[FWDLK] Hello

[David Vice <dcvice@xxxxxxx>]

Hi,

    I am a new comer to this group.  I recently
    bought a 55 Dodge Royal Coronet.  It's
    a 4dr with a 270 poly 2bbl and 2spd auto.
    I will send pictures once I sacn them in.

    The car is all complete minus one trim piece
    on the pass side of the rear windshield.  I would
    like to ask the group for some input on my plans
    for the car.  I plan to make this car my daily driver.
    Saying that, I want it to be dependable, reliable,
    and safe.  My wife is already considering taking
    a trip in it, maybe even an organized cruise.

    In order to accomplish this, I plan to do the following:
    - convert it to 12v neg ground
    - add after market air, defrost, and heat
    - upgrade the brakes with the AAJ kit and his
        kit to install a late dual master cyl and brake booster
        when he is done with it
    - install 3 point seat belts
    - have the factory radio upgraded to have both am and
      fm then install a cd changer gioing through the fm radio
    - I have not yet dscided on converting to power steering.
        I am alittle concerned that a new steering column is needed.
    - For better looks and my own hotrod cravings I would
      like to convert the 270 to a hemi with either a single 4bbl
     or a 3x2bbl with progressive linkage.  I have talked to
     several people running this setup and they haven't had
     the driveability problems I was expecting.
    - install the chrysler electronic ingnition system and hide the
      box under the dash in the car.
    - I have also tossed around the idea of upgrading to an 815
     4spd auto trans, but this has several problems that go with
     it.  One problem being I like the indash shifter and don't
        want to mess it up.  I will wait and see how the
      car drives with the 2spd first.

    As for the interior and body, it will all be stock down to the
    WWW tires, factory hub caps and wheels, and ALL chrome.
    I will probably not go back with the factory colors. They were
    yellow and black exterior and 2 tome green interior. To far
    out there for me.

    I have really been torn between making the car safe and
    dependable and keeping it original.  I started out thinking
    about swaping out the engine, trans, and rearend for a crate
    magnum, 815 4spd auto, and 83/3 with suregrip.  I just felt
    that it would no longer be a classic 50's car anymore it I
    went that far.

    For those of you whom are driving a classic car like this daily,
    please let the group and myself know it it is a relaistic goal and
    what you had to do to make it a reality.  I would also
    like to find out what other members of the group live near
    the New Orleans area?

    Thanks for all the advice already given and yet to be given,

    David Vice.