We are still working our socks of trying to get the Phoenix on the road by the spring.
For those of you who cannot picture a Phoenix (yes I know there are not many about) I posted photos on the New Members forum when I first joined in November.
Although the car had been barn stored for some years her tail end had been sticking out into the weather and was pretty rotton.
Despite that, we managed to drive our new found treasure to a rented workshop and start the renovation.
We have stripped every piece of chrome off the bodywork and taken out the interior.
The first thing we did was get rid of every sign of rust from the interior and cover the floor in waxoyl to prevent any return.
My other half then proceeded to weld steel into the rear quarter, bending to shape and rebuilding the non existant flared arches. I took over at this stage finishing the bodywork and rubbing and flatting down in readiness for re spray.
Many gruelling hours in a cold, damp workshop has proved worthwhile and now the car is almost ready for primer and paint job.
The original seats have been professionally recovered and look brilliant as do the door panels and arm-rests. (Please dont ask about the cost at this point - the calculator is on self destruct mode by now!!)
At last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I really believe that we will be driving her to her first event by the spring.
OK, she will not be pristine. Re-chroming may have to wait untill next season as may the headlining but hey, why leave her in the garage while we can be out enjoying riding about and showing off our hard work. She may even have to go out in primer aat this rate, but go out she will!
After spending 7/8 years locked away in a barn I think our Phoenix should rise from the ashes and enjoy some fun.

 

Congratulations man! Make sure to get us some pics posted so we can see the restorations.....

It's always great to see any old car restored, especially one that you care about or love...

 

Thanks for the positive comments.
I have attempted to upload some pictures, one of when we brought the old girl home and one of me finishing off the bodywork on the rear quasrter - just to prove I've done it myself!
My pasrtner and I are members of the NASC here in the UK check out www.rodandcustom.co.uk and help to organise the Street Rod Nationals amongs other events so cant wait to have our own car on the showground.
We would love any information about the Dodge Phoenix in general and hear from any other owners of this great moedel.
Mothertruckier
www.mothertrucker.co.uk

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That's gotta be a major undertaking to do in the UK.... they are hard to find here, and parts are almost non-existent! I can't even begin to manage how hard it is to find what you need there! It should be a beauty when complete.... and definitely rare!

 

We have been really lucky in that all the bits were there when we got the car. Every piece of chrome was either in place or carefully stored in the boot, and all the engine in good running order.
Brakes were binding but soon freed off and had been completely replaced only recently, she drives and stops well.
The interior was scruffy but we have gritted out teeth and have decided to spend out and have a professional job done on recovering the seats, door panels and head lining rather than attempt an ammature job ourselves.
The bodywork neded attention of course but the main problem we are having is tracking down the rubber weather seals. Not surprisingly, after all these years, every bit of rubber was perished or non existnat. We were hoping to be able to buy strips of standard rubber to fit but doubt that we will be lucky in that quest.
We would be more than grateful for any information that would help us with this bit.
Mothertrucker

 

We at last managed to get the Phoenix on the road.
Still needs to be finished and a proper paint job done but we drove from Longon to Gretna green for oour wedding two weeks ago and the car was a big hit.
It was great to have her at the wedding and all our hard work over the winter months paid off.
We plan to enjoy running about to various shows throughout this season then get her painted properly for next season. A work in progress as it were.

 

Have been trying to get a picture into this post and hope it has worked this time.
It took us a solid seven months of work and quiet a bit of cash but she is well worth it.


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That's a great looking car you've got there!!! I'm glad to see another saved from the scrap yards.