Running Project Car: 1936 Dodge D2 Coupe
For the person who is on the hunt for a classic car restoration project, this 1936 Dodge D2 Coupe would seem to tick a lot of the right boxes. It is a solid vehicle that runs and drives, and some of the more expensive mechanical restoration work has already been completed. The Dodge is located in Sandpoint, Idaho, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $6,700, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The styling of this Dodge is really attractive, and you can see from the rake of the vehicle just why these lend themselves so well to street rod projects. That could be the path that the next owner might choose to face, but to me, that would actually be a bit of a shame. The car is as solid as a rock, and the only rust of any note is a small spot about the size of a dime in the side of the Dodge on the passenger side. There is plenty of surface corrosion to address, but by and large, that really appears to be about it. There is also some damage to the right-rear fender, but the owner has managed to source a NOS replacement, and that is included with the car. The Dodge features a roll-out windshield which works as it is supposed to. Everything else on the vehicle works as it should, and the car also comes with a large collection of external trim pieces that appear to be in really nice condition.
Time has not been kind to the interior of this old classic, but at least you can see what you are getting yourself into with this car. As you can see, there is a fair coating of surface corrosion to be addressed, while all of the upholstered surfaces are pretty sad. However, the first point in the car’s favor is that the interior is complete. The second is that in spite of what the photos might suggest, virtually everything functions as it should. The turn signals are a bit of an unknown quantity, while the horn works intermittently. Apart from the temperature gauge, the remaining instruments work as they should, and another temperature gauge is included with the car.
It’s when we delve below the surface that we find where the money has been spent on this car up to this point. The original 218ci flathead six-cylinder engine was frozen when the owner purchased the car. He slotted in a similar motor that he had sitting in his workshop, and that kicked happily into life. Since then he has managed to get the original engine turning again, and that is included with the car. The internals of the transmission had been damaged by moisture, and this was dismantled and rebuilt using NOS gears and shafts, with the parts alone reputedly having cost $1,000. The brakes have also been replaced completely, from the master cylinder through to the hard lines…the works. The result is a car that runs, drives, and stops very nicely. I guess that all of this completed work gives the next owner a pretty good launching point for a restoration project.
This 1936 Dodge Coupe definitely offers the next owner a world of possibilities when it comes to a project car. There is no doubt that it would make a sound base for a rat rod or custom project, but with all of the mechanical work that has already been completed, it could also be a beautiful car once a full restoration has been completed. If you bought it, what path would you follow?
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Comments
Sweet Mother of God don’t rat-rod or custom this car!
Would look good in its original black color and maybe lower the rear end a bit. The interior looks like a crime scene.
It shouldn’t take but just a minute to figure out how many turn signals there are.
That’s a beauty.
Just some more love to bring it fully around to its’ former glory.
It would be a travesty to rat rod or hot rod this car…they’re too many out there as it is now and I quite don’t understand why BF keeps promoting that option.
The very definition of (shudder) “RAT-ROD” is: travesty! For the life of me, I don’t understand why B.F. would even mention that as a possibility for this beauty! Shame on you!
This writer is new to the automotive hobby, the more you read the more you’ll see. We’ve tried to help him with details and terminology, but it’s not working well at all. Definitely not a car to rat rod.
Update the drive train, keeping the original wheels, paint with a real car color and hit the road. Might update the interior while you are at it. Neat car.
This needs to keep its drive train and just put some new “ le Bonnie interior “(spelling) for seats and drive. I like the color over the black paint too.
Please don’t sell to any artistic type that think they can modify.
Perhaps, start with a test to potential buyers saying what do you think of this 1964 corvette coupe modified as listed earlier. If they say I like it then chase them off the property 😬
Seriously,,,,…The grille and fenders really show the era of beauty.
Sadly, LeBaron Bonney closed their doors this year
This needs to keep its drive train and just put some new “ le Bonnie interior “(spelling) for seats and drive. I like the color over the black paint too.
Please don’t sell to any artistic type that think they can modify.
Perhaps, start with a test to potential buyers saying what do you think of this 1964 corvette coupe modified as listed earlier. If they say I like it then chase them off the property 😬
Seriously,,,,…The grille and fenders really show the era of beauty.
I agree, but Barron LeBonny is out of business… fortunately there are zillions of qualified interior shops around that would be up to the task. That’s all this car needs, really…
I enjoy driveing a similar car, a ’36 Plymouth, for museum events, https://www.calautomuseum.org. The stock drive train is just fine. It has plenty of power for the little car and the brakes are quite adequate. In short, it’s a hoot to drive! If you want all the modern conviences go buy a Camry or an Accord, but just leave this little beauty alone. Redo the interior to stock appearance and repair any mechanical bits as necessary and enjoy.
I would sell it with a conditional bill of sale, in that the car cannot be modified in any way that changes the body lines, stance, and original purpose.
I wonder if that’s legal,being that a bill of sale says “I release all interest”.
Nevertheless, I agree with your sentiments. Do not abominate!
It looks like a hot rod in its stock condition. Agree with all, leave it stock and paint it in these colors
Start with upholstery, mohair as that’s what they came with. Then work on driveability, repair horn and light problems. Do nothing to the body, paint and drivetrain. Drive on nice days only. It appears to have a new water pump.
God bless America
There are a lot of 36 Plymouth and Dodge coupes that have been made into nice rods. This one hopefully stays totally original.
“There is no doubt that it would make a sound base for a rat rod or custom project”
Shut your mouth. It would be criminal to destroy this car to build just another boring restomod. And anyone who would even consider turning this beautiful original car into a rat rod needs to be arrested for crimes against automobilia.
Adams full comment ‘ There is no doubt that it would make a sound base for a rat rod or custom project, but with all of the mechanical work that has already been completed, it could also be a beautiful car once a full restoration has been completed. If you bought it, what path would you follow?’ It does not read to me that he is recomending a rat or custom build.
I read the full comment. He’s not discouraging it, either. If you look upthread, you’ll notice that I am not the only one annoyed that he even brought up those options. IMO, completely restorable classic cars should never be modified. If this car had no drivetrain and a gutted interior, I would feel differently.
Ken do not get me wrong. I am in the fully restored camp as well. I just interpreted his comment different. At $8,200 now with 2 days and reserve not met,
“crimes against automobilia”…Now THAT’S rich!
It would also invoke the wrath of the Lord God of Ancientmobiles.
A few years ago I bought a 38 Buick Sport Coupe from a guy that made me promise I would never rod it. I love it as original except I did add AC. It is just too hot in Southern Florida without it. Next, I want the same car as a convertible with dual side mounts and a rumble seat. Hope the next owner of this car keeps it stock.
According to the book of Levintageous, adding AC is not considered an abomination, unless it’s a very low mileage original, and you’re from Alaska.😎
Recently seen a ‘47 Plymouth Deluxe Coupe two-tone silver with 360 small-block,show quality at $24-thousand.So many ideas tossed around,dreaming of owning early Mopar.
I am the current owner of this featured ’36 Dodge Coupe. First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone for all of the positive comments about this car. It is really a good solid car that I now wouldn’t be afraid to drive it anywhere. I have decided to sell it and if it does not sell, I will keep it and begin the proper restoration that it needs. Rat Rod – NO WAY ! Thanks again! Bob
Right on bro. You will be blessed either way. Me, I’d keep it and restore it to factory specs. 😬
Ended: Sep 01, 2019 , 8:45PM
Current bid:US $9,700.00
Reserve not met
[ 27 bids ]
Been relisted. Wish I had the room.
I love this car, but that is all it is really worth. The seller should have let it go.
For the love of all that is holy, don’t use the phrase, “functions as it should.’
Please?
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