buried car: doesnt look good

[agtw31]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b189/andytantes/belvedere.jpg

[Fast67VelleN2O]

I heard the water was a 4 feet initially. This true?

[1969l78]

what is it a dodge maybe? Is jimmy hoffa in that thing http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[musclecarjohn]

Now they say the water is toxic,they did store gasoline in there too...I guess the thinking was they planned on firing her up and driving away.

[budnate]

I read a bunch on this thing over the last couple of years like you guys but never read where they pickled the running gear..did I miss that part???

[flyingn]

thought that was not to be opened till friday?? Is that the 57 Plymouth from Tulsa???

[70 copo]

Good blog Here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181811&highlight=tulsarama

Video Here: http://www.kotv.com/e-clips/?id=6709

7 FEET OF WATER. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

[70 copo]

More Video. TV Anchor states car was completely submerged.

http://www.kotv.com/e-clips/?id=6717

[GMC_Typhoon]

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Workers unearthing the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere buried under the city's courthouse lawn were dealt an early setback Wednesday, as several feet of water were found in the concrete vault supposedly strong enough to withstand a nuclear attack.

The two-door hardtop, buried in 1957 to celebrate Oklahoma's 50 years of statehood, is set to be lifted out of the 12-foot-by-20-foot time capsule Friday morning to commemorate the state's centennial year. As many as 50,000 people from all over the world are expected at the event, and more than 260 media credentials have been handed out to reporters from New York to New Zealand.

But news of the standing water was crushing to event organizers. As heavy rain fell at the site, the Belvedere's fate remained unknown.

The vault was briefly opened Wednesday so hazardous materials crews could inspect the 10 gallons of gasoline and motor oil cans that had been placed in the time capsule in case internal combustion engines became obsolete by 2007.

Excavators found water halfway up on the car's fenders and more evidence water could have been to the top of the vault at one point, said Art Couch, who is heading up the unearthing project.

``I don't know how bad it is, but it's not good,'' Couch said. ``We were hoping it would be dry in there.''

It's obvious that the trunk lid is completely gone. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole car folds in half when they try to lift it out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[VintageMusclecar]

Well, if nothing else, they've learned at least one thing from this ordeal...












how NOT to put a car away for long-term storage! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Eric

[flyingn]

well... If the vault was full how could the level of water gone down if there was no dranage in the vault?

[mrrec]

[ QUOTE ]
well... If the vault was full how could the level of water gone down if there was no dranage in the vault?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's pretty tuff to make concrete watertight and it obviously leaked at the joint of floor and walls. Groundwater could enter this way, too, but looking at the top of the walls and the goo in the bottom, it appears the lid was not sealed properly - a major mistake. A drainage system around the peremiter would have done a lot.....

So water enters at top and does not drain out unless the groundwater is low enough to allow it to escape through the floor/side joint.

I think it will take more than a 5 gal can of Safest Rust Remover on this one......

Dave

[Lynn]

Well at least they did that to a Belvedere, and not a 57 (take your pick of any number of AWESOME vehicles available that year)

Lynn

[PeteLeathersac]

[ QUOTE ]
well... If the vault was full how could the level of water gone down if there was no dranage in the vault?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe there really was no water but the excavation is being done by the same crew as in Eric's posting a few days back and they've gotten into that old case of Schlitz that was in the car ? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif.

Seriously, this thing will not be in good shape as these cars had serious rust problems from day one anyway...and if the torsion bars or mountings haven't failed yet, it probably will as soon as they set it down after extraction from the tomb?.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Hylton]

Thank God they didn't decide to use a '57 fuelly 'Vette!

[68l30]

At least it's parked in the right spot! Reseal the tomb and say goodnight.....this party's over.


Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Canuck]

I first heard about the buried car five years ago and was telling a friend, who is an engineer specializing in irrigation and groundwater and he laughed his ass off. He predicted a soggy mess.

The concrete tomb would have had to be sealed sides bottem and top with a watertight membrane,and with that there was no guarantee that there wouldnt be some leaking before 50 years was up. Anybody ever have a roof guaranteed for 50 years?

[69hurstSC]

[ QUOTE ]
Well at least they did that to a Belvedere, and not a 57 (take your pick of any number of AWESOME vehicles available that year)

Lynn

[/ QUOTE ]

ouch...shot to the gut to us mopar guys.. either way its a bummer to see the car in such a terrible state. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[tom406]

You can rightly criticize on the quality control and rust issues of '57 Plymouth/Dodge/Chryslers, but you can't honestly criticize the styling. "Suddenly it's 1960" and they made the mighty GM write off everything they planned, which made their bloated '58's a one-year only design, and gave a hurried green light to the wild '59's as they played catch up.

For the record, I love just about everything '57, but the top of my list would probably be a '57 Chrysler 300C convertible (assuming I found one without rust issues....)

Better watch your driveway, CHRISTINE'S gonna be coming to run your Plymouth-criticizing butt down....

[427TJ]

I think '57 Plymouth hardtops are great looking cars. They typify the wonderful styling excesses of their era. Men wore narrow ties, smoked pipes, mom was at home, Beaver and Wally were clean-cut and obeyed their parents and teachers, Lockheed Super Constellations roared overhead coast-to-coast, sonic booms rattled our windows as USAF interceptors gaurded our skies against Commie intruders and cars had sweeping fins and ever-larger engines. There were bad things too but the '57 Plymouth wasn't one of them!

[Rainer]

[ QUOTE ]
It's obvious that the trunk lid is completely gone. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole car folds in half when they try to lift it out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

It may just look that way due to the fins holding the cover up higher on the sides.

[Lynn]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Well at least they did that to a Belvedere, and not a 57 (take your pick of any number of AWESOME vehicles available that year)

Lynn

[/ QUOTE ]

ouch...shot to the gut to us mopar guys.. either way its a bummer to see the car in such a terrible state. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, if I said anything to offend you, I want you to know... it is only because I tried my best!

Just kidding. Absolutely no offense meant. Actually, ANY car from 1957 would have some "cool" factor. But you gotta admit a 57 Vette, or an Eldo Convertible, or a Nomad, or even a 57 Chevy 2 door hard top. Just so many iconic cars from the period. Was just saying they had a lot to choose from. Hey, I am sure these guys still think it was the best choice:

http://www.plymouthcentral.com/57Belvedere1.html

They will be crying in their beer tonite.

Lynn

[Hylton]

Anyone looking for some mint '57 Plymouth glass?

[69hurstSC]

i would suggest whoever gets to claim the Plymouth to have it displayed "as is". its a sure bet its got the lowest miles of any unrestored 57 anything built.

[Norm reynolds]

What a shame. I had a gut feeling that was going to happen , They poorly planed the whole thing. I get a kick that they seem to think it will be fine because they bagged it.
After 50 years that plastic is not holding the water out if anything when they pull it out is were they are going to be in trouble What gets my goat is that weasel boyd is trying to get in to the picture
When I was 16 I had the same car same color 1st I had a 318 in it then later pulled that out and dropped in a 413. I also had a 57 Chrysler with a 392 Heim. I should have keep that one, but back in those days cars came to me very cheep

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
i would suggest whoever gets to claim the Plymouth to have it displayed "as is".

[/ QUOTE ]

It's probably gonna' stink to high-heaven. Better display it behind glass.

[70 copo]

The detail of how the car was prepaired is here: http://www.tulsahistory.org/events/buriedcar.htm

"A huge plastic bag made by Kennedy Car Liners was positioned over the car with the bottom edges heat sealed to the base sheet, leaving a 4-inch slot opening. The air in the bag was then vacuumed out through the slot producing a hermetically-sealed container."

So the question is if the seals on the bag held or not? The weight of the water pressing against the bag due to the vault leak is the biggest potential source of the seam failure or puncture failure. The bag does look still collapsed in the inital Photos. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[agtw31]

the bag didnt work.

look at all the cell phones..

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b189/andytantes/Dsc08742R.jpg

[70 copo]

what bag?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

damn sharp fins cut the bag when it was under water. maybe a sea turtle or a shark attacked it it? I am really shocked it hasn't broken in two upon lifting !! what a shame.

I bet those guys in Latrobe could spiff up the interior after seeing the job they did on the 68 dana http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[70 copo]

See it all here:

http://www.tulsachevys.com/Images/buriedcar/index.html

Nothin a little soap and water will not clean up http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif.

BTW.... The lift plan was modified a tad. They had originally planned to lift it Tomorrow at noon and by the two center beam method only. They already practiced on a car in Kansas that way - so by using a multi point "fly" they must have been concerned it would actually break in half.

[70 copo]

The practice fly as planned by the commitee: http://kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=129104

[Norm reynolds]

Can some one tell me why in the world is Boyd trying to do http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif
It all over the web that he is taking the car, paid the city big bucks for it I thought it was going to the person that guessed the population of the city in 2007.Now this weasel
Is in the picture. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif What ever the condition of the car NO way do I want to see a TV show of Boyd the weasel cutting up this car http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gifI really do not like this guy

[Born30YrsLate]

I don't know about everyone else, but every time I've seen something being lowered that deep into the ground with a concrete surround it was meant as a tomb....yikes...

[Norm reynolds]

Well so much for the unveiling http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif just watched a news cast Boyd Coddington has been in the vault most of the night working on the engine They wanted to see if it whould start right up for tonight http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Of all of the morons out there Boyd seemed to just weasel his way in http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif
They are support to remove the plastic for the first time tonight But Boyd all ready did this When asked if it would run all he said you will have to see tonight
Some how I smell a RAT http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[flyingn]

can I get a link for that newcast Norm??

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Norm, what's your beef with Coddington? He's past his prime, but.... who cares? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Canuck]

Coddington might be able to draw cars and slam some doors and mix some bondo, what are his mechanical skills. Why not get a crew from the old Chrysler Tech school days where they were required to get a car running after sorting out the bugs.

[ANDY M]

http://kotv.com/news/topstory/?id=129540
KOTV will be streaming this live a 6pm CST http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Tickets were sold out. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
30,000 people expected. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
My prediction: Biggest waste of time since Geroldo opened Al Capone's so-called vault. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
My prediction: Biggest waste of time since Geroldo opened Al Capone's so-called vault. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll second that.

[Norm reynolds]

cant seem to transfer the video
but found this new report this morning

(Boyd Coddington inspected the vault and what he was able to see of the car with his crew.)
http://kotv.com/news/topstory/?id=129540

The problem with Boyd is to me He is arrogant
If you ever watch the Tv show cars by Boyd you would understand There was an old fellow who worked for Boyd for years Boyd would always yell and scream at the poor guy
The guy ended up working himself to death trying to please this bozo http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Also If I remember right did Boyd rip off a bunch of investors in some kind of stock fraud
To me he give the classic car trade a black eye I would not trust him to fix a lawn mower http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[Norm reynolds]

Ok here is a live feed right now
http://www.kjrh.com/content/live/belvedere.aspx

[PeteLeathersac]

[ QUOTE ]
...Boyd Coddington has been in the vault most of the night working on the engine...

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like a missed opportunity for an even greater event...that would've been the perfect time to flip the lid back on and seal the tomb back up for another 50 years?.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[budnate]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...Boyd Coddington has been in the vault most of the night working on the engine...

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like a missed opportunity for an even greater event...that would've been the perfect time to flip the lid back on and seal the tomb back up for another 50 years?.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

[Norm reynolds]

ok this will work it the showing of them pulling it out and loading on to a flat bed you will see Boyd on this
just click on it It will take a few min to work but it does work just give it time
http://www.kotv.com/e-clips/?id=6748

[GeorgeLyons]

One look inside that ripped cover on the left tailfin shown on the newscast revealed a rusty, muddy, corroded chunk of quarter panel,bumper, taillamp and proof the bag did not seal out the flood. If this car runs tonight or looks near presentable I smell a conspiracy. Will it be the same car ????? Conspiracy theories will abound if this car comes out lookin' like new with Boyd behind the wheel. I'm also smellin' RAT. (actually, can you imagine what that car does smell like ?)

[Verne_Frantz]

The lady running the whole thing was interviewed on one of the local tv stations and stated that the car would be "unveiled" and shown exactly as it is, without any clean-up. Of course, after that I'd hope a few people are able to always keep it in sight because you never know what might happen after it goes in hiding for a "clean-up". I wonder if they recorded the serial number when they buried it?

Verne

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I'd rather watch grass grow.

[Norm reynolds]

Yes the bag DID not work http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif
You can see were it ripped and is rotted of 50 years laying in water is not good. There is no way that motor will even turn over the steering will be frozen the wheels will not turn Lucky
If the doors will open and if the do watch a big rush of water coming out
So if they even show a car with the steering working and the motor turns over
It’s NOT the same car and with Boyd involved there has to be some kind of scam http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Going on here What I want to know is WHAT is going on right now They pulled it at 12 and will be showing it off around 7 30 tonight that gave them 7 hours to pull something http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
When you look at the walls of the cement you can see that at times the whole car was under water What do they think put in some gas drop in a battery drop in some oil and brake fluid and bingo it starts and has brakes http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif
I will be watching this tonight to see how this un folds and if they show a car that is not in bad shape I will smell a BIG RAT http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Belair62]

If you noticed on one of those KOTV clips...they did a test lift of a car that was exactly the same as the buried one.

[ORIGLS6]

I'm pullin my chair next to Marlin.

[PeteLeathersac]

Here's a couple pieces of old footage on YouTube from the scene back in '57.. They're bagging the engine, loading in the Schlitz etc...looks like they were busy dealing with the water problem even then too?.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JjaOm4dl44&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6fQZhua6d0&mode=related&search=

Take a good close look at the original car trim and any options you can note...when the car is unveiled and if any swapping has happened, betcha' they'll miss something noticable?.

I doubt they pumped the cylinders/crankcase full of grease/oil or did any real long-term storage preparations either so there's no possible way this thing can fire up unless tampered with...there's probably a better chance the Schlitz still tastes Ok!.

I'm sure that new car smell is long gone too!

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
~ Pete

[Belair62]

I think the whole thing is pretty cool actually. No matter what shape the car is in...and I'm sure it's not good...its a cool story. Beats the living hell out of hearing about Anna Nicoles offspring or Paris Hiltons jail sentence. Here is the test lift done earlier to make they could pick the car. http://kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=129104

[Norm reynolds]

Know What it just hit me I was watching the video of the pulling the Plymouth out
Two days ago I saw a video on when the opened the vault There was water up over the trunk lid and it showed them pumping the water out Well today they pull this car out and they then did a turn around while it was in the air and I did not see one drop of water come from the car. Now there is something going on here because you would have seen water come out from the bottom of the car much like when a car goes in to water and they pull it out you see all this water coming from it SO the big question is since this car was up to at last 4 ft of water would it not have water coming from the car as it was lifted out I watch this video two times and the car came out bone dry You would at lest seen some water coming from the wheels

[Lynn]

[ QUOTE ]
Coddington might be able to draw cars and slam some doors and mix some bondo, what are his mechanical skills. Why not get a crew from the old Chrysler Tech school days where they were required to get a car running after sorting out the bugs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Get some old Ramchargers guys out of retirement.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I think I'm asleep already.... ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz..

[Supercar_Kid]

I don't understand the conspiracy theory, are you suggesting they're somehow going to swap this rotten buried Belvedere with an identically equipped model that isn't totally devastated? I don't understand what purpose that would serve...plus, it'd be pretty ironic if there was another 57 Belvedere out there somewhere identically equipped that was stored all these years in better conditions above ground without any public knowledge of the car, and now it's just waiting nearby to be switched out now in 2007. Now, that'd be a real story!

I think when they remove the cover you're gonna have a rusty mess...just like most here suspect. It would have done a lot better in my opinion, if they just packed the whole tomb in axle grease before the sealed it up, because that plastic baggie thing didn't seem to do d*ck as far as providing protection from moisture.

If I was the winner of that thing I think I'd gladly welcome a switcheroo...heck, while you're at it make mine a Bel Air. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[camarojoe]

It's gonna be cherry... all they're gonna have to do is wax on it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Dog427435]

...there's probably a better chance the Schlitz still tastes Ok!.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
~ Pete

[/ QUOTE ]


I don't think that Schlitz ever tasted ok!!
That cars in trouble!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[ANDY M]

Beer came in steel cans back then. Wonder if they rusted away too. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif
Where's Geraldo? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Oh well, I got a cruise in to go to. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
It's gonna be cherry... all they're gonna have to do is wax on it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Didn't they use Simoniz before they put it in there?

http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/simonizorigfinewax.JPG

[Jim Ferron]

Please tell me they weren't disposing of nuclear waste in 1957...please...

[budnate]

if they were in the pit with the car last night they may done a litte sopping up of the water?...who knows,

all the morons had to do was pull the lids pick it up and set it in the street and pull the cover, they still could have done all the hype and charged etc and had a big party right there..now everyone will question what is real or not.

[Belair62]

It said that on the news site. They hoisted it 10 feet and let it drain. People should just take it for what it is. A cool story of a bunch of people who thought it would be cool to bury a time capsule for the next generations to unearth. They aren't going to slap some frame off deal in front of people....did you hear Paris Hilton is really Anna Nicoles love child ?

[Fhakya]

The circus'y music was befitting the whole ordeal. It sounded like the background music from a Dukes of Hazzard chase scene.

The icing on the cake for this one would be to have a bunch of clown carcasses fall out of the doors when opened... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[55chevy]

[ QUOTE ]
It said that on the news site. They hoisted it 10 feet and let it drain. People should just take it for what it is. A cool story of a bunch of people who thought it would be cool to bury a time capsule for the next generations to unearth. They aren't going to slap some frame off deal in front of people

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said there Bob. I work about 4 streets over from where all this is going on.. and it's a pretty big deal for alot of people here in town. And alot of others who've followed this for a long time. I don't know why all the conspiracy theorys and naysayers are coming out bashing this thing all of a sudden. But I don't think it's necessary http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif. It is what it is.. There's no "shannagons" going on as far as I can tell. Besides, When is the last time you saw a 50yr old "time capsule" cracked open? Think you'll ever see another one? Yeah, the car is a mess.. I made that prediction just like alot of people. and shook my head when the lid came off seeing exactly what I knew I'd see. It's hard to keep out water.. expecially over 50yrs time. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif But I will agree on one thing.. I don't know why the hell Boyd is involved in this.. Except to get some national publicity and act important on all the news networks covering this event.. I guess when you got big money and your own TV show you feel you can stick your nose in whereever. I guess we'll see tonight when they unveil it. But yeah, no way in hell is any mechanical part on that car going to work.. Not without a little WD-40 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

I think Bags and Ed have the senario nailed down pretty accurately. The town people who are in charge of this fiasco don't know anything about "cars"; they're just trying to promote as much focus on Tulsa as they can for their Centenial, and that car has attracted more global attention then they ever dreamed of.
In my opinion, Boyd got in there for his own publicity, and maybe the hope of purchasing the car from the lucky winner (if he/she can ever be determined). Right now, he's probably disapointed that he's already put in as much as he has with little prospects of a future profit on the whole thing. He'll play it till the end though, hoping he can turn it into something for himself. It's getting close to the end. Time will tell. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[Novadiecast]

Anything new yet to report?

[Norm reynolds]

Yea It toast http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif by looks the rear springs and the frame are gone the rear bumber is on the ground thay went to open the glove box and the dash just crimbled the hub caps are the only thing that made it it is beyond restoring
it a shame what a waste http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gifit had only 7 miles on it

[Norm reynolds]

picture http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/download.php?Number=274898

[Norm reynolds]

pic 2

[Norm reynolds]

pic3

[Norm reynolds]

pic4

[Norm reynolds]

last

[TC]

I think if any one can pull it off.....Boyd can!

a little rusteeze medicated bumper ointment....and some 19" tork thrust wheels ,and it's of to Barrett-Jackson

just my 2 cents http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

Tom

[70 copo]

Here are the official exhumation pictures. It is worse close up. Looks like a half rotted corpse.

http://www.buriedcar.com/photo_gallery_new.htm

[Mr70]

You're being to kind to half rotted corpses..

This from the news wire.."Buried with the car were 10 gallons of gasoline — in case internal combustion engines became obsolete by 2007 — a case of beer, and the contents of a typical woman's handbag placed in the glove compartment: 14 bobby pins, a bottle of tranquilizers, a lipstick, a pack of gum, tissues, a pack of cigarettes, matches and $2.43.There was also a spool of microfilm that recorded the entries of a contest to determine who would win the car: the person who guessed the closest of what Tulsa's population would be in 2007 — 382,457 — would win.
That person, or his or her heirs, will get the car by June 22, along with a $100 savings account, worth about $1,200 today with interest"..

After seeing the shape this is in,I would imagine the microfilm has turned to gelatin,and if the winner/heirs could be determined,they would apprehensively step up,only to lay claim to the savings account.

[flyingn]

thats def the same car. If ya notice, the passenger window is open about 2". Take a close loook at the original vid and you will see that the passenger window was open same amount sitting in the vault in 57..

[njsteve]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/HomerSimpson50Thumb.gif
OH MY GOD, NOT THE BEER, TOO!. NO, TELL ME IT ISN'T SO!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i30/nk15268a/HomerSimpson2Thumb.gif

[JRSully]

Looks like the ony stuff that survived was the stainless trim,which for that rod, is probably worth a good piece of $$, I thought Oklahoma was once known as the "dustbowl".?

[mmcporter]

I'll bet that car smelled to the high heavens when they opened the vault up...

[Norm reynolds]

Yes that is the same car I knew after seeing the water up to the trunk and the water marks on the cement that the car was toast. What I thought they were going to do is pull a switch with another car that did not look as bad Well at least Boyd will not be messing with it Did you see him throw up his hands when they opened the hood If only they put the car in a big steel drum and weld it shut It would have been ok.
WHAT A WASTE

[SSJunkie68-69]

Well, it seems the people of Tulsa are into Mopar and stashing cars in sealed vaults often.......check this out:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/conte...1_A8_hOffi67475 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/content/2007/buriedcarunearthed/articles.aspx?articleID=070616_1_A8_hOffi67475)

Seems they thought this one out a bit more. I'll bet that this one comes out in much better shape and with that new car smell still fresh. Maybe I'll be there when they open this one up in '48.....one thing is for certain Boyd won't.


Anyone know if Tulsa has anymore cars stashed away?

[GeorgeLyons]

Brilliant they left the battery connected for the 50 years, a good indicator of all the clear thinking and research they did to entomb this car correctly in 1957. This has been good entertainment and I still would take seeing this rusted hulk over spending time with Boide.

[Keith Tedford]

They forgot what every plumber knows. Water and other stuff flows down hill. Stupid is as stupid does. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[rich p]

Did you notice how many COPS are around this car !!
You would think they were opening up an Armor Car.

Whats up with that ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Late BrakeU2]

[ QUOTE ]
They forgot what every plumber knows. Water and other stuff flows down hill. Stupid is as stupid does. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps choosing somewhere other than under an overwatered lawn at the county courthouse might have helped.
At least they had the foresight to protect the most important part

"A sealed steel capsule buried with the car, however, opened to reveal a pristine 48-star American Flag"
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[427king]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you notice how many COPS are around this car !!
You would think they were opening up an Armor Car.

[/ QUOTE ] Im betting a few cant make the required 6 minute mile run either http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you notice how many COPS are around this car !!
You would think they were opening up an Armor Car.

Whats up with that ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

they must've misunderstood when somebody said that the car could do donuts. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[jimbo]

Here are some clearer pics.
http://buriedcar.com/all_galleries/time/

[169indy]

This Car and event seems ridiculous to me. I can imagine the spirit and fantasy of opening the Vault (Tomb) was better dreamed about than executed, I know obvious observation on my part. I just believe that we have witnessed many better preserved ‘SURVIOVORS’ thru this web site and others. Thru the ages (automotive) many have cared for these cars whether they; were Museums or individuals.

My version would be Date line 1970,,,un sold Yenkos gather in Field (Storage Lot) behind dealership,,,Atomic black berry bushes cover 12 cars to be found when gas powered Weed Eater is invented,,,,Ha ha

Jim

[69hurstSC]

i see absolutely no reason to critique anything that has taken place here. there really isnt any reason to mock the people who built the capsule. myself and my buddys couldnt of done any better today. i highly doubt anyone who tombed the car sat there and critiqued the design. if they had you would of read about it before everyone and there brother heard about this nationally a decade or so ago. i think people tried there best and there is no reason to point and laugh. just my opinion.

[70 copo]

Well you have a point... In a way as an investment- the car paid off quite well for the city as over 7000 tickets were sold for the unveling alone, so the $$ value return to Tulsa was huge on this hulk.

I cannot help however in thinking that the idea of burying the car the way they did was somewhat of a joke on us here (in this time) as the construction of underground facilities was quite well known especially after the second world war and even later in the late '50's where the "fall-out shelter" was then the "must have" item for your home.

IMO They clearly knew what they wanted to survive (the time capsule) and took steps to insure the contents did.

What remained for publicity (the car) was essentially two things: A short term boost for the local Plymouth Dealer back in 1957 and what turned out to be a long term promotional product test of grease, bags, plastic and a mylar coating film in an environment that they knew at best would have been very damp - and likely flooded for the better part of 50 years.

I feel bad for all the folks who actually believed that the bag was going to hold and the car was going to reappear looking like it went in. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[m22mike]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you notice how many COPS are around this car !!
You would think they were opening up an Armor Car.

Whats up with that ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Duncan Doughnuts was in between batches !

[csx289]

Ok, I hate to add fuel to the fire here, BUT, I smell a BIG rat!!

There is no way a Mopar would survive with that little rust. I think they swapped out the car with a much nicer example. Must have been Boyd!! They might have you guys fooled but I ain't buying it. I want to see the REAL time capsule car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Colin

[ANDY M]

They're still draining it out of the crypt. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[nuch_ss396]

[ QUOTE ]
... I want to see the REAL time capsule car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Colin

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Coddington is the real time capsule! WTH was he
doing in middle of that situation anyway? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[70-SS/RS-L78]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, I hate to add fuel to the fire here, BUT, I smell a BIG rat!!

There is no way a Mopar would survive with that little rust. I think they swapped out the car with a much nicer example. Must have been Boyd!! They might have you guys fooled but I ain't buying it. I want to see the REAL time capsule car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Colin

[/ QUOTE ]

Colin I was thinking the same thing, I am no Metallurgist but you would think that sheet metal would have looked like a piece of rotten pine with a billion hungry termites eating at it for 50 years. Maybe the lack of Oxygen in the tomb saved the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif The way it looks a dip in the Redi-Strip tank and the car will be very restorable. I have fixed MUCH Worse. These old Mopar’s rotted so badly that if it wasn’t stored in a garage in Arizona they were doomed.

[nuch_ss396]

Lack of oxygen may be the key here........

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Lack of oxygen may be the key here........

[/ QUOTE ]

During the planning stages for entombment...or for the 50 years it sat in the water? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[flyingn]

wonder how long after it was buried that the water filled the tomb?

[70 copo]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ok, I hate to add fuel to the fire here, BUT, I smell a BIG rat!!

There is no way a Mopar would survive with that little rust. I think they swapped out the car with a much nicer example. Must have been Boyd!! They might have you guys fooled but I ain't buying it. I want to see the REAL time capsule car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Colin

[/ QUOTE ]

Colin I was thinking the same thing, I am no Metallurgist but you would think that sheet metal would have looked like a piece of rotten pine with a billion hungry termites eating at it for 50 years. Maybe the lack of Oxygen in the tomb saved the car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif The way it looks a dip in the Redi-Strip tank and the car will be very restorable. I have fixed MUCH Worse. These old Mopar’s rotted so badly that if it wasn’t stored in a garage in Arizona they were doomed.

[/ QUOTE ]


Eureka!!! Instead of filling the tomb in with dirt they could fill it with Safest Rust Remover (a product that reacts well with water) put the car back in - cap it off, and dig it up again-- oh in say a year or so, then with a donor car (maby two) we could get it restored. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

Lets get crackin!! http://www.safestrustremover.com/

[69hurstSC]

hey guys, the titanic has made it this far! that Mopar could outlast the titanic anyday!!

[JIM]

Just My 2 cents, why are all you folks so full of Your selfs You can't ever find Any Positive in anything. I really feel sorry for those around you and its ashame to always look at the glass as Half Empty. Hindsight is 20-20. I'll just bet you Negativers are Just Perfect have 2 1/2 kids, the perfect life , the dog and a Green lawn. Not a Chance wake up smell the coffee and get a REAL life. Stop downing everybody and everything , I watched one of You guys mouthoff at a local cruise night beating up a guys car not knowing he was standing there. OOps when He flatened You and Knocked out 2 teeth and guess what You deserved it. What goes around comes arround !!! Lifes too short to Be Negative there's Always a Positive in everything!!!!! a Fact is a Fact !!!!

Jim

[70 copo]

Jim,

You are right. There was a positive. Some politicians in Tulsa on a Comittee made lots of money this past weekend.

I am not gonna be politically correct and call a turd a rose. The photos tell the story. A joke was played on all of us here and lots of folks in Tulsa are laughing it up all the way to the bank.

Why dont you review and pick on this Blog too... There are lots more like it: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181811&highlight=tulsarama

By comparison we are the good guys. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Can I wake up now? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

JIM, it's a discussion board, and it's called conversation... nobody is trying to make themselves look better than anyone else, it's just a divided topic! Don't read into it too much.

[Xplantdad]

And to add to what Marlin said...a lot of what was said here was said http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif "tongue in cheek"

[SOM2001SS]

I was entertained by the event and didn't spend a penny. Just followed it online. It would have been neat if the car came out like brand new, but I think it was just as fun to follow it the way it turned out.
That's my 2 cents http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[ORIGLS6]

"a lot of what was said here was said "tongue in cheek" "


I tried that once. No one could understand what I said. (Plus, I bit my tongue.)http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JIM]

The point here is everyone putting down how the car was stored, making fun of the plastic bags and the fact it filled with water. Lets see the Year 1957 The Soviets beat US into space, every child knew what the Civil Defense air raid siren was, houses or farms had bomb shelters. The treat of Nuclear Holecaust loomed overhead,Ford out sold Chevrolet for the First time. This was a Very different time , Our parents acted differently, there was an unknown of the future. This time capsule was state of the art as people watched it on their Black and White tube TV (4 stations), the civil rights act was passed, forced integration started. Just because the car came out in worse shape than projected there is no reason to shout fraud. Did the town make money Yes . Did the town spend money Yes, did they recoupe what they spent on the original investment and all the activites involved with the celebration maybe, when You factor all the original costs and then the costs of everything involved with removing it,promoting the celebration.
Whats with Boyd ,he had an Auction very close to there and if You received one of his books the other auctions should take a look at a very well presented and described brochure thet wasn't free to have made. Can't we all just get along.

Jim

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I think I'm falling asleep again...... Good Night!

[70 copo]

[ QUOTE ]
The point here is everyone putting down how the car was stored, making fun of the plastic bags and the fact it filled with water. Lets see the Year 1957 The Soviets beat US into space, every child knew what the Civil Defense air raid siren was, houses or farms had bomb shelters. The treat of Nuclear Holecaust loomed overhead,Ford out sold Chevrolet for the First time. This was a Very different time , Our parents acted differently, there was an unknown of the future. This time capsule was state of the art as people watched it on their Black and White tube TV (4 stations), the civil rights act was passed, forced integration started. Just because the car came out in worse shape than projected there is no reason to shout fraud. Did the town make money Yes . Did the town spend money Yes, did they recoupe what they spent on the original investment and all the activites involved with the celebration maybe, when You factor all the original costs and then the costs of everything involved with removing it,promoting the celebration.
Whats with Boyd ,he had an Auction very close to there and if You received one of his books the other auctions should take a look at a very well presented and described brochure thet wasn't free to have made. Can't we all just get along.

Jim

[/ QUOTE ]


Too bad 1957 Tulsa did not hire one of the hundreds of Civil Engineers who had experience in bunker and tunnel building from WWII prior to the construction of this simple underground vault.

A really inexpensive drainage system may have made all the differance.

Really Jim...We are the nice guys. Fair and Balanced http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Second guessing and hindsight is always very easy...I'll bet that plastic was the leatest greatest new gadget and they all thought it would be impervious. For added protection they even put it in a concrete bunker.... Just didn't work out.

[Mr70]

I see this as man,trying to protect mans creation from mankind,only to be blindsided by Mother Nature...man. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[Canuck]

Looking at a Google earth map of Tulsa and I see that big Arkansas river runninh within blocks of the downtown. then I did a google search of "Tulsa Floods". The outcome of this car was predictable. Tulsa had major flooding through the 60's 70's and 80's. That thing never had a chance. It probably got wet before the 60's and has been wet since.
Saw some of the still photos and there is a piece of leaf spring being held by a police officer.

[69hurstSC]

just a hypothetical here. what would you estimate this car would cross the block for at Barret if this car if it came out of its tomb in near perfect condition?

my guess between 400K-500K

[427.060]

Here is a link to the best story I have read yet about the digging up of this car. There are a couple links to what may be the best photos of the car. It's a long read but well worth it.
James

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=15146&posts=7&start=1

[nuch_ss396]

[ QUOTE ]
I see this as man,trying to protect mans creation from mankind,only to be blindsided by Mother Nature...man. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That four ( 4 ) mans in one sentence! We're not fair and balanced, are we http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I see this as man,trying to protect mans creation from mankind,only to be blindsided by Mother Nature...man. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That four ( 4 ) mans in one sentence! We're not fair and balanced, are we http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, how about: "That Mother Nature, she can be a real b*tch!"

(Sorry ladies, I couldn't resist.)

[jbsides]

James,

Thanks for posting that link to Brian Cooper's Tulsarama saga. It is for sure a great read if you have the time. Talk about passionate about their cars! Planning for something for 15 years to the extent of buying and restoring trucks and a trailer, etc. for the one event? Man!
BTW, there is a 'L'il Red Wagon' on the southbound side of 395 leaving Bishop, CA, heading for Nevada. It has been sitting there, outside, (all faded, now), since 1984, which is when I first spotted it. I don't believe it has moved. I don't know why he had to clone that specific truck, but I bet Brian could have picked this real one up cheap... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JB