KISS YOUR K GOODBYE

[MyDodgeDip]

If I can call my local parts store and get 90% of the mechanical parts for my 78 Lebaron and even for my old 72 Coronet, We have a while before the K car parts are completely gone. There are still plenty of junkyards that have them for parts. Go to Car-Part.com and check for parts for an 81 aries. There are all sorts of body panels and other parts around, you just need to know where to look. Spend some time, call around and they are out there, they made hundreds of thousands of them. I'm not saying its not a good idea to stock up spare parts, that is always worth it.

As far as repairs go, anyone who is even slightly mechanically inclined can generally diagnose a problem by checking the codes using their key and doing a little research or question asking on the internet. Find an older mechanic and they will generally know what they're doing. I have factory shop manuals for everything I own and then some, they're sitting on the shelf collecting dust. A good mechanic can diagnose problems without it.

[K-CAR_WAGON]

Factory shop manuals are worthwhile getting for the wiring diagrams / torque specifications alone. Also, if you are a "do it yourself" mechanic and don't do alot of work its worthwhile to read before you start a project so you learn the little tricks to dissasembly and don't do unnecessary damage. Saves alot of time and you don't end up breaking things like plastic access panels in the dashboard by forcing the wrong parts.

Mechanical parts and used replacement parts are still no big problem. However, if you are looking for NOS trim parts to make a show quality car, the parts are getting scarcer and the prices have been rising lately.

[nszotovich]

I love the woodys and the clean sides too. The woodys pose a bigger challenge in restoration since 3M is no longer making the Di-Noc for automotive use.

[88AriesLEwagon]

While I appreciate the classic look of the phoney wood panelling,unless the vehicle is a trailer queen or showcar only,I would not sleep well at night knowing the trim could get damaged,or a rust bubble could form under the sheet material.I almost think they went too far with all the trim on LeBarons,while the Aries/Reliant version was much more restrained.