is broken and were planning to get it fixed), the heater doesn’t kick on (apparently it worked last winter), doors don’t lock which isn’t a hard fix, radio doesn’t work, and the issue I am the most concerned about at the moment is the possible electrical issue going on with it.
When it’s running, everything flickers in the car and the ammeter needle bounces slightly when doing this, the ammeter needle will dip lower when I am driving and holding the brake at a light, it will go to the half point while parked and bounce.
I went and got the battery checked, was told it needed to be charged up, but should be okay, we tested the alternator while the car was on and idling, but it was showing a zero reading.
I’m guessing it is the alternator, the regulator, or possibly a fuse related problem? Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated. Or if anyone has pointers on why the heater will not work also, I’d appreciate it greatly! I’m unsure if it is even possible to “fix” the old A/C compressor Either, so any feedback with that would be great also.
Sorry for the long and messy novel! I just figured it may be easier to combine my intro and what I need help on posts together.
Thanks for reading and much love.
Nice ride!
