The Dodge Coronet: What to Know Before You Start a Restoration
6/2/2025
Back when I first laid hands on a ’66 Coronet, the thing looked like it had been pulled straight from a field—rust in all the wrong places, no brakes, and the interior smelled like mice had hosted a family reunion. But under all that grime? A rock-solid B-body just waiting to be brought back to life.
Whether you’re tackling your first project or adding another to your collection, restoring a Dodge Coronet is no small feat. But with the right mindset—and the right parts—it’s one of the most rewarding builds a Mopar guy (or gal) can take on.
Start with the Frame and Body
Before you get into the guts of it, always start by checking the frame, floor pans, and rocker panels. These mid-‘60s Coronets are prone to rust in all the usual spots—trunk wells, lower quarters, and door bottoms. If the bones aren’t solid, you’ll be chasing problems all the way through the build.
Andy’s Tip: If it’s got factory undercoating, check for hidden rust underneath. Sometimes the worst rot hides behind the so-called “protection.”
Know Which Dodge Coronet Parts Are Hardest to Find
Some parts are plentiful. Others? Not so much. Here’s a quick rundown:
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Trim and badging – Easy to lose, expensive to replace. Original pieces can fetch big bucks.
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Tail light housings – Certain years are especially hard to source.
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Interior panels and dash bezels – Sun-baked or cracked ones are common, so good replacements go fast.
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Original mirrors and master cylinders – These get swapped with aftermarket stuff all the time, but if you want it to look right, OEM fit is worth it.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered with reproduction and original-style Dodge Coronet parts that actually fit—because nothing’s worse than ordering twice and modifying something that should’ve bolted right in.
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Don’t Skimp on the Brake and Suspension Work
You might be tempted to throw fresh paint on and call it a day, but let me tell you: brakes and suspension are where these cars either ride smooth or scare the pants off you. Replacing bushings, shocks, and worn master cylinders isn’t glamorous, but it’s what makes a restored Coronet drive like new.
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Engine Choices: Original vs Modified
Most Coronets came with 318s, 383s, or even 426 Hemis if you got real lucky. If you’ve got the original block, it’s worth keeping—matching numbers still matter to a lot of collectors. But if not, dropping in a later-model big block can give you more go without hurting the value too much.
Either way, check the engine mounts, radiator, and fuel lines for wear. Age does a number on rubber, and cooling systems from the ’60s don’t love modern traffic.
Final Word from Andy
Restoring a Dodge Coronet is a labor of love. You’ll learn, you’ll cuss, and if you do it right, you’ll end up with a car that turns heads and tells a story. Start with a plan, stock up on the right parts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
Ready to Start Your Coronet Project?
Whether you need brake parts, trim, or help figuring out what fits your build, our team’s here to help.
👉 Shop Dodge Coronet Parts – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-dodge-parts
📞 Phone Orders: 617-244-1118
📩 Email: orders@oldmoparts.com
