Did you wash your mint-condition garage today? That’s cute.
The Dodge Aspen was a forgettable vehicle that only lived a brief life in the United States from 1976 to 1980. The two-door Dodge Aspen R/T, with its emissions-choked 5.9-liter V8 engine producing all of 170 horsepower, was actually quite cool in late 1970’s fashion. However, the Aspen sedan was a total snoozefest. This is why many – such as this 1979 model – were literally left to the elements.
This car has an opportunity to shine, unlike the rest. Dylan McCool is on YouTube. This video shows how the car was restored to its original glory. This video does cover it all.
Here’s where things get a little weird. A 30-minute video of someone power washing cars sounds just as monotonous as a Dodge Aspen four-door. This video, however, is strangely relaxing and satisfying for reasons that we don’t understand. There’s that germophobe part of us that demands everything be spotless, but we love seeing the Aspen’s 1970s-era paint emerge from decades of grime. Even the most mundane cars can be loved, even if they fade into history. This Aspen is a good example of that.
The power washer cannot remove 40 years worth of paint patina. It can’t also remove rust. Late 1970s Chrysler products are notorious for rusting in a matter of years. The video shows that the Aspen did better than others, but it is unlikely that a complete restoration will be possible. A clear coat to preserve the patina, along with a set of cool wheels and an engine swap would make this sedan a sleepy quarter-miler. We like the idea.