1964 DODGE POLARA

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi or unknown on neglected engines

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold startup that disappears after warmup, Engine runs rough or won't start due to retarded timing, Metal shavings in oil, Backfiring through carburetor

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and sprockets with quality kit. Requires front cover removal, harmonic balancer puller, and degree wheel to verify cam timing. Budget 6-8 hours labor for complete job including gaskets and oil change.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Uneven ride height side-to-side, Clunking from front suspension over bumps, Visible rust or cracking at lower control arm torsion bar mounts, One corner sits noticeably lower

Fix: Inspect anchor points in frame rails for rust-through. Minor surface rust can be treated, but structural corrosion requires frame reinforcement welding or replacement of lower control arms and anchors. Torsion bars themselves rarely fail but adjusters seize. 4-6 hours per side for full anchor service, 10-15 hours if frame welding needed.

Estimated cost: $800-2,500

Symptoms: Hesitation or bog on acceleration from idle, Engine flooding or fuel smell after sitting, Hard starting when hot, Fuel leaking from carburetor base

Fix: Rebuild kit with new accelerator pump diaphragm, inlet needle/seat, and gaskets. Ethanol fuel destroys original rubber components. Full rebuild takes 3-4 hours including removal, cleaning, and tuning. Consider Edelbrock replacement if body is warped.

Estimated cost: $250-600

Symptoms: Brake fluid on inside of rear wheels, Soft or spongy brake pedal that sinks slowly, Pulling to one side during braking, Brake warning light (if equipped) stays on

Fix: All four wheel cylinders leak on survivors due to age. Replace all four plus master cylinder as preventive maintenance. Single-reservoir master means total brake loss if it fails. 5-7 hours for complete system overhaul including bleeding and adjustment. Add 2 hours if converting to dual-reservoir master (recommended).

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Symptoms: Gauges work intermittently or not at all, Headlights or turn signals fail randomly, Burning smell from under dash, Blown fuses with no obvious cause, Dome light stays on or won't work

Fix: Original cloth-wrapped wiring becomes brittle and shorts internally. Requires dash removal to access harness, then repair individual circuits or install reproduction harness. Diagnosis alone takes 2-3 hours, repairs 8-12 hours depending on extent of damage. Some techs prefer full rewire to avoid comebacks.

Estimated cost: $800-2,000

Symptoms: Pushbuttons hard to engage or won't stay in gear, Transmission slips out of Park on inclines, Difficulty selecting Reverse, Clicking noise from dash when pressing buttons

Fix: TorqueFlite pushbutton cable binds from corrosion or linkage bushings wear at transmission. Cable replacement requires dash removal (6 hours), or external linkage adjustment and bushing replacement can be attempted first (2 hours). Cable lubrication rarely works long-term.

Estimated cost: $400-1,200

Symptoms: Visible rust perforation at rear spring hangers, Rear end sag or uneven stance, Clunking from rear suspension, Spring shackles pulling through frame metal

Fix: Inspect rear frame rails carefully before purchase. Surface rust is manageable, but rust-through at spring mounts requires frame section replacement or plating reinforcement. DIY repair possible with welding skills (15-20 hours), professional frame shop charges 20-30 hours. Not economical if entire rear subframe is compromised.

Estimated cost: $1,500-4,000