Paradise Garage
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© 2000 Brian F. Schreurs
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With our 1940 Chrysler Royal, "Adja," in our garage at last, it was time to see just what kind of
condition she was in. We knew the car is mechanically complete but not running. We knew most
of the panels are relatively solid. And we knew the interior is totally trashed. But just how
extensive is the damage? It was time to find out. We spent two days cleaning and photographing
the car from bumper to bumper. We've decided to part with our usual format and simply present
a photo essay of the car's current condition. Remember, this car was driveable when it was put
away 20 years ago. Witness the ravages of time. Cars are meant to be driven. Please, please go
out and drive yours.
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Left: Our garage is a bit tight for photography so we did the best we could to capture the overall appearance of the car. |  |
| Right: Here's a look at the overall rear-driver side. | ||
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Left: The metal strips making up the grille are repairable but their mounting points will require some finessing. |  |
| Right: The paint, a black respray over original grey, is pitted and chipping everywhere. | ||
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Left: Guess which part of the wheel spent the last 20 years in a mudbath. |  |
| Right: At least the antifreeze was good -- forty-three years ago! | ||
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Left: We were very lucky to find the original engine there and basically intact. |  |
| Right: This side of the hood only opened after a shower in PB Blaster. | ||
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Left: About the only thing salvageable on the dashboard is the structure itself. |  |
| Right: The door panel pattern is still discernible, which will aid in making the replacements. | ||
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Left: Most of the headliner went down the shop vac. |  |
| Right: In fact most of the interior is largely destroyed. | ||
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Left: The floor appeared intact. Some time with Mr. Shop Vac revealed otherwise. This is left-front. |  |
| Right: The right-front floor. | ||
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Left: The left-rear floor. |  |
| Right: The right-rear floor. There was never a back seat. It was equipped without one. | ||
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Left: The exposed passenger side took a couple of hits during her long rest. |  |
| Right: Heaven only knows how a gas cap could get so mangled. | ||
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Left: Adja arrived with some "baggage" of her own. |  |
| Right: Baggage which, apparently, was held off the ground mainly by a misunderstanding of the laws of physics. |
Don't get us wrong; we love the car. But we're not blind. We recognize that we have a long way to go before she'll even turn a wheel again, much less be safe or presentable. We haven't even jacked it up to have a look underneath yet! All things will come in due time. We have many things going on these days but the Chrysler is sheltered and not forgotten. It will be repaired bit by bit. Have no fear of that. And perhaps we can all learn from this car's trials.
Now please. Go drive your car.