Joe had Bob Hanson relocate...
Joe had Bob Hanson relocate the rear springs inboard and install subframe connectors. Joe also added mini-tubs to accommodate almost any size rear tire. The rear end is a Strange S60 with 3.54:1 gears.
McCaron sent his original six-cylinder K-member to Mega Parts, where it was rebuilt to '66 Hemi specs, including a skid plate. TTI headers were added along with their 3-inch exhaust pipes leading into DynoMax mufflers. Backing the Hemi engine is a Turbo Action 2,500-rpm stall torque converter connected to a 727 trans built by Remac Transmission of San Dimas, California, with A&A internals.
Originally, the '66 Plymouth Belvedere I was fitted with full-length body side molding. Joe decided to keep the car as simple as possible and deleted that molding. He also did not add Hemi emblems to the front fenders. All of Joe's earlier Hemi cars were red and this Plymouth was no exception. Oscar Sandoval at J.V. Enterprises in Azusa, California, shot the PPG single stage Laser Red paint. The interior was trimmed with NOS tan material at Quality Upholstery in Irwindale, California, and since the radio delete plate was already in place, and it's sunny all the time where he lives, he also added a heater delete plate. The tach on top of the instrument panel is the only dead giveaway that this Belvedere I is no longer grandma's grocery getter.
Although there were some Belvederes...
Although there were some Belvederes built with a Hemi, none of them came with 526 cubes. Dale Reed built the 526. It features Stage V aluminum heads and intake along with an Isky roller cam. The air cleaner is an aftermarket item with a custom base and unique K&N filter. Tandem Holley 1850s look out of place on a Hemi, but the Stage V intake is designed to mount them. Joe had to machine the air horns off of the carburetors to increase airflow in the low profile air cleaner. He also made the fuel lines.
Fast Facts
'66 Plymouth Belvedere I
Owner: Joe McCaronMopar Power
Engine: Dale Reed built 526-inches of Hemi starting with a Mopar Performance cast-iron block, filling the 4.375-inch bores with Ross Pistons rotated by a Keith Black steel billet crankshaft with a 4.375 stroke. Stage V aluminum heads and dual four-barrel intake with twin Holley four-barrel carbs tops it off.
Transmission: Sure, a four-speed would be cool, but to make driving a little easier, a 727 TorqueFlite with A&A components was chosen.
Rearend: An indestructible Strange S60 with 3.54:1 gears and Trac Loc helps make the BFG tires turn into asphalt crayons.
Sure-Grip
Suspension: Power is no good without traction, so the rear springs were moved inboard to allow for larger rear tires, and the subframes were connected. The stock six-cylinder K-member was rebuilt to accommodate the '66 Hemi including a skid plate.
Brakes: Stainless Steel Corporation disc brakes in front with factory 11-inch drums in the rear
Wheels: American Torq Thrust 6-inch in front and 81/2 in rear. The rear wheels were rebuilt to add backspacing to accommodate the enlarged wheelhouse and factory width rear end.
Tires: BFG Radial TA's 215/70R15 in front and 275/60R15 in the rear
High Impact
Body: Simple but cool. What else can we say about a Belvedere I two-door sedan sans side molding?
Paint: PPG single stage Audi Laser Red. If he keeps up the tire burning in public, it really could be called Arrest-Me Red.
Interior: The car originally came as a radio delete car, and Joe added a heater delete plate. NOS tan cloth material on the bench seats and an instrument panel mounted tach.