1965 Plymouth Belvedere II Station Wagon

Bob writes: My latest project is a 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II station wagon. The photos show the Mopar when I got the car home.

This Plymouth station wagon started life as a New Jersey Forest and Parks superintendent vehicle. The Mopar was sold at a N.J. state auction and purchased by an elderly gentleman who took good care of the car. He parked the wagon up on blocks in a barn during the winters in N.J. When this gentleman passed away his granddaughter, whose husband I know and he knew I was a Mopar guy, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in an old Plymouth wagon her grandfather had. She said it had been sitting in the barn for approximately 18 years because her grandfather stopped driving then. I said I was interested and wanted to take a look.

The Belvedere II wagon is fairly solid with some rust in the spare tire well and the very bottom of the tailgate. The rest of the car is rust free.

tailgate rust

I started the restoring process in March 2009, starting on the tailgate. I am just getting under way, but am making progress.

The original 273 had been replaced by a 318 after the second owner bought it. It is an automatic with radio delete and certified speedometer. Power tailgate window and factory 15 inch wheels. Also it is a 999 paint code car.

I have rebuilt a 1970 440 4 barrel and I will be installing a Tremec 5 speed with factory console and buckets.

Thanks for the valuable 1962 to 1965 Mopar Web site; I have been visiting it for years, what a great resource.

Update October 2009

Tailgate metal work done.	Starting on dented front fender...
	and checking for any rust in likely spots.

Update January 2010

	I have restored all the interior metal, trim and dash and changed the color.

Update June 2010

Fender Repair

Rear QuarterRepair

Body Shop Repair Fudged

Body Shop Repair Fudge Fixed

Much Better Now!

Update August 3, 2010

Progress continues slowly but perfectly: Inner fender repair; Passenger side quarter in excellent shape, no surprises.

Update January 17, 2011

Progress continuing:

• The body work is now complete.
• Hood scoop has been fitted.
• All the door skins have been removed and checked and minor repairs made then put back together.
• All gaps are perfect as are the alignment of all panels.

The only repair left is the repair of the rust in the spare tire well and block sanding of the body and final priming for paint.

Update April 25, 2011

• The last of the rust has been taken care of (spare tire well).
• Block sanded and all trim fitted.
• Just need to sand blast the firewall and door jams then prime them.
• Then ready for paint.

Contact Bob:

Thanks Bob!

It is good to have friends who know of your Mopar hobby interests. Great barn find!  

Gary H.

Posted: May 6, 2009. Revised/Updated: October 30, 2009; January 26, 2010; June 10, 2010; August 3, 2010; January 17, 2011; April 25, 2011