22nd June 2009 : This hardtop was temporarily put on hold but is now back on track. We have a few surprises for the owner Anton, a few modifications and custom touches that will make this Hardtop really something special.
14-08-09
Anyone guessed what's happening here yet ? :) That's right, this 'once was a VG Valiant'.... is now looking more like a Dodge Dart with every step we make. Now boasting a completely retrofitted Dart front (VE) this Hardtop is gonna turn some heads. Fitting this front is not as simple as swapping guards and bonnet panels, the chassis rails, radiator support panel and inner guards all needed the appropriate attention to make way for the new look. PP&R chassis connectors are now in place and the last of the rust repairs on the floor panels have now been completed with hand fabricated replacement panels. There's just one last modification to go.... not letting the cat out of the bag just yet, but it certainly will be neat..... just waiting on parts ex USA. Check back soon.
07-09-09
Well this was very last minute but the finished retro-fit looks awesome. Our customer Anton has been continuously surprised with mods undertaken with his Valiant hardtop, this is the last surpirse, I promise ! The images below show how PP&R lead fabricator (Wayne) hand-madge this fuel filler receptor to accomodate my own wish for this special car, a fuel filler cap from 2009 Model Dodge Challenger. Fitting an old-school looking 60's/70's flip cap has been done to death, I wanted something that made people look at the cap thinking " That looks the same, but different!". This brand new Mopar cap was totally disassembled and a recessed panel made for a more refined 'meant to be' look. The finished product looks outstanding.
02-12-09
Here's some shots of the car sporting it's new VE front. When PP&R took delivery of this hardtop it was already blasted and had been stored for some time with minor surface rust under the clear post-blasted coating. For safe measure we opted to blast the car again now that all the repairs and modifications are complete, ensuring that there will be no issues after painting. Now in epoxy primer, this hardtop is almost ready for paint.
14-07-10
Here's some pics of this mighty Valiant hardtop just about ready for paint. Some minor mock-fit touches to complete and this car is scheduled for paint within two weeks. We're all pretty excited about this car, with a number of unforcasted modifications, this car will be something special ! More to follow soon...
22-08-10
Final grille modifications complete. This modified VE grille assembly now looks more 'Dart-Like' featuring genuine 1968 Dodge Dart front turn-signal bezels & lenses. The paint scheme on this grille is going to look outstanding with a combination of dark textured argent, satin black & orange pin-stripe.....trust me !
The bumpers have been shaved with ends joined. The finiahed bars will leave a clean, refined & custom look to replace the boring VG bars which looked like an after-thought compared to the two-door hardtop rear bars.
24-09-10
After good deal of hard work and patience, this custom Valiant Hardtop now looks the goods! Anton was shown the car today for the first time in a while and we're pleased to know that he agrees that this ride looks absolutely outstanding. We mock fitted the wheels for demostration purposes..... final assembly starts NOW !!! More to follow soon...
04-04-11
Now sporting new Wilwood front & rear disc brakes, custom painted dash frame ready to fit, interior seats complete, shaved & painted bumper bars complete, final grille preparation complete, dyna-matting and custom colour-coded Pacer-Style intrumentation, this Valiant hardtop is looking nicer with each passing day.
06-07-11
Although we have had a number unforseeable delays, this car is now coming along nicely. More pics to follow very soon...
05-10-11
Custom Pacer-Style Gauges Complete!
