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The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant #2197138
11/16/16 01:13 AM
11/16/16 01:13 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,005
Reno, Nevada
NV69B7RR Offline OP
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I am very happy to say that I am now the proud owner of Tim Werners 1968 Valiant, aka: The Red Brick.

I hit a point in life that I realized I need to be out racing cars rather than watching cars race. I am truly not somebody that likes to sit in a lawn chair at car show all day either. Having raced cars and trucks in various motorsports (circle track, drag & desert racing) it has been to long without something. So I purged all extra projects and excess parts to help spur that decision. That plus attending the Optima races and the Sonoma Historics. Having a fully restored, but bone stock, 68 AMX had me on the fence though. I have owned the AMX since 1988 and it was a somewhat a father and son project. I wanted to put an LS/ 6spd, control freak suspension, cage, etc, etc into it. But a good friend who’s a Ford guy did have a good point that it was too nice and correct to do that too. Having 2 kids also presented a challenge anytime I wanted to take it somewhere and have the kids join me. I was on the fence about what to do with the AMX and in the mean time I was building up my 72 Demon to be a pro touring/ race car.

Then in the A bodies for Sale section was the Red Brick.

I had really wanted to buy this car when Tim put it up for sale originally but I had just bought a house and another car was not an option at that point. Then Scott sold it to Lee a short time later and life went on. So here was my chance again. Lee really wanted to see the car go to somebody who would get it out on a track and race it. So the AMX went up for sale with the sole purpose of buying the Brick. With some mixed emotions the car sold for what I wanted to get for it. Not being sure if it was the right thing to do or not my 9 yr old son reaffirmed the choice. Out of all the cars I have owned he has never been too excited about them, until the Brick. He asked me daily when we were going to pick it up and can he go with me. The AMX left on Friday for its new home in RI and Sunday morning we picked up the Valiant.
Its an amazing car to drive, very quick, very responsive, and has incredible handling.

So whats the future hold?
Optima races at Las Vegas & Fontanta
Hopefully the Spring Fling Speed Festival
Local autocross races in the CAM-T class

I will also be putting the interior back in it and doing a lot of detailing.
New tires, clutch, diff and a trans rebuild are on the short list too.

So I will update this as I go.

IMG_7508.jpgIMG_7512.jpgIMG_7517.jpg
Last edited by NV69B7RR; 11/16/16 01:17 AM.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197196
11/16/16 02:05 AM
11/16/16 02:05 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
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Very cool, glad you got it brudda! Fun car eh? smile

Track Day 4.jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197214
11/16/16 03:16 AM
11/16/16 03:16 AM
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Northern California
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It's the most exciting car I've ever driven. Glad to get it into the hands of someone who will get it out on the track. I just didn't have the time or energy.

Why the trans rebuild? I'm pretty sure it is a fairly new Passon trans. It did jump out of second on me twice, but I figured that was a linkage adjustment.


'67 is an abbreviation of 1967
67' is an abbreviation of 67 feet
They are not interchangeable.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197232
11/16/16 04:29 AM
11/16/16 04:29 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101 Offline
I got lucky at Woodward!
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Awesome! That's why you asked me which events I was planning on going to. Hopefully our paths cross in the future. It will definitely be interesting seeing the Dart side-by-side with the Red Brick as they are very similar in some aspects, but different in others.

Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197254
11/16/16 10:37 AM
11/16/16 10:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,005
Reno, Nevada
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Thanks Scott!
YES, its a very fun car to drive. My first drive was the road up to Virginia City, which is very tight and twisty.

Thank you again Lee, I will get it out onto some racetracks for sure! I'm pretty sure its the 2nd gear synchro thats bad. I'll give it a thorough race prep anyways so it would make sense to have the trans gone through during that time,

Mu, yes it will be cool to have them out together. One thing I've noticed is a serious lack of Mopars at most events!

Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197321
11/16/16 01:32 PM
11/16/16 01:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
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I put this original R0/W0 hood scoop on it once to see how it would look (not very aero but looked cool). It was just sitting on the hood and just happened to have already been painted the same color red.

Valiant hemi Scoop (2).jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197323
11/16/16 01:38 PM
11/16/16 01:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
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Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
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My last look before sending her down the road

Red Brick 2.jpgRed Brick.jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: ScottSmith_Harms] #2197474
11/16/16 06:45 PM
11/16/16 06:45 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 701
Northern California
lilcuda Offline
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Scott, I plagiarized that second pic for my avatar on Forabodiesonly.com during the time I owned the car. Just removed it yesterday.


'67 is an abbreviation of 1967
67' is an abbreviation of 67 feet
They are not interchangeable.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197531
11/16/16 08:20 PM
11/16/16 08:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,127
tennessee,usa
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Congrats on the new car! It is a very neat car for sure and best of luck with it!
Matt

Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197556
11/16/16 09:41 PM
11/16/16 09:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,005
Reno, Nevada
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Thanks matts!

One thing that bugs me is the missing trim and 2 tone reds. I don't plan to paint the car right now, but may do the sides. I found this on the internet and having something similar in mind.

Valiant_Layout_2.jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197611
11/16/16 10:57 PM
11/16/16 10:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
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Funny, I had the same sketch saved, I liked it too, it was between that one or the silver one attached here. I think the silver version is my favorite but nothing wrong with either one.

Based on the high speed track runs I made your biggest challenge is aero. The car drives very solid and straight at high speeds but you can really feel the air holding the car back at speeds over 130mph. I'd build a really tight fitting front fascia/air dam combo and fill any areas of the nose that you can to put as much air over the car as possible. Probably add an adjustable deck lid spoiler with height/angle adjust-ability as well.

*Lilcuda, no problem man! Pictures are for sharing smile

238291__1968-plymouth-valiant_p.jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197680
11/17/16 12:02 AM
11/17/16 12:02 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,861
Gloucester,VA STOP MOVING HERE
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I love that car and will be following its progress!

I may have a spare set of trim, I'll check the barn this weekend


68 Valiant 408
69 Charger 318
69 Cougar 351W
70 Torino GT 351C
71 Country Squire 351W
71 Road Runner 440+6
71 Satellite sedan 318
73 Duster 318
73 Challenger 383
77 Grand Prix 455
83 Malibu 9C1 383
84 Delta 88 403
87 Grand National
96 Ram 360
09 Crown Vic
10 Challenger R/T M6
15 Challenger Hellcat M6
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2197727
11/17/16 12:50 AM
11/17/16 12:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
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Spokane Washington
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Here's where all the fun happens

Valiant Seat.jpg
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2210963
12/09/16 11:42 PM
12/09/16 11:42 PM
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Posts: 8,128
New Mexico
UCUDANT Offline
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Congrats Brent, sorry the AMX had to go but it sounds like you and your son will enjoy this car. Keep me posted.

Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212739
12/12/16 08:50 PM
12/12/16 08:50 PM
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Reno, Nevada
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Thanks Bob. We are all just caretakers of these cars in the long run. Took it out for drive after work for some stress relief! Got the new tires mounted already to go on the other rims. Although i kinda like the Torque Thrust look. Also got some carpet and sound deadener to get the interior cleaned up some soon.

Val2.jpg
Last edited by NV69B7RR; 12/12/16 08:51 PM.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212794
12/12/16 09:59 PM
12/12/16 09:59 PM
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Reno, Nevada
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Fresh set of 275 Falkens ready for auto crossing!! I may not do the Optima event in Vegas as its too close to Spring Fling and I'd rather do the Speed Festival. I really like that RO hood scoop...although I need to work on aero in a better way than that right now.

Tires.jpg
Last edited by NV69B7RR; 12/12/16 10:03 PM.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212871
12/12/16 11:16 PM
12/12/16 11:16 PM
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Northern California
lilcuda Offline
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Have you hammered the throttle yet, Brent? Curious what your what your impression of the car is.

No race tires?


'67 is an abbreviation of 1967
67' is an abbreviation of 67 feet
They are not interchangeable.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212912
12/13/16 12:02 AM
12/13/16 12:02 AM
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Reno, Nevada
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Ohh yeah Lee, I've gotten on it a bunch! First gear is almost useless at full throttle unless going downhill. Those Goodyears spin pretty easily. I know what you mean now about there being 2 noticeable peaks in power.
When pushed/ outta shape its very predictable on corrections and steering input. I love how it just goes straight when the tires spin, not sideways like so many other cars I've driven/ owned. Its really hard to put into words how well it handles and drives. You would think with the giant Tbars that it would ride like crap but it doesn't, my 89 Saleen was stiffer but didn't handle anywhere close to as good as the Valiant does. Its quick, with traction & gears I bet it could lay down a pretty impressive time in the 1/4 mile. It is just the most visceral experience of a classic Mopar that I've ever been in.

The tires are for the SCCA CAM T & Optima series rule that dictate a 200 tread wear tire. Full slicks would be fun too if I lived close to a track.

Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212984
12/13/16 02:06 AM
12/13/16 02:06 AM
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Northern California
lilcuda Offline
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Originally Posted By NV69B7RR
Ohh yeah Lee, I've gotten on it a bunch! First gear is almost useless at full throttle unless going downhill. Those Goodyears spin pretty easily. I know what you mean now about there being 2 noticeable peaks in power.
When pushed/ outta shape its very predictable on corrections and steering input. I love how it just goes straight when the tires spin, not sideways like so many other cars I've driven/ owned. Its really hard to put into words how well it handles and drives. You would think with the giant Tbars that it would ride like crap but it doesn't, my 89 Saleen was stiffer but didn't handle anywhere close to as good as the Valiant does. Its quick, with traction & gears I bet it could lay down a pretty impressive time in the 1/4 mile. It is just the most visceral experience of a classic Mopar that I've ever been in.

The tires are for the SCCA CAM T & Optima series rule that dictate a 200 tread wear tire. Full slicks would be fun too if I lived close to a track.


Yep, the powerband is pretty interesting. The first time I rolled into the throttle, I was going downhill in second and thought it wasn't going to spin the tires, then the tach needle went past 4 grand. It did step sideways a bit, but was controllable.

The ride is pretty good. It's because the rear springs aren't very stiff. They are actually 40 plus year old 340 springs. I drove it on several 50 mile round trips and the thing that gets you is the heat and noise, both of which can be addressed with sound deadener/insulation.

Can't wait to see how it does in CAM-T. Keep us posted!


'67 is an abbreviation of 1967
67' is an abbreviation of 67 feet
They are not interchangeable.
Re: The Red Brick, Part IV, 1968 Pro Touring Valiant [Re: NV69B7RR] #2212995
12/13/16 02:34 AM
12/13/16 02:34 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
MuuMuu101 Offline
I got lucky at Woodward!
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The "It" tire right now are Bridgestone Potenza RE-11. Everyone is running them.

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