1965-1966 CHECKLIST

VALIANT WAYFARER AP6

NUMBER BUILT: 4 3, 3 4 4 (all AP6) BODY: integrated body /chassis t wo-door utilit y ENGINE : 3 6 86cc inline six-cylinder with overhead valves and single downdraf t carburet tor POWER & TORQUE: 108kW @ 4 000rpm, 292Nm @ 24 00rpm PERFORMANCE: 0-9 6km /h: 13.1 seconds, 0-4 0 0 metres 20.0 seconds ( 3 speed manual) TRANSMISSION: 3-speed manual, 3-speed automatic SUSPENSION: Independent with torsion bars, control arms and telescopic shock absorbers (f) live axle with semi-elliptic springs and telescopic shock absorbers (r) BRAKES: drum (f) drum (r) some with power assistance TYRES: 6.95 x 14 cross-ply BODY & CHASSIS

Most 1960s Valiants in the market are structurally and cosmetically in decent nick. Those in sheds with serious rust aren’t worth repairing unless values soar.Even if a vehicle looks good superficially check the front chassis rails and firewall, torsion bar attachment points, floors and inner sills. So far so good? Check door and tailgate skins, the sparewheel compartment and tray floor. Used panels often appear on-line but can include minor dents and rust that are costly to fix. Commercially-available rust repair sections, including tail-gate skins generally fit OK but ask the local Chrysler club for suppliers. Ensure bumpers and stainless parts are in good condition as they are hard to find.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Slant-six Valiant motors are reliable and if running properly should stay that way with maintenance. Oil leaks from the sump, timing cover, cylinder head/block join and timing cover gasket, cracked exhaust manifolds and clogged radiators are pretty much the only problems you may encounter when buying a six. V8s suffer more seriously from overheating so budget for a radiator recore and perhaps a thermofan. The three-speed manual transmission in AP6s lacked synchromesh on first gear but might have been replaced with a later one that has it. The Torqueflite auto rarely gave problems but they can be a bit reluctant to select reverse.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

The AP6 is unusual in that it used Chrysler’s traditional torsionbar front end, not coil springs. These worked well until the mountings rusted or seized or the bars cracked. New torsion bars are available but parts alone will cost between $650 and $1100 per pair (with boots and clips) depending on the quality you specify. Adding an anti-roll bar while changing bars will improve handling and add $500. New brake drums cost $250-350 per pair with sets of shoes $50-80 per wheel. In a car that’s going to need a full brake replacement, checking the cost of a front disc conversion is worthwhile.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICS

Everything inside a 1960s Valiant is basic and pretty durable. The seats in some cars may still have their original pleated vinyl and worn sections present no challenge for a trimmer to match. Collapsed seats needing new springs and foam rubber are a bigger challenge so get a quote before bidding on a car with interior problems. If the seats are trashed then the hood lining is likely to be dirty and perhaps torn as well. Replacement material is available and engaging a professional to do the fitting will save frustration. Virtually everything electrical can be replaced with new components including the starter, alternator and wiper motor.