1961 Dodge Polara CHP Update 1 

This was like my first car that I had back in like 1966.What I remember was the sheet metal was a lot stronger than used on todays cars. My car had a dented fender that I tried to pound out but couldn't because it was to thick and I just gave up and left it like it was.

that thing has all kinds of style.....

That's one rare unit you have there. Good thing it's so solid. I did a '76 Gran Fury Police car from Florida, and was it ever tough to find proper parts. But still, very satisfying when completed. Good luck, and put out some more content for us old Mopar cruiser fans.

A civilian Polara of the time had a 121 inch wheelbase. The CHP at the time required 122 inches, so all police versions had 122 inches, and an extra leaf in the right rear spring pack.

My friend had a 1961 Dodge slant 6 it ran forever

That would be an awesome road-trip car. Looks a lot like Steve Magnante's car he bought from the Texas MoPar Hoard auction. My wife wonders why I keep 4x4s around. I know you've done this type of work before... 🙂 But for me the most efficient steps... When I get the car I take all seats out. Wire brush the loose rust. Vacuum. Clean with Purple Power - Rags. Some sanding to finish. Spray Rustoleum Black Rust Converter expoxy primer on the floor. Or I use clear converter if trying to retain original color. If you go to a hobby store, they sell shellac if you are trying to keep the patina but also works great on the floor as well, or else spray clear. You are right, body shops and custom engine builders eat money. Thumbs up on that woman tow operator... cute.

I love it!! I'm not sure what your plans are, but if it were mine, I'd look for all of the period police pieces & paint it up to look like CAR 54 from the TV show & make it a tribute vehicle! This is coming along great!! Best wishes!!👍

That is a nice looking 4 door car.

Nice car!!

Car 54 were are youuuuuuuuuuu ? Early 60,s tv show that used this exact car

Safety first.

You lucky devil! 😁👍🏼🤪🤪

is that a '46-'48 dodge in the garage? i have fluid drive bumpers, bumper guards and a rear bumper filler panel if you need them

Was this car painted black and white after being built it appears to have turquoise paint underneath

It would be nice to know what kind of powertrain these cars were equipped with.

what is the engine? 383 c.i. 318 c.i.? Put a Holley sniper 2 kit on it, and it will fly. that body shop guy needs a dust mask if he is sanding !!

So what was the cause of the noisy lifters ? Was it the oil pump or bad crank main bearings or did someone put the rocker shafts on wrong so the oiling holes in the shafts didn't line up with the oiling holes in the heads ? My dad had one of these many years ago but it wasn't a cop car but he was a cop for the Mounds view police department in Mounds view MN back in the 60s and I still have a couple pictures of the car from then . Not sure what engine it had but i do know it wasnt a 6 cylinder so probably a poly 318 or the 361 or 383 BB wedge i assume and he's long gone now so i cant ask him what it had .

....mind if I ask what your using as primer?....

Why is the Dodge aqua? Wouldn't it have been ordered in black if a CHP car?

What engine was in it