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View Full Version : 1983 Dodge Omni Restoration



robs495
06-16-2011, 11:25 AM
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/502/2429/38753714186_large.jpg









So to make a long story short...very close friends of our family used to own a Chrysler / Plymouth dealership just outside of Pittsburgh. Our family grew up on these little cars...mostly Horizons because it was a Plymouth dealer...we had so many we would simply refer to them by color when talking in conversation. Regular grocery items are what you may possible spot on the Food Lion Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/food-lion/).





I figured it would be nice to find one in good shape...if possible and restore it to showroom condition.





All...and I mean ALL of the parts are original Mopar parts...nothing aftermarket was installed in or on the car...even the retainer clips that hold the body moulding on are factory...most of the parts are "New Old Stock" but a small few are used but still look new.




Car is 100% Stock...no stupid 6 inch cherry-bomb exhaust...no crazy wake up the neighborhood stereo system...no blinding blue or blacked out headlights...no 24" dub wheels...The car is just as it would have looked in 1983...and that's the way it should be!





The project began in May of 2010 and wrapped up in June of 2011.



All The Pics can be seen here --> http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3875371/1983-dodge-omni-america

contraption22
06-16-2011, 12:16 PM
:thumb:Nice

black86glhs
06-16-2011, 03:08 PM
I like it! Nice cheap and reliable transportation. Both then and now.

Vigo
06-16-2011, 06:33 PM
Man you really decked that thing out with the factory add-ons. It's definitely eye-catching.

Turbo224
06-16-2011, 06:46 PM
IMO the roof rack makes this car bad ---. I think this car would look awesome with some wood paneling!

Mike M
06-16-2011, 07:58 PM
That is an awesome little car.

I don't know if they are a Mopar part or not, but I pulled a set of chrome side window visors for all 4 windows on an L. I'll get around to owning another L some day, and I'd love to get a roof rack too!!

omni_840
06-16-2011, 08:44 PM
Very clean!

CoolV300C
06-16-2011, 09:28 PM
Looks awesome. Nice work! How much is it?

GLHS60
06-18-2011, 01:34 AM
Beautiful car!!! Thanks for posting.

Thanks
Randy

GLHS592
06-18-2011, 09:35 AM
Nice work. I'd love to ride around in that car. You may be the first (and last) to restore a non-GLH Omni. ;)

GLHS377
06-21-2011, 01:56 AM
I think i saw this at PVGP last year? looked really nice in person and now you repainted it!? overkill!

robs495
07-08-2011, 09:29 PM
Looks awesome. Nice work! How much is it?

With as much money as I put into it...probably too much

robs495
07-29-2011, 11:53 AM
The Omni has just been featured in Automobile Magazine!...

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/postcards-from-the-pittsburgh-vintage-grand-prix-11259.html/img_0337

PunKid
07-29-2011, 01:00 PM
That thing looks amazing!

ScottD
07-29-2011, 01:39 PM
That is really cool. I like all the unique items you added like the roof rack, hood trim, etc.

The first "new to me" car was a 1978 Omni that my parents bought new. That was the first car I ever drove so I can relate to how you got interested in doing this project. 33 yrs later and I'm still fooling around with L-bodies.

robs495
12-16-2011, 12:43 PM
Thanks for all the kind comments!

R/T
12-16-2011, 02:30 PM
Very, very nice!!! I love it!!

ATaylorRacing
12-17-2011, 06:11 PM
A couple of months ago I had to stop in a little town named Windfall, IN to check out a white Horizon....looked so clean and nice from the street. It endded up being a 1990 that just came out of storage. It belonged to the dealers Aunt and they drove it from FL to In and simply parked it. IT HAD UNDER 14,000 MILES ON IT! Even the original floor mats were still wrapped in plastic and laying in the hatch area! A new battery was needed and the A/C needed charged. It was sold that day to people that had come in a bit before me for only $3200....I wish I made the trip sooner....NOT A SPEC OF RUST ANYWHERE!!!!!
:(

robs495
01-02-2012, 01:41 PM
Just Found the NOS AM/CB Radio to install in the car...Pics Soon...

Marcus86GLHS
01-03-2012, 05:12 AM
beautifully done restoration. that has to be the nicest L-body of any type i have ever seen. congrats. i hope it lives forever in some car museum to represent the beginnings of true American economy cars. to this day, is any American car more frugal than a 1983 Dodge Omni? and yours is quite likely the best of them.

Dodgeglht
01-08-2012, 10:36 PM
Looks great man. Nice to see a beautiful restore on a car like that. The car looked a little tired before but that restore perked it right up. Makes me wanna get to work on my car right away!

robs495
01-24-2012, 12:02 PM
Removed the dash so I could install the optional lighting package...

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0015/06/60/15546006_large.jpg

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0015/06/50/15546005_large.jpg


Then Removed the 84-90 Grill to install the original 83 NOS Grille, new headlights and NOS headlight retaining rings

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0015/06/00/15546000_large.jpg

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0015/06/40/15546004_large.jpg


AM/CB Radio Install Pics Soon....

Turbo224
01-24-2012, 02:38 PM
What is the optional light package?

robs495
01-24-2012, 04:03 PM
What is the optional light package?

It was available on 1978-1983 4 door models (before they changed the dash) it included a map light...a light inside the glove box...the light for the ash tray...an ignition light...and a light for the Rear Defroster/Rear Wiper switch

robs495
01-31-2012, 11:44 AM
NOS AM/CB Radio ready to be installed...the Mic is on the way

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0015/62/91/15562619_large.jpg


Had to do some minor tweaking to the wiring to make it work...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0015/62/81/15562618_large.jpg

Turbo224
01-31-2012, 02:20 PM
That might be one of the coolest factory pieces I have ever seen!

robs495
03-05-2012, 11:34 AM
Finally a nice day to take the Omni out...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0015/11/80/15601108_large.jpg

Keito
03-05-2012, 12:31 PM
I had one in a 78 Power Wagon

fishcleaner
03-05-2012, 09:33 PM
Way cool ride. How hard was it to remove the dash, I've been putting that off on mine.

91dodgespiritrt
03-05-2012, 10:31 PM
"NOS AM/CB Radio ready to be installed...the Mic is on the way"
Ahhh so that's where that NOS CD radio on ebay went....I almost decided to bid on it. LOL
Mike

robs495
03-06-2012, 12:35 AM
Way cool ride. How hard was it to remove the dash, I've been putting that off on mine.

Removing it was quite easy...putting it back in was the pain in the a**....something that old never wants to go back in the way it came out...plus I discovered the HVAC vacuum hose connector had completely disintegrated. So I had to repair that hot mess before finishing the job. But it all turned out nice

black86glhs
03-06-2012, 01:33 AM
Removing it was quite easy...putting it back in was the pain in the a**....something that old never wants to go back in the way it came out...plus I discovered the HVAC vacuum hose connector had completely disintegrated. So I had to repair that hot mess before finishing the job. But it all turned out nice

I found one out of an 89 to fix my broken one. I know what you mean by mess.:banghead:

robs495
03-30-2013, 02:05 AM
Hey everyone...it's been awhile...but I finally got around to showing this winters project --> finally cleaning the engine and engine bay. As most of you have seen, the car was coated with undercoating...but since it's now a show car and never sees rain, it was time to remove the Rusty Jones where not needed.

Just two products were used to remove the 30 year old undercoating...Turtle Wax Heavy Duty Bug and Tar remover...and a product called "Tarminator" as well as lots of time and elbow grease...this entire project lasted well over a month working every night...but now the car looks and runs better than ever...since I had the engine out I also replaced almost every part I could with an NOS Part...I'll list them after the pics...enjoy...



As you can see, when I first bought it...the Motor was a mess...all that black is Undercoating...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/502/2429/38753714017_large.jpg


I did the easy areas...once I saw the unmolested original 1983 paint underneath, I knew it was worth going all in and cleaning it all...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/01/16161310_large.jpg


Side View...

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/90/16161309_large.jpg



First I had to start removing EVERYTHING....

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/80/16161308_large.jpg



The Lean Burn Spark Control Computer and battery tray was first...

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/21/16161312_large.jpg



Followed by ground after ground and relay after relay...

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/11/16161311_large.jpg



Wider Shot...that stuff was really caked on...

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/31/16161313_large.jpg



Scrubbing Away...just used ordinary shop rags until they were to filthy to use...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/41/16161314_large.jpg



A Couple days later the area was finally coming clean...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/51/16161315_large.jpg



With that done...it was time to get serious...removed the wheels and axles...

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/61/16161316_large.jpg



The Axle's...They cleaned up very nicely...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/45/16161354_large.jpg



After disconnecting the yards of vacuum hoses...taking a million pictures of everything and putting every nut and bolt in a labeled baggie...finally the little 2.2L was coming out...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/91/16161319_large.jpg



The motor was filthy...especially for only having 26,000 miles on it...but it is 30 years old...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/02/16161320_large.jpg



As you can see...lots of work lay ahead...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/12/16161321_large.jpg



Another view of the hole...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/32/16161323_large.jpg




Took 2 days to clean the front of the frame where the A/C Condenser and Radiator rest...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/42/16161324_large.jpg



Next it was on to the vapor canister area...what a mess...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/52/16161325_large.jpg


Another view of the tar coated mess...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/62/16161326_large.jpg




Took a week, but it finally came clean...it took another entire night to clean the canister you see on the floor...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/92/16161329_large.jpg



Scrubbing away...the firewall to my right was next...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/72/16161327_large.jpg




That took another couple of night's but you see the result...that's not faded paint, just the angle...

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/82/16161328_large.jpg



Another Angle...the brake booster and cross member also were cleaned...

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/03/16161330_large.jpg



Also used the time to change every hose and part on the motor I could...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/13/16161331_large.jpg



This included replacing the water pump and fuel pump with NOS ones...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/63/16161336_large.jpg




Every part removed was cleaned to a like new shine....

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/53/16161335_large.jpg

robs495
03-30-2013, 02:05 AM
The motor was also gunk'd and pressure washed with extremely hot water...it came out great...

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/23/16161332_large.jpg



Again, every part I could change it did with an NOS one...like replacing the voltage regulator and A/C idler switch...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/43/16161334_large.jpg



Cleaned and replaced all the hoses in the vapor recovery system...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/33/16161333_large.jpg



Also finally got around to adding the RARE passenger side chrome mirror....

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/73/16161337_large.jpg



The hood was also a mess...

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/83/16161338_large.jpg



But after an entire weekend of cleaning, it looks like new...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/93/16161339_large.jpg




Had to buy a new air pump since the old one was frozen...

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/14/16161341_large.jpg



And since I bought the pump...might as well buy a new diverter valve...

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/04/16161340_large.jpg



Put Everything back together and THIS was the final result...simply amazing...also finally installed the new headlight bezels I had....

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/images/0016/31/24/16161342_large.jpg



Parts added / replaced....

All Belts and hoses...including timing belt
Alternator
AC lines
Air Pump and Diverter Valve
Brake Booster
Master Cylinder
Voltage Regulator
Water Pump
Fuel Pump
Ball Joint Seals
Air Deflector Shield
All the Engine Mounts
Radiator Fan Relay
Starter Relay
Vacuum Solenoid
A/C Idler Switch
Spark Plug Wires
Headlight Bezels

ScottD
03-30-2013, 07:52 AM
Looks FANTASTIC. Wow.

Did you replace the sticker on top of the fan?

CoolV300C
03-30-2013, 12:27 PM
Might be the most work ever done on one. Looks awesome. Congratulations.

beeblebrox82
03-30-2013, 01:03 PM
Wow. Just Wow! Inspiring work!

Vigo
03-30-2013, 02:14 PM
Might be the most work ever done on one.

Yeah, could be.

Keep up the good work!

robs495
03-30-2013, 02:21 PM
Looks FANTASTIC. Wow.

Did you replace the sticker on top of the fan?

Nope...that's a survivor...all of them are

85boostbox
03-30-2013, 03:31 PM
You my friend have guts for pulling that engine with the NOS grille and headlight bezels in...:confused:

But on a second note that car is CLEAN!!!! Mad props man.

blk86trbo
03-30-2013, 03:31 PM
An outstanding job, you deserve a big round of applause!

Turbo224
03-31-2013, 01:58 AM
As impressive as all that work is, I'm most impressed that you didn't upgrade to a turbo setup. I wouldn't have been able to resist. Cool car!

robs495
03-31-2013, 12:48 PM
You my friend have guts for pulling that engine with the NOS grille and headlight bezels in...:confused:

But on a second note that car is CLEAN!!!! Mad props man.


The Headlight bezels i was not concerned about because i didn't put the new ones in until after the motor was back in...the grille i just plum forgot about...I probably should have removed it being the last nos 1983 grille left in the country..HA

Vigo
03-31-2013, 05:45 PM
As impressive as all that work is, I'm most impressed that you didn't upgrade to a turbo setup. I wouldn't have been able to resist. Cool car!

I definitely wouldnt have on this kind of project.

And i PROBABLY wouldnt have done much for performance, but you CAN do major stock-appearing performance upgrades like a 2.5 tall block and milled deck/head. Even a good-running HO 2.2 carb omni is punchy, but a high-compression 2.5 in one would be great even without a turbo. Even the stock long-block 2.5 tbi in my old Aries setup felt really good below 4000 rpm and ran 17.0 with poor traction, and that is heavier and a little more choked off than an omni with a carburetor.

Keito
04-02-2013, 01:28 PM
Best use of a Harbor Freight movers dolly.
Reminds me I need to get a few more next time I'm there.
Great job!

4 l-bodies
04-02-2013, 03:52 PM
Nice job on the restoration! Here is pic of another restored older Horizon from Mopars in the Park show from couple years ago. This car was in the car corral for sale. Believe it went unsold.
Todd

robs495
04-02-2013, 04:44 PM
Nice job on the restoration! Here is pic of another restored older Horizon from Mopars in the Park show from couple years ago. This car was in the car corral for sale. Believe it went unsold.
Todd

I would make that guy an offer tomorrow if possible

4 l-bodies
04-02-2013, 06:50 PM
I would make that guy an offer tomorrow if possible
If your a resourceful guy, that license plate can be tracked. I'll keep on eye out for it at this years event. Couple years ago on ebay a guy did a carousel restoration on a rampage. That vehicle was really nice. Don't think that sold either. Thought I saved some pics of it, but I can't seem to find them.
Todd

robs495
04-09-2013, 08:52 PM
If your a resourceful guy, that license plate can be tracked. I'll keep on eye out for it at this years event. Couple years ago on ebay a guy did a carousel restoration on a rampage. That vehicle was really nice. Don't think that sold either. Thought I saved some pics of it, but I can't seem to find them.
Todd

Thanks for the info...hopefully it's pops up one day

hotlipsporter
10-11-2014, 03:20 AM
Hello...beautiful job. I am working on a 1983 Horizon right now and I was wondering if you could tell me where to get the roof rack parts. It already has the bottom parts on the roof, but the racks that screw in are missing and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to search for them, let alone actually find and purchase them. Any advice??

AzShadow
10-20-2014, 12:19 AM
excellent work man!!!