As far as anyone can tell,...
As far as anyone can tell, the 273 in Renee's Valiant has never been taken apart. the chrome pieces, Holley induction, and the power steering are add-ons.
The car as it looked when...
The car as it looked when the body shop guy refused to cut it for parts.
Fast Facts
'64 Valiant Signet 200
Renee Tuckwiller
Auburndale, Fl
Mopar Power
Engine:
How much engine does a Valiant really need? According to the factory in 1964, 273 ci is plenty. as far as anyone can tell, the engine in this car has never gotten a rebuild, so the Holley intake and carburetor are the only "new" parts-and they're vintage.
Transmission:
The transmission was shifted via buttons on the dash in 1964. This Valiant's original unit is still shifted that way.
Rearend:
It's got the little 7 1/4 rearend, and your guess about gears is as good as anyone's. Whatever's in there has been there since it was built.
Sure Grip
Suspension:
The factory suspension uses a few rebuilt pieces because if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Brakes:
Here's where things get hi-tech-aftermarket, factory-looking disc brakes up front. That's it, nothing fancy.
Rims:
Yes, we know 14-inch Rallye wheels never came on early A-Bodies, but they look good enough that they should have.
"I like my little car. I can get in and drive it wherever I want."-Renee Tuckwiller
Paint:
The paint on the Valiant is far from stock, but at least it's all-Mopar. The top is Deep Forest Green taken from a '96 Dodge Ram, and the bottom is Medium Blue Pearl that was a factory paint on the 2000 Pacifica.
Interior:
Although it looks fairly stock, the interior features just enough modifications to make the drive more enjoyable. For starters, the AM/FM/CD player gives the required tunes, and the custom seat skins give not only a good-looking place to sit, but also a fairly comfortable one. Facing the driver is a Grant steering wheel and rechromed dash trim.
High Impact
Body:
Considering it was supposed to be a parts car, the body is in really good shape with minimal rust repair and a couple of . . . who are we kidding, it had quite a few door dings.