1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

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DixieSatellite
Satellite Sebring Plus (RP)
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1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by DixieSatellite » Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:49 am

Hi,

To recap, I have an original TN '72 SSP 400-4BBL which has been in my in-laws garage for years (I work overseas and can only play with it when I am 'home'). I drove the car coast to coast back in '91 and again in '92 after using the car in Phoenix AZ for a year whilst at school (no A/C), got into a slight freeway fender with a Honda CRX (SSP -1, Honda CRX - 0) and then parked it before heading overseas again. My plan was to 'restore' the car to nice driver status while away, so that by the time I was back, I would have a nice driveable Plymouth.

Well, doing things piecemeal like that is not only slow, but can be counter-productive. Doing several small thing over a few years, the car dropped from Ian's 'classic' waiting for work to be done to Ian's 'clunker' taking up garage space. My father-in-law is a pretty easy-going guy and did not have a problem with the SSP taking up space in his garage all that time. Finally, however, things deteriorated to the point where the car could not be started / old gas in the tank / water in the brake fluid etc. Several small projects handled by supposedly 'reputable' stores turned out to be worthless, such as a butchered twin system / brake work by M*d*s Mufflers (pics to follow), with the car generally being worked on by people who had no idea what it was. Of course, doing the work yourself is more satisfying (and one of the best ways to ensure that the work is done the way you want), but when you have only 5 days off w/ 3 days taken up with family commitments.....

This however, still did not address the real work that needed to be done (of which there was a LOT). Back in 2006, I visited a TN restoration shop for a chat about redoing my car at a certain point. End 2008 (I work slow w/ lots distractions in between) I sent the car in for the works to be done. As I have to think about moving the SSP at some point (possibly across country), I decided to go ahead and return the car to nice daily driver status. The car was thoroughly inspected w/ all floors / frame rails shown to be in good condition and although there is L/H quarter panel work required, otherwise rust bodywork is limited to some very minor panel patching as the car has spent the last 17 years under cover. Driver door has dropped (hinge replacement needed), but otherwise bodywork is limited to repainting in Ermine White / Argent Silver. The SSP has all the original gear / all badges / original interior. The workscope was agreed upon and consists of the following:-

Workscope 1.

Engine
- Engine rebuild to mild factory performance spec (275~300 HP) (incl. porting / polish).
- Carburation system (based on original spreadbore manifold)
- Ignition system upgrade / refurb.
- Stock engine appearance (painted).
- Clean up engine wiring / hoses.
- Factory air-cleaner preferred.
- Engine running / set-up correctly.

Transmission Leaks
- Inspection / Reseal.
- Kick-down mechanism set-up.

Exhaust
- Replace w/ correct Exhaust

Brakes
- Replace brakes
- Replace brake lines
- Replace wheel cylinders
- Replace shoes

Suspension Rebuild
- Suspension rebuild w/ Poly bushings

Fuel System
- Replace fuel lines
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace fuel tank

Air Conditioning Refurb
- Air-Conditioning Compressor replacement / repair


Workscope 2. - Bodywork

- Exterior Rust - replace with new quarter panel
- Driver door dropped / hinges worn.
- Prep / Repaint Ermine White / Argent Silver factory SSP colour scheme.
- Vinyl roof redye / replacement.
- Rechrome front / rear bumper.

Workscope 3. - Vehicle Interior

- Replace carpet
- Replace seat covers
- Redye / replace door / interior panels.
- Dashcap

Workscope 1. is progressing nicely as of today. Here are some progress pics for those interested. More to come.

Ian B.

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Before:-

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Now:-

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Last edited by DixieSatellite on Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:47 am, edited 2 times in total.
'72 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus 400-4BBL

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moparmike
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by moparmike » Sun Feb 22, 2009 11:29 am

Looking good, I have a 72 Sebring Plus that is also original and I also thought of turning it into a clone of a GTX, I am actually glad I did not because when I go to car shows it is rare to see a 72 Satellite restored to original condition it seems like everyone who owned a Satellite turned it into a Roadrunner clone.( Not that there is anything wrong with that)

Bravo for keeping it stock look forward to seeing it completed.
Sometimes I get to feeling that if Xmas, Fathers Day and my Birthday did not exist, then aftershave too would not exist.

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BuckNeccid
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by BuckNeccid » Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:33 pm

Looks like they (And you) are doing things right. I'm glad to see you holding onto something, especially as it gets more and more sentimental value to you. What part of TN are you in? Gotta feeling you're around Clarksville....

1971SSP
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 1971SSP » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:02 am

I agree 100% on this one! Kudos to you for keeping this baby an SSP!! Often, I have the only 71 Satellite at any show I go to. I would never clone my SSP. If a person knew very little about cars, they would think the SSP is the rare one! lol....I think its good for mopar history, its important to keep the Satellite line restored and out there for folks to see and compare. Every loop bumper doesn't have a air grabber, 15X7's, wing, brows, etc etc etc. I laugh when I'm driving at a cruise, and hear people asking others around them, what kind of car it is....then they read the emblem....Satellite...Sebring...Plus...whats Plus mean? lol
moparmike wrote:Looking good, I have a 72 Sebring Plus that is also original and I also thought of turning it into a clone of a GTX, I am actually glad I did not because when I go to car shows it is rare to see a 72 Satellite restored to original condition it seems like everyone who owned a Satellite turned it into a Roadrunner clone.( Not that there is anything wrong with that)

Bravo for keeping it stock look forward to seeing it completed.
Brian
1971 Satellite Sebring Plus

landon1
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by landon1 » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:00 pm

indeed...i made the loop at the little car show in my hometown and as i was getting back to my car, i heard a guy and his young son trying to decide if it was a cuda or a charger :D

71RRADDICT
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 71RRADDICT » Tue Feb 24, 2009 10:52 am

THAT IS 1 GORGEOUS CAR.....I`M MIGHT BE PURCHASING A FEW CARS AND THERE IS ONE OF THESE IN THERE....SO I WILL PROBABLY BE SELLING IT IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED LET ME NO IT IS IN PROJECT CONDITION....I`M BUYING JUST FOR THE 71 RR AND THE 71 SATELLITE FOR BODY PARTS...........AND THE 72 LOOKS TO NICE TO CUT UP.......
BIG GARAGE OF PROJECTS....71 GTX....71 RR 340 N96....71 RR CURIOUS YELLOW....71RR PRO TOURING...71 RR TRIPLE BLACK 4SPD W/ N96...71 RR 340 AND 70 CUDA 340/ 4 SD..............

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rr6pak
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by rr6pak » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:25 am

71RRADDICT-Tell us how you can accuire so many Mopars? Jeolous?, yes. :D

71440 gtx
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 71440 gtx » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:57 am

1971SSP wrote:I agree 100% on this one! Kudos to you for keeping this baby an SSP!! Often, I have the only 71 Satellite at any show I go to. I would never clone my SSP. If a person knew very little about cars, they would think the SSP is the rare one! lol....I think its good for mopar history, its important to keep the Satellite line restored and out there for folks to see and compare. Every loop bumper doesn't have a air grabber, 15X7's, wing, brows, etc etc etc. I laugh when I'm driving at a cruise, and hear people asking others around them, what kind of car it is....then they read the emblem....Satellite...Sebring...Plus...whats Plus mean? lol
moparmike wrote:Looking good, I have a 72 Sebring Plus that is also original and I also thought of turning it into a clone of a GTX, I am actually glad I did not because when I go to car shows it is rare to see a 72 Satellite restored to original condition it seems like everyone who owned a Satellite turned it into a Roadrunner clone.( Not that there is anything wrong with that)

Bravo for keeping it stock look forward to seeing it completed.
yes keep it stock and more pics that is nice 72 ssp :beer:
71 gtx 440 4speed air grabber blue on blue with white vinyl roofOption cassette player


Plymouth's gonna getcha!
There are 3 things that will live forever, cockroaches, Keith Richards, & slant 6

71RRADDICT
Road Runner (RM)
Posts: 36
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Location: Cincinnati,ohio

Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 71RRADDICT » Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:38 pm

AS LONG AS EVERYTHING GOES WELL I`M PICKING THEM UP FAIRLY CHEAP.....AS SOON AS I GET THEM I`LL POST SOME PIC`S I`M JUST LOOKING TO MAKE BACK MY MONEY ....TRUST ME IT WILL BE A STEAL FOR SOMEONE...FOR AS TO HAVING ALL THE CARS I HAVE A GREAT WIFE THAT KNOW WHEN I GET INTO SOMETHING I DO IT WITH BOTH FEET....SHE CALL THEM MY BEEP-BEEPS.............
BIG GARAGE OF PROJECTS....71 GTX....71 RR 340 N96....71 RR CURIOUS YELLOW....71RR PRO TOURING...71 RR TRIPLE BLACK 4SPD W/ N96...71 RR 340 AND 70 CUDA 340/ 4 SD..............

DixieSatellite
Satellite Sebring Plus (RP)
Posts: 99
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2003 1:37 am

Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by DixieSatellite » Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:38 am

Hi,

Thanks for your comments. I am looking forward to the car progressing (and being able to drive it again).

Buckneccid - car is in East TN.

Here is the crappy exhaust system M*d*s installed (there isn't even a crossover).

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Rear brakes all done / tank / sender unit / lines installed:-

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Ian B.
'72 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus 400-4BBL

71440 gtx
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 71440 gtx » Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:56 am

why is there 8. 1/4 in the car and not 8.3/4 ?

is a 400 4bbl car is p in vin for 400 4bbl or is a m in vin for 400 2bbl :beer:
71 gtx 440 4speed air grabber blue on blue with white vinyl roofOption cassette player


Plymouth's gonna getcha!
There are 3 things that will live forever, cockroaches, Keith Richards, & slant 6

DixieSatellite
Satellite Sebring Plus (RP)
Posts: 99
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2003 1:37 am

Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by DixieSatellite » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:47 pm

71440 gtx wrote:why is there 8. 1/4 in the car and not 8.3/4 ?

is a 400 4bbl car is p in vin for 400 4bbl or is a m in vin for 400 2bbl :beer:
Hi,

Not sure - I have to check the VIN (not here at the moment) - from memory, there may be an 'M' in the VIN which makes the car a 400-2BBL (I believe). However, I bought the car w / original TQ on a spreadbore manifold, which I understand was on the car from new. This was either factory or dealer installed (but there was unbroken paint where manifold / heads joined). I did not know it had an 8 1/4 diff vs. 8 3/4 as, to be honest, I am not very knowledgeable about some specs. My plan is to return the car to how I bought it, which is the reason for the 4-BBL (and mild upgrade). The car certainly appeared to have been unmessed with (small aftermarket oil pressure gauge was all that was added as far as I could tell).

Any more observations / comments re. the car spec are much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ian B.
'72 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus 400-4BBL

landon1
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by landon1 » Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:42 pm

8.75 rear end i believe was on pre-72.......it was replaced on hi-perf cars by the 9.25 in 72 - my 71 has an 8.25 (aug 70 build) - supposedly the 8.25 isn't "strong", but my 440's been running in front of it for 15-20 years now with no problems

71440 gtx
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by 71440 gtx » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:04 pm

1974 9.25 in a b-body 71- 73 8.3/4 :beer:

1972 ssp i cut up was 400 4bbl 727 3.23 8 .3/4

my 1974 road runner 400 4bbl 4speed did have 9.25 with 3.55

there are no 9.25 in 1972 in b-body but there is a 9.3/4 dana 60 354

last year for dana 60 in 1972 b- body
71 gtx 440 4speed air grabber blue on blue with white vinyl roofOption cassette player


Plymouth's gonna getcha!
There are 3 things that will live forever, cockroaches, Keith Richards, & slant 6

landon1
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Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2005 10:22 pm
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Re: 1972 SSP 400-4BBL Progress

Post by landon1 » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:38 pm

i don't put anything past "ma mopar" :D this is what i was going off of :beer:


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