More like new beginnings, Especially for my new toy!

My name is Jeremey and here is the brief story of my 1970 Plymouth Satellite Sport~

Spotted this at the Local Junkyard:

I asked and apparently they just drove it off a flatbed after picking it up from a farm or something, And drove it to where it was sitting in the processing area (Pic Above).
They shrugged me off after showing extreme interest in buying it and said they would call me back in a couple days...

I called them shortly after opening next morning, They process any and everything almost with seemingly no regard to make or model, And once it hits a point it's un-touchable/buyable as a whole and WILL be crushed after being in the yard a little bit.
Asked for Manager, Got her and kept calling. Much thanks to Melissa for actually helping me get this all done!!!
Lots of phone time, Paperwork employee nonsense and Here she sits, In my Home Driveway, Where she was driven to:

Started right up first try!, then ran out of gas...
Found a locked gas cap~Would this have been original? It was Stant I believe with red warnings and red ring, I hope not as the yard worker was out there breaking the lock and yanking it off while I was in the office and disapeared with it...
Also the paperwork lady came and took the newer plates with current tabs off as it was "Not allowed for them to leave" I took pics of them though. Also asked about the title and she wasnt sure if it had one or not but if it did it got shredded as standard procedure. Lame.

1970 Plymouth Satellite Sport 318/727? Column Auto, Green on Green unsure of mileage ATM.

She needs some trim, Body work and random things. Need to figure out the Audible Tapping on drivers side..

Have a huge issue of currently being entirely locked out... Have no door/trunk key (Yes, No one has any idea whats in the trunk).
Both doors are unlocked from the inside however, Pass side only opened from inside handle. Linkages seem all screwed up and didnt get time to fix them.
Metal on both door and pillar for the latches on the drivers side have "torn" and it wasnt latching no matter how hard you tried, Had to bungee it closed to get home. Of course it randomly manages to latch when I get home.

Anyway,
$899+tax, "New" JY Everstart Batt dated 4/12 and looked new~Gratis with car (Thanks again Melissa!), Topped fluids (Gas gauge doesnt seem to work?, Tranny fluid topped already looked pretty good) all signals and lights besides markers checked out, Had to warm up in the snowy weather before it stopped dying when you stepped on gas or brake, No wipers... In the now rain, Drove home~Tried to die at a light, Otherwise made it home just fine. Then she locked me out, LoL.

 

Fixed it for you. Nice toy and welcome!

 

welcome to the forum,,, nice find

 

Nice score!!!!

 

Thanks much!
I didn't think I would own something like this after playing around with mostly Fords.

I've seen them for sale Ocassionaly, But always way out of my price range. When the unexpected oppurtunity appeared, She called to me... And I had to have Her.
To be honest I was ready to haul her home at $899 even if it had bad problems like a Blown engine, Bad Tranny, Rust through, Etc.

My Father had a Coronet as his First Car, And his Brother had & wrecked a Road Runner.
I could tell it really brought back memories for him and brightened his day. I let him drive it home, And he keeps talking about it.

Blessed to have her!
Though she really needs to let me back in so I can continue to fix some stuff. Haha.

 

Oh wow, I was literaly at the right place and right time!!!
I just realised looking at the pics that they had already marked the body panels for parting... Lame.

Next step for them after that is to drain the fluids, cut the cat off and remove the wheels then forklift it around (They like to stab into sides of perfectly good body panels if the car gives them trouble, They picked one up in the staging and it dropped hard) until theres room in the yard.
They have told me in the past once the wheels are off it cant be bought, So it would have been destined for the crusher.

I can't believe they would part out this all original running piece of american muscle instead of trying to sell it with the other "Builder" cars... Then again I see cars in the yard in great shape all the time and they even say "Runs and Drives" on the windshield some times.

Theres actually a classic caddie for $1699 thats needs just about everything but an engine and the shell, Doesnt run and yet they did put this one out for sale as a builder, Yard doesnt make sense...
Though if it doesnt sell within a few weeks it will end up being X'd, Staged and yard bound then crushed. They really don't make sense, I swear it's like 15 workers who don't ever know what the other is doing and really don't care. I found the only competent person, The owner and she made this happen for me for which I'm very thankful to Melissa.

*Side note: They tried to get $1299 from me initially and I was prepared to pay that, But! I somehow easily talked them to $899 (Lowest they let vehicles go for).

 

Welcome to the forum.... Be sure to check out the Mopar of the Month conest... Oh my,,, What a story..... You now have a great beginning of a great build/save story... Make sure you talk a lot of photos... Down the road you will be glad you did.....

 

Will do! I'm going to document everything.

I actually have to go down to the State Patrol by the 4th of Jan to have the vin inspected so I can proceed to get a Title. Paperwork from the scrap yard says they sell all vehicles on a wreckers license.

Anyone had to go through this?, I sure havent... Will I end up with a salvage title or something?

Carfax didnt go past 1981, So I did some searching and paid $2.50 to the "NMVTIS" And it comes up entirely clean! Says the last Title was issued in 2/13/1976, Same State.
I don't know why it says "Odometer: Exempt" Though...

 

If you are looking for the chrome trim on the tail panel, I have it. It's not perfect, but pretty decent driver quality

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Great Car! Congrats on saving it from the crusher! Look forward to seeing it fixed up!

 

Thanks everyone.
I'm actually stressing out right now...

I was looking into plates and tabs and all that, Then I came across the state patrol website...
I was told by the office lady to just bring the PAPERWORK over to the nearest state patrol office within 15 days to have the VIN Checked & Cleared.
Now I'm reading on the website they have to do a FULL PHYSICAL INSPECTION.
I call the yard and get "Melissa" who confirms this...

I have to drive 22miles to and from the nearest state patrol office, In the Satellite, In it's current state... Now Within 9-10 days before fee's start racking up.

I'm about to bang my head on the desk, I don't have the time at this holiday moment to be overhauling any vehicle.

 

Oh and some routine fluid questions for you guys:
Does anyone make an all around manual for B-Bodies? I'm used to being able to stop into O'reillys or somewhere and grabbing a manual for a specific car by Haynes or Chilton. Not finding any...

And what engine weight would you guys suggest for a high/possibly very high mileage 318? I topped off with a couple quarts of 10w40 as suggested by the autozone guy before we drove her home. Wondering if I need something thicker, Especially with the tapping (I will remove the valve cover and inspect when I get a chance).
Right now I'm just going to drain, Put in some cheap O'reillys oil and oil filter then probably seafoam, Unless you guys think that might be a bad idea?
I've done it on much newer cars without issue but this ones 40+ years old and I don't want to clog anything with debris.

I've also heard "Rislone" is good for tapping and clicking noises.

Even though the tranny fluid looks ok I should probably drop the pan and change the filter~Is there a drain on these or do I have to bath in fluid dropping the pan?
And any suggestions for fluid type or brand? It's ATF+3/4, Correct?

And is it hard to remove the oil pan on these? All our other vehicles have stuff blocking it from dropping...

Also wondering if I should drain the fuel tank.

 

some one here know about the manual's.
as far as oil ive run 318's for over 15 yr's and i run Valvoline 20 50 with a lucus zinc additive but i live in florida also.
the zinc is important because it properly lubricates the cam and valve-train since the introduction of emissions they removed the zinc because it damages the emission s i think?
as far as the noisy valve s most likely high mileage motor it's the cam and lifter's worn out and [probably the rest of the valve-train]
if i ever cleaned the inside of a motor i used a qt. of dextron, i once left it in for over a week man talk about a clean engine.
i'm using atf 4 now after reading a article about Chrysler trany's and the fluid they need, the fluid is thicker and stickier than the dex 3
when i drop my pan i start from the rear and work to the front that odd cut in the pan is where i drain it out from.
why drain the tank think there's junk in it? If you do you will probably have to replace everything so be ready.

 

Thanks for the info.
I live up in the NW, Mostly cold and rainy so I'm wondering if 20-50 might be too thick.
Been reading up on the zinc, So will definitly be looking for a high zinc oil. From what I've read so far Valvoline VR-1 and such are very good.

Dexron works better than Seafoam? Interesting.

Sounds like I need to get some ATF+4, Any particular brand better than another for this?.

I actually really dont want to remove the gas tank.
I just havent owned a car this old before, So I wasnt sure if that was standard procedure for rust or buildup that might be in it or on the pump sock.

After the holiday (Merry Christmas everyone!) I'll get the car unlatched, Yes, I'm still locked out... Take off the valve cover and and see if I can find anything there hopefully, And if it's getting oil up. Hoping it's just a messed up/clogged rod, Worn rocker, Lash or something.

 

Where in the NW d you live?

The local wrecking yards here pull out any old cars and try to sell them off before sending them into the yards... BUT that looks like the lynnwood PAP off highway 99.....

PS: these cars dont have catalytic converters


20/50 is fine even in the cold. I run 20/50 in my mk2 jetta. its thick but it helps with the larger bearing clearances.

 

Hey! Looks like were neighbors in Lynnwood.
Yes it's from the now "Pick-N-Pull" off 99, I'm surprised "Best Auto" next door didnt try and snag it as they seem more into the classics, Then again they didnt grab the nearly complete '63 ranchero that went out to the yard either.

 

LOL. Where abouts in lynnwood do you live? I live over by the NEW lynnwood high school.

I havent gone to the Pull a part lately just because its a lways dark by the time i get home from work.... im surprised other mopar guys here didnt try to snag that car.

 

Near the OLD lynnwood high school.
Like I said, They basically just moved it into the fenced area one day while I was checking out a "Builder" '93 Z28 Camaro (That wouldn't start~Claimed engine troubles and a busted drivers door latch, But man that car was clean~Was so tempted at $1199) I hear a dude who was chatting with everyone and talking loud blurt out "Hey look at that satellite!" went over to the fence and had to have it. :-)

Anyway, If I hadn't called back first thing the next morning and got the manager, I likely would have missed it as they were already marking the body panels up.

BTW, There is/was a rough '55? hard top Cadillac for $1699, Needed a bunch of parts and I dunno if it ran or not, But the loud dude was sure interested in it.

Is there a big Mopar following or any clubs around here?
PS: Just found this on CL, Seems like another good deal: http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/3489687560.html

 

Ha. OLD Lynnwood High is GONE! I was the last graduating class from that high school (2009). Small world.

Yes there is a mopar club. Its called Mopars Unlimited: Seattle chapter. I've been an official member since 2000 but have been going to the meetings long before. My dad has been a member since the 80s.

I know almost any big mopar guy in the area.. and alot of mopar guys know my Blue Dart. It was the feature car at the Spring Round up car show held at Mariner High school in June.


I believe the next meeting is January 8th. But its usually the 1st Tuesday every month in the basement at SHAWN O DONELLS by Mariner high school right off I5.

 

I would get a factory service manual for it , you get them printed or on disc , I like the disc you can print the pages you need as many times as you want .
Looks like a great score BTW

 

Haha I know, Last I heard IKEA, The Mall and some Other places wanted to buy the land over there, But not sure why nothing is progressing.

And Awesome, great finding you on here.
When I get Her in a more presentable shape and finish all the title & reg nonsense~I'll definitely look into joining if that's possible. And I've gotta see your Dart so I'll try and make it over to the next car show.
My father had a pretty standard but very solid 4door Beige Dart also at one point but got rid of it for some reason (Sold in this State/Area), I think it was money issues at the time sadly , I was pretty young and didn't appreciate cars so much at that time yet either but get depressed when I see the old pics and brings back memories of it, And that I didnt have a shot at it. Oh well.

OH, And
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

 

More then welcome to join the club even without having the car together! Theres alot of knowledgeable guys and we can all help you find parts.

I can also tell you who to stay clear off in the club. LOL.

SUPPOSEDLY theres going to be a Costco build there. But the reason nothing is getting built yet its 50 acres of SWAMP land. Thats why they tore down the school. In the 40 years it was there its sank about 8ft (if not more) If i remember right.

 

Confirmed first meeting of the year is January 8th. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Its usually the first Tuesday but New Years falls on Tuesday so the staff changed the date. (Typical...).

Feel free to stroll on out if you can. Meeting start at 7 - 7:30 ish. Its mostly congregation of the typical friends chatting with eachother. My Dad and I are among the few of the members there whove been around for quite some time.

Im sure everyone would get a kick out the story about the Sat.

 

Also... I can be a personal part time Mechanic and help you get that thing running some what decent. Will work for cheap labor. Cheaper then anyone else would charge. I'm just a 21 year old kid trying to make due.


And to answer a few mroe of your questions:

If youre going to be driving this car alot, you should buy a new fuel tank, new fuel lines, sending unit, fuel pump, fuel lines, carb rebuild.

Go to O reillys, auto zone, napa, whichever and get Dextron ATF specifically for Mopar transmissions. Draining the trans and changing the filter is a good idea. Its probably never been changed. (I've rebuilt a few Torqueflights and a chevy 350)

I run 20/50 Castrol in my 440. NEVER had an issue with oiling issues. Plenty of oil pressure at idle and at full throttle.


The stryker for the door hinge is common on old mopars (and cars) for tearing. My driver side has been rewelded (sometime before i owned the car and ive owned my car for nearly 10 years).

 

Thanks again man,
Yea I know about the swamp land, Crazy how it was sinking apparently they arent being able to come up with a remedy for that problem with the land.

I'm not much older than you actually, Just haven't been working on cars very long, Mostly just had guidance and standard tips from my Father and Self Teaching.
I tore apart and completely rebuilt the top end of 240k mile 4.3 Vin W Chevy we got for $300 "With Leaky HG" (Daily Driver) that ended up being being overheated with a cracked head, But, It's been running strong for several years since and going towards 250k. So I must be doing something right.


(Dunno why I cant find a completed picture)

My problem with the Hinge is I don't own a welder and have never welded before... My Father has, But he also has a defibrillator now and cant be around welders.

I'll see about making the meeting, Probably wont get there with the Plymouth at that time though and feel awkward, LoL.

Honestly I'm extremely stressed about the Satellite right now and all the uncertainty with the Title, And getting it over there and being "inspected" before fees pile up.

I asked for some tow quotes and got a pretty decent one from "Doug's Affordable Towing"

For $200 flat fee to and from, And the "Wait" rate waived at the VIN place. So I'm REALLY leaning towards that instead of the other option, Which is a U-Haul trailer. Plus I do think I have a cam lobe/lifter worn and don't feel like pushing my luck with that. Heh.

Again, Uncertainty (Never had to do this before) that they might do something stupid or judge the current condition and try and give me "Bad" Title.

 

I am so stressing right now!!!

I've got a guy at the DOL saying State Patrol cant change a Title "The Washington State Patrol will not change the title status. The brands usually record events, like the vehicle was in an accident, etc. and not the condition of the vehicle"

I've got the DMV saying they are just checking for stolen parts, Correct VIN tags and PAST history.

And then I've got a phone message from the State Patrol Office saying it would be a Rebuild title.
And just as I'm typing this got a follow up call and answered and she keeps saying just because it was bought from a wrecker it will be Branded, even if it was a donation or whatever... She did mention it's possibility for clean title but very likely not the case and unknown until they run their stuff.
But basically kept saying it will be Rebuild title and don't buy from a wrecker.

I'm so pissed, I can't get the Junkyard on the phone which should be open today. This is all BS.

Update: Got wrecker on the phone, She says they dont brand or change the Title at all over there and actually cant, But the State Patrol does have the power to do so. I am entirely at a loss here for what to believe.

Update2: Guy at the DOL Title dept asked for my VIN and I also gave him the plate numbers that were on it, He did a check and it came up unbranded and clean on his side. I'm asking if I can get an official document of this happening to shove in the State Patrols face, Heh.

 

I'd just play along with the State Patrol. They have the power to do whatever they want, be it right or wrong...

And in all honesty, does it matter if its a clean or salvaged title? Its not going to show up on a carfax. Its a muscle car, not a 2009 Porsche.

Are you planning on selling this car?

 

As long as the car isn't stolen there should be some way to get papers on it. Some times it takes time to run down all the different agencies involved. Not to mention all states are different. I remember trying to the title on a trailer my grandad had bought at an auction. The people he bought it from never got it transferred to them. It took me a day of making calls and another day of driving around half the state to get a lead. Keep up with it and don't let it deter you.