There’s a unique thrill in reviving an old car that’s been dormant for decades. I set out to answer one simple question: will my 1962 Chrysler Newport run after 17 years of sitting idle? With its 361 cubic inch V8 engine and Torqueflite A727 automatic transmission, this MoPar classic deserved a shot at a second life. Armed with just a few basic tools and a sense of adventure, I dove in to find out.
First Glance Under the Hood
When I popped the hood, I was greeted by the familiar sight of the 361 big block V8. The radiator was missing, but since I wouldn’t be running the engine for long, I figured that wouldn’t be a problem. My first check was the carburetor, and I immediately noticed water had been pooling in it, likely from condensation or rain over the years. Thankfully, the carburetor wasn’t frozen, and the engine wasn’t seized—a promising start.
Next, I checked the oil. It was full and looked decent enough to proceed. With those initial hurdles cleared, it was time to gather my essentials: a battery, some gas, fine-grit sandpaper, a Swiss Army knife, and an auxiliary gas tank for good measure.
Prepping the Ignition System
The first task was to inspect and clean the distributor. The rotor button had some coating on it, and the points were pretty corroded, so I grabbed my sandpaper. Using my knife to hold the points open, I slid the sandpaper between the contacts to clean off the corrosion. A few swipes back and forth, and they were looking much better.
With the battery hooked up, it was time to see if the ignition system was still alive. Turning the key, I checked for spark. To my delight, there was a faint orange spark—good enough to start cleaning up the rest of the system.
The First Attempt
After reassembling the distributor and giving the carburetor a little “go juice,” I turned the key. The engine tried to fire but didn’t quite catch. Adjusting the spark timing and cleaning the points further, I gave it another go. The engine coughed, sputtered, and then roared to life!
The sound of the big block firing up after 17 years was nothing short of exhilarating. It ran surprisingly well, with no smoke and a smooth idle. I was careful not to run it too long since there was no radiator, and the transmission cooler lines were disconnected.
Setting Up a Temporary Fuel System
To keep the engine running longer, I rigged up a gravity-feed fuel system using an auxiliary gas tank. Placing the tank on the windshield, I let gravity do the work. After a couple of taps on the carburetor to free up the needle, the engine ran beautifully. A bit of smoke emerged, likely from the rings seating after years of inactivity, but overall, it was clear this Newport still had life left in it.
Next Steps for the Chrysler Newport
With the engine confirmed as a runner, I started mapping out the next steps. The car will need a radiator, a thorough transmission inspection, and basic safety upgrades like brakes, tires, and electrical repairs. The floor rust, particularly under the gas pedal, will need immediate attention.
This Newport has a story worth preserving. It came to me for free from a generous follower who even included the original newspaper clipping from when they purchased the car. My goal is to keep it as original as possible, turning it into a safe, reliable driver that honors its history.
Final Thoughts
Reviving this 1962 Chrysler Newport was a simple yet rewarding project. In just 15 minutes and with a few tools, I brought an engine back to life after nearly two decades of silence. There’s something magical about breathing new life into a classic car, especially one with as much character as this Newport.
Watch more of my restoration on this beauty and more adventures in vintage automotive restoration on my YouTube channel: youtube.com/@ObsoleteAutomotive. Follow me on Instagram at @obsoleteautomotive and join the discussion on my Facebook group.
Let’s keep these classics alive, one project at a time.
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