1967 DODGE CORONET

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: rough idle and poor performance, metallic rattling from front of engine on cold start, backfiring through carburetor, difficulty starting when hot

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner. On V8s expect 6-8 hours labor; slant-six is 4-5 hours. Original nylon-tooth cam gears disintegrate over time—always upgrade to steel. While in there, replace oil pump and front seal. Water pump removal required on most V8s.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: one front corner sitting noticeably lower, clunking from front suspension over bumps, visible rust perforation in lower front frame rails, torsion bar adjuster bolt spinning freely

Fix: The torsion bar anchors rust out where they're welded into the K-member and lower frame rails—classic B-body cancer. Minor surface rust can be treated, but perforation requires welding in new anchor plates or replacing the entire K-member. Expect 12-16 hours for proper frame repair and reinforcement with new steel welded in. This is structural and safety-critical.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500

Typical onset: varies—age and moisture are bigger factors

Symptoms: brake pedal slowly sinking to floor, complete loss of braking with no warning, brake fluid leaking at firewall, spongy pedal that doesn't firm up after bleeding

Fix: The original single-reservoir master cylinder offers zero redundancy—one seal fails and you lose all braking. Internal corrosion is common after 50+ years. Strongly recommend upgrading to a dual-reservoir '73-up master with proportioning valve and residual check valves. Budget 3-4 hours including brake line modifications and full system bleed.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Symptoms: raw fuel smell from engine bay, black smoke on startup, hard starting when hot, fuel dripping from carb vents, stumbling and hesitation under acceleration

Fix: Carter AFB and Holley 2-barrel carbs used on these engines suffer from ethanol fuel degrading internal gaskets and causing float needle failure. Complete rebuild with ethanol-compatible kit runs 2-3 hours. If the carb body is warped or heavily corroded, replacement is smarter than rebuilding. Consider Edelbrock conversion for reliability.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive steering wheel play—more than 2 inches before wheels respond, wandering requiring constant correction on highway, clunking felt through steering column, difficulty maintaining straight line

Fix: Manual steering boxes wear internally at the sector shaft and worm gear. Adjustment helps temporarily but worn boxes need rebuilding or replacement. Rebuilt unit swap is 2-3 hours. Power steering boxes also leak at the sector shaft seal—rebuild adds another hour. Check idler arm and tie rod ends simultaneously as they often compound the issue.

Estimated cost: $450-900

Typical onset: varies with driving style

Symptoms: clunking from rear end during hard acceleration or deceleration, visible side-to-side axle shaft movement, grease leaking from axle tubes, vibration at highway speeds

Fix: The thrust button between axle shafts wears out, allowing endplay. V8 cars with aggressive launches suffer this more. Requires pulling both axles, replacing thrust button and bearings, new seals. Takes 4-5 hours. While apart, inspect Sure-Grip clutches if equipped—they're often worn by now.

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Symptoms: visible holes in driver/passenger floor, trunk holds water after rain, jack collapsing through rocker panels, carpet always damp, fuel smell in cabin

Fix: These B-bodies rust from the inside out—check under the carpet and trunk mat carefully. Front floors under the seats and rear frame rails are typical problem areas. Patch panels are available but proper repair requires cutting out rust and welding in new metal—expect 16-24 hours for both floor pans. This affects structural rigidity and resale value significantly.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,500