CHRYSLER CENTURA
1975 - 1978
BODY & CHASSIS
Parts shortages and lack of interest from local suppliers could have killed off surviving Centuras. However the private market is holding stocks of decent parts including panels and brightwork. A complete body in reportedly rust-free condition seemed expensive at $4000 but sourcing all of the hanging and hinged panels would cost $2000+ before even considering the price of a sound body shell. Reproduction door mirrors produced in Thailand were recently being offered at $60 per pair. When checking a car look at the chassis rails for rust or damage, lower sections of the firewall, plenum ahead of the windscreen, the turret and window surrounds.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Not many problems here with durability or parts supply. Some owners might ‘enhance’ their engines for extra performance but nothing can rob the straight-six ‘hemi’ of its ability to travel big distances before needing major surgery. Top-end rattles are common but a set of solid valve lifters and high-performance valve springs cost less than $500 and are easily installed. Smoke and bearing rumbles indicate an engine past its prime. Most cars use Chrysler’s very durable automatic transmission and a genuine four-speed is a real find. Clutch shudder, especially in the three-speed manual with its high first gear, is a known problem.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Suspension deficiencies were the Centura’s point of greatest weakness and the place where an owner with the right information can improve upon the factory’s flawed set-up. Unlike the big Valiants with their torsion bars, Centuras have coil springs which in conjunction with quality shock absorbers and bushings can reduce the nose-diving and wallowing that compromised original cars. Going too far destroys ride quality and induces bumpsteer. Disc rotors and pads (including upgrade kits), ball joints, uprated springs and shock absorbers are available. Check, especially in a car that wants to lock its front brakes, that the rears aren’t stone cold after a decent test drive.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
The trim fitted to these cars combined local and imported components and the durability wasn’t always flash. Seat frames can twist and adjusters jam. Make sure the column stalks aren’t taped up and the heater controls actually allow some heat into the car. Replacement seat-trim materials and carpets are available and the on-line parts market turns up all manner of useful spares including tail-lights and a very decent dash for $100. New starter motors and alternators are available at prices ranging from $300$900 – depending on how powerful and/ or authentic you want your replacement electrics to be.