1985 Dodge 600

For consignment, a 1985 version of the Dodge 600 two door convertible. It is in Red Garnet Pearl and has a white vinyl interior with a white canvas top. A Mitsubishi 4 cylinder \"Astron\" engine and an automatic transmission power this K car and there are a few areas that need some TLC, ( rust spot in the trunk, scratches in paint, weather stripping in need of replacement, and upholstery tears in the seams), that could be addressed to take the car to the next level. The car needs a once over mechanically just to be assured of exact condition as to exact condition which it has not been on the road since 2019.

Exterior
It\'s the mid 1980\'s and square and rectangle design is ubiquitous with cars of this era, and this car leaves us with no exception. Dual square headlights and a V horizontal ribbed grille with a shape matching crash bumper below lead the way. Some chrome trimmings are surrounding the wheel wells, windows and rockers, as well as a thin strip through the bumpers. Paint is chipping off the neoprene, it has scratches in the bumpers, and is showing some chip off on the side panels. On the door bottoms there is some slight invasive rust showing. The canvas top has a few cracks with its confines mainly at the edges, where stitched piping is coming loose from the canvas material of the actual top. The rear window is plastic and is clear. Gaps are good, and rear tail lighting is back to the square and rectangle motif wrapping slightly around the edges. Wheels with 14-inch wire wheel coverings are wrapped by 185/70R14\'s on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the mid 80\'s long doors, ( you must ask yourself why are those doors so long anyway!?), reveals some smooth white vinyl with a bit of tuck and roll inserts, a vinyl stitched door pull and a red carpeting strip below on the lowers. Bucket seats also in white vinyl have tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters with smooth white vinyl headrests. The driver\'s seat is shown coming apart at the seams of the tuck and roll inserts. A back bench in the same pattern and covering vinyl is in good condition. Red carpeting floods the floors and on the hump some fading of said red is noted. In front a square and rectangle dash in deep red has some wood burl appliqu and brushed aluminum trimmings for the instrument gauges and other surrounds. A plastic console houses the automatic shifter and a few additional convenience toggles for the windows and power top. A white padded armrest is in the center of the buckets and folds up and down. All surfaces are clean although show some use and wear for the mileage of this vehicle.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in an unrestored engine bay that shows some surface rust, plenty of patina and lots of dirt and dust, resides a 2.6 liter Mitsubishi 4 cylinder engine. It sports a 2 barrel carburetor and a Torqueflite 3 speed automatic transmission. A 3.02 axle turns the front tires. I\'ll mention that Carter does have more liver pills, however this engine has nearly as many emission controls, tubes and wires throughout. Thanks to our ambitious government and their emission standards..RIIIIIGHT!

Undercarriage
Plenty of aged patina, and some surface rust cover all the undercarriage surfaces. Heavy surface rust is on springs, gas tank and brake housings as well as suspension parts. Speaking of which includes independent Macpherson struts for the front, and coil springs for the back. Power disc braking is on front, and power drums are on the back.

Drive-Ability
It fired right up and on the test track it behaved as it should, like a mid 1980\'s K car bogged down by emission controls and performance killers galore but it still runs well. Brakes are good and bias free on the panic stop test, however the brake lights did not illuminate. The AC blows warm, and the rear power windows are very slow. The top moves up and down smoothly.

This car can be seen in CAM\'s dancing air noodle section of the mall, and presents overall fair in condition. It will need some optional TLC if you want it to look great, but is a driver right out of the box, ( or at least our Hallowed Halls). It is known in automotive history for ushering in the Minivan, and the convertible concept sold like hotcakes in the mid 80\'s with these K cars. Thanks Mr. Iacocca, Henry was wrong about you and you proved it to him!

Read More

Read Less