1962 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start that disappears when warm, Hard starting or extended cranking, especially when hot, Rough idle and hesitation under acceleration, Check ignition timing - if it won't set to spec, suspect chain

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner. Slant Six requires oil pan drop for proper access (3-4 hours labor). V8s are more straightforward front-cover jobs (2.5-3.5 hours). Critical to replace cam gear on Slant Sixes - they're fiber and deteriorate. Always replace oil pump while you're in there on high-mileage engines.

Estimated cost: $450-950

Symptoms: Front end sags on one or both sides despite adjusting torsion bars, Visible rust perforation in floor pans, especially rear seat area and trunk extensions, Cracking or separation around rear spring hangers, Torsion bar hex anchor sockets enlarged or corroded in lower control arm

Fix: This is structural unibody work. Torsion bar anchors rust from the inside out - moisture traps in the hex pockets. Floor pan replacement requires full interior removal, cutting out old metal, and welding in patch panels or full pans (20-40 hours depending on extent). Rear frame rail extensions often need replacing simultaneously. Not a backyard job unless you have welding skills and a rotisserie.

Estimated cost: $2,500-6,500

Symptoms: Push buttons don't engage gears reliably - have to push multiple times, Park button won't stay engaged or vehicle rolls in Park, Transmission shifts but buttons feel mushy or inconsistent, Fluid leak at cable entry point on transmission case

Fix: The cable-actuated push-button shifter (1962 was final year) uses a complex cable with internal detents that wear or fray. Replacement cables are NLA from Mopar - you need aftermarket or used (check cable housing for internal corrosion). Parking pawl failures require transmission removal and case disassembly (8-12 hours). Test by engaging Park on an incline - if vehicle rolls more than 2 inches, pawl is worn.

Estimated cost: $350-1,800

Symptoms: Ammeter shows discharge at idle, charging at higher RPM, Dim lights at idle, battery slowly drains over days, Polarizing the generator only provides temporary fix, Battery boils over or tests above 15 volts

Fix: These use generators (not alternators) with external voltage regulators that are 60+ years old. Generators can be rebuilt (brushes, bearings, field coils) for $150-250 at specialty shops, or upgrade to alternator conversion with brackets and wiring harness (1.5-2 hours). Voltage regulators fail more often than generators - test voltage output before replacing generator. Most owners eventually convert to alternator for reliability.

Estimated cost: $200-650

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Power steering fluid dripping from steering box lower seal, Excessive play in steering wheel - 3+ inches of dead play at rim, Groaning noise when turning at low speed, Intermittent hard steering when cold, loosens up when warm

Fix: The recirculating ball steering box sector shaft seal hardens and leaks. Seal replacement requires box removal and disassembly (4-5 hours). If there's significant play, internal wear on worm gear and sector teeth requires rebuild or replacement. Afterboard rebuilds run $350-500 with core exchange. Adjust sector shaft preload before condemning the box - many just need adjustment (0.5 hour).

Estimated cost: $180-850

Symptoms: Brake pedal goes to floor on first application, pumps up on second, Vehicle pulls hard to one side during braking, Visible brake fluid on inside of wheel or backing plate, Front brakes smoke or smell after light use - dragging shoe

Fix: Front drums use star-wheel adjusters that corrode and seize, and wheel cylinders with internal springs that fail or leak. Full front brake job includes honing or replacing wheel cylinders, new shoes, hardware springs, and freeing/replacing adjusters (2.5-3 hours both sides). Drums often need turning or replacement - measure for taper and out-of-round. Consider disc brake conversion kits for $800-1,200 in parts if doing heavy restoration.

Estimated cost: $320-750