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Classic Hearse
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1961 Dodge Seneca
The Dodge arrived in Dunedin in May and Lyndon collected it from Jeffs Haulaways yard. It was in better than expected condition – very original condition.
We evaluated the engine and running gear – which were given a clean bill of health by K G McLeod's – other than a bit of brake work, and a slight diff leak.
The panel and paint was surprisingly good and we elected to at some stage fix some screw holes in the front guards, remove the tow-bar, fix a mirror, re-chrome the air-vents and rear bumper, and paint the rear door. The rear door handle was quickly fixed by Clements and Stephens. We will remove the crosses front and rear.
Inside we have replaced all the internal carpets and door surrounds and added a new casket clamp.
But ultimately the Dodge was ready for use upon arrival and has already been used on a number of funerals. We have had much reaction in our travels, parking it out the front, and when it has been at its carers.
It is a 1961 Dodge Seneca. Six were imported new to New Zealand from Canada where they had been converted to right-hand-drive. Hope and Sons was an original owner, but this is not our actual one. We sold ours in about 1973 when we started using Valiant Regal station-wagons as hearses.
We are pleased to be able to return a bit of classic Dunedin yesteryear to its former glory and make the Dodge available to our funerals.
27 April 2009
From J Matthews – the vendor on TradeMe
"Nice talking with you. I know the car will be going to a good home.
Previous owners (from new) were Lambert & Fountain who are in the Auckland phone book and may be able to shed some light on their history.
The guy I bought it from was Chris Sainsbury. He will be pleased to know the car is going somewhere where it will be looked after.
We have agreed on a selling price. You have agreed to pay a deposit tomorrow. This will hold the vehicle for 14 days (longer by agreement). I am happy to take the car to a transport office in Auckland once payment has been made in full and cleared. Responsibility for transport and insurance will lie with you once you have paid for the vehicle. (Sorry if that sounds a bit officious, but I like to make sure everything is in black and white.)
I have been quite blown away with the response from my advert. Two others have contacted me, one guy wanting a swap, and the other guy asking about putting a back seat in it and using it for classic rallies - so this has been very reassuring.
The keys take a bit of working out - the long square one is for the driver's door. The long round one is for the tailgate and fuel cap (though the fuel cap doesn't lock) and the small ones are for the ignition. The car was stolen when the previous owner had it, and this resulted in an aftermarket ignition switch being fitted (which is a bit loose). A Valiant lock with the tumblers rejigged to suit the driver's door key would be a more appropriate solution.
Car will only start in neutral. There is no "Park", and the hand-brake doesn't work terribly well when the rear is facing downwards (the car facing uphill) so bear this in mind when parking.
Starting when cold works best if the accelerator is pumped about eight times then the engine is cranked over with the foot OFF the gas. If it doesn't fire reasonably quickly repeat the process.
I have spent a king's ransom on the brakes but they still aren't 100% right. I think the left front wheel cylinder needs overhauling. Sometimes when hot the right front wheel will grab a little, and I am surmising this is because the left front wheel cylinder is jamming somehow - this only happens periodically.
The rear brake drums are on a keyway and need a press to get them off. I have had them off (a garage - not me, personally) but it took several tons of pressure.
The wheel nuts are left hand thread on the left side so they turn clockwise to undo them on this side of the car only.
The speedo reads a bit on the low side - 25mph works out at about 50kph, and 50mph is about 100kph.
The left front park/indicator lens is damaged, but it still gets a WoF.
The handle assembly for the tailgate needs repair.
The tow bar should NOT be used for towing. If you look underneath the car and see the sheet metal it is secured to you will probably agree - it is a very poor design, as the tow bar should always be attached to the chassis or its modern equivalent.
When I purchased the car there was some rust in the bottom of the tailgate which I had repaired, but I wasn't terribly impressed with the result.
I wish you much pleasure with the car."
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About UsHope and Sons are leaders in professional service and qualified expertise.
We have helped, served, and formed many friendships with families in Dunedin and throughout Otago and Southland over our decades of service. |
Our Aims & ValuesHope and Sons will create opportunities to say farewell that are meaningful to you.
We will provide consistently high standards.
We are helpful, caring, tidy, polite, respectful, and honest.
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Hope and Sons
Dunedin, NZ: 03 455 5074
Palmerston, NZ: Freephone 0800 555 074
E-mail:
Telephone: 03 455 5074
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