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The Restoration of a Patrol Vehicle
Vintage 1972 Plymouth Fury
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The
car was found after a lengthy search and the odometer read a little over 84,000 miles. The
car was verified as an authentic PSP vehicle by the two manufacturers broadcast sheets
found behind the rear seat, on which were typed the dead-giveaway clue, the words
Pennsylvania State Police. The fender tag and broadcast sheets were later decoded and
revealed that the Fury II had rolled off the line in June of 1972 in Newark, Delaware.
Also noted were that the car was not a Police Package car but rather a special order
vehicle with a reinforced roof, heavy duty suspension, electrical and cooling systems, and
a certified speedometer. There was an electrical trunk release, and no AM radio. (music
could distract a Trooper from his duties). The automatic interior light switch was
disabled on the car as well. This is a safety feature that is still employed today -
the Troopers are not silhouetted targets in the cruisers at night.
Other clues were found on the Fury II, such as the siren bracket still mounted under the
hood, the foot operated siren button, the fast-idle lockout, and the red activation switch
unique to this vehicle. There was also the air-conditioning shut-off switch used when
pursuits reached over 100mph. In addition, the underside of the hood bore the white
crayon inscription -50° 11/2/78 which referred to the last antifreeze
check. Molding and trim pieces were removed which revealed blue and gold PSP paint
scheme beneath the green disguise. |
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When the
vehicle was found, it was but a rusted, forlorn shadow of its former glory. It arrived
back at the Pennsylvania State Police Transportation department, after a 30 year
"missing in action" hiatus, painted green and looking nothing like it had when
in service.
Lovingly, and with great patience, care and attention to detail, the crew completely
disassembled the car and began to search for parts, sponsors, volunteers, and venues for
the car to appear in when it was complete.
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The Green Meany in
captivity |
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According
to an article in MOPAR magazine, excerpted almost in its entirety:
Disassembly began in December of
2000. The car was initially stripped to the bare unibody, then it was taken to be
sandblasted for paint and rust removal. When it was returned, the unibody was placed
on a rotisserie for detailing and painting. While on the rotisserie, the body was
acid-etched and sprayed with two coats of epoxy primer, followed by two coats of
high-build primer. Then came the difficult process of filling and sanding the
numerous pits and dings in the bottom of the floor and trunk.
It's possible the pride and attention to detail began to go awry during this step in the
restoration process. The [restoration] group spent three weekends sanding and
filling before one member said, "Wait a minute. Why are we sanding and filling
pits in the bottom of the floor and trunk? Nobody will see the bottom of the floor,
and the trunk gets speckle-painted and has a mat laying over the floor. Who's going
to see this stuff? It was at this point the group decided to take a few weekends
off.
After a short hiatus, the group started back working on the car. Another coat of
primer was applied and sanded. At this point, the group shot basecoat/clearcoat on
the bottom and inside the trunk before turning the car over to a real painter (also a [Pa
State Police] Trooper, who happens to own a body shop with a downdraft system
paintbooth!) After two coats of B-5 Blue basecoat and two coats of clear, the bottom
and trunk look[ed] superb. Group members spent 97 hours one long weekend getting
everything done! Remember, the group has trained their entire careers [as Troopers]
to pay attention to detail. However, it was at this point, when one member suggested
the bottom of the trunk should be sanded and buffed, that the group decided to take
another small vacation away from the project!
During this time, the group [had] also been busy refurbishing and restoring parts. A
large supply of NOS items had been obtained. The group was happy to learn that,
unlike NOS parts for other MOPARS, many NOS parts are around for the '72 C-Body, and often
at a reasonable price. NOS items purchased include grilles, parking light
assemblies, front and rear side marker lights, emblems, window felts, taillights, various
switches, and many other parts necessary for righteous restoration. One group member
worked at a Chrylser/Plymouth parts department in his prior life. This greatly
expedited the parts locating process. Various parts [arrived] from all over North
America. (23 different states)
Captain David Points and his crew report that the Plymouth has finally
been completely restored. This was accomplished by a dynamic Restoration team who spent
many hours together. The team, almost entirely comprised of active and retired Troopers,
has done an outstanding restoration on the vehicle that
is currently being housed in
the Historic Wing of the Pennsylvania State Police Historical, Educational and
Memorial Center. The Historical, Educational and Memorial Center has shown the car
at the Chryslers in Carlisle show and in Campbletown for Camp Cadet. It has also
been offered the unique opportunity to showcase the HEMC car at the Antique Auto Museum
and at several area shows including the recent Carlisle show (see below).
The PSP Plymouth restoration project has already been featured by several
prominent automotive publications, such as MOPAR Magazine and the Pennsylvania Dealer
News. Newspapers throughout the state, and TV stations, such as TV 27 have also
featured articles on the historic restoration project.
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After: Blue,
Bold and Beautiful |
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Now that the
restoration project is complete, the Fury and her team are enjoying the limelight. She has
an official Pennsylvania title and vintage license plate now (akin to a Birth Certificate)
and she was debuted with her many proud Papas in the special showing area at the Chryslers
at Carlisle show in July 11th through July 13th, 2003. The car was an immediate hit and
the showing was considered to be a successful introduction to the public of one of the
finest police vehicle restoration projects every done. The car did a followup appearance
in Campbeltown for Camp Cadet. These are the first of many visits the car will
make to increase public awareness about the PSP-HEMC project.
Capt. Points reports that just recently, it had
appeared the Fury might have a transmission problem - a worst nightmare for any vehicle,
restored, or right off the line. Turns out, the problem was just a simple and
inexpensive $15.00 part. This is a fine example of the intimacy that the Restoration crew
has developed with their Fury. |
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Watch
this page for fascinating stories of the highs and lows of the restoration, and for a
list of sponsors and contributors to the project, and in particular, a list and
photos of the restoration team. We are proud of the Restoration team and the
outstanding result they accomplished. Congratulations, guys! |
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more about other restored Pennsylvania State Police vehicles |
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VEHICLES WANTED:
Vintage vehicles, any condition, that were used in service by the Pennsylvania State Police
from 1905 onward will be considered for restoration.. |
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Some may even be useful to use for parts.
While many of the vehicles were repainted at the time of their sale, the original colors of
the vehicles were: |
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1968 to 1971 - White, with a green
hood and green trunk lid |
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1972 - Blue, with gold hood and
gold trunk lid, as above, for spare parts |
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1940's era - probably none left
around! They were White with a Black hood |
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The Restoration Committee is also
interested in locating motorcycles which were used by Pa State Police. |
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If you have any information that
would assist in locating one of our former patrol vehicles please contact a Member of
the Vehicle Restoration Committee through the Pa State Police Historical, Educational
and Memorial Center 187 Police Academy Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 Telephone:
717-534-0565. |
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