Posted 2009-02-27 9:18 AM (#165059) Subject: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Stealing an idea from Ramcharger Central, what did you do to your FL car today? Did you drive it? Work on it? Buy something for it? Wash it? Ignore it?
Fess up!
I must admit, I walked past the 57 in the garage this morning and realized how dirty it is and that I have not driven it since early January. I plan to wash it today and use it to run errands tomorrow.
Posted 2009-02-27 10:24 AM (#165072 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
Drove her wishing I had time to wash and detail her some. The last time I drove her there was a little salt on the road and now I have that dang white film all over the sides and tail.
Posted 2009-02-27 10:44 AM (#165079 - in reply to #165075) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
Swapped jets and power valve, and adjusted the float level on the Holley on my wagon, it is much happier. Drove it on a half hour cruise then got some food and headed home.
Received my Wilcap 392-302 transmission adapter last night!
Posted 2009-02-27 12:00 PM (#165086 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I translated 2 chapters of the '60 Chrysler Service Manual into Swedish, scanned in the pictures to the chapter, enhanced them and changed the text to Swedish. The chapters was Mirror-Matic and Automatic Beam Changer.
Posted 2009-02-27 12:08 PM (#165088 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
I started my 62 let her idle for fifteen minutes or so, later I'm gonna go to my dad's and start the 57 and let her idle for five or ten minutes then I'm gonna vacuum it out. I keep getting this yellow dust blowing around when I drive it, the seat cushion material is dried out and blows in my eyes and mouth and stuff when I drive so that's next on the list.
Posted 2009-02-27 12:26 PM (#165093 - in reply to #165088) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
57windycoupe - 2009-02-27 6:08 PM
I started my 62 let her idle for fifteen minutes or so, later I'm gonna go to my dad's and start the 57 and let her idle for five or ten minutes then I'm gonna vacuum it out. I keep getting this yellow dust blowing around when I drive it, the seat cushion material is dried out and blows in my eyes and mouth and stuff when I drive so that's next on the list.
I remember the yellow crusty foamrubber powder that seemed to be EVERYWHERE in the car together with what I think was laurel leaves coming out from the fan ducts every now and then!
Posted 2009-02-27 12:38 PM (#165096 - in reply to #165093) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
For the past month I have shoveled snow from the shop site onto bare areas like the street, sidewalks, lawn ... to melt off. I had over 8 feet of the stuff in late December. Down to a lot of bare spots and about a single foot where it lingers. After a drying spell, the ground will be firm enough to work and the shop project will begin again in earnest.
Utilities in the ground first, then foundations, then interior slab, then up with the structure, THEN bring in the cars and the fun can begin !
Posted 2009-02-27 1:39 PM (#165105 - in reply to #165101) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
big m - 2009-02-28 10:25 AM
I drove the Dodge today. I noticed the brake pedal acting strangely, and found that the brake booster bellows is beginning to crack. Luckily I have a spare. ---John
*******************************
Glad you were able to secure a spare. I know a guy in your area that has a whole yard dedicated to these old cars in case you need a contact.
Posted 2009-02-27 7:37 PM (#165148 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2721 Location: Minneapolis
Funny you should ask... I chipped ice of my garage floor that formed underneath my '61 today. Water seeped in a few days ago and froze with this sh!tty 10 degree weather. I am so fvcking fed-up with winter, I HATE living in Minnesota. The crap EASILY outweighs any of the good things here in the rustbelt. AAAAAAAUUUGGGGGGHHHH!!! Thanks for asking.
Posted 2009-02-27 7:42 PM (#165150 - in reply to #165088) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
57windycoupe - 2009-02-27 12:08 PM
I started my 62 let her idle for fifteen minutes or so, later I'm gonna go to my dad's and start the 57 and let her idle for five or ten minutes then I'm gonna vacuum it out. I keep getting this yellow dust blowing around when I drive it, the seat cushion material is dried out and blows in my eyes and mouth and stuff when I drive so that's next on the list.
dad's '62 imp has the same thing, its doesnt fly around the car though, just comes out of the front seats on to the back carpet, we call it palenta, cos thats what it looks like, lol... seeing i only just woke up, yesterday i recieved a french brochure for my suburban, hunted down the illusive parts i need and think i have finally found them, hunted for ICHIKO's, and listed a heap of things on ebay trying to raise money for when oscar goes to the body shop in 2 months, then sat out with oscar and ate an icecream, today and tomorrow (weekend) and every night next week im working after tafe, until i go over to melbourne for the chrysler show next weekend... adriana
Posted 2009-02-27 7:49 PM (#165153 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2721 Location: Minneapolis
I dont start mine in the winter, no reason too, probably does more harm than good. I figure if I cant run it on the roads for a half hour and get her good and hot that the condensation will sit in the cylinders and settle through the exhaust. Maybe I am wrong, but I just dont do it.
Posted 2009-02-27 7:57 PM (#165155 - in reply to #165148) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
forwardlookparts - 2009-02-28 4:37 PM
Funny you should ask... I chipped ice of my garage floor that formed underneath my '61 today. Water seeped in a few days ago and froze with this sh!tty 10 degree weather. I am so fvcking fed-up with winter, I HATE living in Minnesota. The crap EASILY outweighs any of the good things here in the rustbelt. AAAAAAAUUUGGGGGGHHHH!!! Thanks for asking.
*****************************************
I get to asking myself why I live where I do from time to time. OK, ... only as the end of winter drags on too long.
We do have 8-9 months of really great weather !
My answer comes via Arne Nilsson while on a visit a few years back. He said the reason them Swedes have such nice cars is because of those long, nasty winters. You just hole up inside a shop and work on them ! What else you gonna do ?
This will be my last winter without a "hole" to hole up in !
Ask the guys in Phoenix about the weather and they will bitch about the heat ! No place is perfect, and if it is, the cost of a postage size plot of dirt is worth more than a car guy can afford.
Posted 2009-02-27 8:11 PM (#165158 - in reply to #165156) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I was born in California. Lived there through the early 60's. It was wonderful. Still got a heap of family there. Unless you have a stout six figure income, you can pretty much forget setting up shop there from scratch. Even on the outskirts of BF Egypt it is stupid expensive. And let's not even get started on taxes ! Big M can prolly chime in with some expertise on this ...
I settled for the long winter because you get at least 8 really good months and culture is reasonably at hand, and I can afford to live within my means. Sadly, Santa Barbara is out,
Posted 2009-02-27 8:20 PM (#165160 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 273 Location: Los Angeles, Ca
I looked at my car today. I had the garage open and was working on another car. I'll wash it next week and get it ready to take my friends out and around LA for next weekend who are flying into town from New Jersey. What better way to be shown around LA than in a vintage ride..
Posted 2009-02-27 8:21 PM (#165161 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2721 Location: Minneapolis
I would be happy with Pacific Grove. I fell in love with that place a few years back. Will go back this year if I can tear away from here and take my pop to the Pebble Beach Concours this August.
But I have a huge distrust of CA's utilities (like everyone else) and would definitely "settle" for somehwere in the southwest like the Phoenix area.
Posted 2009-02-27 9:13 PM (#165166 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2824 Location: Snohomish, WA.
I perused epay for tempting overpriced parts I might need, contemplated piecing together the trunk extensions and cutting the quarter (Left) for tacking in the lower rear patch panel, and then did a few minutes dreaming on what the car will finally look like when I'm done. Then I continud on by and went out the door to go to work on my friggin' day off. But I am grateful to have work to go to, so screw my FL today. 4 Trillion dollars is hard to come by.
Posted 2009-02-27 9:44 PM (#165170 - in reply to #165161) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I suspect the Utilities in Calif are cheaper than Phoenix, (alto like you), I do't trust them. We rarely have to run the AC in the summer, and in the winter, I sometimes run my gas fireplace which is a lot cheaper to run than the forced air furnace.
My Electric bill is typically $60 and my gas was $40 this time, cause I ran the gas fireplace quite a bit during some "Chilli days" (for us).
As usual I drove my car today, went to Carl's Jr for lunch.
I am also contemplating what to do with the incorrect door panel material SMS sent me.
I called them, they said , we will check and call you back---that was over a week ago.
I waited 2 1/2 years after I placed the order for the door panels, so needless to say
I am not the least bit impressed with their service.
I suspect, that due to the economy, they just grabbed something that was handy and shipped it so they
could get the Money
Posted 2009-02-27 11:40 PM (#165182 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1150 Location: Southern California
I took a road trip today to Lemoore ca where I met James (5859) nice guy with some cool cars. We made a deal and I bought his 57 Custom Royal. The car needs work but is complete and drives Here she is, can't wait to bring her home
Posted 2009-02-27 11:50 PM (#165184 - in reply to #165182) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Scheduled a glass guy to come and put the front and back glass in next week. Took my lock cylinder in to get re-keyed. Starred at my car in the garage for awhile
Posted 2009-02-28 12:47 AM (#165188 - in reply to #165182) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
bad58mike - 2009-02-27 11:40 PM
I took a road trip today to Lemoore ca where I met James (5859) nice guy with some cool cars. We made a deal and I bought his 57 Custom Royal. The car needs work but is complete and drives Here she is, can't wait to bring her home :)
Posted 2009-02-28 7:37 AM (#165203 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
stripped big reds center dash of gauge pods and stripped for a repaint . really tough paint , took 4 strippings and only got 95 % of the paint gone .----------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-02-28 7:41 AM (#165204 - in reply to #165203) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Yes Chuck, the original paint is a real bummer to strip - I had to strip my speaker mesh 4 times too and ended up sanding away the last paint.
Then the stripper is not the same as it was in the old days......
Posted 2009-02-28 2:24 PM (#165235 - in reply to #165227) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
imprl56 - 2009-03-01 9:31 AM
took my 56 imperial hardtop out for a spin. the guy at the lumber yard had a weird look on his face when i loaded some 6' cedar planks into the trunk.
*******************************
Fletch ~
Cut yerself an extra slice of raisin pie for that maneuver ! If I were closer I'd come and pin a blue ribbon on you myself ! I'll take an old car in actual use ANY DAY over a parking lot full of over polished gleamers at a "car show" ! Besides, which of the two is actually showing off the car in its true context, anyway ?
You are my kind of guy.
Thanks for putting a smile on everyone's face who saw you. That is the ultimate ambassadorship of promoting the Forward Look .... just driving them like they were meant to be driven.
Posted 2009-02-28 7:44 PM (#165264 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The weather was kinda mild here today so I thought about taking the '60-NY out for a spin, but it was covered with dust and other stuff so I stayed inside and worked on the '57 instead.
Been cleaning up and painting the underside of the '57 lately as the rear-axle and springs were out. New poly-bushings and a fresh coat of paint are on the rearsprings and rearaxle now.
Also hung back the almost 'one piece' exhaustpipes.
Posted 2009-02-28 8:29 PM (#165272 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
Tomorrow, Sunday, March 1st, we will be going to a local car show. BadMike58 will be there too with Christine, so our cars can "Hangout" together whilst we enjoy the show. Just to warm you guys up a bit, It was 88 F here today or 31C for our Euro Friends.
Posted 2009-02-28 8:34 PM (#165275 - in reply to #165072) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 988 Location: Kansas City, Kansas
58Donnie - 2009-02-27 9:24 AM
Drove her wishing I had time to wash and detail her some. The last time I drove her there was a little salt on the road and now I have that dang white film all over the sides and tail.
Eeek! Don't sit quietly on the pavement next to the rocker panels! You'll be able to hear the rust bugs chomping at the metal.
Posted 2009-02-28 10:19 PM (#165289 - in reply to #165088) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 279 Location: Los Angeles, CA
57windycoupe - 2009-02-27 9:08 AM
I started my 62 let her idle for fifteen minutes or so, later I'm gonna go to my dad's and start the 57 and let her idle for five or ten minutes then I'm gonna vacuum it out. I keep getting this yellow dust blowing around when I drive it, the seat cushion material is dried out and blows in my eyes and mouth and stuff when I drive so that's next on the list.
I used to get this too, so I took a half cow hide and draped it over the front seat. Problem solved! Eventually that hide will go into the new upholstery I figure.
Started up the '59 and let her idle until warm. I think my choke spring isn't working right, it take a bit to get her started.
Posted 2009-03-01 2:42 PM (#165371 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Today I've been admiring my Dodge while dismantling and cleaning all internal parts of a brand X aut trans. When finished I seated myself behind the wheel, closed my eyes and daydreamed about dry roads with no salt. Opened my eyes looked at the steering wheel and tomorrow I'm going to order the epoxi putty to fix all the cracks...
Posted 2009-03-01 2:47 PM (#165373 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I cleaned out years worth of junk and debris from a rust-free '59 Fury 4-door HT that I and M'lisa picked up on Friday. Didn't find a sack of 100's or Jimmy Hoffa in the trunk, though. ---John
Posted 2009-03-01 11:28 PM (#165425 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
I piled myself, Michelle and 3 friends into the Fury, and took a spin over to a buddy's house in the afternoon, drank a few beers while looking at his 58 Fury and 2 Cadillacs in the garage (1 an Eldorado Biarittz Convertible...), called into a local restaurant on the way home, sat outside in the Autumn evening and ate our meals 4 feet away from the Fury. Coming up 600 miles on the clock now, and it's really starting to feel like driving a brand new car rather than a bunch of bolted together parts! Just started to rain as we pulled into the driveway at home, after a great day out in the sun!
Glenn.
57 Fury.
Posted 2009-03-02 12:16 PM (#165446 - in reply to #165429) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Been in the Garage for a Hour ,
Measured a Part for Mel above on the 59 Dodge..
Went to Fit NOS Parking Lamp Lenses to the 59 Chrysler as mine are Cracked and Faded, But found the Rubber Seals behind the Lenses part missing and Dry Rotted, So need to find a Couple Large "O" Rigs at Work tomorrow before i can fit the New Lenses.. Wondered why the Originals were slightly loose and the Screws tight.. LOL
The Lenses i bought have All the Correct wording on them,, Can anyone confirm these are Original NOS and Not Re-manufactured..
This was the Description from the Auction..
"1959 Chrysler NOS parking lamp lenses in the original Mopar packages I opened for the
first time for the picture. Part Number 1754894."
Posted 2009-03-02 1:10 PM (#165450 - in reply to #165446) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: Montreal, Canada
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2009-03-02 12:16 PM
The Lenses i bought have All the Correct wording on them,, Can anyone confirm these are Original NOS and Not Re-manufactured..
This was the Description from the Auction..
"1959 Chrysler NOS parking lamp lenses in the original Mopar packages I opened for the
first time for the picture. Part Number 1754894."
According to my parts book the number is correct for 1959 Chrysler except, of course, 300 . It appears original. Are the lens envelopes look old to you?
Posted 2009-03-02 1:53 PM (#165455 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2721 Location: Minneapolis
Clive, as long as the numbers and letters embossed on the lenses are correct, they would be authentic. I am sure they are real, why would someone repop '59 Chrys lenses and try to pass them off as original? Its not like they are '61-62 lenses.
Posted 2009-03-02 5:49 PM (#165481 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Took the 56 Dodge for a ride Sunday and hid it back in the garage for mondays 12 inches of March Snow! Today just shoveling! And looking foward to spring!HAPPY MOTORING! "WISH I WAS IN L.A.!!!" Victor...
Posted 2009-03-02 6:51 PM (#165490 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Mounted the rearaxle and also put some 3" lowering blocks between the axle and leafsprings under the '57 today. now I might have some 'scrubline-issues'...
Or just hoping I don't get a flat...
Posted 2009-03-02 7:30 PM (#165493 - in reply to #165446) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 249 Location: Spencerport, New York
Hey Clive, Definitely original lenses in original packaging. Even looks like you got the IBM card they used to control stock! Hope to see you back in the states sometime. Dick Whelan
TULSA AGAIN IN 2010?
Posted 2009-03-04 3:48 PM (#165704 - in reply to #165490) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
BigBlockMopar - 2009-03-02 5:51 PM
Mounted the rearaxle and also put some 3" lowering blocks between the axle and leafsprings under the '57 today. now I might have some 'scrubline-issues'...
Or just hoping I don't get a flat...
Herman-
That is going to be really REALLY REALLY low bud! I can almost promise you that you are going to run into issues with the driveshaft touching the transmission tunnel.
Posted 2009-03-04 5:52 PM (#165726 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Yeah I know Doesn't life suck sometimes? LOL
I've noticed with this 3" drop I only got 1.5" of room left above the driveshaft. The pinion-snubber will be touching the body pretty much all the time I'm afraid.
I could get some more driveshaft-play by giving the axle a little more downward angle, but it won't be much.
With the possible scrubline issues I might be tempted to just do a 2" drop and still use 60-series tires to keep the carheight lower.
So... what's your solution?
Posted 2009-03-05 12:50 PM (#165779 - in reply to #165771) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 254 Location: Victoria Australia
Had the same problem with my '61 Newport with the same lowering blocks. With people in the back the diff hit under the seat and the rear wheels hit up in the wheel arch every time I hit a bump. Racked them off and now no problems, ever eliminated my brake squeal. I too have been thinking of only going for the 2" drop.
Posted 2009-03-05 4:32 PM (#165806 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Cleaned and polished the tail- and backup lights inside out. Created new gaskets. Found one bezel was broken. Anyone have a crome bezel for 55 Custom Royal Lancer to sell?
Posted 2009-03-05 8:29 PM (#165842 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Cleaned her up, then got too involved in changing the speakers in the truck to go for a ride.
I did sand and paint the "new" 1957 tag to submit for registration for the car though. South Carolina finally allowed year of manufactur tags, so I'm trying to get my act together with that.
Posted 2009-03-07 9:21 AM (#166068 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: Central New Jersey, USA
Spent yesterday adjusting the front brakes on the savoy. Now it stops kinda straight... lol. Some time this spring it's getting all 6 wheel cylinders replaced to go with the new master cylinder. Now it actually kinda stops, can't wait to see what it stops like with new cylinders.
Oh and tommorow it's going for a cruise down the street to my dad's /6 club meet.
Posted 2009-03-07 9:56 AM (#166071 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Spent the last 3 days converting the 56 Dodge to a dual master cylinder(68 charger manual).
All new steel and rubber lines. All new wheel cylinders, New brake shoes.
Bled the system fixed the leaks. And now we have good brakes.
Just need to get brake light switch figured out.
Posted 2009-03-07 12:00 PM (#166089 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 189 Location: Detroit
I took her out of storage, gave her tires some air and topped off the transmission fluid, then took a nice highway ride (25 minutes). I'm about to change the oil!
Posted 2009-03-08 2:14 PM (#166198 - in reply to #166089) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 614 Location: Kingston Springs , TN
Put the new dash in (took about an hour).... Looks great! (That spot on the right side above the glove compartment is not a wrinkle...must be the way the light is hitting it!!!)
Posted 2009-03-08 10:18 PM (#166228 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Hey MY 57 saratoga could you post some photos of your car I use to own a 57 saratoga Aqua and black and it had the nicest interiors that chrysler use back in 57 and I would like to see if yours is the same.The dash looks great! HAPPY MOTORING! VICTOR...
Posted 2009-03-20 2:34 AM (#167661 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I have cleaned, inspected and checked a Auto-Pilot unit, which will be mounted in my Saratoga. Evenings and nighttime, I've been working on my translation project of the '60 Chrysler Manual.
Posted 2009-03-20 10:11 AM (#167671 - in reply to #167668) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
About to drive mine to town to pick up parts for Nathans car. I think mine now has the title of "shop car" . Funny how when you first get 'em back on the road you try and keep every spec of dirt off but after a couple of years of driving everyday they become "just another car".
Oh well, it's what I wanted her for was to drive.
Posted 2009-03-20 8:54 PM (#167776 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 27
Today I replaced the fuel pump on my 56 Royal Golden Lancer, D500 engine. It has been years since I have replaced a fuel pump and so I struggled a bit putting the new one on since the actuater lever was under pressure when the holes were aligned. After struggling with a couple of "almost" got it tries, mumbling, I sheepishly went to turn the engine over just a bit and "Whaaa Laaa" it slipped right in place and now works like a charm. How quick we novices forget. Dan
Posted 2009-03-21 1:31 PM (#167844 - in reply to #167834) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 175 Location: The Netherlands
After a lot of sheet metal work in the last few months my Sport Fury received the first layer of paint. It is just the base coat but next weekend it'll be painted red again.
Posted 2009-03-22 2:53 PM (#167973 - in reply to #166228) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 614 Location: Kingston Springs , TN
old mopar guy - 2009-03-08 9:18 PM
Hey MY 57 saratoga could you post some photos of your car I use to own a 57 saratoga Aqua and black and it had the nicest interiors that chrysler use back in 57 and I would like to see if yours is the same.The dash looks great! HAPPY MOTORING! VICTOR...
Victor,
Here's a few pix of my car...it's a driver... (I know the arm rest should be solid blue but I need to get some more fabric!)
Posted 2009-04-04 2:07 PM (#169288 - in reply to #169287) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Hardly a day goes by I am not doing something that will ultimately relate to the cars. Several nights a week I work on the shop plans. Over the last week I removed a patio and dug underneath to find the sewer line. Today I am jacking up a shed and moving it to the front of the property. So many little details that all require way more time than you would think. In the end, it will mean a heated shop with a lift and enough space to house two completely broken down cars, and an additional unheated area for six more. Not that I want six more, but you know how open space has a way of inviting things to occupy it !
Posted 2009-04-04 4:51 PM (#169300 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Replaced the worn Ball and Trunnion joints with new parts from Andy Bernbaum and a good friend with a 12 ton press. Tomorrow the drive shaft will go back on the car.
Posted 2009-04-04 10:55 PM (#169332 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
I re-installed the carburetor today ( rebuilt last Monday night ), adjusted it and put all new tune up parts in the car. The car fired up with one short crank ( put a little gas in the rebuilt carb to prime it ). It hasn't ever idled as nicely as it does now, since I bought it last June. I took it out on a couple of trips, about an hour's worth of driving. We had great weather today, sunny and mild. Next up will be the AAJ Brake conversion on the front wheels.
Posted 2009-04-06 2:50 AM (#169472 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
i got a package from canada... used my trusty screwdriver to put my new dented headlight ring on! hey presto, a complete set! now just have to work on getting a complete set in nice condition... will get to installing my new gauge surround later on... cheers adriana
Posted 2009-04-06 9:02 PM (#169553 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Mike .That car is so nice I'm in love. The interior is great I wish I still owned mine it was a twin to yours I'll try to dig up some photos ! HAPPY MOTORING in that GREAT machine! Victor..
Posted 2009-04-06 9:31 PM (#169559 - in reply to #169553) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Today, got my 516 heads, collecting parts for the winter rebuild, this coming winter....
Installed new idler arm bushing and Accel electronic ignition distributer last week.
Runs great and the front end is so stable now.
Posted 2009-04-06 10:00 PM (#169565 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
I've been working on a overheating problem or the sending unit is bad on my /6. I've ordered a new sending unit to see if that is the problem. I adjusted the valves and changed the oil. My goodyear WWW will be in this week. Three of the tires on the car now are originals from 1960. I hope I'm going to like riding on bias ply tires. I couldn't pass up the deal I got on them. My car is under "members ride" '60 savoy 4dr.
Posted 2009-04-07 6:25 PM (#169650 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3951 Location: Bama
I bolted up my new hydraulic throwout bearing to my 833. Of course it was mailed without the oil seal that rides on the input shaft. Now I'm waiting for that to get here.
Posted 2009-04-08 5:52 PM (#169761 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: lubbock, texas
As to the gunk... Ian is right, it was definitely insulation but I think it became a nest for some animal. I didn't put it back, do you think that will cause problems?
Posted 2009-04-12 5:20 PM (#170234 - in reply to #169761) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Mounted the front emblem. It was painted on the outside but after removing the paint it was in pretty good shape. I've polished the face and painted the back and Im satisfied with the result. Not like brand new but match the rest of the car.
Posted 2009-04-13 3:16 PM (#170351 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
That insulation by the intake manifold is to prevent the gas from boiling out of the carb, when you shut off the engine. If the gas boils , it floods the engine, and takes a while to start unless the car has been sitting a couple of hours----hence the 20 second "grinding" to get those mopars started, if you try to restart the engine in less than an hour or so, if engine was warmed up.
HeJ wizard, You look better with that "Bra" hat you had.
As to what we did with the car, We had it loaded up with a bunch of Swedes, Kent, His brother Peter and a friend I call "max" cause I can't pronouce his real name.
We first went to a car show near Newport Beach Calif, then we cruised on down to Aivar's Beach Pad, had breakfast, then went to a Classic car dealership.
Was a great day, The Swedes behaived and so did the car
Posted 2009-04-13 9:45 PM (#170418 - in reply to #170413) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
The City map says my sewer line sits four feet off the corner of the house, 2.8 feet down. This relates to the cars because I have to find it to put in a new one for the shop where the cars will be kept, once built. I dug a 4x4 hole down 3' and found a massive rock. I went all the way over to the house, still no sewer pipe, still no edge to the rock ! So, I turned and dug the other way to about 8', ..... still no pipe, still no edge to the rock !
My brother witches, so I had him come out and locate it. He put it off the house about 15'. I sunk another 4x4 hole down about waist deep and hit more solid rock. This left a narrow bit of dirt between the first "ditch" and the new hole. Figuring I better check under that spot before going even further away from the house, I found the pipe in a narrow slot cut in the rock some 5 feet down.
All this took about 12 hours over the course of a week of dodging rain and snowstorms. When I started tonight, it was sunny. It began to rain, which turned to pelting hail. Now it is sunny again !
All I want to do is wrench and weld. I know it will all be well worth the trouble, but all this "crap" between today and actually working on the cars seems insurmountable.
Posted 2009-04-14 12:41 PM (#170484 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: lubbock, texas
Here is one vendors take on the insulation under the manifold...
Intake Manifold Silencer Insulation Kit
This Intake Manifold Insulation was used all through the 1960s,
and into the 1970s on Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth big blocks,
except hemi. It's not likely to have been used on 440-6 engines,
and it's not likely to have been used on mid-1970s-and-later high
performance blocks.
Its purpose was listed in parts catalogs as "Valve Tappet Noise
Reduction Silencer Package." Some say its real purpose was to
prevent the intake manifold from cracking due to heat. Some say
it was only used on air conditioning cars.
Those who have observed many original engines have seen its
two pieces tucked under the intake manifold.
It is POSSIBLE to install these exactly-reproduced pieces after your manifold is
already in place, but it's much easier to do like the factory did. The pieces were placed
on the pan, large piece in front, small piece in rear, then the manifold was bolted in.
These pieces should have engine paint overspray.
These silencers are a heavy aluminum foil filled with a fiberglass insulation pad.
The foil is correct in size and shape. The pads are a pair that don't look like each other,
nor did the originals. The edges of the pads are sealed correctly. Retainer not included.
$25.00 a set (+ $9.75 S/H)
Hey, how many people saw Thord's '55 CRL in the WPC monthly magazine? Looking good Thord........
I did put together another 1/4 window on my '5 (C)RL. I've gotten a copy of Williamson's study of '55's and I'm going to run my IBM Card and see if mine is a true CRL, or just anothe RL............Walt
Posted 2009-04-15 9:16 AM (#170601 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Been suffering with bad carbs since my new motor in Sept 07 . My new Edlebrock 750 keeps getting trash in the needle and seat . Can t afford another new one , so I ve been going thru used ones . Latest one is a Street Avenger 650 , rebuilt it and it just wasn t acting rite for quite a while now . Yesterday , had time on my hands and weather was great , went and found a vacum leak and found that the accelerator pump aduster thingy had slack in it when you hammer the pedal causing it to stumble . Feels like a different car now . Took it for a drive and for the first time in a long time , I actually enjoyed it .
Posted 2009-04-15 10:17 AM (#170609 - in reply to #170601) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I had a similar "stumbling" problem with my Coronet. Rebuilt the carb twice - the second time had it done professionally, put electronic ignition on after repeated tune-ups to correct the problem ..... still it choked for a moment when you gave it gas.
Turned out to be stuck stators in the TF. The 4-speed install cured that !
Posted 2009-04-15 10:16 PM (#170689 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
I've had charging probs in my '60 Savoy. Replaced the voltage reg. today and that cured my problem. I put my Goodyear bias wide white's on this weekend, oh what a difference. Little by little its coming back to its fomer glory. That little slant loves to go!!!
Posted 2009-04-16 2:58 AM (#170714 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Those jobs could have been done earlier this winter. Been a little lazy in the winter. Have painted spare wheel plate and right now I assembles into sterio and cousin's son who is 11 years may help, will begin on time.
I built a nice box to sterion which may be at floor, box Lined with the original fabric and vinyl and chrome trim.
I prefer + cable hidden in the screen so that it is original, like in the engine.
Posted 2009-04-16 4:55 AM (#170720 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Just to have the slight impression that my resto project is moving along, I fitted some trim on the rear fender.
Think of it as a kind of motivational workshop ...
Where's the stress Adriana? Working on your car is susposed to be relaxing, allowing you to become absorbed in the moment, letting you put the cares of the day aside and think about the good steps taken toward your final goal. HOORAY, Progress made, one less thing to do....................... walt
Posted 2009-04-16 4:57 PM (#170774 - in reply to #170773) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 255 Location: Acton, MA
Thanks. I just got the lift a week ago. Now I don't have to pay for a parking spot for the Desoto (it can come back and be with it'sn friends).
Rebecca
Posted 2009-04-16 6:51 PM (#170789 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
Rebecca, I see you have the grill off of the '50 Buick. We have similar taste in cars. Mine are '60 4dr savoy, '50 Buick Super 2dr, plus 4 other oldies and I 'm contemplating a '57 NY'er. Nice cars and lift. Dorsey
Posted 2009-04-16 8:05 PM (#170806 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
Yea, I need a better one for my '50. But too many cars and not enough $$$$. People gather around the '50 and the Savoy at car shows. These type of cars people just don't see many of.
Posted 2009-04-17 2:42 AM (#170843 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Jörgen your NY is so nice.
I begin to mount in sterio in the weekend in Windsorn. I knock together a wooden box which I dressed with the original vinyl and cloth left over from interior. And I took an insert from the dashboard (I have one more over in bad condi) as decorative moldings. And on and off the device to the active bass box built in and I put a 59 radio button. Took about 5 hours of work with the box.
So I do not want the box visible so you just lift it off.
Posted 2009-04-17 4:26 AM (#170849 - in reply to #170843) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Aah yes Jocke, the problem with modern radio/CD's in old cars - it's difficult as we discussed on the phone, but you made a good compromise with your "beatbox"! The thing I like the most is that you made it with Velcro attaching strips and multiple cable connector, so that you can demount it in a blink of an eye for shows. The dash insert gives it a touch of the dash and makes it "melt in" better.
Posted 2009-04-19 6:02 AM (#171086 - in reply to #170767) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
wbower3 - 2009-04-16 3:44 PM
Where's the stress Adriana? Working on your car is susposed to be relaxing, allowing you to become absorbed in the moment, letting you put the cares of the day aside and think about the good steps taken toward your final goal. HOORAY, Progress made, one less thing to do....................... walt
cooking and op-shopping is relaxing... pulling your car apart is stressful, i am impatient and i dont know how much i should do and where to stop, want it to still look as original as possible without looking like a bomb, and i just never want to restore a car again, my next car will be a presentable original car, that i can get registered with only a little mechanical work... i seriously cant sleep and if i think about it to much i cant breathe!! adriana
Yesterday I finally figured out the puzzle and got both 1/4 windows reinstalled in the car. Discovered that the glass shop cracked the driver's door window at theback edge, but found it after I had taken them home. Oh Well? Now it's crawl back under and install the driveshaft, correct the linkage on the P/Flite, pull the pan back off and weld up the leak BEFORE I fill the engine with oil and ZDDP. One thing at a time........................lol, Walt
Posted 2009-04-23 4:39 AM (#171550 - in reply to #171086) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 255 Location: Acton, MA
suburban61 - 2009-04-19 6:02 AM
wbower3 - 2009-04-16 3:44 PM
Where's the stress Adriana? Working on your car is susposed to be relaxing, allowing you to become absorbed in the moment, letting you put the cares of the day aside and think about the good steps taken toward your final goal. HOORAY, Progress made, one less thing to do....................... walt
cooking and op-shopping is relaxing... pulling your car apart is stressful, i am impatient and i dont know how much i should do and where to stop, want it to still look as original as possible without looking like a bomb, and i just never want to restore a car again, my next car will be a presentable original car, that i can get registered with only a little mechanical work... i seriously cant sleep and if i think about it to much i cant breathe!! adriana :(
Ha, I am restoring 4 cars at once. I know exactly what you are talking about (can't sleep etc). I enojoy working on my projects except when I don't have something to drive (problems with all of them at once).
Rebecca
Posted 2009-04-23 9:57 AM (#171572 - in reply to #171550) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
n1gzd - 2009-04-24 1:39 AM
suburban61 - 2009-04-19 6:02 AM
wbower3 - 2009-04-16 3:44 PM
Where's the stress Adriana? Working on your car is susposed to be relaxing, allowing you to become absorbed in the moment, letting you put the cares of the day aside and think about the good steps taken toward your final goal. HOORAY, Progress made, one less thing to do....................... walt
cooking and op-shopping is relaxing... pulling your car apart is stressful, i am impatient and i dont know how much i should do and where to stop, want it to still look as original as possible without looking like a bomb, and i just never want to restore a car again, my next car will be a presentable original car, that i can get registered with only a little mechanical work... i seriously cant sleep and if i think about it to much i cant breathe!! adriana :(
Ha, I am restoring 4 cars at once. I know exactly what you are talking about (can't sleep etc). I enojoy working on my projects except when I don't have something to drive (problems with all of them at once).
Rebecca
*******************************************
The "stress" comes when the mindset is more focused on the destination than the journey. I remember looking at cars that way all too well. When I finally found my Adventurer (a constant stress for many years), something clicked. It was SO FAR gone that I didn't look at it as a car, but rather as a project - like building a house, .... one step at a time. If you don't, you get so overwhelmed it takes all the fun out of it. I remember watching my old friend Jim take a wasted hulk and, piece by piece, turn it into a nice body again. I had never seen such a turn around and after that took great pleasure in heavy body work.
It is also a whole buch intimidating when you don't know the car. Once you know every bolt and where it goes, there is no worry about putting it back together wrong. That comes with time.
Just take your time and enjoy yourself and your project.
Doc D. You got that right. In the shop, no noise, no telephone ringing, no secretary demanding attention, no client whining in your ear because it's taking too long, trying to remember how the piece in you hands goes back after two years, that's the stress relief for me. Taking my time, figuring it out and doing one thing at a time. Walt
Posted 2009-04-25 8:12 AM (#171789 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 151 Location: Perth, Western Australia
Had a mate help me pick up the motor and box and a another couple of other friends popped it into the big hole at the front end. Then walked around the back and smiled at it all coming together.
Big M is helping out and is sending some bits Downunder for me.
Posted 2009-04-25 8:46 AM (#171792 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Well for the past two days I've replaced the rear wheel seals, bearings, shoes, etc. And I took it for a test drive last night when I was done and the rear end locked up on me again within ten miles of the house.
I don't know what's causing this, since it did this last summer so I'm pulling it all apart checking all gears and bearings in the carrier as well. I might just put a newer style rear end in it. But not sure what fits my car, besides the really expensive E body 8 3/4
Posted 2009-04-26 10:45 AM (#171885 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Well Yesterday afternoon I pulled a tapered axle 8 3/4 3.23 sure grip from the 1962 parts car, so I'm going to use the axles and third member in my housing in the 57 Windsor. I was quite happy to find out that rear end is in great shape too!
Posted 2009-04-26 1:46 PM (#171894 - in reply to #171888) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Jacked up and moved a shed to the front of the property, leaving room for a new dog run where the shed was. Built the dog run, so that is done. That leaves no permanent structure up front where the new shop will go. Have only to empty the garage and remove it and locate the water inlet at the house before the actual construction can start.
Posted 2009-04-26 3:04 PM (#171903 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Went to the "spring dust off" show in Staten Island with my 56 Belvedere conv Its 90 degrees in New York today! This is to hot for april !So Im home early and sun burnt! Happy Motoring! Victor...
Posted 2009-04-26 6:24 PM (#171929 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
Saturday we went to the Spring Fling--an all Mopar show in Van Nuys Calif.
There were 4, 59 Dodges there. 2 Convertibles, a Red & white Coronet, 2 door hardtop
that the restoration was just finished (John, Big M) supplied some of the parts.
And Mel was there with her 59 Coronet 4 door.
Aivar was there with his "New Ride"--a 60 Black Polara Convertible with a 383 and ram insuction.
We had some fun , on the way home and whilst Aivar's wrencher, Warne, drove my 59 home,
I manned the camera and we got some footage of Aivar's "New Baby", "Highballin' it Home!!!!
I'm not fussy bout my car, I bought it to enjoy it and I will let other ppl drive it, and I allow folks to
put their kids in the car and take pictures. (I guess I should try that joke somebody else mentioned)
after they get the kids in the car , I will tell them, "I don't mind at all, and I will keep an eye out for the car's owner
Gary
Posted 2009-04-27 3:43 AM (#171962 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
took my sub to the body shop... when i was driving off i felt like i was giving my child up for adoption... my yard is so bare now... i feel really sad adriana
Posted 2009-04-27 10:14 AM (#171979 - in reply to #171962) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Gary, thanks so much for your attitude with kids. I see more and more folks with "hands off" signs on their cars even at local cruise nights. Though, I understand those with restored vehicles, it makes it difficult to keep the little ones continued interest in these. Unfortunately, a couple weeks ago when my son and one of his clasmates and I went to a local cruise night, all the FL's I saw there had these signs. But, luckily, an older gentleman with a road racer car (like a formula car), (probably much more cash in his that the FL guys), offered the boys to sit in his car so I could take a picture, when he noticed I was warning the boys "not to touch." I thanked him greatly and the boys loved! He commented that its how you keep the young ones interested and that letting the kids sit in his car was one reason to have it, he said it wasn't much fun just parking it in a lot and looking at it! What a great attitude!
Not, that I don't understand some of you guys, but try and do something to get/keep the little ones interested. You can't take it with you!
Posted 2009-04-27 10:25 AM (#171980 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I don't know what the big deal is with those "Don't Touch" signs are there paint jobs such lousy quality that ya cant wipe off a fingerprint, or whatever?
Gary
Posted 2009-04-27 12:32 PM (#171984 - in reply to #171980) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Well allow me to try and explain...The inevidable "oopsy" will happen alot more frequently if you allow the average public to "Grope" your car...While I do allow certain folks to sit in Chrisitne and the General Lee, it's ONLY after they have proven to me that they RESPECT my car and me...If they come up to them Expecting to just touch and feel all over it, then I get real ill really quick, as my motto is, if you didn't Build it, clean it, or drive it here, Don't f**kin' touch it! Period!
I guess it's just a different Car show croud then when I was coming up, but I wish I thought My dad woulda seen me doing what I've seen some kids do RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR PARENTS....knowing full and well that if "Little Johnny" or "little suzy" were to have an "oopsy", they first of all, COULDN'T, but wouldn't pay for any damages, as their line of thinking seems to be "Well, if you didn't want it touched, you shouldn't have brought out for the public to see it" This is NOT the reason car shows are put on...WTF ever happen to look, but don't touch? Yes, fingerprints wipe right off, but I didn't just spend 4 hours wiping on my car just so some little kid can put fingerprints all over it..
Posted 2009-04-27 5:35 PM (#172019 - in reply to #171984) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 10259 Location: So. Cal
I went to the fling also, but in my Barracuda. Of all the cars there, I was most impressed by:
1. a green '70 Satellite with a 2yr old "driving it" in the driver's seat and the father looking on proudly. He told me he takes her for short slow rides around the yard without car seats so she can really enjoy it and you could tell by the way she acted with it.
2. a jaw-dropping cream '70 Satellite wagon in the swap section, loaded with blankets and pillows in the back and 4 little siblings playing a game. This family was using this great car for what it was intended without fussing about ruining upholstery or paint. Forgot to bring my camera out of my car. Darn! that would have made a nice picture.
Paint never lasts. It gets chipped and scuffed in no time. But memories last forever. For me I try to involve my son as much as I can so that we can hopefully share a common interest as he gets older. Even if he doesn't enjoy cars as much as I do, at least we will have a lot of good times together that we will be able to look back on. Unfortunately, my daughters have zero interest in cars. Oh well, maybe they will when they get closer to driving age.
Posted 2009-04-27 5:45 PM (#172020 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
LAst Weekend i Attempted to Start Both the 59,s.. The Dodge was Dead so took the Chrysler out for the Sunny Afternoon,, This Weekend i Charged the Battery and took the Dodge out,, Both Cars have been Stored All Winter, But once started Drove Faultless,,, Glad the Weather has finally Improved and Looking Forward to the Coming Sunny Months,,,
Posted 2009-04-27 6:15 PM (#172025 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Going back/up to Gary's comment, I was at a WPC Club National meet, in the mid-80's, somewhere, when a well-known,
then, 300C owner (name available upon request; now deceased) was outside in the parking lot, attending to his black car.
The upholstery looked so inviting that I happened to reach into the opened side windows, and caressed the upper passenger's
side seat leather.
Mr. nice guy (did I mention that the b-a-s-t-a-r-d's dead, now?) said "Please(???...) don't touch the car".
...don't think that I voted for his car, in the attendees' show-judging.
Posted 2009-04-27 8:51 PM (#172038 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
I think there's a fine line with the" do not touch" thing . I was at a car show in about 1968 ( I was 7 )with my grandfather( Not a car collector) ( Italian , never owned a car till he hit a horse in 1955 and bought a 55 Plymouth ,only car he ever owned.)and the owner of a 1916 Buick touring let my grandfather put me behind the wheel! That started it all I have owned over 150 Vintage cars , and years after this i became friends with the Buick owner (he had it till his death a couple years ago now his son has it)But I think to keep the younger generation interested is very important, Or some day our old cars will have no caretakers and will become worthless scrap! I also think if you restore your car so mint that your afraid to take it to a show or cruise night,with out standing guard over it ! You should just leave it in the garage!
But thats just me! HAPPY MOTORING! Victor...
Posted 2009-04-27 10:04 PM (#172058 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 496
I was at the show too. So were my kids. And they had fun.
Their lesson for the day was: The only car you can touch is mommy's car.
Max made sure nobody else touched the car, and Leo played a fun game of "drop the ball into the top of the grille and watch it roll out the bottom."
If anyone drives their car on a road, it will get far more damage than a few tiny fingerprints. Little kids don't wear rings and watches! If you want it perfect, leave it in a glass case and take the bus.
Where will this hobby be if kids leave a show with a memory of some old dude yelling at them?
Aaron
(max and leo.JPG)
(Leo.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- max and leo.JPG (81KB - 563 downloads) Leo.JPG (90KB - 569 downloads)
Posted 2009-04-27 10:21 PM (#172063 - in reply to #172058) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
C-300 - 2009-04-28 7:04 PM
Where will this hobby be if kids leave a show with a memory of some old dude yelling at them?
Aaron
***********************************
Aaron,
You got it all wrong. My best memories are of the old dude with the DeSoto yelling at us kids to get off his lawn. Had he never yelled, .... who knows, .... I may have never taken an interest in all his old junk, including his car (?).
Most times the old dudes were yelling at us kids is because we were up to no good and pulling the kind of pranks only kids who own no property or have no job to lose can risk attempting ! We had the times of our lives back then and it would not be the same without the memories of Mr. Fudge hollering "Alright you F$#@ing kids, ... I'm gonna come out there and break your $#@ D+nmed necks" !!!!
Now that I am getting old, I am practicing my curmudgeonly lines.
"You young whippersnappers are all hopped up on the dope"
"Hey you kids, ... get off my lawn !"
I plan on growing big, bushy eyebrows and letting my ear hair cover them like a briar patch. Oh yeah, ... and don't forget the black dress socks with the polyester shorts !
Posted 2009-04-27 10:26 PM (#172064 - in reply to #172063) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Doctor DeSoto - 2009-04-27 7:21 PM
Most times the old dudes were yelling at us kids is because we were up to no good and pulling the kind of pranks only kids who own no property or have no job to lose can risk attempting ! We had the times of our lives back then and it would not be the same without the memories of Mr. Fudge hollering "Alright you F$#@ing kids, ... I'm gonna come out there and break your $#@ D+nmed necks" !!!!!
Get with the times, Brent.
Now you have to say, "I can't touch you 'cuz you're minors, but I've got a six foot-five fifteen year old nephew just out of 'juvey' who'll kick your ass for $200!"
Posted 2009-04-27 11:24 PM (#172069 - in reply to #172064) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
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"Their lesson for the day was: The only car you can touch is mommy's car."
Ok, Say they had a lapse in memory and decided to touch another persons car? what then?
I know the General Lee is NOT a F. Looker, but the principle is the same here...Yes, little kids have fingerprints, but I watched one with a small 1/24 scale, METAL, toy car, walking in and out of the cars at "Dukesfest" one year...I also watched one of the guys act VERY calm about it and didn't say anything at that time...The very next minute, the "oopsy" happened....Yep, little joe stumbled and fell against one of the cars (Not mine), but the end result was inevitable....Dude went OFF! Told the lady who we guessed? was the mother of the kid, all kinds of "Parenting" things she was doing wrong...He then began to tell her how she OR her kid could even begin to emagine the time, money, and work that went into the car that "Little Junior" there just put a huge gouge in....He then began to inquire about the cost of repairs....She of course denied any wrong doing as her son couldn't have hit his car.....I watched all this happen and even told her that I saw "Little Joe" fall and catch himself against the car, scratching it in the process..She began to tell me where I could go and that she wasn't paying for anything as neither one of us could PROOVE it was HER son that damaged the car.....
Ever since then, I've been leary of "Junoir", even around Christine.....Don't get me wrong here, there's always the one little kid that has the correct up bringing to be at a car show...I have offered to put them in the driver's seat of BOTH cars in order for the parents to get a picture for his buddies at school....Those are the ones you guys speak of so highly, but I'm refering to the other side of the coin that goes with this....The ones that think they can pick, prod, poke, and generally touch anything they see....Like I brought my car out simply so they can pick at it....
Posted 2009-04-27 11:37 PM (#172070 - in reply to #172064) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 496
Wow. Lots of assumptions on this site. Plenty of us have had perfect cars -- and know that they were only perfect the second the restoration was over. Most of us also know the difference between looking and touching -- my wife has made that clear to me. I like that whole blind thing, though -- I'll run that by her and get back to you!
And what's with the all-caps YELLING? I don't know about the rest of you, but my cars bring me joy... not anger and plans for incarceration. So some (blind?) guy touched it. Now you have something to do to "repair the damage" and post to this thread. If the car is so mint it must not be driven much. That sounds like a lot of fun! I guess you could post, "I trickle charged the battery today and worked on flat-spotting my tires."
So to get back on topic... what I did to my FL car today was...
wiped off a few tiny fingerprints and some dribble, cleaned the bug carcasses off the grille and windshield, and touched up the two stone chips I got on the way home from the show. And now I can say,"People were drooling all over the car!" To me, that is not only cool... it's very funny!!
Posted 2009-04-27 11:44 PM (#172071 - in reply to #172070) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
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"Where will this hobby be if kids leave a show with a memory of some old dude yelling at them?"
Well, I guess they will grow up to be an old guy that gropes the other guys seat fabric, then doesn't understand why people get so pissed off............
Posted 2009-04-27 11:55 PM (#172073 - in reply to #172069) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Posts: 496
Ok, dukeboy... we'll call up the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang child catcher and lock them all up under the castle. We'll even lock up the good little children - on the off chance that they may slip up or have a "lapse in memory."
I'm amazed at some of the posters on this site. Were you ever young? Did you leave your humanity in the glove compartment?
Accidents happen, of course... but if you choose to go to a show in a public park on a weekend... you have to understand the risks. And it's not just the little kids. They are the least of your worries!
There are dogs on chains, adults on bikes, old people with walkers, people in wheelchairs, blind people with canes. Where will the worries and complaints end?
We are talking about old cars. Old, mass produced transportation devices. Now... if anyone touched my kids or my wife... then you'll see me angry. But my car?!?!? Come on.... A little perspective goes a long way guys.
My point is... if you have a feeling that something horrible might happen to your car, make sure the car is insured, and stay close to it all day. Just be careful that the guy in the Carmy doesn't cut you off and slam on their brakes while you are on your way home.
If you don't want to chance it, leave the car at home -- and hope that there are no earthquakes, fires, floods, UFO landings, etc. that might hurt your most precious posessions.
Posted 2009-04-28 12:07 AM (#172074 - in reply to #172073) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Look guy, I'll put it to you like this.............If you actually built every square inch of your car, I'd think you'd be along the same line of thinking....If it helps you to understand, touching my ride is like me touching your wife....Some things are just understood correct? You don't get our way of thinking and it's fine...But don't try and tell me It's wrong to complain when it should be understood that you keep your hands to yourself at car shows...
Posted 2009-04-28 12:35 AM (#172080 - in reply to #172073) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
A little perspective is right.
When was the last time you saw a 58 Fireflite convertible ?
Now, when was the last time you saw a kid ?
I'm only giving you one guess, but ONE of them is common as dirt.
Toss them little booger-eatin' monsters off a bridge and go polish your car !
We have an old locker like the one from Cool Hand Luke we put the kids in when they get out of line. Of course, that is AFTER the flogging.
(Tongue firmly in cheek)
Personally, I would not restore a car to such a level that I sh-t my pants every time it might get a scratch. That would take ALL the fun out of it. On the other hand, if someone has wonton disregard for the eleventy-billion-skillion hours it took to resurrect this rust pile, I would not waste any time squaring them up. There is a balance there, but being the guy who puts the cuffs on bad dudes (and dudettes), I am not one to sit and watch bad behavior go unchecked.
Personally, I think parenting has become a ridiculous charade of mamby-pamby boo-boo kissing and a bunch of kissing of another sort. A good ass whooping (or threat of a repeat performance) kept kids of my generation from doing a lot of stupid things and generated a level of respect before we kids even knew what respect was. After we got older it began to make sense. I heard a lady today telling another how her two boys, ages 17 and 18, refused to get a job and were laying a guilt trip on her and her husband for not providing what sounded like a "trust fund" like all their friend's parents were doing ! Sounds like two kids whose parents never delivered the appropriate measure of "respect" when the time was right. Now, they have a couple of freeloading douchebags who think they were born into royalty on their hands. Nice work, mom and dad. My state has over 18,000 parasites like that in our prison system and we all pay $35,000 a head per year to give them all a little room and keep them off the streets. Because SOME people refuse to grow up and be parents, we all get to be caretakers for a staggering mountain of buttheads who never were lurned no gooder.
Kids are great when the parents are great. By degrees, it goes downhill from there.
Posted 2009-04-28 12:36 AM (#172081 - in reply to #172074) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
My point is... if you have a feeling that something horrible might happen to your car, make sure the car is insured, and stay close to it all day. Just be careful that the guy in the Carmy doesn't cut you off and slam on their brakes while you are on your way home. If you don't want to chance it, leave the car at home -- and hope that there are no earthquakes, fires, floods, UFO landings, etc. that might hurt your most precious posessions.
No thanks, I'm not going to leave my car at home because people can't control their children. Or "stay close to it all day". I enjoy driving my car, like the way it was designed. My problem is with irresponsible people who don't give a darn about other people's stuff, that they have worked long and hard to achieve. Take a look at the picture above, of the kids in the car, one playing trampoline on the front seat. How long you think the ForwardLook fabric is going to put up with that before it gets tears in it? Or a big dent in the headliner where cute little Johnny bounced a bit too high. "Oooh there there Johnny, never mind, it's only a completely irreplaceable headliner, we can always go out and buy a brand new Camry..."
Buy them cheap chinese toys to play with. When they are old enough, they can work at a horrible job long enough to be able to afford the things they want.
It is not OK to touch other people's stuff, completely unnecessary, and it does cause damage.
Posted 2009-04-28 12:39 AM (#172083 - in reply to #172074) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 496
Dude...
You are funny... because the people who know me know that I have been in this hobby since I was born. I have restored dozens of Mopars, most of them from the Forwardlook years. I have owned (and my father has owned) several low-mileage "reference" cars that only made my restorations even more accurate. I have worked for Metalcrafters -- building Chrysler concept cars from scratch. I grew up around a collection of the most rare forward look cars there are. Not just rare. The most rare.
I can also tell you that none of you have any conception of "building every square inch" of anything, until you have built a concept car from absolute scratch. From sheet steel and english wheels, to handmade glass and one-off cast plastic parts. Even then, I was part of a team of over 100 people who built those cars. Even when I was working at Metalcrafters I saw the cars for what they were... CARS.
I have restored cars to show quality... but I would never consider what I did "building every square inch."
If you think touching your ride is like touching a woman, well, hmmm.... I don't really know what to say.
And don't talk about my wife like that. It's plain rude.
When a car is restored, it is a thing of beauty. From that day forward, it will only degrade. Sure, we can hope that it will be well preserved, but it will never be as fresh as it was the day it was done.
I remember one of my trips to the Pebble Beach Concour d'Elegance. A man showed his Duesenberg and won his class -- a very high honor. After the show, when the cars were leaving, he took off for the trailer area with a roostertail and a dust trail. I thought that was the most amazing thing EVER -- and other people assumed the guy was crazy! I ran to the loading area and caught up with the guy. I asked him, "Why the dirty burnout?" He said. "Kid, I spent $350,000 restoring this car because I always wanted a Dusenberg. My restorer wanted it to win an award. It did... and now I finally get to have fun with my car!" With that, he smiled, got in the car, revved it a couple times and tore off down the road with another burnout.
As with anything in this hobby, we each have our opinions. but one thin I learned early on -- never make assumptions... because you might end up being wrong.
Some here don't know me, yet those who do are probably enjoying the commentary.
Posted 2009-04-28 12:45 AM (#172086 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
The problem is --lack of parenting.On the one hand, you see children who are well behaved , respectful of others property and do not yell and scream when in public. and they listen to their parents. On the other hand you have the parent that does not pay attention to what their kids are doing, let them just run amock , give them no quidence except to yell at the kids who generally don't pay any attention- .These are the parents that become quite indignant if someone holds their kids accountable for mis-behaving. These type of parents pass down their own bratty behaviour to their children. Go to a resteraunt and observe--You can spot the difference in a short time....................MO
Posted 2009-04-28 12:59 AM (#172087 - in reply to #172086) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Whatever guy, I can see by your last post you just don't understand......"If you think touching your ride is like touching a woman, well, hmmm.... I don't really know what to say."
I'll say this, you touch my ride, and I'll show you rude.........
Posted 2009-04-28 1:04 AM (#172088 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Hmmm.....interesting turn to the thread. Anwyay, back on topic. Nothing to exciting but I finished polishing some windshield chrome and re-tightning some exhaust manifold bolts! Waiting for better weather to really finish up some stuff!! Cruising soon.
Posted 2009-04-28 10:23 AM (#172109 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Well today I'm going to pull my axels and third member from the 57 Windsor and get the sure grip axels and third member ready to go. I need a new thrust block kit so I'll be waiting a few days for that.
I agree with Chaney, once my car is done I don't want anyone but the people who respect myself and my car can touch or even sit in it.
This is not a cheap hobby and any damage is too much damage when it can be avoided.
Posted 2009-04-28 10:31 AM (#172110 - in reply to #172095) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
All I can say is "sh$t happens." Sometimes it happens out of no one's fault, just an accident. If you don't want any chance of an "accident" keep your car at home, or rope your car off and let one-at-a-time "approved" folks go with you to look at your car. We have TONS of lawyers around today who are more than very willing to file a lawsuit on your behalf against children and their parents.
I just wish our car was in enough shape to drive to a cruise night and have a kid bump into it!, but, sadly, we still are only able to stare at it in the driveway way unfinished.
So, that is what we did today with our FL.........oh, and check to see if the SSDI spies are watching to see if I go do some work on it! LOL (darn, I could really use a shop to hide in! lol)
Posted 2009-04-28 10:35 AM (#172111 - in reply to #172095) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I see two problems here.
Bad parenting - meaning two sessimally mature humans (able to conceive offspring) who think that is as far as the responsibility goes, and ....
Those persons who think car shows are an acceptable and desirable form of entertainment/expression.
*******************************
A call to the Valley a couple years ago. Found a 12 year old girl in a stuporous state. A bag in one hand and a can of paint in the other, .... a gold circle "painted" around her mouth and nose. The dog had the same ring. No parents within miles. WTF ? They had some drinking to do and left the kid to navigate life. Probably for all of her 12 years.
And then there is the same parental mentality type who feels the need to shore up their perceived status with some car show ribbons and trophies.
Humans are little more than animals that have an enhanced ability to reason. Some of us made it farther out of the woods than others. To not recognize this means you are part of the problem. If children were taught to do the RIGHT thing instead of what was "fun" or what they impulsively "wanted" to do, we'd all be in a better place. But RIGHT is rarely the easiest route and delivers results slowly. Today we just want our jollies and want it all for free and want it NOW.
Wasn't it Thomas Paine who said, "Give me convenience, or give me death?"
Posted 2009-04-30 11:51 AM (#172327 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Started up last Sunday and got out of the garage for the first ride of the year. Went visiting friends and did not take the closest way back home, ending up on a few miles gravel roads. Just like it was in the 50s in Sweden. We have had the most lovely summer weather so I've been driving to work for a couple of days, oboy it draw some attention and my work mates loved to see it.
Driving and show off the car is my reward of this hobby, hide it away in secret isn't my thing.
Posted 2009-05-01 8:00 AM (#172430 - in reply to #172409) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
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58 Ray - 2009-05-01 12:38 AM
If you don't want kids around your car hire a pig and offer free kisses. That's sure to get some folks to stay away, otherwise shut up and enjoy!!
Somehow, I can pretty much bet this ain't the tune you'd be a singin' if your car was on the recieving end as soon as you got those Rawa inserts on and they got peeled off the side of the car.......
Won first place, Viewers choice at the cruise night.....that's bout it for now....
Posted 2009-05-01 9:05 AM (#172434 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Opened the garage door... flipped on the light... uncovered the car...
I then walked around it to inspect for paint chips or scratches... unlocked the door... and sat down on the driver's seat...
I put the key in the ignition... and thought very seriously about taking a drive.
Then, all at once... my body started to shake with uncontrollable tremors...
My heart started racing and I could feel the blood pumping through my veins.
"What dangers could lurk on the other side of this garage door?!?", I thought to myself.
Terror gripped my soul as I envisioned Kids, Bikes, Blind guys with canes... Huge birds with leaky asses that may poop on the finish!
What if it RAINS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
I broke into a cold sweat as my mouth went dry and I felt clammy.
I was too worked up thinking about what might happen... so I got out of the car quickly.
I made it out just before my severe agoraphobia caused me to piss my pants, which could have potentially wet the seatcovers.
I covered the car, shut off the garage light, closed and locked the door... and went back to take a nap.
Then I had a dream about actually driving and enjoying the car as it was intended.
But alas, If only dreams could become reality.
Seriously, though...
I pulled my '56 out from the carport and drove to work this morning in a light rain.
This is coming from a guy who has a low budget and ZERO experience at body work.
If something happens to my car, I have to HIRE someone to fix it.
If I had the tools and/or knowledge to do these things for myself, I'd probably be WAY more "careless" about enjoying my cars.
After all, when they rolled off the line... they were meant to be driven and ridden in.
Posted 2009-05-01 9:52 AM (#172437 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3156 Location: NY & VT
Aaron, some of us know your background and your Dad's from old WPC days and true dedication to FL cars... and some will just never understand that possessions can possess you. It will all be rust and dust someday, and so will we. Seems like they just dont' really understand what's important in this life, and you can't tell them either. They just like to berate others with the same old Puritan values of the Scarlet letter days...it's always someone else being licensious and bringing the rest to ruination... geez, someone might be actually having fun somewhere... get a life.
Go for it, Thord, Nathan, Chaney!!!! The D@@@ things are meant to be driven, to be seen, not locked away as if owned by Scrooge McDuck. Like Jay, I just wish mine was completed to the piont that it was driveable.................MAYBE by the end of Summer????? But, the new tires and repainted wheels are on it now. If only I could get that Da## top windshield moulding back on correctly....................Walt
Posted 2009-05-01 10:14 AM (#172441 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
all i can say about this argument is that people, yes should control their kids, because some are out of control and show no respect for other peoples property just like their parents... i get really angry when i see kids leaning all over peoples cars (i suppose growing up with classic cars and the car scene i was taught to respect peoples cars and property early on), how ever saying that a while ago at a car day a dad and his son came up to my dads imperial and they asked if they could get a pic of the son in the drivers seat, which of course we had no problem with... so if people show some respect and go about it the right way well you have no problem with helping or letting them appreciate your car... i understand that people dont appreciate kids putting their hands all over there car, leaning on it or even grown people opening car doors with out the owners permission... all this i also do not care for! once i have my suburban on the road if a young child liked my car and asked to sit in it or even to be taken for a drive in it, well yes i would be happy to oblige, even if they wanted help finding a car or researching one or finding parts for their own or doing a school project about cars or what ever id be more than happy to help... but its clear that some people just dont appreciate old cars or any cars in general and the time, money and love that goes into them... i think if people are happy with children leaning and putting there hands all over their car or even kicking a footy around right near them well then they obviously must not respect their own belongings either...
i remember at one cruise night a while back a tank fairlane pulled up next to dads newly painted 58 desoto (not that that really has anything to do with it) and when the kid got out their car they opened their door and WHAM! smashed it straight into the side of the door where i was sitting (ok, this is not the childs fault, the mum should have helped their child out of the door and the child should have been taught to be careful) but even so when they were approached about it the mum couldnt care less... mark my word, if this ever happened to my suburban or even if i caught a grown person leaning or half sitting on my car, god help them i would do my tree... ok, yes cars are to be used and enjoyed but people just need to show respect for other peoples property aswell as their own and also show some manners, thats how easy it is... i adore kids, but my god some of them are right little s**ts and its often not their fault either... ok if they touch the paint because its shinny and it caught their eye so be it or if they try and look in the window and they hold the door frame, thats fine (and you'd be overreacting if you got your nose out of joint).... well this has become more of an essay about parenting than what i started out typing but hopefully i get my point across... there is a difference and a fine line... its probably hard to get your opinion on this matter across properly in a typed message but hopefully this makes sense... cheers adriana
Posted 2009-05-01 11:34 AM (#172450 - in reply to #172439) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
wbower3 - 2009-05-01 6:58 AM Go for it, Thord, Nathan, Chaney!!!! The D@@@ things are meant to be driven, to be seen, not locked away as if owned by Scrooge McDuck. Like Jay, I just wish mine was completed to the piont that it was driveable.................MAYBE by the end of Summer????? But, the new tires and repainted wheels are on it now. If only I could get that Da## top windshield moulding back on correctly....................Walt
Come on Walt! I'm waiting for you to figure it out so I know how to do it when my time comes! LOL They were so easy to take off........why can't they be so easy to get back on?
Posted 2009-05-01 11:58 AM (#172453 - in reply to #172450) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Nathan, man I hope I never get to that point! :-) You said it well.
We can rail all day about what parents and kids should and shouldn't do and who should take responsibility, but in the end, no one can prevent every bad thing from happening. A child could be very well mannered and one day he is very excited about something and opens the door to quickly and far, something he usually never does cause he knows he shouldn't hit the car next to him. But, he's excited and wham.....it happens. Even well mannered kids do things for whatever reason that may result in something happening that we wish didn't, but that's life.
Like many here, I prefer to have my car out in the public, grocery store parking lot, gas station, where ever, just so I can have the fun of driving it. If something happens, I will deal with it at that time. I will not worry so much that it takes away from my fun. But, like Nathan, I'm not a rich guy who builds cars that cost in the tens of thousands. If a kid opens a door on my car, well, I'll be upset for a short time, work with my neighbor to fix the dent, and move on. I'd rather have a car built less expensively, so I don't have to worry about these things. Those with expensive built cars, just don't take them out much and stand around it to keep people away unless you are there to make sure nothing happens, though that still is no guarantee against accidents.
I cannot control how parents raise there children, nor do I wish to. I've got enough issues to deal with on my own. Like the bumper says "s**t happens" and there is nothing we can do to prevent everything bad that can happen from happening. For every ten bad kids, there is one who has eyes wide open for the car hobby and I want to encourage that child to keep it up, for we could lose this hobby if we don't keep encourage the younger generations to keep it going. My son is so excited to have his own car, the only 6 year old I know that owns his own. He knows what he must do to keep it, being good in school, doing what he is told, and helping to work on his car and save money he gets for parts he needs for the car. We just ordered new wheel cylinders from eBay using the $100 I had given him months ago from a cash job I had done for a friend (I'm paying the shipping). He was very excited as we watched the bidding on eBay and when we won it, he was jumping around very excited! That's what this hobby is all about. I am so very proud of him. I'm hoping to teach him to save money and use it wisely, something my parents never did and I pay for that now.
So yeah, there are going to be kids and parents who will probably scratch or put a dent in our Dodge, but I don't want to park it in the garage and never take it out for fear something is going to happen to it. There is just too much fun to be had for my family and friends. I hope you all get to have the same fun!
Posted 2009-05-01 12:03 PM (#172454 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 496
Last night I opened the hood, sat Max on the fender (oh my, could it have been SCRATCHED??!?!?!?!) of the 56 Dodge and played "what's that?" with him. He asked "what's that?" and I explained. He knows what a generator is and what it does. He knows all about: "carburetor, heater hose, radiator hose, radiator, fan, fan belt, air cleaner, valve cover, and engine." We also worked on spelling... the "SUPER RED RAM" decals made that easy.
As for the whole kid argument. Kids are kids and will do kid stuff -- like put a grilled cheese sandwich in the VCR, or paint themselves green from head to toe. Things like that can happen even with great parenting and constant supervision. Pure evil? -- I think not. Pure fun? Depends if you like the color green or not.
Posted 2009-05-01 2:43 PM (#172470 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I'm sitting on both sides of Aaron's fence : OK; big-DEAL if Aaron plops his own kid(s) down, on his OWN car's fender,
and scratches-it-up , but, it IS a big-deal if "Aaron" (metaphorically, Aaron!) plops his kid down on MY car's fender,
and scratches-it-up.
Or, if Mr. Parent allows his kid to run his Radio Flyer into the side of my car.
Finger-prints are one-thing; actual (potential-) damage to someone else's property is something ELSE.
Chuckie, you need to be careful whose fender you slide off. You could very well end up with the owner's size 12 in amongst the gonads!!!
Adriana Darlin', you're bang-on about parenting. My wife (yeah, I'm married) raised our four to respect other people's property. It was my sister-in-law's son that we adopted that was the problem. His momma and the aunty he lived with before adoption, let him run loose. Took two years and a lot of whoppins to lead him to the straight and narrow. Now at age 35 he's resurrecting vintage autos ( non-Mopar dern it). Still and better yet, I haven't had to whop him in a year or so. They never get too old to discipline, but people forget that fact.
Jay, once I get it figured out, I'm gonne patent/copyright the procedure and then sell it to people. Want to reserve a copy now? You know, get in on the ground floor, so to speak!
Hey Chuck, lest I forget, if you do buy a pig and offer free kisses, be sure you have 'em wash their hands BEFORE they kiss your pig. You don't want IT to get swine flu...........
Posted 2009-05-01 3:15 PM (#172480 - in reply to #172474) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
wbower3 - 2009-05-01 12:03 PM Jay, once I get it figured out, I'm gonne patent/copyright the procedure and then sell it to people. Want to reserve a copy now? You know, get in on the ground floor, so to speak! ........... Uncle Walt. :bleh:
Sign me up Walt! I may have to fly you out to my place!
Posted 2009-05-01 3:18 PM (#172481 - in reply to #172459) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
I think that's why my beater station wagon is so much fun, I never worry about what someone might do to it.
I've had a lot of cars that were nicer than it is, but obsessing about every minor scratch or flaw takes away from the experience. I enjoy having a car that is thorougly usable, yet I don't mind if I find a whole group of my friends leaning against it.
Posted 2009-05-01 6:13 PM (#172510 - in reply to #172474) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 265 Location: North Carolina
wbower3 - 2009-05-01 3:03 PM
Chuckie, you need to be careful whose fender you slide off. You could very well end up with the owner's size 12 in amongst the gonads!!!
Hey Chuck, lest I forget, if you do buy a pig and offer free kisses, be sure you have 'em wash their hands BEFORE they kiss your pig. You don't want IT to get swine flu...........
Uncle Walt. :bleh:
LMAO!!! I hear ya Uncle Walt.. :). The majority of people would get bent out of shape if I did that to their car.
Posted 2009-05-03 8:56 AM (#172648 - in reply to #172548) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Bart_59_Dodge - 2009-05-02 6:54 AM Got a line on an old Chrysler small block dual point distributer... Pertronix, Here i Come.!!!
Bought it for $ 50.00... needs to be cleaned up and have to check if the vaccuum advance works, This is an older style dual point with a gasket rather than an o ring to seal to the engine. It is a Chrysler / Prestolite Distributer. Anyone have an idea how old it is based upon that discription?
Bart, if you post the part number off the unit, some one with the Big Book will look it up and tell you. I saw on another post recently that there can be a difference in vacumn advances, so you might want to find one of those analog distributor testing machines, you know the pre-computer age machine that spins up the unit, and have the advance checked to be sure it's compatible with your intentions. Uncle Walt
Posted 2009-05-03 11:23 AM (#172665 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Tomorrow I'm installing a new starter on the 62 again, I think this is the fourth one. But I'm going to use a newer dodge ram gear reduction unit, so we'll see what happens. Also still waiting on my thrust block kit so I can put the sure grip axles into the 57 and start driving her for the summer.
Posted 2009-05-10 11:47 AM (#173722 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Demonted the radiator (core all loose from the radiator frame), flushed the engine and the heater core. Will get a brand new radiator core with more channells - giving more cooling capacity.
The thermostate seems strange enough to be OEM?!
Posted 2009-05-10 2:40 PM (#173741 - in reply to #173722) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I started unloading my stash of goodies I picked up at Big M, including a V-8 manual tranny, a V-8 generator harness to send as a core to either Y 'n Z or that dude in Canada, as both do spectacular wiring reproductions, a SUPER NICE day/night mirror for my blue wagon, a spare overdrive tranny, some cables, an overdrive pull handle, harness and relay, a matching 3.9 ratio 8 3/4 rear axle, a couple of goodies for my '57 Saratoga, an air cleaner for my buddy's '51 Dodge pickup, a bunch of clips, nuts, bolts and screws, some Solex glass, a flywheel, bellhousing and V-8 clutch set-up, and really cool air cleaner lid.
Posted 2009-05-11 12:28 AM (#173783 - in reply to #173782) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2009-05-10 9:23 PM
Question is tho Kenny--- did you get your 57 Saratoga????? .............................MO
No, Steve.............I don't have either a trailer nor a vehicle that could tow a trailer. My truck's worn out, oil burning 350 smokes like a WW I destroyer at full speed when the truck is loaded down.
Posted 2009-05-11 7:24 AM (#173794 - in reply to #173722) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
wizard - 2009-05-10 11:47 AM
The thermostate seems strange enough to be OEM?!
Donnie noted that my '60 Chrysler held the same thermostat... marked "Fulton Sylphon... Knoxville, TENN."
Knoxville is just about an hour down the road from where I live.
It's neat to see old parts made so close to home... especially when they end up halfway around the world nearly a half century later.
Kenny sounds like new rings, valve guides and/or valve seals are in order on that truck.. But it also sounds like you made out like a bandit at Big M's yard. Did John eyeball the load that went out the door? I hope to be able to see, in person, his operation within the next 12 months, myself.
Posted 2009-05-11 2:31 PM (#173809 - in reply to #173803) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
wbower3 - 2009-05-11 10:17 AM
Kenny sounds like new rings, valve guides and/or valve seals are in order on that truck.. But it also sounds like you made out like a bandit at Big M's yard. Did John eyeball the load that went out the door? I hope to be able to see, in person, his operation within the next 12 months, myself.
Uncle Walt
John helped me load it. Besides I wouldn't steal from him. His Christine would get me if I did!
But seriously, the truck's engine needs a rebuild and that's that. Too many people seem to be in denial when their engine is tired and starts using a lot of oil. The engine is a used 350 out of a 1974 Corvette. I have an older standard bore 350 which should bore out nicely .030 over and some better heads and intake to build to replace '74 mill.
Oh, and to get back on topic, I dropped off the Poly 318 at the machine shop this morning.
Posted 2009-05-11 7:18 PM (#173874 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 59 Location: N.W. FL
I got my bumper and tail-lights hung. I got so excited about the way it looked I had to take a picture.
When I bought this car there was no rear bumper or tail-lights on it... and I couldn't recall seeing a 57 Desoto in person since I was a little boy back in the 50s. Now I know why I bought this car.
Hope to be on the road as a daily driver in the next couple of weeks.
Posted 2009-05-11 10:40 PM (#173894 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
FINALLY! I got the 57 windsor driving now, the whole time I thought the rear end was locking up, it was the master cylinder pushrod threaded adjuster was too long and puting pressure on the brakes and all four would start to lock up. I backed it off a good half inch or so. Now the transmission is slipping so I'm going to have to rebuild it soon. Today was the first time I got to drive her more than ten miles, and the first time she's been driven that distance in over fifteen years Also took a picture of my two babies together.
Posted 2009-05-11 11:08 PM (#173896 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
I think I would try some Trans-X additive with new tranny fluid first, then if that doesn't help, do your band adjustments befor jumping in to an expensive overhaul....................MO
Posted 2009-05-11 11:14 PM (#173898 - in reply to #173896) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
I was thinking of doing that since the fluid is twenty years old and been sitting for fifteen to twenty years. I was at NAPA today and they had the Lucas Trans Additive for slipping trans, or Trans-X but didn't buy either cuz I don't know which works best.
Posted 2009-05-11 11:26 PM (#173900 - in reply to #173898) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
More likely your linings have disintegrated sitting idle in that trans fluid for 20 years...that's what happened to mine.... If so then you are only in for a rebuild kit, and not a complete overhaul.
Glenn.
Posted 2009-05-11 11:45 PM (#173903 - in reply to #173902) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Yes you can take the trans out from underneath. You will have to have the car up on stands high enough to get the trans out, and the engine will have to have a stand under it also. I did that last year. Glenn.
Posted 2009-05-11 11:47 PM (#173904 - in reply to #173902) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
57windycoupe - 2009-05-11 10:31 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to drop the trans out the bottom instead of pulling it with the engine out the top?
FYI: 57 chrysler 2dr.
out the bottom is much easier. Get the car up in the air enough for easier workroom and getting the tranny slid out. Use a tranny jack to pull it STRAIGHT back and to install it STRAIGHT in. I would also make some quide pins to help the installation. Be sure to have the pump drive collar in alignment with the tangs on the converter and the front pump.. Leave the torque converter and the converter housing on the engine--pull the four bolts that bolt the tranny to the housing. Refer to a shop manual .........................MO
Posted 2009-05-12 12:28 AM (#173910 - in reply to #173904) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert ,, George Passed away July 28th 2021, He will be Missed
Posts: 1295 Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
We finally got the rebuilt 383 for our 60 Polara coupe in the front chassis and also test fitted the new R-Car trunk pan in the car. Pictures attached with my son, Chris in the pictures.
Posted 2009-05-12 9:52 AM (#173937 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
It may be a desire to start renovating again when you see your fine work you have done on Dodge Polara 60. See very seriously out. When everything is painted and the nice new floor. And funny to work together with your son
Posted 2009-05-12 10:14 AM (#173944 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Becomes just a little trimming of Windsorn, but will see over the brake servos.
Driven wedding this weekend. Took a trip up on the castle hill, nice view from there.
Posted 2009-05-12 12:35 PM (#173949 - in reply to #173944) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Actually, this happened the other day on Sunday, but Went out to drive Christine to Mom's house and she cut off..Played with it for about 2 hours chasing everything from the Mopar Performance ECU, to the coil..Crank, but no start..Finally, I did what I should have done in the first place and installed an MSD ignition kit..D@mn, what a difference...She'll "Carry the mail" now for sure....LOADS more torque...No more Mopar Performance kits for me...I thought since it was new in the box, it would give me better service than the junkyard "kits" I've been running, but the control box went bad after only 1000 miles (Orange)....
Posted 2009-05-12 4:23 PM (#173977 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I spent most of the day cleaning and checking yet another Auto-Pilot unit - the "right" one - '60 model. Now I have all three of them '60, '61 and '62, all cleaned and bench tested.
Posted 2009-05-13 9:33 PM (#174135 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 42 Location: Vernon
I just got in from my shop, I spent the afternoon with the radio and a cleaning rag. My 56 2dr Windsor is looking just fine on the inside and I am thinking now that my 540 hp 440 engine would work quite well in this car. I need to paint it and put some decent wheels on it and a cruizen we will go.
Posted 2009-05-13 11:59 PM (#174148 - in reply to #174135) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Jacob - 2009-05-13 8:33 PM
I just got in from my shop, I spent the afternoon with the radio and a cleaning rag. My 56 2dr Windsor is looking just fine on the inside and I am thinking now that my 540 hp 440 engine would work quite well in this car. I need to paint it and put some decent wheels on it and a cruizen we will go.
How about putting up some pics of your car? We don't get to see many 56 Chrysler two doors. I am kinda partial to them........................MO
Posted 2009-05-14 7:33 AM (#174174 - in reply to #174148) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I cleaned up some faded samples of green door panel material from a '59 Plymouth to see if I want change the colors of my black (with a gray interior) '59 Plymouth wagon.
Posted 2009-05-14 7:40 AM (#174175 - in reply to #174135) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Jacob - 2009-05-13 9:33 PM
I just got in from my shop, I spent the afternoon with the radio and a cleaning rag. My 56 2dr Windsor is looking just fine on the inside and I am thinking now that my 540 hp 440 engine would work quite well in this car. I need to paint it and put some decent wheels on it and a cruizen we will go.
Yes, I'd like to see this car as well...A 540 HP 440 to boot? Hell yeah, now we's talkin'...
Posted 2009-05-14 7:42 PM (#174229 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I've been stripping paint from the taillight-housings of my '57.
Started applying chrome-adhesive material to make it at least look much better than it was painted purple.
Posted 2009-05-15 1:42 AM (#174259 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Jacob- looks like a fairly solid 56 there. I kinda like the single bar in the grill- may do that with my spare grill. Where is Vernon? Welcome to the FL site--if I can be of assistance, shoot me a PM..............MO
Posted 2009-05-15 3:51 AM (#174267 - in reply to #174266) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1819 Location: Vancouver, BC
If the 1956 Chrysler Windsor has its original engine, and it was built in Canada, it should have a 303-cid A block poly engine with a 4-bbl carb.
The 1962 Pontiac in the background is probably a Parisienne 2-door hardtop. Base engine was a 261-cid Chevrolet engine, with the Chevy 283 as the base V8. Probably has Powerglide.
Posted 2009-05-15 1:54 PM (#174301 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Crawled around the garage floor almost the whole day, cleaning up around the TorqueFlite, drained the transfluid, removed the pan, cleaned and painted the pan, adjusted the bands, mounted a new gasket, drained the engine, changed the oil to Penzoil single grade HD30, changed the oil filter.
Downs; got myself dirter than the rags I used, my body aches everywhere and my knees suffered the most.
UP's; the car runs really super, the TF changes gears smoothly but firm, I got higher oil pressure from the single grade oil. I took the car for a test-run, going "somewhat" over the speed limits with the windows all rolled down and a FL-grin smeared all over my face! If the car makers gone from this to todays cars, no wonder they're going DOWN HARD.
Posted 2009-05-15 5:45 PM (#174329 - in reply to #174301) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
From NEIL............
.............................
I think that I can 'do' Wizard, one-better, here.
Horrie's T/Flite has been awaiting an overhaul since February; the shop
finally got around to doing the job and
the trannie should be able to be installed by next FRI (awaiting the
receipt of a new rubber front-trunion joint
dust-cover-guy, from Bernbaum's).
Anyway, I just spent a couple days touching up his undercarriage in
anticipation of the beloved event.
With any luck, I should be able to get a pic or two of the installed
transmission and driveline, too.
BTW, not pictured is the windage tray (obtained from Hot Heads) that's
going to be installed; hence the
removal of the oil pan--and replacement of rear main seal, while they
were 'there'....
Posted 2009-05-15 9:56 PM (#174352 - in reply to #174267) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 42 Location: Vernon
Chrycoman - 2009-05-15 12:51 AM
If the 1956 Chrysler Windsor has its original engine, and it was built in Canada, it should have a 303-cid A block poly engine with a 4-bbl carb.
The 1962 Pontiac in the background is probably a Parisienne 2-door hardtop. Base engine was a 261-cid Chevrolet engine, with the Chevy 283 as the base V8. Probably has Powerglide.
Yes, it is a 62 Parisian and it is for sale, all it needs is a fresh coat of paint. I can find out how much he wants for it if you like?
Posted 2009-05-16 12:02 AM (#174363 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
John gave both Christine and Flo a bath and then a polish. We have a car show in Maxwell, Ca tomorrow and are taking both cars. I decided not to take the Maude (the Desoto) because she needs a complete wash and wax along with interior clean.
Posted 2009-05-16 3:04 PM (#174417 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Removed the center trim and pieces above the grille, going to replace them with super nice items I've got from Colorado the other day. Thanks Tim if you read this.
Posted 2009-05-16 5:23 PM (#174434 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
No PIC,s ... But just got back from taking 4 Teenage Girls to their School Prom in the 59 Dodge ,, I got Loads of Great Feedback from their Parents and Friends, But the Greatest part was the Joy of driving it for a few Hrs on a Nice Evening.. ( and getting Paid for it ..LOL ) The Weather has been pretty good recently and the Dodge is being used about 2 times a week and about once a week for the Chrysler..
Posted 2009-05-16 7:34 PM (#174445 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 566 Location: Wichita, Kansas
It's not what I did to MY FL car today, but what I did to A FL car today. Buy one! Picked up a very nice original 59 Coronet sedan that was bought new right here in Wichita on July 2, 1959, by a local school teacher. It has been sitting way up a driveway for a few years, so it really needs a bath, but is a running (but not stopping!) car. What is really cool about the Coronet is it has a Dodge dealer-installed MoPar 'Cool Aire' under-dash A/C unit, installed in 1959 by the selling dealership (it still has the instruction booklet in the glovebox).
After the bath, I will post some pics if anyone is interested.
Posted 2009-05-17 12:57 AM (#174469 - in reply to #174463) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Subgraded the new front driveway after moving 10 cu. yards of 2-3 inch rock. Have a few conduits to lay before pouring concrete. The excavator will be here in two weeks to continue setting sewer and water. By the end of summer all cars should be under cover and heated !
Posted 2009-05-17 9:02 AM (#174490 - in reply to #174434) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2009-05-16 5:23 PM
No PIC,s ... But just got back from taking 4 Teenage Girls to their School Prom in the 59 Dodge ,, I got Loads of Great Feedback from their Parents and Friends, But the Greatest part was the Joy of driving it for a few Hrs on a Nice Evening.. ( and getting Paid for it ..LOL ) The Weather has been pretty good recently and the Dodge is being used about 2 times a week and about once a week for the Chrysler..
That must have been a blast. Last year I took my son to his high school graduation in our 59 Dodge, then last week at a car show my car was picked as one car to give rides to kids at the show, we agreed and that was fun too
Posted 2009-05-17 11:42 PM (#174594 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
No Pics either, but rebuilt my Ranco heater/water valve today. Will see how well I did when I test it tomorrow! It's kind of pain in the ass to replace that rubber seal but most places want a $100 to rebuild.
Posted 2009-05-18 11:54 PM (#174710 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Hey Ray I gotta do the same to my car, what's all involved in taking everything apart?
Today I took the power mechanism and power seat tracks off my seat and put the manual one back on, I'm going to take it all apart clean and fix it, then re-install. I also replaced the dried into dust seat foam for some newer stuff, now I can drive with my windows down!!
Tomorrow I'm pulling the starter out of the 62 and figuring out my starter/shim issue I've got going on, then need to replace the heater core valve in it. Not really sure what to take apart and where to start.
Posted 2009-05-21 10:10 AM (#174978 - in reply to #174710) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Installed the new front end mouldings and also a NORS glove box. I've copied the markings on the back side of the original to the new one.
Making my CRL bright and shiny for the car show at Tjolöholm south of Gothenburg on Sunday 24th.
Posted 2009-05-21 10:16 AM (#174979 - in reply to #174978) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
55CRL - 2009-05-21 10:10 AM
Installed the new front end mouldings and also a NORS glove box. I've copied the markings on the back side of the original to the new one.
Making my CRL bright and shiny for the car show at Tjolöholm south of Gothenburg on Sunday 24th.
I waxed my ol ride with Turtle wax, nice and shiny, ready for saturdays show....
Posted 2009-05-21 2:39 PM (#174999 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
I removed the old stromberg and v-covers , cleaned some . just had to set the carbs , intake and the v-covers on just to get some effect . i changed the color or the carbs . how i got black cherry out of anodized red over chrome is beyond me . should have looked like candy red over silver , but it's only a driver-----------------------------------------i think it's koooooooool----------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-05-21 4:12 PM (#175004 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
Thanks WiZ that's what i'm shootin for------my only fear is these old 94's may leak--------i'll find out probably tomorrow early afternoon but they are in great condition------with my meds , bein out in the sun could be a burning experience--------------------------------------old school MY WAY--------------------------------------------------------later
Ps. my next experiment is going to be with trip stromberg WW's , bout 900 cfm which is equal to one stromberg 2 bbl intake
Posted 2009-05-21 6:18 PM (#175020 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Below's the result of stripped paint and a cheap and manual "rechroming" of the taillight housings.
The housings where completely painted purple and the original chrome had been sanded down to the copper layer.
I removed all the paint and applied chrome stickermaterial for the time being until I find some decent replacement for these.
Looks good from a small distance...
Posted 2009-05-24 4:36 PM (#175289 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Took a ride in my 56 dodge to Franklin Lakes New Jersey,, the weather is not the best today but turned out nice.Met John Paxos there with his 57 Fury( what a car!!!!)and a couple nice FWs there! A real nice 58 dodge sedan all original,a 55 plymouth,and alot of nice Packards (Spotlight car),and from where I live its a nice ride, hope to see some of you East Coast guys at some events soon .HAPPY MOTORING! Victor....
Posted 2009-05-24 9:51 PM (#175310 - in reply to #175291) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1180 Location: bradenton florida
I'm working on my 220 line for my MiG machine and adding a few more outlets over my workbench. It's a PITA for me as I can only work a short time before I have to lie down again to rest my aching back. Making any 1 hour job into a 2 week project. but at lease I'm making progress. . then a clean up. Then it's call the flatbed time.
PS my brother in New Jersey found a great car yard that the owner has kept everyone out of. He talked with him for a while and got the guy to let him in. he called me from the yard and asked me about my car as he found a complete 58 Firesweep there. He talked the guy into letting him take off the rust free fender I needed for $200. The yard owner won't allow my brother to take any photos of the cars for some reason. I reminded my brother that his phone has a camera and he took a shot of the car but he can't figure how to send it to me . ARGGGG. He says there a lot of complete FL cars there but so far I don't know anything else. I'll keep you posted if i hear anything
Posted 2009-05-25 4:50 PM (#175390 - in reply to #175389) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
dukeboy - 2009-05-25 4:45 PM
Took "Christine" on a little 1300 Mile road trip......
A little 1300 miles? Thats a good road trip there.... today... we just cruised our ride around,
went to the steak and shake, other stores.... this past sat went to a car show.....
Posted 2009-05-25 4:53 PM (#175393 - in reply to #175386) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I have found that in DRIVING one of my cars in the course of meeting people that doors are opened to me where others have said they got nowhere.
A lot of people I have met out in the boonies are suspicious that some other sub-culture exists "out there" with "cityfolk"-types who are coming out to take all their goodies and rip them off somehow. A few times, even though I WAS wanting to buy something going in, had to just back off and be the guy with a similar interest and share our interest in order just to get to know a guy. I mean, you have to respect that some people are just as interested in what they own, or just don't want to sell, but CAN be interested in just chewing the fat and sharing their interest.
You are going to meet all types, but generally the "hoarding" collector types tend to fall into the introverted and extroverted opposites and little in between. Since I own the car I want, I really don't feel any pressing need to acquire anything more, and would just as soon make a new acquaintance with similar interests as anything else. Kinda freeing, really.
Posted 2009-05-26 5:56 AM (#175441 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Worked towards making the final tunings on the body (doors, hood, ...) before sending her a last time to the bodyman.
Paint is planned in July : Arctic Turquoise and Iceberg White ...
Posted 2009-05-26 8:06 AM (#175447 - in reply to #175443) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
wizard - 2009-05-26 12:14 PM
Looks real good Vincent! Fabulous that you have chosen a paint scheme which is NOT red and white!
Yeah ... And you cannot imagine the number of people who thought it would be soooooo much cooler in red and white.
But I always loved the turquoise and white combination on US cars, so for me the choice has always been obvious.
And the good thing is that I have the door panels and dashboard padding color coordinated !!!
Not really a 100% match for the door panels, but it does not really have to ...
Yeah, I know, that interior is not going to be strictly original ... But I find it much better than the OEM plain black and white.
Posted 2009-05-26 10:34 AM (#175454 - in reply to #175448) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
wizard - 2009-05-26 2:52 PM
It will be just fantastic - I think that the deviation from OEM is period correctly and a nice personal touch - keep us posted.
Thanks Sven !!
Forgot to tell you also that the seat upholstery will be done in white vinyl and blue Belvedere specific fabric (the last one on this pic).
Posted 2009-05-26 8:52 PM (#175549 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 98
I put 15 miles on the 56 Plymouth during the heat of the day. Yes it's rather warm here in Sarasota already.
I had removed the guts from my thermostat at the suggestion of a friend with hopes that would eliminate the problem of my top radiator hose blowing off when the engine gets hot. So far so good.
The 408 stroker is about half way broken in with just under 500 miles on it. This engine really makes this FL fly.
Doug
Posted 2009-05-26 9:09 PM (#175552 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Vincent! What a great job keep us posted with the progress! Love the colors!!!! Who did the door panels they look great!
Im about to do the roof over on my 58, and I was leaning towards a custom interior because all of the problems getting the stock panels, Did it take long to get them done? Good Luck and keep up the good work!
HAPPY MOTORING! Victor...
Posted 2009-05-27 2:44 AM (#175594 - in reply to #175552) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
FURY - 2009-05-27 12:15 AM
Looking REAL good Vincent!!! You are well over the hump now. Keep us updated.
Glenn.
Thanks Glenn.
You certainly recognized the dashpad I bought from you 4 years ago !!
old mopar guy - 2009-05-27 3:09 AM
Vincent! What a great job keep us posted with the progress! Love the colors!!!! Who did the door panels they look great!
Im about to do the roof over on my 58, and I was leaning towards a custom interior because all of the problems getting the stock panels, Did it take long to get them done? Good Luck and keep up the good work!
HAPPY MOTORING! Victor...
Thanks Victor ... The door panels were done by SMS, and it took 10 months between order and delivery.
If you guys want updates on my restoration project, you can read it here : http://www.accf.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7911
It's 14 pages long so far, and all in french I'm afraid !
But I might consider opening a specific topic here on this forum ... Time being the enemy (ain't it always).
Posted 2009-05-29 11:14 AM (#175921 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Thanks Walt - yes it's rattle can painted. First cleaned to bare metal, then coated with Corrostabile and painted with Motip Acryl 52250 without clear coat (tried that, but it became too reddish in the tone)
Posted 2009-05-29 2:17 PM (#175938 - in reply to #175921) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Pieksamaki, Finland, Europe
Checked what should be done to the brakes after 16 years without driving.... noticed that brake drums are quite rusty and the rear brakes are actually missing!
Posted 2009-05-29 4:54 PM (#175953 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Took the 59 Dodge to Work, Greased All the Joints and Adjusted the Brakes.. All this was done for the Annual British " MOT Test " .... Passed with Flying Colours as it does Every Year,, And got to use it on a Hot Sunny Day... What a Result...
Posted 2009-05-30 1:56 PM (#176080 - in reply to #175953) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Pieksamaki, Finland, Europe
While waiting news about the driveshaft, emergency brake and missing rear brake stuff from the Big M, I decided to fix the tail lights.
Chrome is fairly good but both red lenses are broken. I have a set of new lenses for replacement but when dismantling my taillights I found out that someone had earlier fixed the broken lenses and glued the red lenses to the white lenses and glued this lens package to the tail chrome with somekind of a SUPERGLUE! So there is no way to dismantle the lenses without breaking them... I guess I have to order also new pair of backup light lenses to get the job done.
Posted 2009-05-31 1:19 AM (#176156 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
We took Betty Lou out on on of the best cruises I have been on. We met up with about 30 classic cars of various makes and went on about a 160 mile road trip . all cars pretty well stayed together and made quit a sight at the three stops we made. A traveling car show with no entry fee! Pot luck chow at the end of the run. Great day- beautiful weather ......................MO
Posted 2009-06-01 2:35 PM (#176351 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2824 Location: Snohomish, WA.
Mo, that sounds good. Someday I guess.......
I went out to the shop and looked at my car some more. As soon as my walking boot is off I will get busy again. Afraid welding spatter will catch it on fire now. And I got a lot of welding to do yet.
Posted 2009-06-01 5:13 PM (#176378 - in reply to #176369) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
wizard - 2009-06-01 1:24 PM
I changed the steering shaft insulator - it was in due time! Seems like all the rubber parts are falling apart after all those years....
This is the curse of desert cars in particular, though we know all rubber eventually rots.
I remember working on my '59 Plymouth back in the mid to late 1980s and having various grommets, bushings, etc. simply crumbling or breaking apart in my hands.
Posted 2009-06-01 11:07 PM (#176431 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Scheduled an alignment for Thursday, bought vinyl for replacing the door panels, got parts ready to take to the anodizer, drove around the block on a milk crate for two more miles and then drank a couple of beers and starred at the car for a couple of hours. Not a bad day!!
Posted 2009-06-03 11:01 AM (#176623 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I just changed all the rubber bushings for the swaybar! I ordered from KP USA-Bilar a friday morning and got all the stuff I needed with the post directly monday morning - great service!
Did a serious clean-up of the swaybar and all the washers and clamps followed by a touch of paint
Posted 2009-06-03 2:53 PM (#176645 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Cut and buffed a few spots on the car. Then I took the sportone inserts and sill plates to the anodizer, can't wait to see how they turn out. Scheduled an alignment for tomorrow.
Posted 2009-06-04 11:42 PM (#176804 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Got some of my parts back from the anodizer today. These were just stripped of the original anodizing, now it's a quick polish and a few fixes and back to the anodizer to get anodized. Also, dropped off my grill, eye brow and hood lip trim for stripping.
Posted 2009-06-05 11:11 AM (#176836 - in reply to #176829) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
A guy is coming first thing next week to haul off my old garage, so I've spent the past 2 weeks of evenings packing up "stuff" and moving it to storage. Can you believe how much junk we can pack into a tiny space like that ????
Posted 2009-06-06 3:58 PM (#176990 - in reply to #176836) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
Doctor DeSoto - 2009-06-05 11:11 AM
Can you believe how much junk we can pack into a tiny space like that ???? :stressed:
Yea, Even after you set all of that stuff on fire there is still so much it's hard to believe........ (it's nice to be able to joke about that now).
What did I do with my FL car today?..........Looked at her thinking about how badly I needed to wash her and discovered a new scratch....I think it's from a shopping cart.
Posted 2009-06-06 7:41 PM (#177024 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
Drove Maude into Downtown Williams this morning and put her on display at our yearly car show. She didn't want to go, ran rough and kept trying to die on me but we made it. Of course John drove her home and she ran great. Reminded me of a horse that doesn't want to leave her barn. Fight going out and runs like the dickens back to her stall.
We acutually took Christine (John's 57 Fury), Flo (58 Dodge Custom Sierra), and Whitey the 58 Belvedere John has up for sale.
Posted 2009-06-08 1:53 AM (#177192 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 608 Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Thought I would share this comment with you. I picked my son up from his 8th grade formal end of year dance last Friday in the 56 Dodge. Once the kids got out of the dance they made their way over to my car in the parking lot. Once my son got in the car I heard one of the kids say "Cody?, No way!" It was fun to give my son a shot at being cool for a short time!
Posted 2009-06-08 12:59 PM (#177225 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1180 Location: bradenton florida
Not a darn thing. My back took a turn for the worse about a week ago and i haven't even been able to stand up. Terrible stabbing pain going down my left leg that is unbearable. i'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow and have an appointment with another surgeon later this month. Pain sucks
Posted 2009-06-08 5:39 PM (#177260 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
broke off an exhaust manifold bolt flush with head . first time ever. got it drilled and removed , thanks to the drill press my wife got me for my birthday . just barely skimmed the threads but worked like i knew how ! of course after i removed the top end down to the block . man, i cussed that bolt till the angels wouldn't forgive me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-----------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-06-09 5:11 AM (#177345 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The photo was taken at around 8pm I think, and I was done painting the fenders at around 4pm ...
So, yes when I headed out to the meeting that day at around 6pm, the hood and driversside fender were still a bit tacky... lol
Posted 2009-06-09 12:19 PM (#177373 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Thanks!!
She really does need a re-paint though. Been 25 years now and it's starting to show big time if you look at her close up. It was only Dulux enamel back then, nothing special.
Would sure like to get a good quality base/clear done on it, but then again I know zero about paint.
Posted 2009-06-09 12:26 PM (#177375 - in reply to #177373) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
Yesterday I dropped the trans pan cleaned the filter and everything else, put it back together added Trans-X to the new ATF, adjusted the bands. Also made an adapter for the new 318 fuel pump, and put on a longer heater hose. Took her for a spin she sure shifts better, but still slips when it down shifts so I'm gonna end up pulling the trans and rebuilding it this winter most likely.
Posted 2009-06-11 1:30 AM (#177601 - in reply to #177375) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
With my poor DeSoto buried under everything taken out of the old garage so it can be hauled off tomorrow, I found the "long lost" color samples I plan for the car in there somewhere. A few weeks back, Danny (57burb) was kind enough to tweak a photo I sent to him to give an idea how the colors will look. The lilac color was taken from the underside of a decklid on a 58 Firesweep Spring Special. The charcoal was from my 57 New Yorker. I really want a period color, and this Firesweep, even in a wasted condition, was utterly breathtaking! I will balance the feminine "pink" with the more masculine dark charcoal instead of going with white typically seen with the softer colors.
Stuff like this keeps me motivated when the going gets slow.
Posted 2009-06-19 7:20 PM (#178607 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Gave the 59 Dodge Another Good Polish and Drove 3 Kids to their Leavers School Prom.. Have another Prom in 3 Weeks for the Chrysler and Dodge together... Aint Life a 8itch...LOL
Posted 2009-06-19 8:26 PM (#178609 - in reply to #178608) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Re-installed the Mechanical Clutch fan with a modified radiator shroud (All from the car I originally got the 440 from), and got it to run SO MUCH cooler at idle...I have found that the aftermarket just doesn't make a good electric cooling fans to be used soley for cooling...They all seem to work better when they are used as "Helper" fans...
Posted 2009-06-20 11:34 PM (#178733 - in reply to #178727) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Went ot a cruise here and found out "Christine" is beinbg talked about all the way down to Danville, which is about 120 miles away! Gotta go down to Chatham Va. next weekend to represent and let 'em all see what they been talkin' bout..LOL....
I requested color samples for the upholstry from Diane. I also went over-budget and purchased NEW radiator and gas caps. Wow, what an exhausting day. Now if soome one would put the AAJ brakes on.....................
Uncle Walt
Posted 2009-06-22 5:28 PM (#178920 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
headers are in , had to custom make two adapter pipes . a little cuttin , a little weldin , a little grindin , not one bend , all cut and weld . still need to adjust valves .---------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-06-23 2:03 AM (#178965 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
I didn't do anything to my Betty Lou this weekend but spend quality time with her and my wife Friday night went to a cruise- in about 30 miles away---Saturday we intered in our local car show --Saturday night my son and daughter-in-law made a surprise visit for Fathers day and my birthday- took me out for Sunday breakfast and then we four cruised to a bigger car show about 50 miles away --mid afternoon we went to a nice lake for a picnic. After all the time and money investment, it is very gratifying to Cruise in the Chrysler!........................MO
Chuck, I want to know if you're every going to steam clean that engine. specially the bottom along with the suspension? Are the headers commercially available, or were they custom made?
Posted 2009-06-23 3:49 PM (#179016 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
Uncle Walter , what i'm doing now is just playin around waitin for winter to come . the old 318 is coming out and a 402 stroker is going back in with an 883 4 speed and 391 gears . by spring it'll be clean enough to eat off of , just like my seneca----------------------------------------------------------the butt plug !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!---------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-06-23 4:44 PM (#179023 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1497 Location: Fairfax, Minnesota
My 361 came with 1 wrong valve cover and both were the wrong color. When I switched to a 4bbl manifold, it had the correct number but wrong color.
So, the weekend before Back to the Fifities in St. Paul, my son and I painted a set of correct valve covers and intake manifold with the correct Mopar Silver(aluminum). We installed a new valley pan and new valve cover gaskets.
Thanks again to the members who helped me out with installing the valley pan (without the 4 gaskets that NAPA recommended).
Posted 2009-06-23 10:24 PM (#179121 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 461 Location: Brooklyn NY
just came home from a cruise night in Queens NY, nevermind being the only FL car.....the only other mopar was a Prowler....and a 38 Plymouth coupe......Ralph from Brooklyn
Posted 2009-06-28 8:52 PM (#179714 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 98 Location: SC
Went today and and dusted her off, dug out the paint too shoot the skirts, installed my vacumn tank for the brakes, and the emergency brake light delete plate. dug out a bunch of new parts so I can get on the mechanicals as this restoration odessy has been a long time in the making.
Posted 2009-06-28 10:37 PM (#179732 - in reply to #178713) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
Rob - 2009-06-20 9:27 PM
Took '61 Plymouth seats to shop to be recovered in original fabric bought from SMS.
good on you! theres nothing that wrecks a car more in my opinion than incorrect seat material, ok if they tried to make it look original, but it does my head in to see a beautiful car with god awful incorrect interior... post pics when its done!! cheers adriana
Posted 2009-06-30 4:02 PM (#179979 - in reply to #179975) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
I took the wagon to a little car show in Arlington last weekend, kind of a hot drive (right at 100* at 7:30) but had a lot of fun. It's crazy how much attention the beater gets.
Ordered some chrome aircraft style seat belts for it. Heard a horror story on the Hamb about a guy whose '56 Buick door opened on a turn and dumped his girlfriend out, killing her. Never had any problems with my door latches, but I don't want to be "that guy" forever.
Also got a set of those helper spring things for it. Not sure it's going to help much, but when you start getting 4+ people in the car, the driveshaft will rub. I'd like to get a STIFF stock height spring for it, but the only options I'm seeing are custom made and that's a little pricey. Still may do it.
Posted 2009-06-30 4:12 PM (#179984 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Pulled the engine and transmission from the Fury, after a knock became prevalent on Saturday. Tore the engine down, to find several main bearings hammered. I guess I cannot complain, though, I have driven it close to 40,000 miles, and who knows the actual miles on the original engine before that. ---John
Posted 2009-06-30 5:04 PM (#179996 - in reply to #179984) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
big m - 2009-06-30 1:12 PM
Pulled the engine and transmission from the Fury, after a knock became prevalent on Saturday. Tore the engine down, to find several main bearings hammered. I guess I cannot complain, though, I have driven it close to 40,000 miles, and who knows the actual miles on the original engine before that. ---John
Right on, John! And you have plenty of good music to listen to while you're wrenching.
Gonna do anything with the tranny while you have everything out?
Posted 2009-06-30 6:23 PM (#180007 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Geez...I was going to share that I installed my blower motor but it doesn't compare to putting a Fury on a forklift, yanking the engine and tearing it apart! I will for go posting a pic of my heater blower intstallation!LOL
Posted 2009-06-30 9:32 PM (#180031 - in reply to #180007) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
When the seat covers in my 58 Plymouth were installed in 1988 (NOS fabric and vinyl), the upholsterer accidentally put a tear in the side panel vinyl on the front driver's seat back. He tried to patch it, but it looked ugly. Today I dropped the seat back off at my upholsterer's with the correct vinyl, so that it can be redone. It only took 21 years to accomplish this.
Posted 2009-07-01 12:44 AM (#180055 - in reply to #179979) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
57burb - 2009-06-30 4:02 PM
I took the wagon to a little car show in Arlington last weekend, kind of a hot drive (right at 100* at 7:30) but had a lot of fun. It's crazy how much attention the beater gets.
Ordered some chrome aircraft style seat belts for it. Heard a horror story on the Hamb about a guy whose '56 Buick door opened on a turn and dumped his girlfriend out, killing her. Never had any problems with my door latches, but I don't want to be "that guy" forever.
Also got a set of those helper spring things for it. Not sure it's going to help much, but when you start getting 4+ people in the car, the driveshaft will rub. I'd like to get a STIFF stock height spring for it, but the only options I'm seeing are custom made and that's a little pricey. Still may do it.
oh my... thats not a nice story... dad went around a huge roundabout once and mums door flew open, i think we were more worried that the door would get damaged, i never imagined that you could fall out and die... my goodness... adriana
Posted 2009-07-01 9:00 AM (#180087 - in reply to #179979) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
57burb - 2009-06-30 3:02 PM
I took the wagon to a little car show in Arlington last weekend, kind of a hot drive (right at 100* at 7:30) but had a lot of fun. It's crazy how much attention the beater gets.
Ordered some chrome aircraft style seat belts for it. Heard a horror story on the Hamb about a guy whose '56 Buick door opened on a turn and dumped his girlfriend out, killing her. Never had any problems with my door latches, but I don't want to be "that guy" forever.
Also got a set of those helper spring things for it. Not sure it's going to help much, but when you start getting 4+ people in the car, the driveshaft will rub. I'd like to get a STIFF stock height spring for it, but the only options I'm seeing are custom made and that's a little pricey. Still may do it.
Eaton Springs has them , or can make them upon request .Called them this week , said they have over 20k blueprints . Single mainleaf is like 112.00 per side and a complete already built set is 479.00 a pair w/ 65.00 shipping , and thats with a 1 week turnaround .
Posted 2009-07-01 10:20 AM (#180100 - in reply to #180087) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
narleycharlie - 2009-07-02 6:00 AM
Eaton Springs has them , or can make them upon request .Called them this week , said they have over 20k blueprints . Single mainleaf is like 112.00 per side and a complete already built set is 479.00 a pair w/ 65.00 shipping , and thats with a 1 week turnaround .
*************************************
I knew a guy who grew up in Eaton Springs once. He had two left hands.
Posted 2009-07-03 4:07 PM (#180364 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1363 Location: Apeldoorn, Netherlands
While we had some real heavy rain here, in The Netherlands, Neil had a beautiful day up in Bishop CA. His car is finally back on the road and he asked me to post some pics, and a short story. Have a happy 4th of July and here goes:
...I got my car back from the trannie rebuild shop, 2 days ago, and the car seems to be operating/shifting just fine (after having the car be towed to that shop, in early February).
The shop specializes in Chubbie stuff or modern MoPar, so it was tough getting them to do the job, part-time/after hours, etc...
So, I paid them $2.8K, for their also replacing the rear main seal, overhauling-servicing the driveshaft with new bearings and Ujoint- stuff, and installing the rubber dust boot (that I had found), and their attempting to get a 340 windage tray to fit my car---didn't quite fit, altho it is do-able; just got tired of their repeated attempts to make it fit.
So, here's some pics taken today, along with a couple undercarriage-detail shots that I took, at their secondary-remote shop.
Posted 2009-07-03 4:27 PM (#180367 - in reply to #180364) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thanks, Jim!
There was an additional view of the engine, taken from the passenger's side of the car, which might show the "MoPar"
decal that I applied to the Delco battery, along with the "Tar Topper" battery 'toupee' (fake-cover).
That shot might also show the XJ-Jag viscous fan clutch (looks just like the OEM-style) along with the 7-blade mid-60's MoPar
fan, which reportedly is/was a Hemi-item.
Posted 2009-07-03 4:58 PM (#180370 - in reply to #180368) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Nope; no rear dust-covers for the rear U-joint; the front 'trunion' joint has some greased bearing cups which
need to be protected.
These rubber "dust cover"-boots are regularly sold on the evilpay, either individually, or, as part of a front-only, or,
as part of a complete front-and-rear, u-joint overhaul kit.
Note that the clamps holding both ends are installed at 180-degrees separation, for better balancing;
trick.
Right now, on the 'Pay, a rubber boot is only being sold as part of a complete front-and-rear overhaul kit, but
these boots are expected to be re-popped, again, soon, and to appear on the market in the relatively near future.
Atlas Obsolete and Kanters & Bernbaum(?) usually stocks them.
Posted 2009-07-03 5:44 PM (#180378 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Got tired of tripping over stuff in the garage, so I decided to rip out the dealer installed A/C under dash unit ( since it didn't work anyway ) and test fit - install the swivel seats and Chrysler 300 floor counsol I had picked up for customizing my '59. ( now if I could just find a tach to fit a 3 1/2" hole ) I like how it looks... but I know folks will weight in.
Posted 2009-07-04 5:54 PM (#180458 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Finland
^Why not? I think it looks kind of cool. Dare to be different? No, seriously I think that fits perfect. It`s like a dream car that Exner never would of thought off?
Me myself has been sanding the Imperials quarterpanels to get it primered soon as possible, can`t wait to get on the road this summer...
Posted 2009-07-04 6:57 PM (#180460 - in reply to #180378) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 558 Location: Central Ohio
Bart_59_Dodge - 2009-07-03 5:44 PM
Got tired of tripping over stuff in the garage, so I decided to rip out the dealer installed A/C under dash unit ( since it didn't work anyway ) and test fit - install the swivel seats and Chrysler 300 floor counsol I had picked up for customizing my '59. ( now if I could just find a tach to fit a 3 1/2" hole ) I like how it looks... but I know folks will weight in.
I think that looks sweet!!! 59 Dodge interiors are pretty awesome though, they really capture that mid century modern look that I really dig.
I have never commented on this thread! So today I took my 57 to a car show 50 miles away that I have never been to before. It was one of those shows where they close off the main street of an old ohio town. Out of 500 cars mine was the only FL there besides a real nice salmon colored 56 Imperial. Needless to say, my Belvedere drew a crowd all day long! I like these kind of shows best, because its not just car people walking by looking at your car. I love hearing the stories about "the one my dad owned when I was kid" or "the one I wrecked in high school" even if their facts are less than accurate on the car. I also really like when I am arriving or leaving because everybody just stops and stares! Just like it says in the owners manual lol! FL cars are the best!!!
Posted 2009-07-05 8:41 PM (#180544 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
OK, Only back from Hols Friday, Done a High School Prom with Both the 59 Dodge and 59 Chrysler.......... Today went to a Local Cruise about 40 Miles away. Including the Dodge there were 7 FLs in total.. I will post PICs later as it is gonw 1.00am here and i am pretty drunk and Tired,, But the cars were,, 59 Dodge,,, 60 Plymouth ,, 58 Belvedere, 58 Desoto,, 55 Windsor,, 59 Belvedere and a 60 Dodge.
Very Cool for a Local Cruise over here in the UK......... PICs to follow Later........
Posted 2009-07-05 11:04 PM (#180554 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 608 Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Spent the weekend with my wifes parents, sisters, and their kids. Had a nice BBQ and went to the fireworks to celebrate! Kids talked me into a joy ride in the old buggy. They didn't want to pose for any pictures but the car was not as shy. Happy independence day everyone!
Looking GOOD 56 Royal. I hope mine looks as good when it's oout on the street again.
I did finally figure out the reason I had soo much trouble getting the stainless steel moulding across the top of the windsheild to fit and install. The windsheild replacer had pushed the gasket too high on the pinch weld. So I was able to reinstall it , the instrument panel the interior reveal mouldings and the new park light lenses this weekend. All in all, a Happy Fourth of July
Posted 2009-07-13 10:08 PM (#181306 - in reply to #180703) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I dropped the fuel tank in my blue '59 Plymouth wagon. I siphoned out seven gallons of gasoline, then removed the tank. The radiator shop relining is going bad after all these years.
I plan to send the tank to Moyer Fuel Tank Renu. Hopefully, it will be a more permanent solution, as they sand blast the tank both inside and out.
Posted 2009-07-19 12:52 AM (#181827 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Colorado
Installed the original fixed AM radio, parked it in the driveway, grabbed a couple of cold ones and some sunflower seeds then sat in the car and listened to the Rockies play some baseball with my seven year old daughter. Freakin sweet!
Posted 2009-07-19 9:09 AM (#181842 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
last week i picked up my newly straightened stainless and had someone else here to give me a quote to paint my sub... and today i bought my forwardlook wagon (oscar) and my sister's ap5 valiant (audrey) a friend... my new ap6 safari wagon daily driver (who is yet to be named)... cheers adriana
Posted 2009-07-19 10:26 AM (#181848 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Actually, it took me a couple of days - stripped the trunk from old silencer/undercoat gunk and brushed all the surface rust. With next to bare metal, I gave it a coat of primer and a top coat. Got me some yards of carpet and made a template out of plastic foil so I could cut and sew the carpet to a snug fit - looks ok to me, even if it's not the "correct" carpet.
Posted 2009-07-19 6:21 PM (#181915 - in reply to #181848) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
FROM NEIL..............
......................
..............
..........
Had the opportunity to exercise Horrie today, on Company Time (at
$0.70/mile), so took these
couple shots to amuse a few of you, and to amaze the rest...
Those white things, out there, are clouds. We don't get to see them very
often, here.
Don't worry about the speedo reading; at an indicated 55mph, the 2.76:1
rear end gearset produces
around 70 mph.
Posted 2009-07-20 2:34 PM (#182008 - in reply to #181915) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Lets see, I was working on my running hot issue, changed the plugs to a colder plug and installed a
high flow 180 thermostat, took the car for a 30 minute ride and all went fine, temp gauge running
in the middle....
Posted 2009-07-20 10:59 PM (#182063 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We are getting both Dodges ready for a car show in the local mountains, 8000 feet elevation.
Fortunately both Dodges run cool and always have, and the 64 has had both a 426 and now a 413 engine, wife also had a 66 Coronet 500 with a 383 4 barrel and it never overheated ----so, soo- much for the theory that these "B block wedges run hot". The 59 has a 400 engine with a hot cam, dual 4's , 3 core radiator and a "Mickey mouse"---and I mean really mickey mouse regular fan (Not electric) and no shroud, yet the car always runs cool, can idle along 3 to 5 mph , in the heat of the summer and rarely see it get more than halfway on guage. That is the good news, the bad is the 59 had some vital fluids under it after I parked it yesterday--antifreeze grrrr. I was hoping it was the top hose connection as that was where it was leaking from even added a 2nd clamp, but still drip drip, I happened to push on that metal fitting that the hose connects to, and now the drip turned into a pour---Not good but I still thought relatively inexpensive fix just to have that thing resoldered. Not so, radiator had to come out and the leak was between the top tank and the radiator core---so after having that fixed, plus a new flex hose (to get rid of the mickey mouse hose that was there before (due to the factory AC in the car), and a new thermostat as the engine took forever to come to normal operating temp, New antifreeze etc etc etc, I ended up kissing about a quarter of a 1000 dollar bill , goodbye. Oh well, sure rather have that happen in my garage than half way up a mountain.
Tomorrow we finish waxing the 64 and start in on the 59
Posted 2009-07-21 1:27 AM (#182078 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Wizarz Nice renovaited generator, it's the small details that make it so good .
I got som truble with one lifter, so yesterday I start to screw apart carburetor, intake and to evening I take the R/side top.
I believe that governance is too narrow, the start after the engine was really hot after several hours of cruising, I turned the engine and when I started again, so began the "knock" metallic sound.
So Carlo have a "new" rebuilt top so I go to change. Hope the work being finsh soon
Posted 2009-07-25 9:34 PM (#182670 - in reply to #182669) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Bart_59_Dodge - 2009-07-25 9:25 PM
I love the look of that car with the brows painted, It's BAD A$$ for sure.
Thanks Bart, but im sending in more chrome again this winter and I think im going
to get the eyebrows chromed.... my wife wants them to stay black..... now im
feeling undecided......
Posted 2009-07-25 11:52 PM (#182678 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 964 Location: San Antonio, TX
It was kinda sad watching it happen. I stripped every possible usable part. It only weighed 2100 pounds on the scale today. I wish I could have saved it, but the rust was really, really bad.
Posted 2009-07-26 6:45 AM (#182694 - in reply to #182678) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
macedon - 2009-07-25 11:52 PM
It was kinda sad watching it happen. I stripped every possible usable part. It only weighed 2100 pounds on the scale today. I wish I could have saved it, but the rust was really, really bad.
bad rust? where? oh, this is so sad to see... i wouldnt care what condition it is in, i dont like seeing pics of cars meeting there demise, i get all nostalgic and think of when it would have been all shiny and new sitting in a dealership or special ordered to someones taste, cruising around in its hey day serving its new owner... and then i wonder what went wrong along the line for this to be the end result while others are still kicking in restored or unrestored condition... to me no two cars are the same, each has its unique beginning, option list, life/ story... i just think its sad thats all... adriana
Posted 2009-07-26 6:49 AM (#182695 - in reply to #182667) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
59CRL - 2009-07-25 9:11 PM
Bart_59_Dodge - 2009-07-25 8:59 PM
Bought this for my Interrior..... I go pick it up tomorrow.
Went to a Car Show today (do that every Saturday), won me a plaque this time.
im usually all for originality but my votes goes to leaving it black... how do you like the '59 plates? ive wanted to get a set of 1961 ones for ages... happy with yours? adriana
Posted 2009-07-26 8:48 AM (#182701 - in reply to #182691) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 964 Location: San Antonio, TX
Oh trust me it was rusty. The roof was even rusted through. It had been "restored" a while back with foil tape and bondo in the trunk, rockers, doors, quarters, decklid, hood, fenders. The more I got into it the more rust I found. I gave up when I found the B pillars rusted through.
Posted 2009-07-26 11:51 AM (#182716 - in reply to #182695) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
suburban61 - 2009-07-26 6:49 AM
im usually all for originality but my votes goes to leaving it black... how do you like the '59 plates? ive wanted to get a set of 1961 ones for ages... happy with yours? adriana
The front license plate? I like it, still get people asking me "What year is this car?"
Posted 2009-07-26 4:41 PM (#182752 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Rebels-59 Coronet
My dream is take my Windsor over to US and running at our roads, large open landscapes so beautiful and American
Taka me to stop by one half fate besinmack
Posted 2009-07-26 5:07 PM (#182756 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Finland
Ok, I will show you what i did today. I found a few rustspots on the decklid... Ok, I`ve known about them for years Well, discovered while sanding, that by counting there was 6-layers of paint on the decklid and offcourse some bondo... So I scraped the hole shabang (decklid)off paint;
Posted 2009-07-26 5:17 PM (#182758 - in reply to #182716) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
59CRL - 2009-07-26 10:51 AM
suburban61 - 2009-07-26 6:49 AM im usually all for originality but my votes goes to leaving it black... how do you like the '59 plates? ive wanted to get a set of 1961 ones for ages... happy with yours? adriana
The front license plate? I like it, still get people asking me "What year is this car?" ;)
I get some of the same reaction, but really interesting ones from cops.
Posted 2009-07-26 10:43 PM (#182792 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
Don't feel bad about getting asked what year the car is. My License plate (and it is on both the front and rear of the car)a is, R59Fins, yet I get asked all the time "What year is it" One guy who was following behind me, and then pulled up when I stopped for a read lite, asked me if it was a Cadillac
Posted 2009-07-27 8:23 AM (#182807 - in reply to #180087) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4533 Location: Ripon, WI
narleycharlie - 2009-07-01 8:00 AM
57burb - 2009-06-30 3:02 PM
I took the wagon to a little car show in Arlington last weekend, kind of a hot drive (right at 100* at 7:30) but had a lot of fun. It's crazy how much attention the beater gets.
Ordered some chrome aircraft style seat belts for it. Heard a horror story on the Hamb about a guy whose '56 Buick door opened on a turn and dumped his girlfriend out, killing her. Never had any problems with my door latches, but I don't want to be "that guy" forever.
Also got a set of those helper spring things for it. Not sure it's going to help much, but when you start getting 4+ people in the car, the driveshaft will rub. I'd like to get a STIFF stock height spring for it, but the only options I'm seeing are custom made and that's a little pricey. Still may do it.
Eaton Springs has them , or can make them upon request .Called them this week , said they have over 20k blueprints . Single mainleaf is like 112.00 per side and a complete already built set is 479.00 a pair w/ 65.00 shipping , and thats with a 1 week turnaround .
Something tells me it is probably alot faster than that right now.....
Posted 2009-07-27 4:10 PM (#182854 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I just replaced the air shocks on my 64 Dodge, Gabriel Hijackers, with Monroes. Last time Kent was in town we loaded up the 64 with "God" sized Swedes, 4 or so of them(Well 2 Yanks). Every time we hit a bump you could hear the tires hit the undercarriage. With the new Shocks, She outta be able to haul a dozen Swedes around now. I prefer the rear end of my car not droop in fact I like it slightly elevated, folks get a better view of the Exaust, the diff, etc etc, when they make a mistake and challenge one of the Dodges. The air shocks arent Expensive, Monroe shows $72 for a pair for the mopars, alto I bought from my tire shop and had them install, so I did pay a bit more.
Posted 2009-07-27 5:01 PM (#182860 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I, too, do not like the 'slammed' look in a FWDLK'er, altho some of us do prefer that appearance----as did the FACTORY,
back in the day, accentuating the lowness and the length of our cars in its advertising.
I like my cars to stand up, "on point" so to speak, instead of appearing to slither around, as if the springing had broken
on them.
Posted 2009-07-27 5:54 PM (#182866 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
AT LONNNGGGGGG Last we Agree, Neil.
I thinhk I get some of it from when we were Kids, it was popular, at least here in S Cal, to lift up the rear of the car. I don't have them as High as back then, but like you, I dont like the rear, hanging low, to me it looks like the springs are getting weak(and they probably are) so as women tend to lift their "upper torso", as the age, I lift the "Lower Torso" of my car LOL
The cars get better mileage that way too , as they are always going "Downhill"
Gary
Posted 2009-07-27 8:49 PM (#182889 - in reply to #182866) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I installed the generator belt and tightened all the electrical connections at that junction block on the core support, as well as the junction block itself. It's 110 out there and the generator got hot from the sun beating down on it. I'll adjust the belt tension after sundown.
Posted 2009-07-28 8:08 PM (#182996 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
My Back Buckets came in from JC Auto and I popped them in for a quick test fit.
Although It all needs to be reupholstered, Im almost glad at this juncture that I have mismatched fronts and backs, so I can decide which I like better.
Im leaning toward the look of the front seats over the back seats.
Can anyone I.D. the make and year of the fronts from the upholstery pattern?
Posted 2009-08-04 9:59 PM (#183998 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Kenny, et al, for anyone who drives a FWDLK'er with a driver's side rear view mirror located where this one
(typically) is, if you buy a large convex rear view mirror, and 'weatherstrip-glue' it to the face of your mirror,
you will find TA-DAH: that that location is PERFECT for the convex-guy's installation. You will have a wonderful
panoramic view along the left side, and behind, your car, without the traffic, back there, getting all-miniscule on
you...
I haven't put a convex mirror over on the right side (it's probably way too far away to do much good), but, if you
position that mirror face as far inward, and downward as possible, you'll find that that mirror DOES work to
show you a (small, but important) portion of the grille area of a car which might be driving in your blind-side,
on the right of your car.
Posted 2009-08-06 4:35 PM (#184294 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Finland
I have been busy today, in the morning I was welding on my wifes car and in the evening I mounted my new fuel tank under the Imperial with new sender and filler tube gasket...
Also connected the fuel line with new tubing that I installed allready few years ago. The hooks were ordered long ago from Year One since they also was missing... I made the fuel tank straps myself at the time that I fitted the tank.
And while I was fuzzing about around the car I hooked up the horns to work to, since I have been working on the electrics on this car for a few days now. While I`m waiting for some parts to arrive, I plan to get this car out of garage this summer to take it out for a little testdrive...
Posted 2009-08-06 5:24 PM (#184297 - in reply to #184294) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Where did you get the new fuel tank from? Looks nice. Original looking finish, much better looking than silver paint!.
I need one for my 57 Plymouth, and I'm not going to buy one of them painted chinese ones.....
Glenn.
Posted 2009-08-07 1:13 AM (#184323 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 129 Location: Finland
Glenn, the tank is Spectra Premiums #CR12A that is for 62-63 B-body car. At the time that I was buying a tank for my car there wasn`t any, so I bladdered thru catalogs at work and this was the nearest of measurement.
For my car it is about an inch too short and then it`s a little bit small with 15-gallons only but it doesn`t bother me. The fuel sender I got from Vans Auto.
Christian.
Posted 2009-08-07 11:25 AM (#184346 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 468 Location: Cushing, Wisconsin
My car has been sitting in my father's garage for fifteen years so I decided to wax and buff her with Zymol, here is a before and after pic. I spent a week shining up the potmetal and chrome, with Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover. I am more than pleased with the way she shined up.
Posted 2009-08-08 5:55 PM (#184475 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
How about you take some polish and make the ol' girl shine again..?
I got the keyless-entry stuff working today, only to find out only 2 of the 4 buttons on both transmitters work, and the 2 buttons that are working have their functions crossed over... :/
Posted 2009-08-08 10:12 PM (#184496 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
After reading what all everyone here has done to their cars, I am inspired to work on mine tomorrow. I suppose cleaning it up a bit, and putting the front bumper?/grille assembly back on the car would be nice. Then it wouldn't look quite so derelict.... Maybe if I am feeling particularly motivated, and it doesn't get too hot, I'll try to fire the old beast up, though I won't let it run too long as the radiator has a hole in it. My fault for being in a hurry... Perhaps if I get a lot done, I'll post some pictures when finished.
Posted 2009-08-08 11:27 PM (#184505 - in reply to #184503) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Replaced the spare trunk lid with the actual trunk lid on my 59 Dodge. Looks better, but still sits too high, even with latch all the way up. Next step is to slice 3/8" from the trunk latch base and reweld. That should get it where I want it.
Posted 2009-08-09 1:46 AM (#184512 - in reply to #184465) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Made it a slack day and only moved 3 wheelbarrow loads of dirt before going to a party. Picked up a nice pile of form material for the footings, Will be cutting foundation trenches this week.
Posted 2009-08-09 9:36 AM (#184524 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Last weekend i stripped the Dash Cluster and removed the Clock on the Dodge.. Cleaned and Lubbed it up and got it working,, Hasn,t worked in over 5 years since i owned the car,, Gave me a chance to also fit the Chrome surround around the clock which was always missing.. MEL kindly donated it a while back.. Drove it around yesterday and the Clock has Gained 15 Minutes in 7 Days... I can Live with that as it is a Novelty to just see it working..
Put the new seat cover on the rear seat back, stripped the rear seat springs, wirebrushed off the rust, painted 'em and put on the new batting, foam and burlap. Also put the new seat cover on the rear and front seat bottoms, and stripped the old seat covers off the seat backs of the front seat. Stripped the old covers and batting off the interior rear seat trim panels and made patterns to sew up the new vinyl for them, bead blasted them and gave them a good coat of scrap rattlecan paint, measured the patches and cut the patches that I'll have to bend and weld onto the bottom edges where they had rusted away. It's sure sad that when this '55 (C?)RL was pulled out of the river/lake that no one took the time to properly dry it out. Sure making a lot more work........LOL
Posted 2009-08-09 8:14 PM (#184582 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
Well I went out and worked on Virgil for a bit today. Nothing major though. I cleaned up the engine bay a bit. Looked around for the motor number to record for Ed Petrus. Got some gas out, along with an old pump and regulator. Hooked it all up, and cranked it over a few times. It wanted to run, but wouldn't quite catch. Went to put the front bumper/grille assy on, but couldn't find the bumper bolts anywhere. So I guess I'll have to buy some this week. I did bring out some Brasso, just to see how well the chrome would clean up. It turned out good. Not great, but decent. I figure that maybe with a buffing wheel, it will clean up even a bit nicer. Can anyone recommend a source for a complete engine overhaul gasket set? I want to pull the motor out, and replace all the gaskets since it has been sitting for 20 years.
Posted 2009-08-09 8:14 PM (#184583 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
Well I went out and worked on Virgil for a bit today. Nothing major though. I cleaned up the engine bay a bit. Looked around for the motor number to record for Ed Petrus. Got some gas out, along with an old pump and regulator. Hooked it all up, and cranked it over a few times. It wanted to run, but wouldn't quite catch. Went to put the front bumper/grille assy on, but couldn't find the bumper bolts anywhere. So I guess I'll have to buy some this week. I did bring out some Brasso, just to see how well the chrome would clean up. It turned out good. Not great, but decent. I figure that maybe with a buffing wheel, it will clean up even a bit nicer. Can anyone recommend a source for a complete engine overhaul gasket set? I want to pull the motor out, and replace all the gaskets since it has been sitting for 20 years.
Posted 2009-08-10 5:20 AM (#184622 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I made two trunk drains for my '60 Saratoga - the problem with remaining water have caused rust and rot in many rear panels and trunk weather strip channels. I made them out of stainless bolts and added thin rubber washers on both sides - with the nuts, I can achive a snug tight fit.
(yes, I know that Gary and KP repops the "original" rubber tube - I just wanted something even better)
Posted 2009-08-10 11:24 AM (#184641 - in reply to #184587) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
deloverly - 2009-08-09 5:45 PM
John and I drove Flo home from Hot August Nights. We came back on Highway 70 to avoid the ORANGE CONES! M'Lisa
In Las Vegas, if people see orange cones by themselves, with no work going on, they freak out and drive super slow, acting like the cones will attack their vehicles.
But if there are people working around the orange cones, the motorists speed up and seem to aim for them..............go figure.
Posted 2009-08-10 2:45 PM (#184666 - in reply to #184640) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Jörgen - I sent you a mail...
Neil, thanks - I was afraid that pictures was requested - didn't want to, cause I have not fixed up and changed the weatherstrip yet - anyway here are some pictures. The worst part of it was to do the recessions in the sheetmetal without damaging the paint on the rear panel. I produced a pressing tool for to be able to work slow and carefully.
Posted 2009-08-10 7:16 PM (#184702 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Looks good Wizard.
The trunk lip on my '60 NY is rotted out aswell and someone has 'repaired' it with a thick layer of bondo, covering and filing the entire lip area. This also covered up any drainholes you are talking about.
But it makes sence as I now know why there are 2 inch-sized holes in the trunkfloor near the rear-edge.
The 'dimple-device' seems to work nice aswell. Good work.
I've been wrenching on my '57 this friday and saturday, reconnecting some wiring and tonight I replaced the rear taillights which I had stripped of paint.
Sunday I've been out with the '60 NY to a local meeting about an hour's drive;
Posted 2009-08-10 8:27 PM (#184711 - in reply to #184666) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 967 Location: Canada
wizard - 2009-08-10 3:45 PM
Jörgen - I sent you a mail...
Neil, thanks - I was afraid that pictures was requested - didn't want to, cause I have not fixed up and changed the weatherstrip yet - anyway here are some pictures. The worst part of it was to do the recessions in the sheetmetal without damaging the paint on the rear panel. I produced a pressing tool for to be able to work slow and carefully.
So that's why I keep getting water in my trunk throught the back? No drains?
Posted 2009-08-11 1:44 AM (#184752 - in reply to #184711) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Troy, Im not sure that the '59s had any drains fitted?! I even had a '59 NY, but I have forgotten if there where any drains or indications that there should be any. As I recall, the weatherstrip and channel of the '59 should work better - see your manual for how to check for proper trunk lid sealing.
Posted 2009-08-11 9:17 AM (#184777 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I was going to mention to Troy that the best way to try to track down trunk leakages is to enlist someone you TRUST to lock
you down inside the trunk and then to Water-Board you----I mean: douche-down the rear end of the car, carefully and scientifically
so that you, with your handy flashlight, can detect the leakage(s) as soon as they appear, so that you can figure out how to cure
them.
If/when the drips appear on the underside of the parcel shelf, you should be able to back-track them to the base of the rear window.
You can look carefully at the parcel shelf to see if there are tell-tale streakages/rust which will point you to a particular leakage source.
If you have no leakages from/on the parcel shelf, count yourself lucky. You'll have to remove the stainless trim from around the base of the
back glass, and clean out/repair the trough that the trim sits on top of, and seal-up the trim's large mounting holes in that trough.
Posted 2009-08-15 8:02 PM (#185236 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Today I started conversion of the 12" front drumbrake-system on my '62 NY wagon to a selfmade discbrake-system using 11.75" 1973 Chrysler rotors.
Thank goodness I got a lathe now.
Posted 2009-08-15 11:56 PM (#185259 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Herman, if those are 12" x 2 1/2" brakes, like I think that they are, you definitely want to save them, as I know of several
people who need/want those big dog pieces!
Do you also have their brake shoes????
They can be re-lined with Firm Feel's carbon-metallic linings, and the drums be re-turned, if necessary.
Posted 2009-08-16 5:25 AM (#185274 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The drumbrakes are indeed the 12 x 2.5" ones. The drums are worn-out though, and have now a larger diameter than the brakeshoes have, so the area the shoes occupy in the drum most be very small I think. Braking 'at speed' with this wagon can be very 'scary', as I've experienced a couple of times already on the highway.
The current brake-shoes grab the rightfront drum hard when cold and lock the wheel up immediatly. I can't even move the wagon around in my garage anymore 'normally'.
Although I've checked them out a couple of times, I think the brakeshoes might still be seperating and causing the lock up.
I had decided sometime ago already that I wouldn't be putting any more money in this brake-system, since the drums are worn-out and all and go for discbrakes instead. But I also don't want those puny little 10.75" discs which come in all those kits, I want the 11.75" ones. Since the 12" '73 Chrysler rotors are so cheap I'm really set at fitting a set of these on the stock spindles.
Surprisingly enough the same 12" drumbrake system on my '60 NewYorker work perfectly fine.
Posted 2009-08-16 10:35 AM (#185290 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Well, be sure to save the brake shoes, as they can be relined by Firm Feel, with the carbon metallic linings---and, since
your 60 NY'er undoubtedly has those 12x 2 1/2" brakes, you can send your 'spare' shoes to them, and test-install them
onton the NY'er when you getb them back.
Firm Feel needs to receive 'your' shoes in order to bond the new-modern linings onto them.
And, those 70-ish IMP disc brakes are supposed to be pretty-much bolt-on affairs, although you
may have to go get the special low-boy(profile) mid-60's dual-pot master cylinder, so that it will
fit under the over-hanging brake booster. Virtually all the other M/C's are too tall to fit under 'our'
brake boosters.
The low-boys are not particularly rare, but any salvage yard piece that you get will need to be
overhauled.
You might install the IMP's brake booster/master cylinder combination-unit, but, you won't win any
style points for doing so, at a car show.
Posted 2009-08-16 8:07 PM (#185363 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Too late...
These '73 fullsize Chrysler-rotors are only a bolt-on deal on '65 and newer fullsizers.
They don't fit older Chryslers at all without serious McGyvering, like I did this weekend on my '62 NewYorker wagon.
I've completed the pass.side for 80% now. Still need to find some allen bolts to hold the adapterplate better and finish/redo the booger welds I did today.
Posted 2009-08-16 10:50 PM (#185389 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
As far as retrofitting to FWDLKers goes, if 1965+ Bendix Duo Servo brakes are to be installed onto our cars, the lower control arms are ALSO
supposed to be replaced as part of that process, along with the brakes, backing plates and wheel spindles.
For 64-and-before Bendix Duo Servo (typically, for their 11x3" ) brakes installation on our FWDLK'ers, the L.C.A. does NOT have to be replaced;
the Bendix's are bolt-on deals for our FWDLK'ers, using the Bendix's drums, backing plates and spindles.
Therefore, I would expect that the 70's IMP disc brakes, IF they can be fitted to 1965(+) cars, would merely require the installation of the '65 L.C.A.
onto our cars in order to have our cars accept the IMP disc brakes.
Herman, that's not your 1960 NY'er, above here, is it?
Posted 2009-08-17 4:51 AM (#185416 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Correct Neil, the pics above are of my '62 NY wagon.
You mention "IMP" brakes, as in Imperial? Imp's have a 5-on-5" boltcircle, that's not what I want. Or did you just mean the IMP-style brakes?
I've used these same rotors on my '65 Chrysler when I did a drum-to-disc conversion on it, but I also used the '73 spindles then. This was an entire bolt-on deal. The conversion on pre'65 cars involves quite a bit more work.
I'll start a new topic about this conversion.
Posted 2009-08-17 2:32 PM (#185439 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I went through the Torqueflite on the '57 Fury. Still waiting on the completion of the machine work on the engine, and the custom ground cam to arrive. ---John
Posted 2009-08-24 3:39 PM (#186129 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
THANK GOD for napa ! i finally ran down all the brake line fittings to install my double pump master cylinder . man , there ain't no fittings in this town at all . just one of this and one of that . napa in bridgeport , ohio is twenty mins. away . not real far but far enough when you only need 2 fittings !-------------------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-08-24 4:56 PM (#186144 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Kent, where did you get the donor-convertible parts/pieces?
Also, what do you think that the 'retail' cost of this conversion would be, including
the purchase price of 'both' cars, and all the needed components, etcetcetc???
I know that you are going to do this job, yourself, and thereby save a LOT of dinero,
but I am curious about your thoughts as to what this conversion project might cost
someone who has to pay for almost-all of that work, himself (in regards/relation to the
car's post-creation retail-value, if 'you' were to sell it to someone, in its #1 condition?) .
Is it going to remain to be a Coronet, or something like a Super D500 Custom Royal?
Posted 2009-08-24 7:39 PM (#186166 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Neil, I think the Swedes measure a car's value in relation to a car's "Fun"-factor when driving it.
A convertible means you have 2 cars in 1. And cruising around 'topless', you can't really put a price on that now can you?
Posted 2009-08-24 7:50 PM (#186168 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I see the pics are broken in my earlier post because I moved the pics around in my photobucket. (Why is EDIT-button removed after a while anyway? Nazi-tactics?)
Last weekend I finished the machine work and trial-fitting on the discbrake conversion on my '62 wagon.
This evening I started filling the brakesystem with brake fluid. I wanted to test the system with the old single MC first to see how the pedalpressure would be, but found I didn't have enough brakefluid left to complete the job.
Posted 2009-08-24 9:59 PM (#186190 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Rebuilt and installed a instrument pannel clock. ( now I just need to find a new reset adjust Hour/Min/Sec cable ) ....and replaced the old Motorola AM Radio with an upgrade Motorola model 857 ? ( the one with the illuminated selector buttons. ).
Posted 2009-08-26 6:30 PM (#186375 - in reply to #186364) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Vincent.
WOW is right. It seems like only last week you were welding the floor. They sure didn't muck you around at the paint shop like usual. Well done!!! I can tell you you got some good fun ahead of you now! I wish I was there to help you reassemble it, those are good days!
Are there many american cars in France?
Glenn.
Posted 2009-08-27 6:01 AM (#186416 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Cool paint Vincent. What color is that?
Looks almost the same as I have on my '65 Chrysler 300 convertible, which has "Light Turquoise Blue" on it. A 80's or 90's color from Chrysler.
Posted 2009-08-27 7:23 AM (#186418 - in reply to #186416) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Thanks guys !
I must say that yesterday was a day I had been waiting for for a few months now ...
FURY - 2009-08-27 12:30 AM
Vincent.
WOW is right. It seems like only last week you were welding the floor. They sure didn't muck you around at the paint shop like usual. Well done!!! I can tell you you got some good fun ahead of you now! I wish I was there to help you reassemble it, those are good days!
Are there many american cars in France?
Glenn.
Good fun from reassembly is just what I'm needin' !!!
There are some american cars in France ... Many imported from the US lately.
They were quite rare when new (there was more of them in Belgium).
BigBlockMopar - 2009-08-27 12:01 PM
Cool paint Vincent. What color is that?
Looks almost the same as I have on my '65 Chrysler 300 convertible, which has "Light Turquoise Blue" on it. A 80's or 90's color from Chrysler.
The color is from Nissan and is called "Greenish blue effect", and matches almost perfectly the "Arctic Turquoise" from the '58 Plymouth paint chips.
The white is from Ford and is called "Frozen White" (almost the same name as "Iceberg White" from Plymouth I was wanting to match !)
Posted 2009-08-27 4:29 PM (#186469 - in reply to #186437) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Polished a pair of front bumper extensions that arrived from California today. They where kinda dull but turned out real nice with some work, the chrome is a perfect match to the original chrome on my front bumper.
Anyone have a lead on the optional center section like the Royal I've seen?
Posted 2009-08-27 5:54 PM (#186491 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thord, that lovely semi-matte appearance is the shade that I have seen on OEM Dodge bumpers, rather than the
mirror-like finish that we all see, on triple-plated 'show-finish' chroming work.
That mirror-finish is fine, on trim pieces, like hood ornaments, but for my money, and taste, I much prefer the appearance
of OEM non-mirror finishing, on bumpers.
Posted 2009-08-27 7:29 PM (#186508 - in reply to #186501) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Let us know/see what you did, in installing those liners, Ron.
I am convinced that the only way to install the cardboard liner, without damaging it, on the driver's side, is to remove
the fuel filler assembly.
What I did, a couple years ago, with a new-replacement set of G. Goers cardboard liners is, I carefully TRIED to maneuver the
driver's side around/behind the fuel filler tube, but, necessarily tore/ripped it somewhat in doing so . As I NEVER curse (yeah, sure),
I eventually calmed down and figured out that I could/should be able to repair the tear.
What I did, over the course of several days, was to apply Elmer's HD-glue to the tear, holding the sections together with vice-grips,
and using the Elmers as a sort of Bondo, to build-up and smooth over the failure site, until the cardboard looked essentially undamaged.
Elmers can be 'worked' with considerable efficiency, owing to its water-base and its slow set-up time (on the HD wood-working stuff).
Then, I visited my friendly Home Center and had them make up some custom latex semi-gloss paint which perfectly matched the Goers
color-shade.
Now, you can not-really see that it was ever torn---since I've got my car here at mi oficina, today, I'll PM Ron some shots
of it, to prove I'm not lying to ya'll, and he can post it/them, here.
Posted 2009-08-29 2:30 PM (#186770 - in reply to #186766) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thanks, Sven!
Just wanted to prove that torn-ripped cardboard trunk liners can be repaired, fairly easily, as I detailed, 4-posts above here.
BTW, that little-rip, where the trunk hinge hits the cardboard cut-out, is NOT the area that was ripped when I
was trying to 'fish' the two riveted-sections around/behind that never-been-removed-ever fuel filler tube.
Posted 2009-08-29 4:15 PM (#186784 - in reply to #186770) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Given how simple and easy it is to remove the filler tube, this seems like a no-brainer. Four little screws, twist and pull ! Reverse to reinstall .... maybe lube the tip when going back in to ease drag on the rubber seal ??
Me, I'm getting ready to pour foundations for the shop. THEN the cars go inside and we get to work inside while the snow piles up outside .... something Arne Nilsson told me was the secret to all those nice Swedish restorations.
Posted 2009-08-30 4:17 PM (#186909 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Kent, thanks, I know that you'll do a beautiful job.
Brent: my car's still virginal in having never having had be removed the headliner, the dashboard, the windshield/back glass,
the door assemblies(?), rear axle housing, the gas tank, and the fuel filler.----that's about it.
With the OEM floor-pan mastic still in place, and the filler tube sealing nicely, I would be VERY reluctant to mess with R&R'ing the fuel
filler, unless it had already been removed, in the past, or was a beater/parts car, or, some 'expert' were assisting me in that operation.
As a 'doctor'(ahem), you must know that doctors do not want/like to operate on their own families.
I prefer the services of specialists, at least until I become comfortable with a procedure.
Failing the involvement of an experienced person, the Elmers/paint protocol is at least available, with little-to-no-risk to
the car, or, what little's left of my mental health.
Posted 2009-08-30 5:01 PM (#186928 - in reply to #186909) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Neil,
You live in one of the most majestic places I have ever seen. All I would need is a good professional excuse to move and we'd be neighbors. If I was just across town, I'd be happy to help you do a little minor surgery on that "beater / parts car" of yours.
The mastic is easy enough to refinish. So is the Au-vee-co.
Now, let me get back to my form building, so I can have a shop to invite you over to.
Posted 2009-08-30 5:12 PM (#186934 - in reply to #186931) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I was quite surprised the first time I removed one how simple it is placed in there. Just the four screws behind the gas door hold it in place. However !!!! ...... it does take some coaxing with a twisting movement to get it free. I have learned to run a tool around the rubber seal between the tube and the rubber, and to carefully run a knife around the edge up behind the gas door to minimize trouble. But, all-in-all, a lot simpler than I would have thought. The bottom just sticks through the rubber seal a few inches and rests there !
BTW ~ Should I ever get near the Owens Valley, I'll give you a call for sure !
Posted 2009-08-30 5:15 PM (#186935 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 166 Location: Massillon, Ohio USA
I fixed my rear ball and trunion boot without taking the driveshaft out from under the car...the old Motors Manual and the advice I got here made it an easy job.....thanks guys.
Posted 2009-08-30 5:32 PM (#186941 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Vincent Congrats! That arctic turquoise looks great , can't wait to see the car done Keep up the GREAT work!
Swen, your 57 Dodge is magnificent!!!!!
Kent your 59 is also looks like a big undertaking and keep us posted!!
Ron How about some photo's of the Plymouth on the road!
This web site is great and really shows the wonderful work and people that love these cars! I remember when I first got in to this hobby in the late 70,s I seemed to be the only guy into Foward look's having spent many years going to car shows and dealing with 55-7 Chebys and very rarely seeing anyone into or cars I'm glad there is finally some appreciation for these cars . HAPPY MOTORING! Victor....
Posted 2009-09-02 1:45 AM (#187293 - in reply to #186935) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I attempted to start the Saratoga. Then I discovered a wire to the starter solenoid was disconnected. Ran out of time, so I'll have to get under there another day.
But I did discover the heater/defroster fan, the lights, the horns and even the radio work!
Posted 2009-09-02 8:41 PM (#187400 - in reply to #187293) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I got the Saratoga to fire up this evening. I simply turned on the ignition and shorted across the starter relay, so there may be an issue between the neutral button and the relay.
After I primed the carburetor, the old girl fired up, but it took the fuel pump a while to get the fuel to the carburetor.
Unfortunately, I had to shut the engine off because oil started leaking from the oil filter base. I messed up re-installing the can after changing the filter and gasket, but at least I know the oil pressure is good.
Posted 2009-09-02 9:14 PM (#187408 - in reply to #187400) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
I cleaned the trunk out and lined it with trunk carpet I picked up at the local
auto parts store, then neatly put then contents back in. My trunk is already painted
that grey and green trunk speckle but dosent look the greatest when I goto shows
and they rate your trunk, mine is bare while others have theirs completely finished.
It does look better with black carpet in it.
Posted 2009-09-03 4:54 PM (#187514 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Ron that looks like a piece of s**tt!.........Just kidding great job, look very nice, are Gary repros?
I started my car today after 2 moths, It run almost instantly with the new AFB and POINTS AND CONDENSER back on the car. All the 12 radio preset memories were gone.
Posted 2009-09-03 5:00 PM (#187519 - in reply to #187514) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Denis, the trunk liners are two pieces, that are riveted together.
It IS a bitch to maneuver the section-piece around/behind the driver's side fuel filler tube.
As Doc Soto has said, removing the fuel filler tube is (supposed to be!) a simple operation, which would/will allow the
driver's side panel to be installed, behind that tube, incurring no damage to the trunk cardboard liner.
Posted 2009-09-03 5:20 PM (#187524 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Shiit; I just deleted my follow-up message!
If I recall, I said that I had not, up above here, posted a view of my car's passenger side cardboard liner, as the trunk hinge
had badly cut into its notched-out area, which is/are 'cut' too short to allow the hinge to pass through the cardboard liner(s).
I said that, from looking at Ron's passenger side cardboard notch-out area, that it looks to be LONG enough to allow the hood
hinge to pass through it, but that the notch might not be WIDE enough to allow such passage, without damaging that section.
I then said that because my car is not freshly restored and/or a trailer queen, I have not been overly concerned about the
significant ripping on the passenger side, and the slight ripping over on the driver's side(as seen in my pics, above).
I finished by saying that I know that I can repair those ripped-areas by using careful measurement, a straight edge, and a VERY
sharp utility knife, to enlarge the notched-out areas on the cardboard panels (altho I would really only have ONE good
chance to do those cuts, neatly and correctly !).
Yes, Denis, Gary Goers makes-up these trunk cardboard liners.
A great view, of an OEM PLY trunk liner is seen, over on our Craigslist message board, on the new-recent "57 Belvedere " thread.
Posted 2009-09-03 6:07 PM (#187537 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We took both Dodges, 59 Convertible , and 64 Polara 500, to a car show in Solvang. about a 3 hour drive each way.
Weather was hot but both Dodges "Kept their Cool" 413 in the 64 and 400 in the 59.
That is the good news, the bad news is that I "Donated a 59 Spinner hubcat" on the way up to Solvang.
Does anybody know where I can get another one , before I put wire wheels on it and (tick off Neil)
Thanks for your help!!!
Posted 2009-09-03 7:19 PM (#187547 - in reply to #187543) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
An original in very good driver-condition might cost $100-$150, "depending...", but, that's not a 'fortune',
and there are quite a few spare real 59 spinners on the market and/or in private hands.
Posted 2009-09-03 11:21 PM (#187569 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I like the hubcaps, there is one on ebay , so trying to get Börje to get it for me , as I'm not an evil bayer.
I would do wire wheels before I did after market hubcaps,(the wire wheels were an option for the 59 Dodge) and most the aftermarket spinners that look like mine are 15 inchers, I have 14 inch wheels and 14" disc brakes up front.
Thanks for the inputs!
Posted 2009-09-04 5:47 PM (#187671 - in reply to #187668) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
What happens, on some thin-white wall tires, is that the manufacturer applies a 'raised' layer of blackwall over
a large area of whitewall, to produce the subject, exposed, thin-wall area.
A person (and at least one company, which did this for me, on H's prior set of tires) , can grind-off the raised black-wall
layer, exposing the WWW area.
The PROBLEM (one, anyway), with this protocol is that the underlying tire oils will leach out of the tire core and discolor
the newly exposed white areas.
The cola-looking discoloration can be periodically removed with scouring powder, but it is something that will continue to
occur/develop on the tires.
Posted 2009-09-04 5:51 PM (#187672 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Again, anyone interested in this protocol needs to look for a thin white wall that is covered by a raised black wall
section.
A lot of tires (like the late lamented Goodyear Arrivas) had their white areas be raised-up, above the level of the sidewall
of the tires (either by formulation, or removal/grinding-off of the 'extra' non-needed white area; you can't do anything to increase those type-tires' WWW effect.
AND, of course, if you are going to the time/expense to do this deal, you need to find the correct
size of the radial tire which is as close to that of our cars, as possible.
Posted 2009-09-05 12:42 AM (#187720 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 59 Location: N.W. FL
I used 36 grit discs on a 4 1/2" grinder then went over it with an orbital sander to smooth it out.
The results are OK but when you're on a budget like me, it'll have to do.
Posted 2009-09-05 4:59 AM (#187727 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Pieksamaki, Finland, Europe
Finished the rear brake drum restoration. Slightly sandblasted, then smoothed out the tread band inside and painted other areas black with heavy-duty brake paint.
Posted 2009-09-06 11:25 AM (#187824 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Installed a new radiator this week , with a new 170 degree tstat . Temp has been mild the past 2 weeks or so (unusual) but it has been in the 70s and80s , so I haven t been able to put it to a good test . Usually when I run it hard on the interstate , the temp goes up and stays up , so far after a hard run , it ll go up to 190 and back down to 170 pretty fast . Ordered it for a 69 Newport from advance auto parts and lo and behold it came in as an aluminum rad . Wasn t so happy when I opened my new box , but then figured WTF and painted it black . Pretty good deal I thought at 250.00 US dollars .
Posted 2009-09-07 3:50 AM (#187923 - in reply to #187672) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
d500neil - 2009-09-04 5:51 PM
AND, of course, if you are going to the time/expense to do this deal, you need to find the correct
size of the radial tire which is as close to that of our cars, as possible.
That would be a 60-series tire then right Neil?
I had a shot at tire-grinding once. I used a cheap and worn 'General' tire with raised white lettering.
After grinding I found the white beneath the black didn't match up right so the tire looked junk 'again'. Read CHEAP!
Posted 2009-09-08 2:52 PM (#188077 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Danny, I hope that those aren't expensive tires, because you've got some serious NEGATIVE camber wear going on with them
due to the car being slammed, like it is.
Posted 2009-09-08 4:48 PM (#188090 - in reply to #188077) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
Nearly $800/set and I've already been through a pair. They were bias-plys though. The new set are all radials and it drives a ton better and are wearing better. I have a friend custom-making some upper control arms when it cools off.
Posted 2009-09-08 5:46 PM (#188096 - in reply to #188095) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
$800 is also what a set of BFG radials cost from Coker.
It's just been hot in the area lately, and when a friend says he'll do a freebie, you're kinda on his timetable ya know? I'm not in a huge rush, I'm going to rebuild everything else while it's down.
Posted 2009-09-08 7:43 PM (#188116 - in reply to #188106) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Greg, I forget if the 59's have a removable fascia plate surrounding the gauges, but, if they do (similar to
the 57-58 Dodge), you could custom trim that fascia plate to act as a surround/face plate for your three
extra gauges, and still use your wooden piece as a housing for the gauges.
I've toyed with this idea for extra gauges (tach/trans oil temp--or pressure--/fuel pressure/vacuum) on my car, too,
and would use a spare '57 gauge fascia plate, that I've got, to make the installation look like OEM.
Posted 2009-09-08 8:13 PM (#188122 - in reply to #188075) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2612 Location: Parts Unknown
57burb - 2009-09-08 2:46 PM
Took the beater to a little show in downtown Dallas. Cruised around with my dad a little bit. I know it's too low and rusty, it's still fun.
As a rule, I say the higher the better, HOWEVER . . . That thing looks AWESOME !!! Once you get the front a little more in line I say drive it as is - SUPER KOOL ! ! !
Posted 2009-09-08 8:33 PM (#188127 - in reply to #188096) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
57burb - 2009-09-09 9:46 AM
$800 is also what a set of BFG radials cost from Coker.
....or about $120 each for THE correct Goodyear Custom Super Cushion tire, like your car was built for on the assembly line....made in USA.... from Kelsey Tires.
Glenn.
Posted 2009-09-08 9:08 PM (#188132 - in reply to #188127) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
FURY - 2009-09-08 7:33 PM
....or about $120 each for THE correct Goodyear Custom Super Cushion tire, like your car was built for on the assembly line....made in USA.... from Kelsey Tires.
Glenn.
Show me where, Glenn. I'd gladly buy them for that price.
I'm just using a round figure based on price/tax/shipping. But $120 is still a good deal cheaper than I paid and I do need another set for the Chrysler. Going to run bias plys on it, but not in the stock sizes. Thanks.
Posted 2009-09-08 10:23 PM (#188136 - in reply to #188116) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
d500neil - 2009-09-08 7:43 PM
Greg, I forget if the 59's have a removable fascia plate surrounding the gauges, but, if they do (similar to
the 57-58 Dodge), you could custom trim that fascia plate to act as a surround/face plate for your three
extra gauges, and still use your wooden piece as a housing for the gauges.
I've toyed with this idea for extra gauges (tach/trans oil temp--or pressure--/fuel pressure/vacuum) on my car, too,
and would use a spare '57 gauge fascia plate, that I've got, to make the installation look like OEM.
Good idea, that would look really nice, with a factory face plate, but lots of luck finding one lying around....
Posted 2009-09-08 10:31 PM (#188139 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
Well, I cleaned up the new set of tail lights that were given to me for free! One is broken, and one has a small crack in it. But they are in great condition, not faded at all. No major scratches either. I also made a deal to buy a '59 DeSoto sedan. I posted about it in the Parts section. (If anyone has any needs PM me with them...) Also discussed buying a '71 Imperial coupe. Has a 350hp 440 in it. Figure it might be fun in Virgil, my '57 wagon. So even though I didn't do anything technically with my FL car. I did get some things going for it's future...
Posted 2009-09-09 12:48 AM (#188151 - in reply to #188145) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Danny, here's the '57 tailgate I mentioned. It has some rust, but is not eaten through, other than a few bubbles along the lower seam. The rest is surface rust, which isn't deep at all. It does, however, have some dents in the same spot as yours.
This is how I received this tailgate, other than me removing the bumpers for where the tailgate touches the rear bumper. I needed those for my black wagon. The crank assembly was already broken and regulator is still inside. There were no interior panels, nor glass.
Posted 2009-09-09 12:52 AM (#188154 - in reply to #188151) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The tailgate is yours for the asking.
BTW, next time you are in Downtown Dallas, park one of your '57s along the McKinney Avenue streetcar line and take a photo of one of the vintage streetcars passing your ride.
Posted 2009-09-09 1:28 AM (#188157 - in reply to #188154) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Been having a helluva time trying to wrap up my footing forms for the shop. Have a testy neighbor on one side, so some double-extra certain adjustments were made to make sure that side of the building is exactly at the setback. On the opposite side, I have to keep a driveway operational - which is giving me fits - it has been narrowed to just over seven feet and is undermined further to fit the required footing forms. The amount of dirt produced from the trenches overwhelms the property and it is getting to be a mad dash to get this foundation poured and get all this dirt back in as backfill. From there it is all downhill, standing walls, etc. There will be space to park the cars and move about. As is, it is either a deep trench or a huge mountain of dirt ! Tonight I fabbed up another 80 feet of forms and got them in the hole. All the steel in on site. Just gotta get the last 80 feet or so of forms in and tied together, then drop steel, then adjust level and call the mud truck. Frustratingly slow progress. Snow is coming !
Posted 2009-09-09 10:32 AM (#188178 - in reply to #188149) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
5859 - 2009-09-08 11:35 PM
I can't see them very well, they kind of look like master cylinder pistons.
They're Chrysler Hemi spark plug tubes!
I was going to get a surfboard or two for the car, but my stepdad said "There's no surfing in Texas - you need some skis!" and gave me an old pair of wooden skis his dad had bought in the early 50s to put on the car. I put them in different places but liked the tips poking out of the back best. I was looking for something with rubber insulators to keep the boards from vibrating and found an old set of them. I cleaned them up, flattened the bases in a vise and mounted them to the tailgate. They work perfectly. Every so often someone will recognize them and I'll offer them a free Dr Pepper out of the cooler.
Posted 2009-09-09 10:34 AM (#188179 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
Kenny, thank you very much for the generous offer. I will get with a shipper to get it. I even have some paint that will match the rest of the car! Not sure if you noticed, but the wagon has a hood this year... no one yet has noticed that it was painted separate from the rest of the car.
Posted 2009-09-10 4:40 PM (#188349 - in reply to #188132) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
57burb - 2009-09-09 1:08 PM
FURY - 2009-09-08 7:33 PM
....or about $120 each for THE correct Goodyear Custom Super Cushion tire, like your car was built for on the assembly line....made in USA.... from Kelsey Tires.
Glenn.
Show me where, Glenn. I'd gladly buy them for that price.
I'm just using a round figure based on price/tax/shipping. But $120 is still a good deal cheaper than I paid and I do need another set for the Chrysler. Going to run bias plys on it, but not in the stock sizes. Thanks.
My mistake. My how time flies before you know it. I guess I should check on prices before quoting what I paid about 7 years ago now, and with the cost of oil going up so has everything that is made from oil. Prices on the correct Goodyear Custom Super Cushion is now $160 a piece, not $120, sorry about that. Still a lot of good tire for the money though.
Glenn.
Posted 2009-09-10 5:13 PM (#188350 - in reply to #188349) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Balanced my front tires today and went for a drive, looks like the steering gear box needs to be
replaced, tightening the bolt to take out play in the steering wheel just made the front end jumpy.
Posted 2009-09-10 5:40 PM (#188354 - in reply to #188350) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Greg, you should make a post, over on the 'Steering' message board, so that we-all can discuss your possibly
overhauling that P/S gearbox (supposedly not difficult to do) locally, or by yourself, versus your sending it out to a
commercial over-hauler (like Lares Corp or Steer & Gear) to get that repair work done by/at a dedicated facility.
Posted 2009-09-10 7:12 PM (#188369 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Finished the installation of the keyless entry/remote door & trunk opener-system in the '57 Chrysler tonight.
Seems to work allright now again, except for the pass.side door, which won't seem to unlock unless you press slightly on the outside when pushing the remote-button.
Posted 2009-09-11 6:53 PM (#188526 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I rechecked the door today but it's not out of adjustment any worse then the driversside. I think I'll have to weld a strip of iron to the inside door-opener mechanism to increase the leverage somewhat the solenoid makes.
Also found out why the headlights didn't work on the car. Turned out the ridiculous location of the plug/wiring at the outside of the car of the high-beam switch was the culprit. The plug barely held itself to the switch, so I bent the switch-contacts slightly and sprayed some contact-cleaner on everything reconnected the wiringplug again. Feels more secure now as in 'gravity won't pull it loose anymore'.
Only thing left to do is putting back the front benchseat again in the car and bleed the brakes, and make a few testruns down the street. If succesfull I can make an appointment at the local DMV overhere, so the car can be licensed and driven.
Posted 2009-09-11 8:20 PM (#188538 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The older the car, the easier the DMV-check gets. It's mainly a safety check for properly working brakingsystem, worn balljoints, brakehoses and general technical state of the car.
The only thing we have usually have to do is to replace the Sealed beam headlights with units that have a better light-image across the road. Also it's customary to 'temporary' stick some red reflectors on the bumper somewhere just to please the guy at the DMV. Although not really mandory I believe but they sometimes find the original taillights don't provide enough lighting at night so they need to reflect light coming from traffic behind you better.
Cars made before 1960 have recently been excluded from yearly DMV-checks, so the first DMV-test is the only one the car will ever get overhere now.
Posted 2009-09-12 12:26 AM (#188557 - in reply to #188538) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Built the last part of the forms last night and began setting steel after work today. Picked up a pile of "dobies" on my way home to raise the steel off the ground. Got about 1/3 of it in before it was too dark to work. Nice to finally pick up the pace. Should be ready to call for mud first thing next week.
Posted 2009-09-22 4:02 PM (#189769 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Well, I didn't do so much with the car lately, mostly little things for to improve the overall function. I'm in the middle of to clean out, move equipment and repaint the garage for better space so that I can work on the car this winter. During long and dull hotel evenings, I work on my translate project of the '60 Chrysler Shop Manual to Swedish.
Posted 2009-09-22 4:35 PM (#189771 - in reply to #189769) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
I got 2 NOS headlight bezels off of ebay and put them on..... also bought a box of shamwow's.... lol.... it rained
at sundays show just a little bit and I had 2 small shamwows which worked great but needed the bigger ones
Posted 2009-09-26 5:33 PM (#190299 - in reply to #189771) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Due to rain the shows were canceled today but there are some tomorrow, that gave me the chance to do some long needed maintenance work...
I totally rebuilt the driver side rear brakes.... rebuilt the wheel cylinder and honed it, had the drum turned, new springs all around, the shoes were new from last year, one of the adjusting cams was frozen and of course in the back position so my shoe was 1/2" or more from the drum.... I got it loosened up with Liquid Wrench (Someone stole my PB Blast) Threw it all back together and bled.... now I can really feel the front brakes more than the back....
Posted 2009-09-26 6:24 PM (#190309 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
It is amazing how much derision our car's drum brake systems get, when all that they may really need is a little repair
and adjustment.
I have been touting Firm Feel company's carbon-metallic brake linings for the Lockheed Centerplane brakes, but, because
those linings are bonded onto the brake shoes, the assemblies need to be sent to Firm Feel, for that work.
The fading which our car's brakes exhibited was due as much, or more, to their composition, as to the fact that they had
to live within close-fitting 14" wheels.
Posted 2009-09-26 6:40 PM (#190314 - in reply to #190309) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
d500neil - 2009-09-26 6:24 PM
It is amazing how much derision our car's drum brake systems get, when all that they may really need is a little repair
and adjustment.
I have been touting Firm Feel company's carbon-metallic brake linings for the Lockheed Centerplane brakes, but, because
those linings are bonded onto the brake shoes, the assemblies need to be sent to Firm Feel, for that work.
The fading which our car's brakes exhibited was due as much, or more, to their composition, as to the fact that they had
to live within close-fitting 14" wheels.
I like drum brakes, when they work. Had a 51 Buick and they worked like a charm... but the platform 3 total contact design is the worst, causing all kinds of pulling problems, thats why everyone is changing the fronts out to discs.... the
back work fine, one wheel cylinder per drum works fine, not 2....
Posted 2009-09-26 7:41 PM (#190321 - in reply to #190314) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
The 12 x 2 1/2" Chrysler drum brakes on my 58 Plymouth, along with the power assist, stop the car just fine. The 11 x 2" non-power brakes that originally came on the Plymouth did not stop the car well. They were undersized. If I didn't have the larger brakes available to me, I may have gone with the discs, just for safety's sake. I have no problem with the dual wheel cylinders up front, BTW.
Posted 2009-09-26 7:47 PM (#190322 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Ron, please go get a spare set of the big dog brake shoes and send them to Firm Feel--worst/best case scenario is that
you can do a side-by-side evaluation of them, upon their arrival.
If you like (love) the carbon-metallics' effect, you can sell your OEM shoes to someone, for them to do the same upgrades,
which each subsequent person paying-it-forwards to the next person, in line.
This protocol allows each person NOT to have his car be immobilized, while he waits for the carbon-metallics to be returned from
F-F. ,and, if a person has a problem with one set of shoes, he has a fall-back set to use.
Posted 2009-09-27 1:17 AM (#190349 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
I don't quite understand why so many people have a problem with stock brakes.. My 56 Chrysler had set for thirty years and everything was unusable. I had a local shop. re-line the shoes, turn the drums, and arch the shoes to the drum. Cost- barely over $100. I installed all new wheel brake cylinders and installed all new brake lines. And a rebuilt master cyl. silicone brake fluid. The only problem I have had is with Borg Warner stop light swtches , I think I have cured that with a NOS switch . Stock power brake cannister that I haven't done anything too, and I don't have any problem stopping-couldn't expect it to stop any better..............................MO
Posted 2009-09-27 6:37 AM (#190371 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I went to play outside with the '60 NewYorker yesterday.
Believe me when I say although the stock drums work pretty good on this car, they are no-match for the 500cubic inches eagerly motivating the car to go forward...
I dunno what it is with todays tires either but whenever I have the NY out they seem to want to squeel everytime the lights turn green...
Posted 2009-09-28 12:10 PM (#190465 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Installed airshocks on the rear of my 59 Ply this weekend . In need of new springs , but this is a cheap temporary solution . Kanter wanted something stupid , like 179.00 for a set , got them from rockauto for 59.00 and that was for Monroe s . Rockauto is great , got them in 2 days . With my new tires I bought a few months back , didn t want them to get cut up on the sidewalls .
Got to drive the car this weekend with the new radiator . Speedometer still not working , but cruising at 3k rpm is about 75 mph and is running at 170deg . Pushed it hard a few times , 4500 rpms, about oh , over 100+ , for a little ways , went to 190 deg and dropped back to 170 when I backed off . Very happy with the new rad and airshox .
Got a replacement fan pully from Big M today. Bead-blasted it, hung it up and painted it. Now I can get my A/C compressor and 1 wire alternator and start fabricating the mounting brackets on the 270 Hemi in the '55. May even get the engine to start and run sometime this year.
Posted 2009-09-28 4:18 PM (#190505 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
45k rpms, about oh , over 100+, hmmmmm 45 K, I thought those were shooting stars, I saw last night, but I guess it is your pistons, "Coming outta Orbit"!!!!!!
Posted 2009-10-03 9:57 AM (#191043 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Mounted my "new" passenger rearview mirror! I bought it this week and it was a lot better than the one I had - the chrome is in fair condition, considering that this part is 50 years old now.
Posted 2009-10-03 3:06 PM (#191070 - in reply to #191058) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
For my 58 Plymouth, sandblasted and did some minor welding on an original rectangular 55-8 battery holddown (1612968). Next step is Bill Hirsh Miracle Paint (I like this stuff better than POR-15), topcoating with semi-gloss black and install.
In 59, they went with the central angled rod variety, with is available as a repro. The 55-8 is hard to find, as they were made from thin 20 gauge metal and rusted out easily.
Posted 2009-10-03 3:11 PM (#191071 - in reply to #191058) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
How I wish I were polishing chrome or buffing paint. Instead I am wailing on form rails and preparing to line and brace for pour No.2
This will get about 2/3 of the walls, with a third pour required to finish the job. Then I get to put some pipe in order and pour the floors. I will probably stand walls before I do the floors to make the baest use of what remaining weather I have before the snows come. I can always do the floors after the building is sealed up.
Posted 2009-10-03 8:06 PM (#191104 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 566 Location: Wichita, Kansas
Got the 61 Polara coupe out and drove it for the first time in 3 years. On that drive, the car finally turned 7,000 miles (original miles). I hated to see it turn 7,000, but the car needs driven, it does it no favors to just sit. Still runs like new, too, smooth as silk, though the original tires are a tad lumpy.
Posted 2009-10-18 2:50 AM (#192920 - in reply to #192177) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Did little things ... Not much time to do else.
Assembled the trunk hinges then the trunk, and put the PLYMOUTH letters and the lock on it.
Took off the 2-bbl intake on my engine to see how the valley was doing ...
That made my day ...
Posted 2009-10-18 2:36 PM (#193008 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Wow! it see very very good with new recromed garnishes upp at the door panel and nice mirrow.
I know Sport Fury 59 have orginal cromed garnishes, ho ather FL have it cromed garnishes orginal?
Posted 2009-10-18 2:47 PM (#193010 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I really don't know Jocke, the Saratoga comes with the door garnishes in paint (standard?) and in chrome (optional? Canadian?). The '59 Sport Fury was one for sure and I bought my cores from a '60 De Soto which John has in his yard, so that could be another one with chrome as standard.
Posted 2009-10-18 3:02 PM (#193015 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We went to the Fall Fling in Van Nuys Calif, was hot there, but so were the cars!! here are a few.
I took my 59 Dodge Vert and Aivar took his 60 Polara Vert.
Posted 2009-10-19 1:51 AM (#193073 - in reply to #193010) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
So much work and so little to show for it. After what seems like 100's and 100's of hours over the past two months, the footing trenches were cut, aligned, formed, steel set and tied, and concrete poured. Then the forms were stripped, wall steel was tied, and the monstrous job of forming walls began. Last Thursday I poured the forward 2/3's of the walls and this weekend I stripped and cleaned the forms and began backfilling the new foundation. When all this is done, I will have 2100 sq. feet of shop space to work on my FL cars all winter long so I can enjoy driving them all summer long.
Posted 2009-10-19 1:25 PM (#193103 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I finally got the garage clean-up finished and parked the Chrysler for the winter. The garage is kind of too small, but after the moving of the lathe and the drill machine it's not too bad.
Posted 2009-10-19 10:09 PM (#193167 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I finally got started on the Dodge tonight. I pulled the plugs (no surprises!) and sprayed some oil in each cylinder. I drained the oil and installed a new filter. Tomorrow I'm on the hunt for new plugs. Any recommendations? The champions looked to have been there a very long time!
Posted 2009-10-20 12:05 AM (#193194 - in reply to #193073) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Doctor DeSoto - 2009-10-19 12:51 AM
So much work and so little to show for it. After what seems like 100's and 100's of hours over the past two months, the footing trenches were cut, aligned, formed, steel set and tied, and concrete poured. Then the forms were stripped, wall steel was tied, and the monstrous job of forming walls began. Last Thursday I poured the forward 2/3's of the walls and this weekend I stripped and cleaned the forms and began backfilling the new foundation. When all this is done, I will have 2100 sq. feet of shop space to work on my FL cars all winter long so I can enjoy driving them all summer long.
Doc- you probably don't need me to tell you this--but are you tamping-packing down the dirt as you back fill the walls? Around here you have to do that, or the dirt will settle and leave a gap under your new poured floor. Good luck on your labor intensive project! .......MO
Posted 2009-10-20 12:16 AM (#193197 - in reply to #193195) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Thanks for your concern, Steve. I will be doing something that sounds totally foolhardy, but in six weeks, I may be walking away from my job, whether or not I can find work elsewhere before I quit.
The economy sucks, unemployment here is around 15%, but enough is enough.
Posted 2009-10-20 2:07 AM (#193207 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
OK -could be much worse. Never know, might be a blessing . My son is in a similar rut. Would like a job he enjoys more, but been there so long he doesn't want to leave the pay scale. I think you would be a good security man at one of the casinos----or maybe a brothel? ..............................MO
Posted 2009-10-20 2:09 AM (#193208 - in reply to #193194) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2009-10-20 9:05 PM
Doc- you probably don't need me to tell you this--but are you tamping-packing down the dirt as you back fill the walls? Around here you have to do that, or the dirt will settle and leave a gap under your new poured floor. Good luck on your labor intensive project! .......MO
*******************************
Yeah, .... in keeping with my overzealous foolhardiness, I am backfilling in about 6" increments and then flooding. I then repeat the process over and over. There have been areas where I have had to go back in and dig - like digging out the gas line tonight - and the backfill in there was like chipping at primordial sediment deposits after only a couple months ! Even I was impressed with how solid that mud had settled out.
I live on a rather long, narrow lot. Space is a real problem and a lot of extra hassle has been had over trying to balance all this junk, materials, dirt piles, etc on the "head of a pin". As such, a lot of moving things back and forth has been necessary .... a lot of distraction from the actual job, just to move forward. As an example: The gas line was removed from the house because it was run right where my footings went. To get a new meter set along the new structure, I needed foundation walls. To pour concrete, the truck had to back over the area where the new gas line was trenched for. In this case, a conduit sleeve was set in the trench and the area filled for the truck to get further in to the site. The gas company has agreed to come set the meter and new line to it, but only if I have a truckload of sand on site for them to bed the line with, AND I had to dig the capped line back up for them to tie in. That is what I did tonight.
Now, the concrete truck could only reach about 2/3 of the way in to the form area, and after getting beaten over the head by the pumping outfit that did the footings, I was not about to drop another grand on them, so I opted to do the job in two pours, also saving about $1500 in additional form material costs by reusing the forms. So, with 1/3 of the back area yet to form and pour, I can only run my gas line back so far and then curl it up until the fianl pour is done. THEN I can set the line and do a final backfill. In the meantime, since backfilling on green concrete has to be done evenly to all sides, I can only fully backfill in certain areas until the gas crews (and other things) get caught up !
All I really want to do is weld on the DeSoto. Is that so much to ask ??!
It is really a sweet sensation to work in a nicely outfitted shop. It makes the job so much more pleasant. When it is all done, I will be glad I busted my nuts jumping through all these hoops.
BTW ~ That blue rear clip ... will provide all the little compound curves to finish my car. That is the one Big M Fowlie picked up where the guy set another car on top of it. Guilt-free chopping.
Posted 2009-10-20 2:14 AM (#193209 - in reply to #193207) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2009-10-19 11:07 PM
I think you would be a good security man at one of the casinos----or maybe a brothel? ..............................MO
Not a rut at all..............it's being tossed from the cupboard into a roaring fire.
I HATE security. I am a fire equipment technician by trade. Casinos nepotism and croyism is also a major issue. Arizona is looking very, very, verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry good these days.
We can chat about it elsewhere, but let's leave this thread focused on what we do with and to our cars.
Posted 2009-10-20 2:17 AM (#193210 - in reply to #193208) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Doc, just don't wet down the fill as you compact it.............a local E.P.A. representative may drive past your place, see the wet soil, declare your construction zone a "wet land" and forbid you from finishing the shop!
Posted 2009-10-20 10:20 AM (#193236 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Took the '60 out for a nice drive yesterday and the day before... Probably gonna get the '56 out for a while today.
Weather here is NICE right now... Sunny and highs near 70 during the day. Clear and cold at night with lows in the 30s.
Winter is coming fast... Gotta get 'em out and enjoy them during these last days of Cruisin' Season.
Posted 2009-10-20 10:55 AM (#193242 - in reply to #193210) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Kenny J. - 2009-10-20 11:17 PM
Doc, just don't wet down the fill as you compact it.............a local E.P.A. representative may drive past your place, see the wet soil, declare your construction zone a "wet land" and forbid you from finishing the shop!
K.
*****************************
Ain't THAT the truth !
Nosey Neighbor has been quiet these past few weeks, but ....
.... so far, and as far as I have direct knowledge of, she has called and I have been "contacted" by the following agencies this many times:
City electrical = 2
City engineering = 3
City parking = 14
Power Co. = 2
Air Pollution Control = 3
I guess she just hasn't thought about the EPA yet.
Good thing I do the kind of work I do. I just keep giving her rope. She will put it to use sooner or later.
Posted 2009-10-20 3:02 PM (#193276 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Kenny, as you should already know, AZ is a 'Right-to-Work' state, which, IIRC, means that there is little job security,
relatively speaking, with low wages, as you can easily be able to replace another worker by agreeing to accept a lower
salary than him, and that you can similarly be replaced by some other guy who wants to take your job.
Maybe Jay Eldridge, or some other AZ resident, can chime in here on the overall job security and prospects, for the great state
of AZ...
Posted 2009-10-20 4:57 PM (#193300 - in reply to #193298) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Bottom line is family. My wife becoming a widow and our daughter becoming father-less due to me being killed at work is more of threat than lack of job security.
Kenny, as you should already know, AZ is a 'Right-to-Work' state, which, IIRC, means that there is little job security,
relatively speaking, with low wages, as you can easily be able to replace another worker by agreeing to accept a lower
salary than him, and that you can similarly be replaced by some other guy who wants to take your job.
Maybe Jay Eldridge, or some other AZ resident, can chime in here on the overall job security and prospects, for the great state
of AZ...
Posted 2009-10-20 8:29 PM (#193338 - in reply to #193302) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Mark's right, it sucks, but we'd still like to have you Kenny. Jobs are bad here, but I'm not sure it isn't like anywhere else unless your trade has anything to do with real estate. Real estate...forget it, we have members of our Hudson club who worked as civil engineers for years and now they are laid off and the wife is working part time at Walgreens, the husband hasn't found work yet. You should come out and take a look Kenny, we can put you up if you need a place to crash and my wife is an excellent cook and the brains of the family! lolJay
Posted 2009-10-20 11:12 PM (#193350 - in reply to #193338) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Hey Dr. D -
I realize it's a little late, but if your goal is just to have a place to work, why don't you look into renting some space in an industrial part of town ? That's what I did when I first started working on my Dodge. I had 24/7 access and lots of high amp electricity to do all the welding that I wanted. With the economy in the dumps, you could probably get something for cheap.
Posted 2009-10-21 2:35 AM (#193359 - in reply to #193350) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
ronbo97 - 2009-10-21 8:12 PM
Hey Dr. D -
I realize it's a little late, but if your goal is just to have a place to work, why don't you look into renting some space in an industrial part of town ? That's what I did when I first started working on my Dodge. I had 24/7 access and lots of high amp electricity to do all the welding that I wanted. With the economy in the dumps, you could probably get something for cheap.
Ron
*******************************
Oh great, ... NOW you speak up !!!!
What I want is a place where I can hole up in the winter evenings and putter about with the cars or whatever. Having a place just steps away from the house makes all the difference in the world as far as my motivation, not to mention the ease and convenience of being able to fix most anything right here on site. Unfortunately for my spacial needs, my interests in hoarding bulky "things" goes far beyond old cars and parts. The shop is 30x75 on the ground floor, with 30x40 on the second floor for storage, work studio, whatever. For the first time in many years, all my "junk" will be in one location and hopefully organized enough to be able to lay hands on a desired object without a week of searching. At my age, I am planning to die here. I want to hunker in to a cool, functional place that reflects my interests and is design/built for minimum trouble in keeping up.
Posted 2009-10-21 9:06 AM (#193366 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 320 Location: lakeview, ny 14085
took a nice 75mile jaunt in the 61 seneca over to the paint store to get the camera on the paint, came up as an 81 alfa romeo color, got a sample then up to the shop to squirt some on the wheels to see if it matches and then little about town cruisin and back to the barn. not bad for western new york in october 60 degrees. everybody gonna get some excersize this week.(cept for the owner)
Posted 2009-10-27 4:30 AM (#194039 - in reply to #193366) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Installed new battery cables on the '57 Chrysler. Now I need to replace the cable which runs down to the starter. I also posted a video on Facebook showing how I tested an overdrive transmission solenoid for my '59 Plymouth. It works!
Posted 2009-10-27 5:50 AM (#194042 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Bled the brakes on my '62 NY wagon yesterday after I had installed new rotors from a '73 Chrysler, a used dual mastercylinder from a Voyager, and brand new prop.valve.
Pedal-pressure with the motor off feels good.
Can't wait to take it out for a spin and feel how the discbrakes work!
Recieved a workable two belt crank pulley for my '55. Blasted it, painted it, pulled the 0ne belt pulley off the crankshaft, installed the two-belter only to finally conclude that it needed modification. Spent Saturday at the lathe makeing a 0.25" spacer out of an abandoned harmonic balancer off an LA318. Now the pulley's line up. Also cut out the new door panels out of panel board, sealed 'em with acrylic enamel to hopefully avoid future water distortion after the upholstrey goes on and they are installed. Planned on finishing the door panels this coming weekend, but learned that I have to go to the lakehouse to celebrate son's 50th birthday. Why do events like that and the youngest son's wedding last Saturday crop up to get in the way of working on a car?
Posted 2009-10-27 11:26 AM (#194071 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Walt, that's why the factory always put clear plastic on the doors behind the panels... to prevent water splash against the panels from when it's rains and water enters the doors.
Yeah, I know that Herman, and that's on the program also. But I can't get that done until I get the glas man to undo his mistake. He put the left door glass in the right window frame and vice-versa. I've got to pull the door windowws back out and have them reversed, ie put the glass back into the correct frames so the windows will operate properly, before I apply the clear plastic and mount the door panels.
You know how it is, You take one step forward and then two backwards............................
Posted 2009-10-27 3:44 PM (#194099 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Cursed a lot and got my hands and arms scratched by the sharp edges and cable connectors under the dash, trying to loosen the bolts that holds the AstraDome in place. Not a pleasant work, but interesting.
Posted 2009-10-27 6:09 PM (#194139 - in reply to #194135) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Took my ride out to a local car show Sunday, the rear 10lb residual valve I installed 4 weeks ago is working great.
My 59 now has the highest pedal out of all 5 cars I own, pedal goes down 1/2 to 3/4 inch and your braking.
Very happy with the brakes finally.
Posted 2009-10-27 8:55 PM (#194182 - in reply to #194139) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I broke a few speed and lane changing laws getting to the engine rebuilder's place before 5:00 PM to pick up the cam so I can send it to Gary Pavlovich for a regrind. When I got there he didn't even have it out! So, my son and I just waited while he told one of the guys to get it out for me. Funny he was talking with a potential customer and probably wanted to show how they bend over backwards for their customers. What a load!
Anyway, Gary, it will be on its way tomorrow or the next day.
Posted 2009-10-28 2:05 AM (#194206 - in reply to #194182) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Got the new gas meter set, the line run from the meter to the building laid, tested, and passed inspection. Reset all forms for the final foundation pour (tomorrow), then it is strip and stack, backfill, and start standing walls !!! The DeSoto shrine is almost here !
Posted 2009-11-02 12:00 AM (#194854 - in reply to #194423) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Final foundation pour last Wednesday. Spent the next few evenings stripping and stacking forms and backfilling. Rounded up materials for the walls, and today I began standing walls !!!!
Posted 2009-11-03 2:09 AM (#195000 - in reply to #194881) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Going like hell ! Got another 25 feet of wall in tonight. My digger dude gave up, so I'll be renting a Bobcat to finish the grading ... another distraction from getting the lumber up.
Posted 2009-11-03 4:28 PM (#195063 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
I have just Done a Oil Change on the Dodge, Fitted New Spark Plugs , Fitted New Rear Shocks with Coil Over Springs ( had them in the garage for 2 years , so thought i may as well use them ) .. And also Cured the problem of my front Right Brake locking solid after you come to a complete stop... Enjoyed Driving it for the Day.. But may have to Get her up in the Air and Covered in the Garage for Winter.. The Weather here is Horrible...
Posted 2009-11-03 5:25 PM (#195078 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The last few days I helped friend add 2 leafs per side in the leafspring-packages on his '68 NewYorker.
He in turn helped out bleeding the discbrake-system once more on my '62 NY-wagon to get the last of the air out. Took the wagon out for a drive and the brake-conversion feels good and secure.
We also straightened out the radiator-frame on the damaged front of my '57 Plymouth.
Today I dusted off the '57 Chrysler and checked the oil for it's early morning appointment at the Dutch DMV tomorrow.
Posted 2009-11-04 11:26 PM (#195273 - in reply to #195092) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
I installed Muttley's new regulator tonight, but ran out of time to install and polarize the generator. Will run a '59 Plymouth generator for now, until I acquire a correct '57 generator.
The wiring harness is revealing the typical "desert issues." If disturbed, the brittle insulation flakes away. The more I look at the harness, the more deplorable its condition appears to be.
The '57 Chrysler's automatic transmission starting circuitry is more complicated than the '59 Plymouth manual transmission circuit I am used to. The relay and wiring is totally different and more wiring is involved. I shudder at the cost of replacing the entire dash/engine bay harness and may as well replace the harness to the dome, tail and reverse lights, since some moron found it necessary to cut the leads to the tail lights inside the trunk and replace the ends with unidentifiable appliance wiring.
I know I can make absolutely necessary repairs to make things safe enough to drive around as I shake down the car before getting it road ready, but I absolutely will not trust this harness on any road trips nor would I want to use this vehicle as an occasional "commuter car" with deteriorating wiring.
The up side is how easy it will be to detail things under the hood with the harness out of the way when I can afford to send it off for reproduction.
Posted 2009-11-05 1:08 AM (#195278 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Kenny, how bad is your underdash wireing? Mine was good , but the engine bay wireing was toast. With simplicity and underhood detail being more important than correctness, we cut all the wires as they entered from the dash and installed terminal strips on the firewall. We then re-wired the engine bay and really cleaned things uo. Also easy to test circuits at the terminal board now..............................MO
Posted 2009-11-05 7:22 AM (#195293 - in reply to #195278) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
The idea sounds tempting, Steve.
I'll check under the dash and see. The fact that several sections of the engine harness have been replaced at some point tells me that there were issues. A couple of repairs were well done, with solder and shrink wrap, but some were half-ass repairs with those blue crimped on fittings.
Posted 2009-11-05 8:21 PM (#195465 - in reply to #195304) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
I installed the newly rebuilt anti-stall dash pot on the F.
It came back with the "goldish" color plating instead of the correct silver cad color but I'm more interested in the proper operation than I am concours color.
Now she idles with out stalling, warmed up, foot on brake, car in gear and the A/C on!! Whoopee!!!
Posted 2009-11-05 9:58 PM (#195477 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I had a friend of mine who is a glass guy come out tonight to replace the broken windshield on my 59 Dodge. Well, the spare windshield the seller gave me is the wrong one! I think he accidentally gave me his spare for his 62 300! The bad news is he has left for Florida for the winter!
Posted 2009-11-05 10:06 PM (#195479 - in reply to #195477) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
toddst - 2009-11-05 9:58 PM
I had a friend of mine who is a glass guy come out tonight to replace the broken windshield on my 59 Dodge. Well, the spare windshield the seller gave me is the wrong one! I think he accidentally gave me his spare for his 62 300! The bad news is he has left for Florida for the winter!
:madman:
That's bad..
If you're looking for another source for the right windshield, I know where you could get one in good shape for 100$ CDN, providing you pick it up yourself up here near Montreal. It is on a 1959 Desoto 2dr hdtp in a local junk yard.
Posted 2009-11-06 4:41 AM (#195502 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I 'kicked' the wimpy 2-bbl intake of my 354 poly motor in the '57 Chrysler.
A 4-bbl or perhaps preferrably a dual 4-bbl intake will find it's place on the motor again.
Posted 2009-11-07 6:20 AM (#195644 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Converting to 3x2-bbls is a bit too much hassle for me. but would look cool on these old motors.
I prefer 2x4-bbls more myself as they are a bit cheaper to buy/built and look more 'serious' IMO.
I've got a dual quad intake on the shelf for my 392 Hemi motor project. I'm thinking of using it on the poly-motor here and buy a new one for the Hemi again. I just wish these Weiand dualquad intakes weren't so d@mn expensive and way overpriced for the quality you get.
Posted 2009-11-08 2:05 PM (#195814 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I finally got myself together and started to try to kick back some life in one of my radios! Basically it was full of gunk and dirt and most of the connections had verdigris on them. A good clean-up with electronic cleaner, some Tops and a small paintbrush resulted in a fairly clean inside. Some soldering points where looking suspicious, so I re-solder them. I connected the radio to a speaker and hooked up my power source and a spare oscillator - voila! - the radio was sounding strong and healthy! Now my biggest problem is that here in Sweden, the only thing broadcast on the AM band is Russian and other east countries s**t with a real bad reception, even though I coiled up a full roll of wire as an antenna. Does anybody know if someone sells the printed circuit boards for FM conversion?
Posted 2009-11-08 11:07 PM (#195867 - in reply to #195814) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Since my life now revolves around getting the shop built for my cars, it is a daily process of little steps.
Finish graded all the sub-ground outside the foundation during the evenings after work over the last week. Rented a big Bobcat and had 13 yard of 5/8-minus crushed delivered on Friday. Finish graded the interior of the shop and then spread gravel. Saturday was OK weather, but today it rained ALL day ! It was cold and miserable.
Tomorrow - continue framing the exterior walls - about 1/3 to go - and then sheet and prepare to roll the roof. Getting close !
Posted 2009-11-09 12:57 AM (#195878 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
We are enjoying "Indian Summer" this week. temps in the low 70's. This won't last much longer till Winter sets on. We got our 56 Chrysler out of the garage where it has been sitting for a few weeks. Then we took a leisurly ride into the paved backroads of Missouri. It's fun to take a road we never been on before and just see where it goes. We came accross several colonys of electric generator windmills . Watching them is as cool as watching a kite fly. Then we traveled through some Amish communities. Topped off the day at the best pizza joint around , where we met up with some friends---Yup, these kind of days are numbered for the rest of this year..........................MO
Posted 2009-11-09 1:17 AM (#195881 - in reply to #195878) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Man, .... what you describe there is THE reason to own an old car ! What could be better than THAT ? Forget those stupid car shows, .... just go explore some backroads and find some good eats ! Now, THAT is living !
Amen, Doc. Why waste a good day sitting on your bum ata car show? What have you got when it's over? An $8.00 trophy, maybe, and a day sitting on your bum.................... I'm looking for the day when I can...............
Posted 2009-11-09 12:15 PM (#195960 - in reply to #195954) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Same here!! Got the F out and rinsed her off. Spread the car cover over the clothesline and beat the dust out of it. Cleaned and swept out the garage.
Then we loaded the Grandaughters up and went for a cruise and watched the combines roll. Corn and bean harvest is way behind cuz of the rain last month.
Swung by Dairy Queen on the way home for treats than it was back under the covers for the next 5 months probably!!
Posted 2009-11-09 12:17 PM (#195962 - in reply to #195954) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
Sunday I met a friend from California at a local car show, then went to the Fort Worth Stockyards to cruise around a bit and see the tourist-y sights. Then went to a hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint for some real Texas barbecue served up by bikini girls and washed it down with a few suds. And of course this has to do with Forward Look because we were in my beater wagon.
Sunday pulled the Chrysler out of the garage and reorganized my workspace. About to get serious with that one-
Posted 2009-11-09 8:11 PM (#196047 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Installed a Weiand dual quad intake on the poly in my '57.
Swapped the front wheels for something with more chrome on them.
Also found that I need 2 floorjacks to jack up my '57.
First I put a smaller jack under the front subframe to bring up the nose of the car somewhat so the larger jack can fit under the chassis. Otherwise it's too low
Posted 2009-11-10 12:14 PM (#196113 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
That 'wood' be a bit hard to do if the motor is still missing 2 carbs on top
I used to drive around with a length of 2x4 in my '62 NY wagon. It was my parkingbrake! :D
A 4X4 block cut at a 45 degree angle works wonders on almost any slope and doesn't kill too much trunk space. I did see a blond put a block in front of her front tire once. The car was facing UP HILL. When asked why not BEHIND the fron wheel, she said she did not want the car to roll uphill into the car she parked behind? Go Figure????????????????
Posted 2009-11-10 6:40 PM (#196165 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Changed the dr.side back wheel aswell tonight, also using 2 jacks and disconnecting the shock first to get the wheel to drop enough so the tire clears the fender. The things you do just for looks.
A fresh look for the car...
Posted 2009-11-10 11:50 PM (#196213 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Alberta Canada
I went through the process of inflating tires to get them ready to move-I know that's a worse case scenario storage scene you see them in now but they did okay out there for a year-fairly dry and good drainage but I promise you they are going to a better spot by the weekend.
No grass and covered.
Posted 2009-11-11 1:13 PM (#196262 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I picked up a large portion of the '59 DeSoto's missing parts from the previous owner's barn, although the engine and trans he gave me is a '57 4-barrel poly with an air-cooled Torueflite. Not too concerned, however. I still have the seats and door panels to get, they are at an upholstery shop in Chico.
Posted 2009-11-11 4:14 PM (#196293 - in reply to #196262) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
big m - 2009-11-11 6:13 PM
I picked up a large portion of the '59 DeSoto's missing parts from the previous owner's barn, although the engine and trans he gave me is a '57 4-barrel poly with an air-cooled Torueflite. Not too concerned, however. I still have the seats and door panels to get, they are at an upholstery shop in Chico.
---John
What No HEMI...
Disgusting,, You had better just Sell the Whole Project to Me then.... LMAO
Posted 2009-11-13 4:20 PM (#196614 - in reply to #196612) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
No Neil, the motor is stuck (but there's some penetrating oil on it) The radio has a leaking capacitor, but everything else seems ok. Right now it's only for the looks, but later on I'll try to rebuild it for FM, if possible with the electric motor for the search function.
Posted 2009-11-13 4:32 PM (#196616 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Sven, you can always buy a vintage (Motorola, or some-such-) FM converter and wire/plug it into the radio, to get AM/FM
reception, and the vintage converter will look cool, sitting there under the dash.
The FM converter will also allow you to receive satellite radio signals, and to play 'them' thru the car's speaker system,
while impressing your friends and riders with the radio's signal-seeking operation.
Posted 2009-11-13 5:03 PM (#196627 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
No Sid, unfortunately they don't - they where never made to light up. If you saw the thread about Denis work on his radio, he made them light up and that looks great.
Posted 2009-11-13 5:14 PM (#196631 - in reply to #196627) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
the buttons in my ex 61 desoto are transparent plastic and i think they were meant to light up but the tiny 6w bulb in the radio just isn't strong enough so i put a couple of big green leds behind the buttons. looks great now, like a jukebox!
Posted 2009-11-13 10:23 PM (#196670 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Yes, LED work just fine and they are easy to install. Sven a piece of advice for you radio motor: be really careful when you take it apart. I killed mine in the attempt.
Posted 2009-11-14 7:47 PM (#196787 - in reply to #196693) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Spent some of yesterday and the entire say today on McGyvering a dual quad throttle linkage for the '57's poly motor.
Halfway through the day I found I had made an error in the 'design', so I had to go a few steps back to re-do most of the work.
Anyway the linkage is fully functional now operating the two Carter AFB carbs on the motor.
After reconnecting everything again tomorrow I'll take it out for a testdrive.
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2009-11-14 7:11 AM
Hey DOC...
Update your " The Shop " Thread with some more PICs ,, I enjoy see'ing the Progress....
Yes I agree, I also like seeing updates on your struggl... eh 'progress'... ;)
Posted 2009-11-14 7:52 PM (#196792 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Sven/ Wizard, do you mean to say that you bought the swivel seats for your Saratoga, with the freshly re-upholstered bench seat? If so can you re-use the new upholstery for the swivel seats ? I would think there is probably enough. The arm rest section is not covered with cloth but all vinyl.
Posted 2009-11-14 7:58 PM (#196793 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Neil, How do you get satellite radio from an FM converter ? Also, since the AM radio has to be tuned to a certain frequency, the search tune feature is redundant when you have one of these wired in. I Had one of these under the dash in the 300 for a while but found the reception to be quite poor. I now have a modern AM-FM/ CD player under the dash, left side of the steering column on the Saratoga ( where the factory floor A/C vent would be mounted ) and play it through the front and rear speakers. It sounds great, has good reception, and I am thinking about making a fake "A/C vent cover" to swivel over the front of the unit.
Posted 2009-11-15 3:31 AM (#196816 - in reply to #196792) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Yes Ian, might sound stupid, but the swivel seats has been kind of a dream for me. In fact, it has been so planned that I even ordered more fabric and vinyl then I needed for to re-upholster the car. Now I have the seats and the material, so the original bench seat will be nicely packed and kept "just in case".
Posted 2009-11-16 7:37 PM (#197034 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
One step closer to completion;
I hoped I was able to take the car for a spin last sunday but this McGyvering-stuff is taking up way more time then I had imagined.
Later on I'll shorten the hard fuel line a bit for placement of a fuelfilter.
I also want to rewire the ignition's neutral-safety vacuumswitch-wires, as the switch didn't work anyway and it's wiring had already been bypassed by someone.
Next thing to do is to also rewire the ign.coil as it's only getting about 4-5 volts with the current balast resisitor in place.
After that it's time to build a suitable aircleaner unit for this combo.
Posted 2009-11-16 8:32 PM (#197047 - in reply to #195965) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
There is a guy in Sweden, Wizard that converts these radios to FM. The 58 Oldsmobile that Börje has (It has what they call the "Picnic Radio" ---it pulls out of the dash and has it's own batteries and speaker for "picknicking" When you push the radio back in the dash, it connects to the car's speakers and cars power supply. Anyway a guy in Sweden converted that radio to FM, works great. He also has a spare that is AM.
If you are interested I can find out, who the guys is that converts them from Börje.
To stay "On topic" I took a cruise today in the 59, It was 81F , here today or about 27C
Posted 2009-11-16 8:42 PM (#197051 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Ian; it's very simple: Sirius/XM radio broadcasts down upon the planet; to receive it, you find a place on the FM dial
where there is no other FM signal, and you tell the portable Satellite receiver (oops--there's the rub---) that plugs into
your cigarette lighter, to what station that IT should broadcast-to, so that the FM converter can receive that signal
and, then, it will transmit the satellite signal to the AM radio via a co-ax wire connection between the AM radio and the
FM converter.
The AM radio, receiving the (satellite) AM-signal, from the FM converter, plays the signal thru the car's radio system--
in my case, via a fader switch for the front and the rear parcel shelf speakers.
...Forgot about mentioning that completely-portable satellite radio receiver (which can be moved-around between ANY
cars that can receive an FM radio signal).
Listened to satellite radio to/from Tulsa, in 2007.
OR: you can just find/buy a really cool FM converter, to install underneath your car's radio.
Best of both worlds--I'll PM you some pics of my car's set up.
Posted 2009-11-16 8:49 PM (#197053 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I pretty much just listen to (and watch) DVD's in my car, alto I did burn an mp3 on a DVD and put about 5000 songs on it.
If this works You will see the DVD player in action, if it doesn't, Click Below.
Posted 2009-11-17 12:52 AM (#197073 - in reply to #197063) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Since we're still on radios, I installed a modern AM / FM / CD / MP3 / deck under the dash, to the left of the steering column. It is hooked up to a new set of matched 6-9 front and rear speakers, the factory radio is not connected to them any more. It plays / sounds good front to rear stereo, that is the left and right speaker wires are hooked up front to rear, respectively. Its not terribly intrusive looking and actually sits in the same place under the dash as the factory floor-air outlet would be installed if you have factory AC. I may try and make up a fake AC vent from stainless steel to mount over the front, for car shows. See pics
Posted 2009-11-17 1:42 AM (#197079 - in reply to #197073) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Looking at the pictures, I'd say that the original AC vent should cover the stereo nicely - if not, eventually mounted on a slightly larger stainless steel plate with hinges, so it could be opened. I'm thinking of to solder a multiple cable between the front contacts in my stereo, to the contacts on the removable stereo front. That would allow me to mount the stereo under the seat and still have the front panel easy accessable (stored on the tunnel under the middle of the seat?) The problem at the moment is that I still have not found a soft 9 part cable suitable for this. Also, I don't know if the extra resistance will cause any problems?
Posted 2009-11-18 4:06 PM (#197280 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Craig; what's that specific term that the Swedes have, where they just SIT inside their cars, during the winter,
and pretend that they're driving them???
Posted 2009-11-18 5:28 PM (#197299 - in reply to #196631) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
1960fury - 2009-11-13 5:14 PM
the buttons in my ex 61 desoto are transparent plastic and i think they were meant to light up but the tiny 6w bulb in the radio just isn't strong enough so i put a couple of big green leds behind the buttons. looks great now, like a jukebox!
Posted 2009-11-18 5:33 PM (#197301 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Lasse (LOL)---didn't I define 'torrbrytning', above here (or is there something ELSE involved, with your sitting inside your
cars, pretending to drive them.....?)
Posted 2009-11-20 12:59 AM (#197500 - in reply to #197400) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Spent the last few nights sheeting walls and doing some last minute framing details. Picked up the south wall garage door header and 10 more sheets of CDX on my way home from work tonight, then moved a few yards of dirt and hauled the rocks off site.
Posted 2009-11-21 3:34 AM (#197673 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 117 Location: Loughborough, UK
Sold my 1957 DeSoto Firedome Sportsman 2 door H/T , its off to Italy I already know that in the future I will regret doing it ! Many thanks for all the help and kind words over the years .
Cheers
Johnny Best
Posted 2009-11-22 2:57 PM (#197894 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
I got a horn ring for my 55 Windsor yesterday!!! I hope it gets here in one piece. It was on ebay and somehow it was not found by all you guys who drive the price way up! :D /jk
Posted 2009-11-22 4:11 PM (#197907 - in reply to #197902) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Got the car door headers in before the snow came last night. 450 and 800 lbs respectively, setting those $#@! boat anchors eight and ten feet in the air was a real job by myself. You can see the notch blocks nailed to the far trimmers that I used to "ratchet" it up. Gonna do the over-frame today.
Posted 2009-11-23 4:57 PM (#198067 - in reply to #198060) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Todd, I'd thought that you'd already sold your car's exhaust deflectors.
You probably will have to remove the bumper assembly, to be able easily & quickly, to remove them from the bumper.
Brent, can you send some (all-) of that snow down , our-way?
Greg, when I scored an identical 7-blade fan unit, at a swap meet, it was not OEM-painted on the fins, but, only
on its center-supports, so, I polished and clear coated the fins, but re-painted the center sections in gloss black.
On my 57's OEM 4-blade fan, debris was 'always' pitting/marking-up the black painted fan blades.
How did you happen to find your fan assembly, and was it fully painted black, when you got it?
Posted 2009-11-23 6:59 PM (#198098 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
Yep, the deflectors are sold and on their way overseas. That was a "file photo".
I'm still trying to find reasonable shipping of floor and trunkpans from Big M. Best quote via "Uship" was $1700!! Ouch!
Posted 2009-11-24 1:44 AM (#198151 - in reply to #198110) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Neil,
You send me some summer heat, I'll send you snow ! It is almost gone again, but at some point it will stick and not go away for a long time. After our last two record-setting years, I'd like to see it be calm this year.
Last night I overframed the west side car door and tonight I sheeted the west wall up to the 3rd panel row before it got too late (can only legally do this kind of work until 2100 hrs in residential areas on weeknights). I then shifted to doing some electrical and got some lights up for security. It all takes too darned long, but looking back on where I was just two months ago, I am amazed how far I have come.
Posted 2009-11-24 1:53 AM (#198152 - in reply to #198067) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
d500neil - 2009-11-23 10:57 PM
Greg, when I scored an identical 7-blade fan unit, at a swap meet, it was not OEM-painted on the fins, but, only
on its center-supports, so, I polished and clear coated the fins, but re-painted the center sections in gloss black.
Aren't those 7 blade fans supposed to be mounted on the thermostatic fluid fan drive unit? I remember all to clear when my friend mounted a 7 blade on a Chevy '59 with a 454 - the fluid drive stopped to work, so he chained the fan to the center with 4 short links of chain - the fan did a fantastic cooling work like that, but sadly, it ended up with that the fan pulled itself loose and ate the radiator.........
Posted 2009-11-24 12:16 PM (#198201 - in reply to #198162) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
60 Plymouth - 2009-11-24 7:04 AM
Nothing pains me more than to see an inappropiate fan being used.
Thats why I will be using a aluminum radiator with electric fans.(which come black)
But remember Greg cover it in plastic to preserve it :laugh:
Ok people...LOL!! That fan I picked up at the Mopar Nats back in August, and it was black. I was told it came off
of a 440, whatever it came off of it will be better than the stock 4 blade, plus I am running a 16"
electric fan on the front of the radiator as a push fan. Anything to cool the engine.
Today I did some small work, put the second coat of paint on the engine bay, bolted on the
lower pulley to the harmonic dampener and the heater hose connectors and temp sensor
into the water pump. Maybe later change the trans to converter seal.
Posted 2009-11-24 8:23 PM (#198298 - in reply to #198293) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Sven; yeah, I've got my 7-blade fan connected to a.... (don't tell anybody: Jag-u-are; because the standard 3" deep/long MoPar fan clutch is a tad too long to fit a DOD/PLY application).... fan clutch.
That fan doesn't need any special protection, but, thanks for your interest, Aaron.
Sven, I'll PM ya w/some pics of that installation.
Posted 2009-11-25 3:10 PM (#198383 - in reply to #198116) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
big m - 2009-11-23 8:31 PM
I moved the '59 DeSoto onto it's new concrete slab in the barn. Now I have a little more work space.
---John
Wow John! So many fine FL project. Desoto, S-Fury, Dodge 59... If (when) I go to US I will try to go to your yard and see all car in Live.. take some garage beer.
Posted 2009-11-30 1:28 AM (#198884 - in reply to #198393) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Hard to believe how nice the weather is being to me. We usually have lasting snow on the ground by the first week in November. It was bright and partially sunny all weekend. It gets pretty cold after the sun goes down, but nothing some ear muffs can't take care of !
Got the last framing details completed and sheeted both the south and west wall to the top, and the east wall to within one course of the top, holding back because the foundation wall is 11" taller on this side, making the sheeting extend past the top plate. If I run it high, it will get in the way of rolling the roof, so I will bring it up under the rafter tails once they are in place. This leaves only the north wall to complete, and I want to get the temporary doors operational before I block the view by sheeting, for security reasons. If the weather holds, maybe tomorrow night ?
If you look closely, you will see the last 5" or so at the top is still unsheeted. This is to allow the final top strip to bridge the top of the studs, the plates, and tie off to the rafters for structural strength.
I have decided to hedge my bets and build a lean-to type roof inside this "cube" to get my cars and junk back on home turf and quit bleeding money at the storage facility. I can then put the high roof on at my own convenience rather than being in a rush. I have been too lucky so far with the snow and it is time to start buttoning things up for the season.
Posted 2009-11-30 9:17 PM (#198995 - in reply to #198983) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I am with Denis ..... the 59 Dodge wears the deranged and angry clown mask. If ever a car had a psychotic killer "face" on it, this is the one. or is it ?
Posted 2009-11-30 9:37 PM (#198999 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
I though the psycho FW was the red and white 58 Plymouths? Do you guys know the Coney Island mascot from steeplechase park? He may look like a 59 Dodge , i have to find a photo! HAPPY MOTORING! Victor..
Posted 2009-12-01 8:22 PM (#199101 - in reply to #199099) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Note enraged eyebrows and "fingers" pulling mouth open wider !
No one is saying you (or anyone else) can't like it. But I think ol' Virgil was really pissed off when he sketched this design out. Maybe after spending a morning trying to renew his driver's license down at the DMV ???
Posted 2009-12-01 8:30 PM (#199102 - in reply to #199101) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Built some temporary doors and blocked all access to bad dogs, kitties, and ne'er-do-wells that might wish to gain uninvited visitation. Tonight I will toss up the last few sheets to complete that job and then frame in the transom windows over the escape door (16' side door to evacuate cars in case of fire). I salvaged these windows from a 19th century building that was being demolished about 5 years ago. These will be the first bit of old salvage placed in the building to make it appear old when finished. When I am done, I will have the "oldest building in the area" !
Posted 2009-12-01 10:06 PM (#199113 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Your car does look rather genteel, Gary.
The 59's may not have a pretty face, but they are Shirley Temple reincarnate, compared to the 1960 PLY's (with the Grille
guard installed)---THAT is a car with a serious attitude!
Posted 2009-12-04 11:29 PM (#199555 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I got my disc brake conversion package in today from ECI and just had to look inside. The plasma cut edges on part of the caliper bracket are a little rough, but the new calipers are painted a new gold, all new rubber lines with banjo fittings, and very nicely done new aluminum hubs. Gonna try and get the metal pieces painted black tomorrow.
Anyone know who has the best prices on control arm bushings and new king pin sets? Everything was tight before I took them apart, but believe now is the time to replace anyway since it's all apart.
Posted 2009-12-05 10:55 AM (#199585 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
working on the car, most of the week, getting it ready for the John Force Christmas car show, tomorrow (Sunday Dec 6th, 2009).Got her all polished and waxed, did Vinyl part of interior and convertible boot with Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather. Polished up the metal around guages, the stock radio and the area where my DVD player Hides. Made a Christmas DVD for the "Kiddies" at the show, alto the older "Kiddies"(folks close to my own age) really get a kick out of seeing that DVD player "Pop out" of the dash. We detailed the engine compartment too. I did get lazy and take it to the car wash to have them do the white wall tires (Clean and dress them with tire stuff) and vacuum out the car and clean the windshield----for 8 bucks ya can't beat that!! Only problem I had was the guy that drove the car in the car wash, couldn't find the shift lever---I had to point out the buttons to him--course big smile from him, then had to tell him "Push the button, don't "Limpwrist it"
The car show is for Chips and their collection of Christmas toys for the kids they support.
There will be about 1000 cars there, a special area is set up for just 1959 cars--so far about 30 are supposed to show.
I will take my digital and video cameras.
Anyway I will sign off for now, with "Before and after pictures of my Vert"
Posted 2009-12-05 3:04 PM (#199614 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
Thanks Doc. Aivar still after me about my padded red dash, but most of the help came from Börje, He lives bout 3 miles away, and as ya probably know, He has a "Real" CRL red and white Vert. So I took a lot of pictures of his Stock interior, then ordered the material from SMS along with the door panels. Then using pictures from Börje's car, The ulphostery stop was able to properly (well pretty close, anyway) assemble and install the interior. I still havta redo the cloth material on the door panels as SMS got that wrong--even after I waited 2.5 years--after the order---to get it.
Most likely there are only 4 people in the world that would even know the door panels are not correct CRL (Aivar, Börje, Me and er ah er hmmmm, isnt there some guy out in the sticks of Central CAlif Too???) well there might be an East "Coaster" too!
Thanks again for the comments Doc
Posted 2009-12-05 3:11 PM (#199615 - in reply to #199611) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Hard to stay up on this when I go to work before light and get home after dark. Somewhere mid-week I came home for lunch and got these shots. Work gets pretty slow when the temps are between 10 and 20 degrees, but when I look at the pix throughout this thread, it is hard to believe how fast it has come along.
This pic shows the transom windows framed in and set in the holes over the side "escape" door. This building will ultimately look like an 1880's railroad depot and incorporate many architectural elements I have salvaged over the course of many years. These windows came from a creamery that was torn down 5-6 years ago here in Spokane. More pix in the PNW region album.
Posted 2009-12-17 7:33 PM (#201166 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Doc, giving you some inspiration I present to you with my Garage, located in a 12th floor of my apartment building, is all the space that I have for work and storage my FL stuff.
The second picture is before “clean up” my today’s work in my Record player conversion. All this, in my living room table. Imagine my wife screaming every time I use the drill or knock in her beloved table.
I used to have a small air compressor (7 gals) but I returned it because my neighbor complaint about the vibrations (that was the end of my airbrush and paint gun)
I was forbidden to use the grinder because the sparks in the balcony are a fire hazard, and the list goes on….
Posted 2009-12-17 9:38 PM (#201179 - in reply to #201166) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Denis ~
I hear ya, Bud ....
It is really beyond belief we are in mid-December and do not have a couple feet of "permanent" snow on the ground here. We got a half-foot dump that later turned to rain and is now almost gone again. However, prior to the snow, we were down around zero for 10 days. This gave us permafrost, and with all the melted snow and rain, my just-finished covered area was under 3-4 inches of standing water ! That is all but gone today, but the frozen earth is not absorbing much, so the top 2-3 inches of dirt are like a milkshake !
And here I thought I had it ALL figured out !
When I removed the old garage and outbuildings and packed up everything inside, I knew I'd be up a creek until this new place was largely finished. I started moving stuff IN to the new building over the weekend, only to have all this crap happen and now my stuff is up on blocks and pallets to keep it out of the muck ! This isn't just cramped, .... it's a $#@! clusterschtook !
I ordered 35' of gutter today and will pick it up after work tomorrow. This will catch the run off. Since the ground is rock solid frozen, I have some heat lamps on it in a drain location to try and dig it up and tie-in the downspout. I was using a pick, but was making very slow headway. The DeSoto is supposed to come home any day and I am going to park a bare metal car in a muck hole ????
I don't think so !
No precip forecast till Sunday. Maybe get this place dried-in by then ???
Posted 2009-12-18 9:31 AM (#201223 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Assistant Administrator
Location: Highlands, Texas (20 miles east of Houston)
Exhaust flange spacer? WOW! If only I had the patience and understanding of a lathe, for that I am truly jealous! Granted, having a heard of kids running around doesn't really allow me the time to go play anymore, but I sneak in the garage when I can.
I took the '57 Windsor for a run around the neighborhood and up to the local parts store for wiper blades (refills), and found that they no longer sell refills! They want you to buy the whole assembly So, best I could do was take one of the Windsor's wipers inside and try and find an assembly that matched close enough to strip the blade out of.
Have also, FINALLY, gotten in the garage and begun the clean-out phase. My lovely bride has assured me that this summer I can finally get to work on the cars again, and as such, I need to see what all I have (been so long, I don't remember what I have in there anymore!) Also plan on thinning out a large cache of my 'extra' parts in an attempt to raise funds to finally finish one of these finned wonders! Going to try and make 2010 the year of the Belvedere, and let the poor girl see the light of day more than once. This includes (but not limited to) taking the body off the frame to get the frame and a few other odds and ends powder coated.
Till then, a couple quick shots from earlier this year (sorry, nothing new with the Belvy, YET!), updates to come shortly after Christmas when my lovely bride gets her Christmas present and can snap me some nice pictures, LOL!
Posted 2009-12-18 12:19 PM (#201236 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
And the winner is; Ta ta da da.... Clay!! This is the left exhaust flange - the recess is supposed to hold the exhaust tube flange tight against the exhaust manifold. I could have used the old flages from the original single exhaust Y tube, but I didn't want to cut it up - I heard that there is no repop of the single systems, so I want to save it as a reference. The right side will be a little more complex, due to the butterfly...
Posted 2009-12-18 1:16 PM (#201240 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Sven, I am impressed how you can make things like the original, and develops original parts. Wish to be hadde those capabilities or is it just time that is missing and imagination
Posted 2009-12-18 7:24 PM (#201272 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
had the painter come and treat the remaining half of the inside of the roof now that the headliner is fully out... gave him my inside tailgate strip to respray silver as well as the inside door surround from the 'blue door'... adriana
Posted 2009-12-20 8:10 PM (#201458 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I put the rear of the 59 Dodge up on stands tonight and fired up the car to test the trans. Good news! She engaged nicely, no abnormal noises and all gears worked great. Even the reverse lights worked. I took the time to test the charging system and it works fine too! Not bad for a car that hasn't seen the road since 1977!
Posted 2009-12-20 9:38 PM (#201464 - in reply to #201458) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
The weather has been rainy now for days. Been sick as a dog to boot. The shop flooded after the last snow and melt-off, so emergency measures were needed. In spite of a fever, I put the a gutter up to catch the roof runoff and had to dig up the drain system to tie in the downspout. This was easier said than done. The ground is frozen to about 16" down, so thawing it with heat lamps took the better part of three days. A diehard might have taken a pick to it, but feeling the way I have, that sounded as unattractive as banging my already pounding head on the frozen ground. With this done, the shop floor is slowly drying out. The DeSoto is in bare metal, so I need it to dry substantially before putting it in there.
Posted 2009-12-20 9:47 PM (#201465 - in reply to #201464) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Got the 383 installed today! Took a while to get the trans installed into the engine. We got everything bolted up then the snow got pretty heavy and we had to quit. Need to install the radiator, fan, power steering pump and alternator, then try to start her. I will finish her up tomorrow.
Posted 2009-12-20 10:01 PM (#201470 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We changed the spark plugs in the 59. Took this old f**t only bout 30 mins. Not bad with Arthritis, CRS, etc etc etc.
I wanted to change them yesterday, but it was too hot here (87) to work on the car. It is actually easier to change the plugs on the 59's 400 engine (No not a chebbie 400 Dummy), than it is to change the plugs on the 64's 413.
Anyway, She purring like a kitten now.
Hey Doc, how bout routing the exaust of that rain gutter into the Calif Aquaduct?¿?öö YOOOOOOOOO!
Posted 2009-12-21 3:03 PM (#201546 - in reply to #201542) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Todd, the L.A.-built D500's (no Super D's were built in L.A.) have silver-engine painted V.C.'s, and the other
factories (Newark & Detroit) have Dodge-Red painted valve covers with the "D500" V.C. appliques
put onto them.
Gold V.C.'s would be incorrectamundo on any 59 Dodge.
Posted 2009-12-22 10:01 AM (#201671 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Thanks for the nice comments guys! Today I finished the right exhaust flange. The gauge is thicker, allowing the exhaust tube to be recessed, making place for a cone, that allows the butterfly to operate freely.
Posted 2009-12-27 4:40 PM (#202509 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
after hangin for 6 yrs on the wall . i blocked sanded one of Bertha's fenders and then on to a few pock marks---------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2009-12-27 7:09 PM (#202527 - in reply to #202517) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Oh Chuck .... ! How I wish I was at your stage !
With the meter showing 16 degrees above zero, today was moving day. Pulled the DeSoto out of storage and towed her about a mile and a half to home. Moved a few things out of the way and tucked her in for the winter.
With the floor panel out, even only rolling about 10 mph was half past gnarly cold !
I really had this car in fine tune before the accident and was pleasantly surprised to find it rolled like a well oiled machine and the P-brake smoothly kept the speed in check.
Posted 2009-12-27 7:15 PM (#202529 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
dad put the headliner back in, door trims, tailgate crank, tailgate glass and plymouth letters back on the tailgate along with other odds and ends... adriana
Posted 2009-12-28 12:55 PM (#202627 - in reply to #201236) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
Swen, all you show here in restoring your Car is a demonstration how it can be done. These posts should be in a separate Thread, such as "Members Rides"! Here, in this monumentaly growing Thread they go lost and later hard to find, on a specific problems you solved. Anyway, it's always a joy to read what you are doing on your car. From time to time we all would like to see your Car in an overwiew of the total progess.
This comment to apply as well to other on going projects, such as the convertibles of Des and Greg, or the Engines Swap of Gary, and many others. We still remember the nice jobe insteps, done on the Chrysler of Nathan, we will easy find the story at any time. - SERGE -
Doc, you're surely gonna insulate that box, aren't you. I mean, after all, that poor lame lovely might freeze her knickers off! ! I could hear your big sigh of releife knowing you've gotten her back where you can have daily hands-on contact. Good Show and congrats.
Posted 2009-12-28 2:48 PM (#202641 - in reply to #202627) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
You're absolutely right Serge! This is a problem with this site, not even I can find all my posts when I want to point one out. Then, I (and many more) just don't have the dicipline to post dry info only. I did it with the power window and the Auto-Pilot, and I will try to sum up some other threads as well.
Posted 2009-12-28 9:18 PM (#202672 - in reply to #202668) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
The Tri-Five Chevs are undeniably good looking cars. Not to say they are on par with some of the better FL cars, but they were well executed designs.
Like the phrase "Jesus,... save me from your followers", so goes the problem with the Tri-Fives. It isn't the cars that are the problem, it is the overzealous followers !
Posted 2009-12-28 9:58 PM (#202679 - in reply to #202677) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1180 Location: bradenton florida
put my car up on the lift and did some cleaning . i've found that the canister steam cleaner i picked up at a yard sale takes the under coating right off.
Posted 2009-12-29 12:58 AM (#202694 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
yeah well my bank account sure know... they werent actually too $$$ but they were enough... i know how hard they are to find and what they can bring thats why i bought them all... adriana
ps. i dont really wish to win the lottery... i dreamt that i won the lottery the night before we had a $50 million dollar jackpot over here, i didnt buy a ticket and it didnt go off... i just dont think it would be fun to have THAT much money...
Posted 2009-12-29 2:23 AM (#202700 - in reply to #202661) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
57burb - 2009-12-28 6:13 PM
Nathan, I love the '57 hardtop. Don't let anybody give you any $hit. It's a great car and fondly remembered for a reason.
Danny, you have me confused--your signature says bad taste in cars, and yet you have the second best designed fin Mopar? (57 Chrysler 2 dr hdtp) ...................................MO
Posted 2009-12-29 10:24 AM (#202719 - in reply to #202672) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Doctor DeSoto - 2009-12-29 3:18 AM
The Tri-Five Chevs are undeniably good looking cars. Not to say they are on par with some of the better FL cars, but they were well executed designs.
Like the phrase "Jesus,... save me from your followers", so goes the problem with the Tri-Fives. It isn't the cars that are the problem, it is the overzealous followers !
As 57's go, that is a sweet one, Nathan.
Agree, but when you see them side by side it's obvious that Dodge had the good looks already in 1956 and Chebby brought that style line forward in 1957. Unfortunately for GM they found out they where not only one year late in styling when Exner launched the space age cars in 1957, "suddenly it's 1960"
Natan, it's a lovely trio you have and I've found some very nice pics in your album.
Posted 2009-12-29 11:07 AM (#202730 - in reply to #202685) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
suburban61 - 2009-12-29 5:56 AM
oscars brithday/ christmas present arrived today... i splashed out this year and got him 9 NOS headlight rings... they are just beautiful... adriana :)
Congratulations Oscar (Adriana)!! Those are really beautiful, there's nothing like good NOS - expensive, but correct!
Posted 2009-12-29 6:49 PM (#202798 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
on the hemi6pack forum, we have 'stickies' which are threads that are deemed the most useful/ popular and they stay at the top of each section so that people can always find them... so like this thread and the old picture/ postcard thread should be on there... and maybe like a forwardlooks in films one, that would save 100 different threads being made on the same topic... adriana
Posted 2010-01-04 5:03 PM (#203770 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
edge in my passenger fender now on to the drivers , 5-6 coats of lacquer . i've used lacquer as a base coat forever------------------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-01-04 7:36 PM (#203793 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Hey, Chuck, out West (anyway), lacquer paints are no longer readily available, and the standard protocol
is to apply a water based base coat followed by a solvent based urethane clear coat, to produce a long
lasting easy to apply high sheen paint job.
Also, out here in the land of sunshine and heat, lacquer paints crack-and craze, and chemically break down.
I asked a local body shop about lacquer availability. He didn't know of a supplier, and asked me to find out from
you which paint supplier you used; lacquer may be EPA-outlawed in CA, and elsewhere.
Posted 2010-01-04 9:23 PM (#203820 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
napa----------------the local napa i use also has a paint shop . three yrs. ago they didn't sell laquer in this color but most others were available . you can also buy it on line . clear coat with enamel and it last forever ! INTENSE BLUE PEARL ! 2003 chrysler , 416$ gal.-------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-01-04 9:33 PM (#203823 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
With COLD weather upon us I replaced the thermostat and lower hose in my '60 Savoy. This was a new thermostat a few hundred miles ago but it was always running hot. I checked it in boiling water and it never opened. The new one opens and the temp guage never goes past half. YEA!!!
Posted 2010-01-06 7:16 PM (#204078 - in reply to #203823) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1180 Location: bradenton florida
Well yesterday i pulled the radiator and found water still at the bottom of it. After 35 years! Guess the radiator is still good. Today i pulled the gas tank and drained 8 gallons of gas still in it. suprisingly it still smells like gas. guess the gas tank is still good , though i will test both of these later.
Posted 2010-01-06 8:06 PM (#204085 - in reply to #204078) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
With the DeSoto in the new shop for the winter - albeit packed in for storage - I bolted the tail light assemblies in just to see them in place. All the junk is coming out of storage and getting sorted and organized. Looking at boxes of CDPD marked bolts is a happy thing ! We are halfway through winter weather and I am SO looking forward to actually working on the car when warm days arrive again ! In the mean time, I keep on putitng in a few hours each night going through boxes and sorting stuff into areas on the new shelves.
Posted 2010-01-17 8:34 PM (#205624 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Went to Allentown Flea market in PA sat , Weather was great 45 and sunny , Gave the 57 Plymouth a run and my friend T bird and corvette , Sunday was a rainy day so was a good choice to go Sat HAPPY MOTORING! Victor...
I hung my S/S Fabulous Clock in my garage at home. AND, I installed the AAJ brakes on the passenger side of the '55 CRL. Did it without taking the entire R/Front suspension totally apart. I pulled the king pin to get the knuckle off and did all the rest of the prep work on the bench, then put it back together. Hopefully the driver's side will go quicker as the passenger side was the learning session.
Posted 2010-01-19 11:27 PM (#205918 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: Central New Jersey, USA
Well, I geuss day late and a dollar short, but friday we got the 60 back from the body shop, after I got home from school, where they were supposed to paint the 2 drivers doors and rocker to fix these little drop-like stains in the paint. Luckily they buffed out (better to let them try incase it get's screwed up).
Anyway, then I drove it around a bit, took my friend home and when she got home gave her a detailing, and my dad went over the motor... Such a neglected car...
Posted 2010-01-27 7:59 PM (#206928 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
well yesterday i drove mine for the first time down to its LHD inspection, which it passed and it is now registered in south australia! i can now drive my car after owning it for 2 years! woo hoo! adriana
After getting the AAJ disc brakes installed weekend ago. I installed the Monroe gas shocks on the front end of the ''55 CRL, dismounted the steering linkage so I caan drop the oil pan to install the "modified" 340 oil pump, reweld a couple of leaks on the oil pan, and button the bottom end up AGAIN. It seems like I do every thing twice, if not three times. I did have to do a little machine work to get the shocks mounted. They are 2" in diameter and the lower control arm mount hole is 1.875" in diameter. 20 minutes per side with the air tool made the difference and then they bolted right up.
Denis, be darn sure that you clean the parts you blast three or four times before re-assemly. If possible, run 'em through the dishwasher at least twice. That's after they've been cleaned with parts washer's solvent and scrubbed hard with a stiff brush. Plug the holes on that valley cover, or you'll never get the gritty stuff out of it without drilling out the spotwelds and then having to put it back together. I made that mistake. The duct tape did not keep out the sand.
Posted 2010-02-05 4:05 PM (#208150 - in reply to #208136) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Denis, i am impressed that your thermostat housing appears to be intact, at its hose-end.
A lot of times, that area will be badly corroded, with the owner having no clue about its condition, until
it starts to leak out from under the upper-hose, or when the hose might get to be removed, for some reason.
I presume that the thermostat will have been removed, before the sand blasting is done. You should probably
replace the Tstat, anyway, now.
Posted 2010-02-05 5:19 PM (#208161 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Yes it is in pretty good shape, let see after the sandblast, of course all will be disassembled, here they are some pics. Uncle Walt thanks for the tip, i complete forgot about the cover. I think that a fender washer and a bolt will do.
Posted 2010-02-05 6:42 PM (#208170 - in reply to #208161) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
From NEIL D500
Here's some "before" shots of an Ebay brake booster that I
bought cheaply enough, and which I'm sending-out for an
overhaul, at Booster Dewey's, in Portland, for $175.00,
which is considerably cheaper than the about $450.00
cost that I'd been quoted for this same work from other
shops.
Think I'll ask B.-D. for some shots of their completed work,
as they/he promises to replace/renovate everything inside
the booster--which will be painted, not powder coated.
I may ask him to finish it in primer-only, so that I can
really smooth-out its finish, with gloss black paint.
Posted 2010-02-05 6:57 PM (#208173 - in reply to #208171) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thanks, Clive; if it weren't for the deteriorated condition of the two exposed seals, at the fork-side
of the booster, I would have applied some sort of lubricant, and/or adjusted the position/installation of
that wax impregnated rope, which apparently provides contact strength for that flat rubber gasket,
which apparently seals against the interior of the booster, proving its vacuum assist.......and would
have tried installing it, to see how it worked (after cleaning and painting its exterior, of course).
Now, if this O/H'ed booster works fine, I may sell my car's booster, which appears only to need the
above-discussed adjustment of its flat rubber gasket, as my car's booster hisses loudly when the
brake pedal is depressed....we'll see what develops, but, I hate sending 'out' an important part on
my car without having a back-up part/plan on hand.
Posted 2010-02-12 10:42 PM (#209310 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 38 Location: Rolla, MO
Today I drove to my buddies garage and started my 56 New Yorker 4dr sedan parts car. A little gas in carb and she started right up (after 2 months sitting under his lean-to). I have been toying with the idea of restoring her but restoration costs will far exceed market value and I learned my lesson with my 57 Caddy. And although I hate to see a 354 Hemi just sitting around, there is comfort in knowing I have a backup in case something should happen to my 56 ST. Regis.
Posted 2010-02-14 9:20 AM (#209481 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
Yesterday I got her out of her shell and did a needed tune up and a general going over and it as then that it hit me. I need more room in my shop because she needs a total restoration. After seeing what I could have done if I had had the space, time, and money when I did her the first time it just makes me sick. The cars I build are so much better than the car I own it makes me not enjoy her anymore. I thought of selling her but I just can't find it in my heart to do it.
I think I will take her on a drive today and see how things go in my head.
Posted 2010-02-14 9:46 AM (#209486 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
Donnie, we can get you on the MEDS you need to take of those voices your hearing. Ha Ha Things are not as bad as they appear sometimes after a passage of time.
Posted 2010-02-15 11:21 PM (#209768 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
It was cold below freezing today and I had to make a run out the road to meet a shipper who was delivering a car and I started to take the Jeep but I decided to fire her up. Sitting there all covered with snow she looked lonely. She fired right up and shurfooted her way right out to the main road even in the snow.
Posted 2010-02-17 4:04 PM (#210144 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
one more piece to the puzzle. i have also discovered how much i forgot about spraying enamel--------ya i decided emamel---------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-02-17 4:38 PM (#210151 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
The paint and color look very good at fender, nice work and it is not easy to do so great.
Naturally, I took couple of beers before painting, live more relaxed. Good thing I do not painted so often
Posted 2010-02-28 4:38 AM (#211902 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 107 Location: Sydney
Now that summer's coming to an end, it's time to enjoy driving an old car again. I woke up yesterday morning ( Saturday ) to be greeted with a beautiful, clear sunny day and a forecast high in the low 30s ( celsius ). Perfect. I'll leave the company car at home and take Enterprise to work.
That's my office -the fishbowl - behind the Imperial.
Posted 2010-02-28 5:55 AM (#211903 - in reply to #211902) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1480 Location: Australia
thats so cool guy... you should ask if you could redecorate for a day, and set it up as a 60's dealership and take some photos...
today i took oscar out to all chrysler day, and he was photographed for an article in "Chrysler Action" magazine! which is a bit exciting, i have to still give them info/ history/ stats on my car... the magazine is bi-monthly and it should appear in 2 issues time... adriana
Posted 2010-02-28 2:13 PM (#211926 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
That is a cool old car in the dealer!!
I started my 61 New Yorker after 2 1/2 moths in a temperature of 31 F with out choke!! It start right away, the Optima Batteries and the Edelbrok carburetor are something....
Posted 2010-03-05 10:25 AM (#212551 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 151 Location: Perth, Western Australia
I confess the only part I did was take photos. One of my mates is playing with this project for me as he is "project less" these days. The starting place for this job is the doors. They have almost perfect skins with no rust, - the bottom of the door shell itself has suffered on both doors? An amazing surprise though was the original white wall tyre retreived from trunk in timewarp condition . Still has the little p***kley bits of rubber in the treads, never been on the car in 52 years! Wooden jacking wedge was there too!
Posted 2010-03-05 10:29 AM (#212552 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 151 Location: Perth, Western Australia
I confess the only part I did was take photos. One of my mates is playing with this project for me as he is "project less" these days. The starting place for this job is the doors. They have almost perfect skins with no rust, - the bottom of the door shell itself has suffered on both doors? An amazing surprise though was the original white wall tyre retreived from trunk in timewarp condition . Still has the little p***kley bits of rubber in the treads, never been on the car in 52 years! Wooden jacking wedge was there too!
Posted 2010-03-05 5:23 PM (#212613 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Uncovered the 59 Dodge in the Garage and put the Battery on Charge overnight ready for the 2010 Fire Up, Hopefully go blow the cobwebs out tomorrow, We should be having ONE Day of Sunshine... LOL
Posted 2010-03-05 6:08 PM (#212621 - in reply to #212613) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Posted for NEIL D500
Haven't installed it yet, but here's Booster Dewey's
overhauled booster, as seen "before", a few threads
up-above here.
Actually, B.-D. finished the booster in a thin-ish
coat of semi-gloss (as seen in the first pic), so, I
sanded/prepped it a bit and applied full-gloss to it; looks
a tad-better than in its "before" photos, huh???
Posted 2010-03-05 10:01 PM (#212658 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
That paint's still a little fresh; not yet color sanded and buffed/polished; looks pretty good!
Booster Dewey charges $175.00 to O/H a canister-type booster--shipping was $20-bux.
He uses the remanufactured OEM style seals, etc---he said that what appears on my "before"
photos was some sort of aftermarket rebuild kit; OEM style is reportedly much better....
Posted 2010-03-06 7:56 PM (#212758 - in reply to #212658) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
With 60 degree and sunny weather, my friend kept pushing me to goto Sonic and hang out. Maybe a few other old
rides would be there as well. A dozen cars ended up coming out and we had a good time seeing friends we havent seen
since the fall. I spent 3 hours switching out the cam in my engine this morning then throwing it all back together. The new
cam worked out well and the car runs nicer now. Idles that is....
Posted 2010-03-06 8:34 PM (#212764 - in reply to #212613) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2010-03-05 10:23 PM
Uncovered the 59 Dodge in the Garage and put the Battery on Charge overnight ready for the 2010 Fire Up, Hopefully go blow the cobwebs out tomorrow, We should be having ONE Day of Sunshine... LOL
Well after 4 short cranks of the key thee Old Gal Fired straight up and ran Beautiful, I have had her Dry stored for 3 1/2 months without starting her up So was impressed.. The Down side is the 3 Year Curse has happened again and the Battery is Shot, She turned over quite Slow considering it had been on High charge for 20 hrs.. So need to buy another Heavy Duty battery during the Week. At least i got to take her for a short drive and blow out the Cobwebs, At least the worst of the Winter is over and should be able to drive the Old Gal Regular again...
Posted 2010-03-10 9:25 PM (#213283 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Last week or so ! Made a call to paint the old Dodge . This cars all original and we were going to spot the paint were needed , RR Quarter, Stone chips on hood front and smiling face,LF lower fender, and the more little garage scratches i found, I said we have to paint everything but the roof and trunk SO. I have been taking off stainless and chrome , Shes almost ready! Oh by the way her names TESSI! Happy motoring! Victor..
Posted 2010-03-10 11:23 PM (#213295 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 211 Location: Iowa
Today the wx has been pretty nice. Built me a wooden ramp, got the Belvedere up on it.....pulled the broken stub from the oil filler tube out of the bottom of the block and replaced with a new one from "Year One" parts.
Pulled all 4 wheels and drums off....found out why I didn't have hardly any brakes. Wasn't the vacuum booster at all....seems that ALL of the supposed rebuilt wheel cylinders were leaking and allowed brake fluid to completely contaminate the shoe linings. Everything's got to be replaced. Not going to be cheap!
Now I gotta figure out what's actually on the car as the rears are much wider than what the repair manual calls for. Gee...where does one go to get 50 yr old wheel cylinders, anyway????
Gotta few tranny leaks to take care of and fab a small piece so the tranny kickdown will work again. A couple other minor odds and ends and this will be a really nice ride. Not a sign of rust anywhere underneath. I was amazed at that.
Posted 2010-03-11 1:18 AM (#213302 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Karl, Raybestoes still have the wheel cylinders available and your local parts place can get them . They aren't to expensive , especially if you get a discount...........................MO
Or, Karl, you could do it the old fashioned way, if the wheel cylinders are not too deeply corroded/pitted. Go to the local parts store and get a good quaility brake cylinder hone, the one with three wtones, a can or two of cheap bake fluid and hone the cylinders until the pits are gone, wire brush the brake oistons untill they are clen. Also get new rubber parts, cups and seals and dustboots, clean up the honed cylinders, luricate all the "wet" parts with brake fliud and re assemble, re-install and bleed.
Posted 2010-03-11 5:54 PM (#213426 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
And, in addition to what Walt states, the contaminated brake linings might be cleanable, from several different protocols.
IIRC, our website's own Fearless Leader has said that the linings can be saturated with lighter fluid and set ablaze (in a safe
location).
The slight burning heat is a lot less than the accumulated heat build up which occurs from serious car-braking .
Another protocol is to double-boil the brake shoes (check with your Sig-Other about which pans to use).....
Or: if you want to maximize your 'bang' for the buck, you can send the shoes to Firm Feel Co., so that their subcontractor
can replace your brake shoes' linings with new/modern bonded-on Carbon-Metallic linings.
Posted 2010-03-11 6:41 PM (#213437 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
"Raybestos" is certainly a brand name we should know and trust.
I just called my local parts emporium for a price/availability for the Raybestos-brand late 60's Bendix Duo Servo brakes'
wheel cylinders, (which may be the same units as for our Lockheed Centerplane units; dunno, didn't ask)...as have been
retro-fitted onto Horace, and was quoted a price of $9.99 each, in-stock.
For anyone who wants to comparison-shop, I was told that the Kragen's-O'Reilly's Auto Parts 'number' on/for
the Bendix-style wheel cylinders is : WC13597.
Posted 2010-03-11 10:32 PM (#213472 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
Reply to My Desoto.
My 1st 59 Dodge was a 4 door all black royal that I bought from Walters Grandmother in Brooklyn NY. I had it for years and sold it at Carlisle to a guy who took it to England. I was heart broken and bought a 2 door hardtop from california, restored it to look just like the original Tessi. After a few years , I sold it to Walter.( I think he still has it) Last winter I found this all original Coronet sedan , Bought it ,and now see whats happening. So this is TESSI III . My dog Also named Tessi After the car loves to ride and Sleep in all my old cars . HAPPY MOTORING! Victor..
Posted 2010-03-11 11:52 PM (#213479 - in reply to #213472) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Victor -
While you're waiting for the paint job, this would be a good time to buff out the mouldings. It'll make the Dodge look like a million bucks. I've buffed stainless to the point where it looks like chrome. Over the years the mouldings have dulled out, even though they may still be fairly shiny.
You should bring Tessi 3 to Chryslers at Carlisle this year. I'd love to see it all done.
Posted 2010-03-14 6:26 PM (#213844 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
my first lead filler . little rough around the edges but will work just fine-------it's covered !----------------------------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-03-15 1:55 AM (#213905 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I installed the right side ECI disc brake conversion kit and started measuring for the size wheels I need to fit over the disc brakes. No way the original ones will fit on, though surprisingly, my old stock S10 rims would fit (and hold the full hubcaps) if only it had the right bolt pattern! Maybe I should heave someone change out the centers for one with a 5" x 4.5" pattern. That way, I wouldn't have to throw them away or worry about trying to sell them! Then, I built my little intermediate distributer shaft bushing puller out of a thread-all 1/2"x 20 fine, 3 nuts and two washers (one big enough to cover the distirbuter hole at the top of the block). Then had my wife hold the flashlight, and cranked with a 3/4" wrench and she came right out! Lastly, I fitted one side valve cover gasket in without any goop, there are so many tabs you bend into the gasket that it fits in real tight without gasket sealer.
Yesterday, I went with a couple friends to the 1st Annual "Spring" Good Guys Car Shown here. They're usually here in November, but I guess they figured out they could make twice the cash if they came two times a year! And with almost guaranteed great weather in Spring and Fall, it is good timing. Lots and lots of cars, maybe ZERO FL's! Bought a set of hemi valve covers that only need a little work for $100, maybe they'll work out for my 331, maybe not, I'll worry about it later. My one friend was looking for a '31-'35 Roadster to possibly buy, but then he can plop down $35-$75K without sweating! Didn't see one he like well enough, so another day.
Posted 2010-03-18 4:27 AM (#214498 - in reply to #214494) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
It's always nice to open packages Jocke - like christmas you know! The parts from Kent and Peter are nice and fits well. If I remember correctly, now you should cut the carpet so that the plastic trays rests directly on the floor pan - otherwise I think they'll crack. I will also advice you to make distance washers between the floor pan and the seat rails, so that the plastic tray is "loose" without any pressing stress.
Posted 2010-03-19 7:00 AM (#214643 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Thanks guys, no - I used stainless countersinked screws and produced the "sleeves" in my lathe. The sleeves are threaded, so the screw is screwed into the sleeve and makes the assembly.
Posted 2010-03-19 1:33 PM (#214686 - in reply to #214532) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
wizard - 2010-03-18 8:36 PM I winded up "ye olde lathe" and made myself a pair of special screws for the swivel seat arm rest - stainless steel polished to mirror shine.
Sven, put a big and thin teflon washer directly on the arm rest to avoid friction and damage to the leather. Nice job! - SERGE -
Posted 2010-03-19 2:55 PM (#214706 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
It's kind of hard to see Serge, but the OEM (nylon?) washer is mounted between the armrest and the brackets - thank for thinking about it - some might not have the washers from the beginning and missed the point of them.
Posted 2010-03-19 5:11 PM (#214737 - in reply to #214706) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Windsorn thought that was too low in the back. And the main leaf spring had to much weight so I submit them to a firm that put in an extra sheet to help the main page. Downloaded leaf spring today and tonight, I have put you back them.
Posted 2010-03-20 11:36 AM (#214849 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 369 Location: buchanan,Ga.
Body work and more Body work!!! I've been having a nightly meeting with my car.I didn't think I had much more to go,but needless to say when i went in to replace the inner and outer rockers bam!I was faced with the problem of seeing how the floors had been replaced ,flat metal sandwiched in with old rotted floors.So i removed it all ,cut dn. the flat metal ball peaned the floors as close to the factory pans as i could to keep from oil canning and welded them back in. This far i have one side done one to go,then on to the trunk, once i get the body solid again i think i'm going to remove it from the frame blast the frame,install new body bushings and all new brake-fuel hard lines.
Posted 2010-03-20 11:43 AM (#214852 - in reply to #214494) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
Windsor59 - 2010-03-18 9:47 AM New parts to my swivel seat arrived from KP USA BILAR. So now I got a new PB pedals (Vulcanised rubber). Very nice new parts. http://www.kpusabil.se/
Joakim, the swivel covers I had already since ten years. Recently I mounted them finally. You can see how they look when they are black painted instead being left in silver.. - SERGE -
Posted 2010-03-20 12:36 PM (#214873 - in reply to #214532) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
wizard - 2010-03-18 1:36 PM I winded up "ye olde lathe" and made myself a pair of special screws for the swivel seat arm rest - stainless steel polished to mirror shine.
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1102 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Dang... Nicely done. I wish I had known this, and talked you into spinning a second set right away.
Posted 2010-03-20 5:24 PM (#214927 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Txs wizard, next week paint will be done and after almost 2 decades all going back together. Good job on those bolts!!!, a lathe is very important in a resto, it is actually a must.
Posted 2010-03-28 9:07 AM (#216077 - in reply to #216071) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
wizard - 2010-03-28 7:44 AM
I started up JoseFin and took a nice ride today, gray and light rain but still oh so nice!
Spent 2 hours cleaning and shining up the old ride then took her doen to the local sonic for a cruise in. Still get the thumbs up
and honking from drivers as I cruise the local roads. Pretty cool.
Posted 2010-03-30 12:05 AM (#216345 - in reply to #216094) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Got the 4bbl intake I picked up acid washed, rinsed, baked, and sparyed with self-etching primer. Just for the heck of it, I sat the new Edelbrock 600cfm carb on it and snapped some pics. It makes it look like it's closer to being ready to install than it really is! lol
Posted 2010-03-30 10:58 AM (#216381 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I heard about yet another car that had the hood flying up and doing a backward bend over the windshield - that's the third one now in the circle of my acquaintances and I didn't want to be number 4 for sure. I like to drive fast and I have been looking at the hood on several occasions and wondered if it should pop this time! I made my insurance out of a plastic coated wire and an extra plate to connect it in. I know that it does not look too good, but this is for safety reasons only.
Posted 2010-03-30 1:42 PM (#216409 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
A little over a year ago, I found a license plate frame from Sierra Dodge, in Chico Ca. I wanted to find a mate to it, and put these on our Dodge Sierra. A few days ago I found another frame, while not identical, very close. I cleaned the chrome and repainted the red paint around the letters.
Posted 2010-03-30 3:12 PM (#216422 - in reply to #216381) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
wizard - 2010-03-30 4:58 PM I heard about yet another car that had the hood flying up and doing a backward bend over the windshield - that's the third one now in the circle of my acquaintances and I didn't want to be number 4 for sure. I like to drive fast and I have been looking at the hood on several occasions and wondered if it should pop this time! I made my insurance out of a plastic coated wire and an extra plate to connect it in. I know that it does not look too good, but this is for safety reasons only.
As far I can see, Sven, you should shorten the wire. for at this opening the air force is already enormeous on high speeds. I would set it at 5cm opened hood. - SERGE -
Probably be making the "purists" throw up, but I mounted the Chrysler electronic ignition control unit and the starter relay on the engine side of the cowl on my '55 CRL, and mounted the 12V starter solenoid and horn relay (12V) on the inner fender panel. Dis-assembled the AC fuel pump and installed the 'modern' diaphram in it. And finally figured out how I'm going to mount the Sandan A/C compressor on the right front side of the 270ci Hemi engine. If work permits, I may have the sucker up and running this Summer. . . . . . . . .
Sent off the check to Doorsills LLC for the new doorsills. They should be here next week. I'm beside my self waiting to see what they are going to look like. Now it looks like I've got to get serious about carpet for my '55 CRL. The original interior was black and white. The new interior is white and ivory. the exterior paint is ivory over daffodill yellow (or whatever the original colors were) but with out the light blue 'saddle on the hood and decklid. What color should the carpet be??????? All suggestions will be genuinely considered. However there will be no prize awarded to the winning suggestion . . . . . . .
Posted 2010-03-30 5:23 PM (#216451 - in reply to #216430) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Walt, do you know where you're getting your carpet from? I'm also trying to make that call. If I could find that gray with black streaks, that would be best, but probably out of my price range.
Posted 2010-03-30 5:59 PM (#216457 - in reply to #216381) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
wizard - 2010-03-30 3:58 PM
I heard about yet another car that had the hood flying up and doing a backward bend over the windshield - that's the third one now in the circle of my acquaintances and I didn't want to be number 4 for sure. I like to drive fast and I have been looking at the hood on several occasions and wondered if it should pop this time! I made my insurance out of a plastic coated wire and an extra plate to connect it in. I know that it does not look too good, but this is for safety reasons only.
POSTED FOR NEIL D500
Sven, you can not ever be too careful about keeping
your car's hood closed!
Posted 2010-03-30 8:27 PM (#216491 - in reply to #216480) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Wire wheeled and sanded the under of the hood and repainted it black.
Might drive her to work tomorrow, supposed to be 75 tomorrow then 80
the rest of the week and weekend.
Posted 2010-04-02 7:50 AM (#216739 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 208 Location: Fargo, ND
I got my '58 Firesweep out of winter hibernation. I had been having some trouble with the ignition switch last summer so as soon as I got the Firesweep back in my garage last weekend, I replaced the switch with an extra that I had. It works great. Also, when I finished restoring the car a couple years ago I had used heater hose for the return line on the power steering. That started deteriorating and sweating PS fluid so I replaced that last weekend too. I couldn't find a 5/8 hose at the regular parts stores that would work with PS fluid so I ended up at the PeterBuilt truck center and got a piece of hose that I could use.
Posted 2010-04-02 10:18 AM (#216754 - in reply to #216739) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
It is good to think outside the box for some of these parts needs. I can still hear
counter guys telling me "You'll to have to go to the dealer for that" ! Really ? ...
Got an address for that DeSoto dealer ?
Posted 2010-04-02 2:19 PM (#216786 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Well Mikie has my '59 and is yanking the 326 / powerflite as we speak. He's dumping in the 361 / TQFlite that was in his Chrysler 4dr. so har he says its going smooothly. ( knock on wood )
While he's doing that I need some fact finding on '59 Dodge stuff.
A) Schematic showing where the Mirror-matic , Auto Dimmer Pkg and Speed-Minder all tap into the wiring harness.
B) Some Dimensions where the Knighty Lancer Front Fender emblems are placed. ( I'd rather not just guess. )
C) Have any of our guys ever retrofitted aftermarket power window regulator packages to a FL car. I don't think I'll ever find original regulators/ motors for my 2dr in my lifetime... and want to look into other options.
Posted 2010-04-04 5:32 PM (#217082 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Well it appears i may have a Drain on the Battery, As fitted New 2 weeks ago and the Battery was to Low to Start today , So missed a Local Show/Music Meet.. The only things that should pull power is the Clock and Radio/CD Memory back-up.. So need to Investigate with a Amp/Volt meter
But at least the Dodge got a Full Wash and Wax ready for next Weeknd, As i am doing a Family members Wedding. Sure came out Pretty considering it it the First Clean from Winter Storage.. After battery was on Charge for several Hours the Old Gal Fired straight up with the First turn of Key.. BEAUTIFUL
Posted 2010-04-04 8:01 PM (#217117 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Saturday we had our first 'Saturday Night Cruise' meet in town and I took the '57 Chrysler for it's first meeting trip. This was it's 4th trip outside the garage since it got it's title.
Posted 2010-04-04 8:31 PM (#217127 - in reply to #217117) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
BigBlockMopar - 2010-04-04 8:01 PM
Saturday we had our first 'Saturday Night Cruise' meet in town and I took the '57 Chrysler for it's first meeting trip. This was it's 4th trip outside the garage since it got it's title.
Cool, we went to the Sonic cruise In, with about 100 cars there it was a blast, my wife was posing Gumby and Pokey all over my car
only the older people like myself knows who they are....
Posted 2010-04-06 11:21 PM (#217455 - in reply to #217450) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I looked over the power brake set-up I got for the '56 CRL off eBay. The pics were sent from the seller. The bellow rubber looks good and everything is there except one side of the plastic bushing on the arm that goes into the bellows from above the pedal. Anyone know where you could get another one? It looks alot like the plastic bushings on door and window cranks and mechanisms. My neighbor has a drawer of them, so I may go and see if any of them close enough for my needs.
And the pushrod fits perfectly into my new dual master and the dual master fits good under the bellows, no height problem. :-) I need another one of those little black seal things that fit into the groove near the end of the pushrod and keeps the pushrod from coming out of the master cylinder. The one I have is tore about 1/3 of the way through. But, I was worried that the bellows wouldn't fit over the ne master cylinder, but was pleasantly surprised it did. At least something is going right this week!
Posted 2010-04-07 7:13 AM (#217477 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 128 Location: Summerville, GA
A couple weeks ago I took my engine to (hopefully) the best engine mechanic I could find. So I have been accelerating the process of gettiing ready to have a new engine to mount. I finally got the rest of the interior parts pulled including the dash and the steering column. As I was finishing up storing everything in the barn I stepped on one of those old big square nails driving it about a half inch into the bottom of my right foot. This concluded the work on my car this past weekend. I'm hoping to have the body lifted from the frame so I can start cleaning things up this up coming weekend. The engine should be ready to go in another week or two.
Recieved the door sills for my '55 CRL today. Just got them unwrapped and have already drooled all over them. The are beautiful. I may hang them on the wall in my office instead of mounting them on the car. . .. . . . . .
KUDOs to DoorSills, LLC. for the fine job done.
No. I don't have pictures to post. I'm too stupid to figure out how to translate from the camera to the website....
Posted 2010-04-13 8:35 AM (#218312 - in reply to #218304) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
FURY - 2010-04-13 7:26 AM
Every 6 months here in New Zealand, for every car regardless of age.
Glenn.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION is made only once for cars that are manufactured until 1950 and older.
Publishers are also up to the 1959 survey will be released in Sweden. We seem to have it good here in Sweden.
Studies show that these old cars are rarely included in the accident and is in good condition
Posted 2010-04-18 2:51 PM (#219119 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Poured fresh oil into the little Hemi, removed the jack stands, let the engine turn to get the oil around internally, stepped on the pedal a few times and it started immediately, unfortunately it was too windy and dusty to take her out for a ride but this was enough to make me feel good.
Posted 2010-04-18 3:15 PM (#219123 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Been busy the past 2 weekends. I received and installed my brake kit from Roger at AAJ Brakes, made the brake lines for the front and rear, made front exhaust pipe templates for Waldron's Antique Exhaust, made a template for the power steering pump and made a new wiring harness for under the hood.
Posted 2010-04-18 9:02 PM (#219161 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Well, yesterday I finally got one side of the exhaust manifold studs installed with the thread sealer. I rolled the threads up against the tube of sealer and this allowed just enough of the sealer to get pushed into the threads without too much. I learned on the first one and ended up wiping a big gob of it off when the stud was seated. But, the rest went on smoothly. Next, I need to call about header flanges.
Today, I spent $255 on used dome lights with really nice looking lenses. A ton of cash I know, but I can't find them for a '56 anywhere and mine where dust from the AZ heat! Sometimes, one has to bite the bullet.
Posted 2010-04-19 1:59 AM (#219200 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Today I fixed a problem that has shown up several times in the past and goes away after putting sea foam in the gas and driving about 40 miles. --rough idle -stalls at stoplights- strong acrid oder( but not rich mixture) occasional miss at cruise speed. This spring it did it again and would not clear up after about 100 miles. low miles on a new Holly carb. Had everyone stumped . but turned out to be real simple. I checked for vacume leaks and could not find any. Carb mount bolts were somewhat loose. I had the idle speed set up fairly high to keep it running. engine ran fine at about 1000 rpm. OK, I am no carb expert, but this may have a idle circuit that is plugged or some mal- function. I revved it up by hand and at the same time put my other hand over the primary venturies in effect chokeing it and blip revving the engine enough to open the secondarys. My thought was to make enough vacume to dislodge a possible blockage in a idle circuit. . It worked! re set the idle speed and now she behaves like she usta do. Choking is NOT recommende on other females!
Fixed my exhaust rattles and went for a Cruise! ....................................MO
I finally got the new diaphram kit for the A/C fuel pump that I got from John (Big M) to replace the Autolite pump that was orignal to my "55 Hemi engine. Started Friday be tearing the A/C pump down and trying to fit the new rockerarm cross shaft into the pump body. Took the 20 ton Hydraulic press to finally get the old one out and to press the new one in. Then came the installation of the new diaphragm on the pump pushrod. That's another story, but can be done if you carefully follow the instructions that coem with the kit. Got it installed on the car. Won't know if it'll pump fuel until I can start the engine, but it did make sucking noises when I articulated the rocker arm before I installed it. Then I started sorting out the brakelines that will eventually connect the master cylinder to the '67 "hydraulic brake valve", which is what my '82 Clymer shop manual calls the "proportioning valve that I scrounged off a '67 Plynouth with disc/drums. Now to order the 2lb./10lb. residual valves for the bakelines.
Posted 2010-04-19 9:57 PM (#219313 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Canada
received my new dual pot master/booster kit from AAJ to replace my kelsey hayes single pot integrated master/booster that's only found on 55 fwdlk cars
everything is there... adapter plate to mount on firewall, residual valves, adjustable rod, fittings, instructions, etc
will install it in the next couple of weeks and post pics
Posted 2010-04-22 7:31 AM (#219669 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417 Location: Bräcke,Sweden
I´ve put my padded dash back in the car, restored it during winter.
Sciatica has stopped me from fixing the enginebay this winter so I´ll
give it another shoot at it next winter.
Posted 2010-04-24 2:57 AM (#219977 - in reply to #219860) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Look what so little can do for your car! Those speaker grilles and mesh really lift up the rear shelf - the "old" plastic fantastic looked totally wrong and disturbed the overall impression. You're really improving the car Nisse - nice work!
Posted 2010-04-24 8:04 AM (#219991 - in reply to #219990) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
57plymouth - 2010-04-24 7:41 AM
57plymouth - 2010-04-23 8:41 PM
Washed it. Taking it to a local show tomorrow.
Nevermind, it's raining. Not going to the show.
Went to a car show last night, won best Pre-70's car.... was a nice show and for once different cars won
not the usual mustang or camaro. Raining today so that show is cancelled.... rain for tomorrow too. This
will give me the time to work on my car in the garage.
Posted 2010-04-25 9:17 PM (#220247 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
This was actually Friday, but I didn't get the pics loaded until tonight.
I finally found a set of 4 '97-2003 Ford Ranger 15x6 5 lug rims for the Dodge. With my neighbor's one, that makes a full set of 5 rims. They had a set of 4 white wall tires (not WWW) which came fairly clean, real cheap with mounting and balancing. These are just for rolling the car around and a little testing time after we get it running. I thought they came out pretty well for dirty cheap tires on Ford rims! lol
I got a set of spinner '56 Dodge hubcaps that need some polishing and rechroming of the center caps, but I threw one on the front to see how they'll look. What do you guys think?
Posted 2010-04-26 9:27 PM (#220467 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Canada
had the manifold ported to match the new Holley 350 2bbl carb that I got... and had the gas tank removed to be sent out to be blasted/cleaned/coated...
Spent the weekend fighting with my flaring tool trying to make 'double flares' on the new brake lines necesary to connect the new master cylinder to the AAJ brakes on the '55. Late Sunday evening, in my last effort before giving up. "EUREAKA! ! !". It happened. I actually made adouble fare on athe 3/16th brakeline. I was so pleased, I immediately turned the scrap peice I was practicing on around and made another. It was too late to dis-assemble the mess and start over, but maybe one afternoon this week .............
Posted 2010-04-27 1:29 PM (#220553 - in reply to #220247) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
jsrail - 2010-04-26 3:17 AM
This was actually Friday, but I didn't get the pics loaded until tonight.
I finally found a set of 4 '97-2003 Ford Ranger 15x6 5 lug rims for the Dodge. With my neighbor's one, that makes a full set of 5 rims. They had a set of 4 white wall tires (not WWW) which came fairly clean, real cheap with mounting and balancing. These are just for rolling the car around and a little testing time after we get it running. I thought they came out pretty well for dirty cheap tires on Ford rims! lol
I got a set of spinner '56 Dodge hubcaps that need some polishing and rechroming of the center caps, but I threw one on the front to see how they'll look. What do you guys think?
Posted 2010-04-27 5:15 PM (#220581 - in reply to #220553) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
wizard - 2010-04-27 11:29 AM
jsrail - 2010-04-26 3:17 AM This was actually Friday, but I didn't get the pics loaded until tonight. I finally found a set of 4 '97-2003 Ford Ranger 15x6 5 lug rims for the Dodge. With my neighbor's one, that makes a full set of 5 rims. They had a set of 4 white wall tires (not WWW) which came fairly clean, real cheap with mounting and balancing. These are just for rolling the car around and a little testing time after we get it running. I thought they came out pretty well for dirty cheap tires on Ford rims! lol I got a set of spinner '56 Dodge hubcaps that need some polishing and rechroming of the center caps, but I threw one on the front to see how they'll look. What do you guys think?
To me they look really good!
Thanks Sven! I like these hubcaps better than the plain full hubcaps that were originally on the car. Centers need some work, but they look good at 30 feet! lol
Posted 2010-04-27 6:58 PM (#220588 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
The last couple of weekends I went to a couple of meetings with the '57 Chrysler and the last weekend with the '60 NewYorker.
The '60 NY developed an exhaust somewhere near the first flange, which I fixed this monday. The white 'paper'-gasket had hardened and partially been blown out.
Posted 2010-04-30 8:44 AM (#221034 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
I gotta clean out her interior so she looks nice when I pick up one of my customers from England at his hotel in the morning. You gotta love the rock solid dependability of the old poly engine....To get ready for the trip all I've done is check the oil.....She didn't need any.. This is after letting sit out beside my shop untouched for better than a month. Pumped the gas a few times and she fired right up.
Posted 2010-04-30 1:59 PM (#221059 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I haven't opened the hood in a while. I read this post and went out to check the fluids. Yup, everything is still full. I guess when you build them with forethought and care they are reliable, huh?
Posted 2010-05-04 11:21 AM (#221639 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 253 Location: Tampere, Finland
I´ve installed front disc brakes, dual master cylinder and booster and new brakelines.
Today tried to bleed the system. I spent four hours working on it, but there´s still bubbles...
darn...
Posted 2010-05-04 12:59 PM (#221654 - in reply to #221639) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Kingsway - 2010-05-04 5:21 PM
I´ve installed front disc brakes, dual master cylinder and booster and new brakelines.
Today tried to bleed the system. I spent four hours working on it, but there´s still bubbles...
darn...
Unfortunately, this seems to be a never ending story with disc brakes - I've read that some bench bleed the mc's before installing them, could be worth a try?
Posted 2010-05-05 11:24 AM (#221797 - in reply to #221654) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 253 Location: Tampere, Finland
wizard - 2010-05-04 7:59 PM
Kingsway - 2010-05-04 5:21 PM I´ve installed front disc brakes, dual master cylinder and booster and new brakelines. Today tried to bleed the system. I spent four hours working on it, but there´s still bubbles... darn...
Unfortunately, this seems to be a never ending story with disc brakes - I've read that some bench bleed the mc's before installing them, could be worth a try?
That was the first thing I did, as always.
But I found out that my brand new proportioning/combination valve isn´t working. It takes air in, but doesn´t bleed fluid out.
Posted 2010-05-05 11:51 AM (#221800 - in reply to #221797) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I trained my eldest daughter in the art of peddle pushing. I would open the valve and call out "down". She would then slow push
the pedal to the floor and call back "down" when she hit bottom. We would then reverse the process with the valve closed. Once
closed, I would call out "up" and she would slowly bring it back up, calling back "up" when the pedal reached the top. On the few
times the bubbles just would not stop coming it might require opening the junction block or proportioning valve and blowing fluid
through there to get the line clear before hooking it back up and starting the process again.
I was taught to bleed the wheels from the closest (to the master cylinder) to the farthest. This chases the bubbles out most
effectively.
After years of making a mess, I customized a wrench to better fit the bleeder screws and made a "catcher", comprised of some
clear tubing and a clear bottle. This kept the fluid from going all over AND made it very easy to see all bubbles in the sealed tube.
Doc, you and I attended different schools. The mechanic that taught me to bleed brakes in 1950, did the furthest from the M/C 1st, and worked toward the closest last. It's always worked for me. . . . . . . . But, I tried one of the 'single person' vacumn suckers dealies one time. Could not get it to stop sucking air by the bleed vavle on the wheel cylinder. finally threw the D@mn thing away and recruited a pedal pusher. Still works for me 60 years, now.
I do bleed the master cylinder again after it's installed on the vehicle. I just 'crack the brakeline connectionsat the M/C outlets to be sure I've got b/fluid flowing. Then I bleed the combination valve outlets, then I start bleeding the wheel cylinders at the right rear. If it takes a couple of quarts, so be it.
Posted 2010-05-05 1:07 PM (#221813 - in reply to #221806) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Hmmm .... wonder what the logic is ?
As 'splained to me, by doing the closest first, you chase the majority of air out at the first (close) wheel. With each wheel the
amount of air diminishes until you are pretty much only waiting for the new (clear) fluid to push the older (dark) fluid out at the
right rear. I always walk through it twice if the pedal isn't rock hard the first time.
Posted 2010-05-05 1:09 PM (#221814 - in reply to #221813) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
I too, pitched the "one man show" tool after clusterschtooking it. Besides, it was good bonding time
with the kid. She still talks about it with the rolling eyes, but I can tell by the way she brings it up that
it is a fun memory for her.
Posted 2010-05-05 1:41 PM (#221818 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Somewhere way back then, I worked as a car mechanic. I NEVER bench bleed ANY mc for ANY car, wether it was a dual circuit or a single circuit system. Also back then, we were taught to ALWAYS start with the wheel most far away from the mc, then the next most far and so on. I really do not understand why it should be next to impossible to get all the air out of a brake system. When I changed the brake fluid, I asked a friend who has a workshop to do the work, since that he had a brake fluid changer (pressurized container) - clearly, with the friggin brake servo just over the mc - the fluid changer could not be used. I later asked him if he had any problem with air - the answer was no, he just opened all the bleeder screws and depressed the pedal, that drained the system. Then the mc was topped up with new brake fluid, still with all bleeders open. After that, he closed all the bleeders and did a very normal brake bleeding work. When I had my '59 New Yorker, I never had any problems with the brakes or with the bleeding of the system. I'm so happy that I kept my drum brakes - I don't need all those problems with the disk brakes, impossible to bleed, never locking up, wrong proportional pressure etc, etc. I want to drive the car instead of fiddling around with it.
Posted 2010-05-05 1:59 PM (#221819 - in reply to #221818) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Perhaps this is a problem for some ? .... that power booster hanging too close over the M/C ?
I had a bugger of a time with that for years, making it hard to get fluid in there and causing air to get in the lines
while trying to chase it out !
I finally sat down and built a special funnel out of copper fittings that sits on legs that rest on the valve cover creases.
It has a 2.5" to 1/" reducer as the funnel head, with 1/2" line and fittings running down and under the booster without
obstruction. A nipped end allows flow visibility to avoid overfilling. My little creation works like a dream and I have
never had that problem to deal with since.
I have figured it takes three up-down pumps to get the M/C down pretty low with an open wheel cylinder valve, so after
every third rotation I come back up and refill the M/C with my handy-dandy funnel gizmo !
Having the right tools makes all the difference between a simple job and a real mess / fight.
Posted 2010-05-05 2:39 PM (#221829 - in reply to #221819) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Going back up to Sven's and Denis' comments:
Altho they are getting somewhat rare, today, a person can check with the national salvage yards, and local ones,
to see if they are parting out a 63/64 Chrysler.
Those guys will have the 11x3" Bendix Duo-Servo drum brakes on them.
Keeping-it-simple-stupid, any mid-late big MoPar will have the REAR 11x 2 1/2" (or, the rarer 11x3" drums, off of 300's/IMPS/Chargers/
RRunners) .
These drums can be serviced (check to make sure that the drums are 'turnable) and relatively easily installed on our cars.
The fronts will need the donor-car's steering knuckles, too, but they are a bolt-on deal to the upper/lower control arms.
The rears will need to have the OEM Lockheed Centerplane's backing plate be sacrificed, in order to use its outer seal holding-
shoulders-area, with the Bendix brake drum, and the top of the flanged axle-end will need to be scalped in order to accept
the flat-topped inner-profile of the Bendix's backing plate. That scalping does NOT affect any future re-installation of the
Lockheed Centerplane brake system.
If anything, the Bendix's are too-powerful, because they can lock-up the wheels, so they need to be kept in adjustment,
but, their adjustment is via the now-industry-standard-simple procedure of having only one adjuster to tighten or loosen
the shoes' contact with the drum.
Posted 2010-05-05 2:46 PM (#221830 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Another protocol is to find some 12x 2 1/2" Centerplane brakes off of a late 50's FWDLK'er, and install them
onto a car that has smaller Centerplanes on them.
Firmfeel.com can take your 12 x 2 1/2" (or, other-sized...) Centerplane brake shoes and bond-on carbon-metallic linings
to them, for even more stopping ability.
Posted 2010-05-08 5:35 PM (#222325 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
I took her over to the DMV for the VIN inspection. Next week I'll go back to do the title and registration, and she will officially be a Nevada car. I am waiting for a shop manual and a turn signal actuating switch to arrive in the mail so that I can get to work on that problem.
I can't even pull this baby out of the garage without ending up in a long conversation with someone passing by. I had a 64 1/2 Mustang which I sold last month to get this car. There are probably just as many 64-66 Mustangs in Vegas as there are 2010's, but you NEVER see these.
Posted 2010-05-14 6:21 PM (#223375 - in reply to #222333) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Finished detailing the intake manifold for my 59 Dodge.
First picture shows the intake from May 2008. Second picture is what it looks like today. Correct Stromberg 3-183 carburetor. Casting date of 12-1-58 is seen in the third picture. Car was built on Dec 22, 1958.
Vacuum port in back is temporarily plugged, so the heater control nipple doesn't accidently snap off while this is in storage.
Posted 2010-05-14 6:45 PM (#223380 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Doc, Wizard, D500 and all others: With all the difficulties that I’m reading in here with AJJ setup seem like the installation is not an easy task, everybody seem like got in something different.
Ron your restoration is really good; I can see the DPCD bolts on it.
Posted 2010-05-14 8:09 PM (#223402 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Picked up my radiator today from Tony's Radiator Service in Runnemede NJ, cleanup and repaired my trans shifter. Tony's is a Mom and Pop shop and did an outstanding job. He recored, bead blasted the frame and moved to outlet for $570.00. He told me that the core cost him $400.00. He took photos of his work and wants photos of my finished product for his web site.
Posted 2010-05-14 8:31 PM (#223409 - in reply to #223402) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Mike, you're "supposed" to use (thin-) lacquer to paint the cooling fins, but, after I had my radiator overhauled (like yours,
before heading out to Tulsa in '07) I applied high-heat paint all-over it, and find that there is NO problems with any
over-heating, because of the 'thicker' paint on the cooling fins.
Posted 2010-05-14 9:31 PM (#223419 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Tonight I washed the radiator down and started to prepare for painting. So far (8 Beers) I cleaned the tanks and frame, wiped them down with paint prep solvent and applied etching primer. I planned on painting with a low-gloss black engine paint on the cooling fins and high gloss on the tanks and frame.
Posted 2010-05-15 4:19 PM (#223494 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Finally installed the $175.00 Booster Dewey's overhauled replacement booster(as seen way-back on Pg 17
of this thread)
Looks just like any other new canister booster, and ACTS just like one, too!
With the Bendix Duo-Servo brakes, the brake feel is fairly light, until you put your foot into the pedal about 1/2
way, but then, there is good brake/pedal modulation, with the harsh, sudden stopping effect greatly lessened.
Came to an unexpected red light, and applied the brakes fairly hard, but they didn't lock-up, as they had been doing
with the 'hissing' (worn-seal/vacuum leakage) 53 y.o. OEM booster.
Posted 2010-05-15 5:27 PM (#223504 - in reply to #223494) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
d500neil - 2010-05-15 1:19 PM
Finally installed the $175.00 Booster Dewey's overhauled replacement booster(as seen way-back on Pg 17
of this thread)
Looks just like any other new canister booster, and ACTS just like one, too!
With the Bendix Duo-Servo brakes, the brake feel is fairly light, until you put your foot into the pedal about 1/2
way, but then, there is good brake/pedal modulation, with the harsh, sudden stopping effect greatly lessened.
Came to an unexpected red light, and applied the brakes fairly hard, but they didn't lock-up, as they had been doing
with the 'hissing' (worn-seal/vacuum leakage) 53 y.o. OEM booster.
And, I bet you have no more rough idle from that leaky / hissing booster, as I have with mine. I was able to borrow a spare booster from Paul Mitchell, a friend of mine here who owns a 58 DeSoto Fireflite 2 door HT, and sent it to Dewey ( so I could continue to drive the car with no outages) and it just came back so I hope to get in over the next coupla weeks. Then I give my original booster back to Paul.
Posted 2010-05-16 12:39 AM (#223565 - in reply to #223558) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Doctor DeSoto - 2010-05-15 9:05 PM
Ah man, .... that's great ! Thanks, Ian.
Do you know if those are original colors ? I got a VERY similar (albeit VERY rusty) car out of Alberta in the 90's.
Where does Paul live ?
Paul lives right here in the Victoria area about 15 minutes from my place - that' show I managed to borrow his extra booster for rebuild. He's had the car since the early 90s, it was originally an Arizona car I believe, rust free but completely baked. I am not sure, but I don't think it's original colors. Paul and I are both members of WPC, in fact he is president of our local WPC region. He's not much into computers but he does know of the FL site. The car needs a bit of TLC, mainly just finishing type work on chroming and interior moldings etc, weather striips and engine detailing. FOUND another photo of it here.
Posted 2010-05-16 1:06 AM (#223569 - in reply to #223568) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Joan posted some pix of the 56 Dodge wagon a few years back. Look under "wagonfever".
I have nothing on the DeSoto other than pix I have posted to various threads. Problem with
most of my pix of this car is that they predate the digital age, and I am *limited* in my cyber
skills and equipment. My computer is steam powered.
Posted 2010-05-16 3:40 PM (#223629 - in reply to #223569) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Ian, that's exactly my philosophy: get a spare unit and get IT O/H'ed so that you minimize any Risk of Loss, or
downtime.
Now that you mention it, the car DOES drive/idle happier, now, with the new booster installed..just thought I'd document
that situation/condition, here.
Posted 2010-05-16 8:34 PM (#223696 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
I got home last night after being on the road 15hrs picking up a '60 Dodge Seneca 4dr. The rear passenger floor pan needs replaced and needs a patch on the pass front pan. The trunk pan is solid. The motor appears to have been worked on as it was really clean. I going to get it running this week. Its a 318 with pwr. steering and brakes. I'm going to sell it after I get it running in case anyone is interested.
Started installation of a new wireing harness (after-market type) on the '55 CRL. "Purists" won't approve, but just can't stand the megabucks for a complete "original" harness from the prices I've been given. Anyway, it's going to be a driver, not a "trailer-queen". Like always, I have to do everything twice. After pulling the rear portiion through the roof rail, I realised that it has backup lights, and the harness I got had no wire for backup lights. Is this why everything takes so long? Having to do it once, undoing it and re-doing it again (yes, a second and a even third time) because something was forgotten or over-looked?
I guess it's a function of getting old or else CRS. . . . . . .
Posted 2010-05-17 2:48 PM (#223850 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Walt it probably IS CRS disease (I've got the advanced version: CFR), but, one does GET what he pays-for (hopefully!--but
not always)...and Greg Leggatt's wiring looms are perfect, as are his restorations.
That's a major reason why some of us (including you, right?) have only one car and/or one spouse: ONE'S enough to spend
our limited time and money 'on' ---lololol....but, it is nice to pamper both of them!
I can 'barely' keep shoes on my feet, but Horace is wearing $800.00 WWW's.
Posted 2010-05-17 7:02 PM (#223875 - in reply to #223850) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
d500neil - 2010-05-17 11:48 AM
Walt it probably IS CRS disease (I've got the advanced version: CFR), but, one does GET what he pays-for (hopefully!--but not always)...and Greg Leggatt's wiring looms are perfect, as are his restorations.
That's a major reason why some of us (including you, right?) have only one car and/or one spouse: ONE'S enough to spend our limited time and money 'on' ---lololol....but, it is nice to pamper both of them!
I can 'barely' keep shoes on my feet, but Horace is wearing $800.00 WWW's.
Neil, I can relate to that ! I don't know how the average guy can afford more than one old car, given time, financial and family constraints! I used to keep 2 cars but sold off the Polara in 1995 after more kids came along. I barely can find the time - or cash - to work on the one I have now ! How do the rest of you guys do it ? I'm not one to boast but we own our own business and make a good living at it... but there's always something else that needs the cash spent on it!
Yeah, Neil. I've one wife, two (2) cars, '38 Dodge D8, streetrodded, and the '55 CRL that I've been pouring $$$$ into (but does not include the daily driver/work car). My son and I have a two man law practice that I'm trying to retire from, but the wife likes to keep spending $$$$. She just bought a pontoon party boat. What next?
Posted 2010-05-26 5:55 PM (#225347 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Took the 59 Dodge to work today, As i had to take it for it's Annual Inspection ( UK MOT Test ).. Thay basically Check Everything - Lights - Brakes - Structural - any Corrusion.. Tyres, ETC.. PASSED with Flying Colours as Usual..
Posted 2010-05-26 6:42 PM (#225361 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
My ride is in a shop, now, getting new rear axle bearings/seals installed.
The left/rear bearing was wasted; right/rear looks OK, but will get to be replaced, anyway.
90-weight gear oil got onto/into the LT/RR brake linings, but, thanks to my having previously got 11x3" carbon-
metallic shoe assemblies from Firm Feel, for the front wheels, I can install a pair of the former OEM front brake shoes
onto the left/rear brake.
Spare parts; gotta have a supply of them on hand, at all times.
Posted 2010-05-26 10:26 PM (#225407 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
"Came to an unexpected red light, and applied the brakes fairly hard, but they didn't lock-up, as they had been doing
with the 'hissing' (worn-seal/vacuum leakage) 53 y.o. OEM booster."
Whatta ya expects Neil, Your tires are balder than me!
Posted 2010-06-10 11:18 PM (#227380 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Sweet ride 59CRL!
Well I finished the wifes coffee table last weekend which meant that I could start working on the 55 Windsor! I put the new springs in (Springs & Things) and it all went like clockwork. She now rides at the right height and feels A LOT more responsive. I noticed that I have a number of extra leaks this year. Rear pinion and left rear brake cylinder need work. I ordered the rebuild kit from Rockauto cause I figured I would try one to see if I could do it. It was messy but it's done and it does not leak. I also noticed that the old unit was seized up on one side. Glad I rebuilt it. Now I think I will do the other ones just to be safe.
While I was working on the brake cylinder I changed the rear flexible hose, broke the main line in the process. Too much rust after 65 years. I was underneath there reflanging the line on my back... Murphy's law... argh. Incidently, I have my kids help me with the brake bleeding like many of you. Same proceedure too.
I hope to have her on the road this weekend.. but they are forcasting rain.....
Posted 2010-06-10 11:30 PM (#227382 - in reply to #227380) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Canada
Mark, you should change all rubber hoses as they tend to decay internally and cause problems later.. they are inexpensive .. I believe there are 4 in total.
1 by firewall right below master, 2 for front wheels, 1 in the rear
also if you change the pinion seal, remember to take out the yoke and have a speedi-sleeve applied to it or else it will leak again because it will have tiny tiny groove marks .. if you use the new style seal you are fine but if you use the old horse tail style seals, you need to soak it in oil for a few days
Posted 2010-06-13 5:00 PM (#227697 - in reply to #227693) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Sisu - 2010-06-13 4:49 PM
No, its a 59 Dodge Custom Sierra 9 seater (now 3 seater)
I realized I can fit NOS Coupe double radio antennas in the rear.
The original Super-D500 engine is now serving as an ashtray (love those big carbs!).
Ashtray LOL!!! Pretty good. Im using a 392 Hemi I bought for an anchor on my boat I take my son fishing..... couldnt find anything else to do
with the old engine.... oh well.
Posted 2010-06-14 2:20 AM (#227775 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Been doing some small things on the motor lately. Got the oil filter adapter installed, thanks Walt; painted the water pump and crank pulleys, yeah they're black, but there's too much silver on it; and got a real nice NOS fuel pump on eBay and rebuild kit from Then and Now Automotive, thanks Dave Homstad!
I'm still working with Bob Walker of Hot Head Hemi on the fitting issues with the windage tray on the 315 Poly. We are having a hard time geting the tray mounting tabs to clear the crankshaft counterweights as these aftermarket trays' measurements from main cap center to main cap center is too wide or too narrow for the Dodge Hemi blocks. But I think we are close to getting it corrected.
Lookin' good Jay! Rome was not built in one day! don't rush it. do it right the first time. Otherwise you'll be ding the same thing over and over, like I do. At least twice and sometimes three times................
Posted 2010-06-18 4:25 PM (#228451 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Johnnee; I just checked with my local parts house, and 11x3" Bendix-brand brake drums are still available.
These drums were standard equipment with the 63+Chryslers.
Your car has the Lockheed-brand "Centerplane" brakes on it, which are a different design from the Bendix's.
What you can do is contact any large 'nationally-advertised' old car salvage yard and buy the (63-68 Bendix) Chrysler front
steering knuckles, and their brake backing-plates.
The new Bendix brake drums you can obtain from NAPA or some other large national parts house.
Then, you contact firmfeel.com and order a set of their carbon metallic 11x3" brake shoe assemblies.
Put the new brake drums, C-M brake shoes, and the backing-plates and steering knuckles together and you will
have solved any 'pulling' or soft brake operation that you might be experiencing.
If you want to upgrade the rear brakes, you can buy new Bendix 11x 2 1/2" drums--or "turn/true" some common Bendix
11 x 2 1/2" salvage-yard drums, or, buy them new, or, go buy another new set of the Bendix 11x 3" drums.
You will still need to buy salvage-yard backing plates in order to install the Bendix brake drums onto your rear axle.
There is some slight modifications that will need to be done to the axle and to the backing plates, to mount the rear-
Bendix brakes, but nothing that a decent well equipped garage can not handle.
You can service or replace the axle bearings, too, when you are installing the new rear brakes.
Posted 2010-06-18 5:08 PM (#228457 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: Ontario
Neil,
thanks for that wealth of info!!! I have the disc brake kit from AAJ, I am just rebuilding the drum brakes for the technical inspection, they like originality, then I'll switch to disc brakes, looks like it's a pretty easy conversion...I already installed the dual MC, which is giving me another set of nightmares with the pushrod adjustment...but that'ts another story!!!!
anyhow thanks again for the comprehensive explanation, i may use it for the rear brakes...
cheers
JD
Posted 2010-06-19 2:03 PM (#228575 - in reply to #228573) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: Ontario
snik - 2010-06-19 7:50 PM
Johnnee D. - 2010-06-18 5:08 PM
..I already installed the dual MC, which is giving me another set of nightmares with the pushrod adjustment...
JD
are you referring to the pushrod from booster to MC? if so, then me too .. exact same situation... exact same nightmare....
yes, that one. I thought I had measured the exact length but after using the car for an hour, all four brakes seized. Once the front brakes are back on the car i'll go with the trial/error method. it worked for the past 6 years so I should be able to do it right again!
Posted 2010-06-20 3:03 PM (#228761 - in reply to #228575) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Canada
Johnnee D. - 2010-06-19 2:03 PM
snik - 2010-06-19 7:50 PM
Johnnee D. - 2010-06-18 5:08 PM
..I already installed the dual MC, which is giving me another set of nightmares with the pushrod adjustment...
JD
are you referring to the pushrod from booster to MC? if so, then me too .. exact same situation... exact same nightmare....
yes, that one. I thought I had measured the exact length but after using the car for an hour, all four brakes seized. Once the front brakes are back on the car i'll go with the trial/error method. it worked for the past 6 years so I should be able to do it right again!
that's exactly the process I am in now.. trying to find the ideal length by trial and error.. it depends on the weather and how heavily I use the brake.. on a cool evening, a short 20 min drive is fine, but on a hot day, 8-10 miles in a bit of stop and go traffic is enough to start applying the brakes (not totally seize, but you feel them dragging pretty well).. I also have the AAJ GM kit...
Posted 2010-06-20 11:03 PM (#228839 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Canada
update:
found out that the rod that was threaded in the booster is M6 metric in size and it was sticking out about 2.7cm .... went to home depot and got a 2" phillips bolt, with a nylon lock washer, and threaded it in the booster ... approx 2.4 cm (just a hair under 1") of it sticks out of the booster going into the MC .. went for a short drive and it seems great... went for a little longer (20miles, a lot of test stops) and no lockup so far... pedal travel is increased by about 0.5"~1" but stops very well... I am gonna play with the adjustment a little more to get it right
used locktite on the thread side going to the booster and white lithium grease on the part that goes inside MC
Posted 2010-06-22 10:47 PM (#229210 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
Well since we are talking brakes, I disassembled the brakes on my '60 Savoy. The car only has 18k original miles but the master cyl. is leaking and I figure I'd do a complete brake job. I looked for parts at O'riellys, Napa, Crow Burlingame , Advance Auto and RockAuto ands none of these places had parts. The shoes looked good but I'm going ahead and having them relined here in Little Rock. The rebuild kits are coming out of Mass. The rear pinion seal is leaking so maybe I can get that here in L.R. I also rerouted the fuel filter on the /6 to take care of my vapor locking problem. I'll update my progess when parts arrive.
Posted 2010-06-23 9:27 AM (#229246 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Just install a set of Hi-Lo horns on my car and they sound great . The horns never did work
since I owned the car 10 years now . When I did the motor swap 3 years ago , I removed the
originals and cleaned them up and painted them , and then foound out they didn t work , just
getting an irratating buzzing from them . So when I was in the U pullit yard I spotted these on
a Lincoln Mark VII that I was getting parts off of for my kids car . I mounted them inside the
lower valence so you can t see the modern looking horns .
Posted 2010-06-23 10:41 AM (#229253 - in reply to #229246) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
narleycharlie - 2010-06-23 6:27 AM
Just install a set of Hi-Lo horns on my car and they sound great . The horns never did work
since I owned the car 10 years now . When I did the motor swap 3 years ago , I removed the
originals and cleaned them up and painted them , and then foound out they didn t work , just
getting an irratating buzzing from them . So when I was in the U pullit yard I spotted these on
a Lincoln Mark VII that I was getting parts off of for my kids car . I mounted them inside the
lower valence so you can t see the modern looking horns .
I went through the same thing with my '59 Plymouth. I got a set of tri-horns out of a '70 Cadillac. I liked them so much, I also installed a set in my '66 Chevy pickup.
Posted 2010-06-24 12:08 PM (#229408 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Michigan
I found some NEVER DULL chrome polish in grandpas garage from 1941! I tried it out and it works just as well as the new stuff I bought last year. A little too well, unfortunatly. The spot looked so good I couldnt stop and now all the front chrome trim is off the car and polished up nice and bright. My fingers are black,cut up and sore but WOW what a difference!
Posted 2010-06-24 9:29 PM (#229479 - in reply to #229408) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 92
I finished removing the torque converter on my 58 Imperial. need to find out what caused the transmission to fail, note picture of the reaction shaft.
Mark
Posted 2010-06-26 1:39 AM (#229704 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
After too long I buttoned up most of the bottom end. I still have to wash and blow out the oil pan and mount it and the studs, but that's for the morning along with painting the steering column and mounting it with the steering linkage. Today was about the lower end of the million dollar 315 Poly. Now I'm going to bed because I hurt very much and am very tired and going to bed! Goodnight all! :-)
Posted 2010-06-26 11:28 PM (#229820 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
John ad I took Flo to the Capital City MOPARS show in Rancho Cordova today. She surprised us by taking home a third place trophy. A month ago Christine took home a 2nd place at another MOPAR show. Guess Flo didn't want to be the only one not getting one. First time in years that we've taken home anything besides a sunburn. M'Lisa
Posted 2010-06-28 5:23 PM (#230055 - in reply to #229888) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
d500neil - 2010-06-27 8:22 PM
Jay, it looks like you might still have some clearance/fitment issues with your windage tray.
Just sent Sir Clive some pics of my own custom-cut windage tray's installation project, to post here.
Jay is showing, above here, a windage tray that he has adapted
to his engine.
Here's some shots of what had to be cut away, on the
sides and the bottom, of the windage tray that Hot Heads
sells, for the 340 (IIRC) engine, which can be made to fit
the 325 Dodge engine.
There was a LOT of cut-and-tried work, to get this far on
it, from underneath with the engine installed, and it is still too
tight (crank-hit) by about a washer's-thickness.
You'll note the stress-riser-reliever holes that I put into it, too.
I ran out of patience with my shop to finish its final-installation,
last year; it'll probably get installed sometime in the future--or
I might sell it, but, it's a LONG way from being as-sold by
Hot Heads!
Posted 2010-06-28 5:26 PM (#230057 - in reply to #230055) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
MORE FROM NEIL D500
Here's a few random progress photos of my windage tray
project, from 2009.
My photo files show inspections from 5/18, 5/26, 5/27 and 6/29
when I gave up, after confirming that the windage tray is still a tad
too close (contact-) to the crankshaft counterweights.
First pic was taken on 5/18, and shows the first necessary cut,
to clear the dipstick's insertion into the oil pan.
Next pic was taken on 5/27, when it was determined that the sides of the
tray needed to be cut down.
Last two pics were taken on 6/29, and show the now-cut-down-sides and
the custom fitting of the windage tray to the engine.
Posted 2010-06-28 5:27 PM (#230058 - in reply to #230055) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
More from NEIL D500
Here's a few random progress photos of my windage tray
project, from 2009.
My photo files show inspections from 5/18, 5/26, 5/27 and 6/29
when I gave up, after confirming that the windage tray is still a tad
too close (contact-) to the crankshaft counterweights.
First pic was taken on 5/18, and shows the first necessary cut,
to clear the dipstick's insertion into the oil pan.
Next pic was taken on 5/27, when it was determined that the sides of the
tray needed to be cut down.
Last two pics were taken on 6/29, and show the now-cut-down-sides and
the custom fitting of the windage tray to the engine.
Posted 2010-06-28 5:47 PM (#230067 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I just started a discbrake conversion on my '60 NewYorker.
Will be similar to the one I did on my '62 NY wagon, only this time I'll be using a smaller B-Body rotor to save work creating spindle bushings to make up for the bearing differences.
I'm curious how these smaller 10.7" rotors work on a fullsize car. I might consider upgrading them later on fro 11.75" rotors.
Posted 2010-06-28 6:42 PM (#230085 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
This is a lil late in Posting, but we had kind of a "Mopar Mini Meet" before we took off for the Ontario car show.
These cars are Truly "BAD TO THE BONE".
Maybe Cleave or one of you guys that knows how to do it can get this UTube Video to play on here?
anyway enjoy the Show!
Posted 2010-06-28 6:56 PM (#230089 - in reply to #230085) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
1959Dodge - 2010-06-28 11:42 PM
This is a lil late in Posting, but we had kind of a "Mopar Mini Meet" before we took off for the Ontario car show.
These cars are Truly "BAD TO THE BONE".
Maybe Cleave or one of you guys that knows how to do it can get this UTube Video to play on here?
anyway enjoy the Show!
Posted 2010-06-28 7:28 PM (#230092 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 168 Location: Leeds, England
I took the St. Regis on first proper outing at the weekend. I decided to risk a camping weekend at the Drag Racing and did 320 mile round trip without a hickup. Had a run in the 2 seater dragster (7.84 run), best weekend for years
Posted 2010-06-28 10:20 PM (#230116 - in reply to #230103) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Thanks Clive for posting Neil's pics and such re: the windage tray.
Neil, no problems with the counterweights now, but I noticed things you had done that apparently have been somewhat addressed by Hot Heads. First off, I imagine Neil, that you did not use spacers between the main cap bolts and the mounting tabs of the tray. This would account for you having to trim the bottom edges and the mounting tabs themselves. Now Hot Heads (which is where I got mine, the exact same tray in fact) supplies spacers that are approximately 1/32" less than 3/4" long with 3/16" alan-headed machine screws to mount on top of the replacement bolts for number 2 and 4 main caps. This raises the tray and now you do not have to trim the bottom edge.
The problem that still arose for me and our 315 Poly, was one that Neil also had to address and that is, the mounting tabs center-to-center are wider on a 340 than they are on a 315 Poly. This means that one end of the tray's mounting tabs are going to move into the space where the counterweight swings around. The only way to avoid this is to raise the tray, which Hot Heads has done with the spacers provided. But, this still doesn't work on a 315 Poly. Bob Walker (owner of Hot Heads) and I worked on this for awhile, first Bob mistook my engine size and was mocking up a 270 Poly, not the same crank and such at all. After we figured out our problem there, Bob found a 315 block and a 325 crankshaft. Now the 325 and the 315 have the same 3.80" stroke, so we didn't think anything would be wrong there. But Bob was saying he had 1/2" clearance, and mine was still hitting the counterweight. With Bob and I on the phone, we couldn't figure out why this should be so. I suggested that maybe, the 315 crank's counterweights are TALLER than those of the 325 and I posted here regarding that. No one answered, so it stills seems to be an unanswered question, but we both had no other rationale. Maybe, the space between main journals is different between the two? But alas, I had a local machine shop make me new spacers that were 1/8" longer than those supplied by Hot Heads and bingo! the tray fit, with absolutely no problems of hitting the crankshaft counterweights. I've attached a pic showing the clearance between the tray mounting tab and the counterweight at the number 2 main. Probably more space than required, but I like a little breathing room. And there are no issues of the tray hitting the oil pan bottom and preventing the pan from going on all the way either.
I've notified Bob Walker so he can now supply the correct length spacers for the 315 Poly. I don't know if this is an issue or not for you 315 Hemi guys, but since its the same block, it should be the same problem. Anyway, I'm glad its all over with now, on to the next problem........removing the plug in the intake for the power brake vacuum line!
Jay
P.S. Another note. There is still a lot of trimming to do on these for the 315. The one Bob sells works without much trimming if you turn the tray around the other way. But, I think the drain slots are going the wrong way for proper oil drainage if mounted that way. I see Neil has his mounted in the same direction as I. I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but it did to me. Also, I had to trim the front to clear the dipstick.
Edited by jsrail 2010-06-28 10:25 PM
(W Tray 004.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- W Tray 004.JPG (143KB - 332 downloads)
Posted 2010-06-28 11:01 PM (#230118 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1497 Location: Fairfax, Minnesota
As an old guy with no talent in the auto world, I visited my local auto paint dealer and walked out with sandpaper, a buffer, and compound. I color sanded a trunk full of orange peel and other weird stuff (1500, 2000, 25000). This was a first for me and it was frightening to take the gloss off the paint. Fired up the buffer, tested a small area, looked amazingly good. I finished the trunk and am looking forward to taking care of a few other areas this summer.The paint technician at the dealer was very helpful and made it sound like I could do it. He was right.
Posted 2010-06-29 12:11 AM (#230129 - in reply to #230118) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
Ray - 2010-06-28 8:01 PM As an old guy with no talent in the auto world, I visited my local auto paint dealer and walked out with sandpaper, a buffer, and compound. I color sanded a trunk full of orange peel and other weird stuff (1500, 2000, 25000). This was a first for me and it was frightening to take the gloss off the paint. Fired up the buffer, tested a small area, looked amazingly good. I finished the trunk and am looking forward to taking care of a few other areas this summer.The paint technician at the dealer was very helpful and made it sound like I could do it. He was right.
Before long, you'll be buffing out your wife's car, the neighbor's cars, etc... Its addicting! M'Lisa
Posted 2010-06-29 2:18 PM (#230255 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Yeah, Jay; trim for the dipstick AND trim (a lot) for the oil pump.
My shop also had straightened/lengthened the steel support legs, to try to clear the crank counterweights.
I forget what the third cut was supposed to clear (or, was that a 'stock' cutting?) as seen at the 11:00 o'clock
position in my 'inside' view #383, above.
I had to buy longer bolts for my project, but now, only need to put in some standard spacer-washers to clear the
counterweights.
Jay, "we" could check the 55-58 parts book to check on the different P/N's for the 315-325 crankshafts.
If the 315/325 Poly (or the 315/325 Hemis') cranks have the same P/N, then, they are identical units.
Jay, did you drill the stress-reliever holes (like I did), or did your tray 'come' with them already pre-drilled?
In FACT--just noticed this---in my pics you can see where I added the second set of holes into the tray
(at my shop's behest), in my photos showing the tray lying on my office floor, here....
Posted 2010-06-29 3:17 PM (#230266 - in reply to #230255) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
d500neil - 2010-06-29 12:18 PM Yeah, Jay; trim for the dipstick AND trim (a lot) for the oil pump. My shop also had straightened/lengthened the steel support legs, to try to clear the crank counterweights. I forget what the third cut was supposed to clear (or, was that a 'stock' cutting?) as seen at the 11:00 o'clock position in my 'inside' view #383, above. I had to buy longer bolts for my project, but now, only need to put in some standard spacer-washers to clear the counterweights. Jay, "we" could check the 55-58 parts book to check on the different P/N's for the 315-325 crankshafts. If the 315/325 Poly (or the 315/325 Hemis') cranks have the same P/N, then, they are identical units. Jay, did you drill the stress-reliever holes (like I did), or did your tray 'come' with them already pre-drilled? In FACT--just noticed this---in my pics you can see where I added the second set of holes into the tray (at my shop's behest), in my photos showing the tray lying on my office floor, here....
Yes, a lot of trimming Neil! :-) I had to trim a bunch off for the oil pump as well. The tray now comes with pre-drilled holes, but I don't see the 2nd set you are referring to. Yours looks just like mine on those holes. Yours fit down closer to the crank then mine, hence why you had to have al that work done on the mounting tabs. Yours is probably more efficient than mine, but I think mine will still do the job as intended. Maybe not as necessary on a stock motor, but I think every little bit helps. I'll have to look at my parts CD and see if they list a different part number on the cranks. I just ran out of ideas on why Bob's set-up had so much room, yet mine was hitting the counterweight, and frankly, having dealt with this problem for awhile, I was too tired to wonder why anymore! lol
Nice job on yours Neil. I'm hoping my 331 Hemi won't be such a headache on its tray!
Posted 2010-06-29 8:03 PM (#230290 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Jay, look at my 'first' set of pics, #381-383---with it currently gracing my office floor(!)---I stress-relieved the running cracks
that have occurred/developed on the tab-outs, in the body of the tray.
R&D is always fraught with head-and-heart aches!!
LOL(ii): having begun my 'little' project ooa 5/18/09...by 6/29/09 I just wanted my car back (kinda like a certain BP
CEO...) and on the road, after its trannie O/H work was finally done....rather than wait another day or so to
have my shop R & I the tray, again, but, now-then, with some fitment-washers installed on it!
Posted 2010-06-29 10:03 PM (#230304 - in reply to #230290) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
d500neil - 2010-06-29 6:03 PM Jay, look at my 'first' set of pics, #381-383---with it currently gracing my office floor(!)---I stress-relieved the running cracks that have occurred/developed on the tab-outs, in the body of the tray. R&D is always fraught with head-and-heart aches!! LOL(ii): having begun my 'little' project ooa 5/18/09...by 6/29/09 I just wanted my car back (kinda like a certain BP CEO...) and on the road, after its trannie O/H work was finally done....rather than wait another day or so to have my shop R & I the tray, again, but, now-then, with some fitment-washers installed on it! So, here it sits on my office floor.
Yeah, I see now Neil. The tray now comes with one hole drilled at the end of the slit "crack", I guess one would call them, instead of drilling around the end of the slit. I don't know if it makes any difference, but I didn't drill any additional holes. It was never mentioned to do in all my discussions with Bob, so I didn't do that. I think it will be okay, or at least I'm hoping so. I too am tired of it, its installed, and there it will stay! LOL Actually, I'm pretty happy with it and Bob, after I emailed him pics, said it looked like it turned out good. I will say that he did spend a lot of time helping me with this issue and that's a sign of a good seller. He had a vested interest in seeing it work because the next guy will run into the same issue and he needs to know how to support his product (even though he just resells these trays). Though I won't buy all parts from him, just because you can get some of them cheaper elsewhere, he is a good guy. Sorry yours is still shading your office floor! :-) You can finish installing it on the next rebuild.
Now, I can also concentrate on choosing a distributor and coil, I'm leaning towards a Pertronix Flamethrower III Plug and Play Billet Distributor and matching Flamethrower III coil (chrome). They seem to be well received and cheaper than MSD and no ignition box is needed. The distributor is $255.95 at Summit and Jegs, the Chrome Coil is $43.99 at both also.
Posted 2010-07-02 2:27 AM (#230677 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I got my Chrysler Air Temp trunk unit today. Pretty good shape with very little surface rust on the large panel hinge. Still had the last air filters that were in it when parked. Needs a bit of cleaning up and have someone check it over. Probably need to replace some tings for sure. Now I need the outside air intakes!
Posted 2010-07-03 6:22 PM (#230916 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I changed the oil in my 58 Regent today. Next I sorted out the horn problem. One of the horns has a cooked/corroded resister (at least I think that's what that long coil type piece is). So.. I need a horn or two if anyone has one to spare. The second horn works but it doesn't sound that great. It's enough to pass our gov't safety inspection though.
Posted 2010-07-06 4:36 AM (#231252 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: Ontario
Started working on the 300 H again...finally!!!! and received the shoes for the Newport!!!! can it get better than this??? yes, it's sunny and 33 degres celsius (which is roughly 2,000,000 degrees farenheit or something liek that!!)
Posted 2010-07-12 12:20 AM (#232123 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I replaced the speedo cable on my Regent tonight. It was busted down at the transmission. To my chagrin the reason it broke was the speedo itself was seized! Never seen that before. It looked like someone tried to remove the instrument panel in the past and all the mounting screws were stripped. I had to remove the speedo from behind. I lubed the hell out of it and attached the end to my drill and ran it for about 5 minutes. It's now working like new. I removed the radio to get access to the cluster easier. The radio was a biatch to remove as someone misplaced the little clips that the radio bezel screws in to and used washers and nuts. It was darn near impossible to get those little nuts on the bolts on the top of the bezel. This is the time I wish I had a parts car so that I could rob all those little bits that go missing over the life of an old car!
Posted 2010-07-12 2:39 AM (#232142 - in reply to #232123) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
"The radio was a biatch to remove as someone misplaced the little clips that the radio bezel screws in to and used washers and nuts. It was darn near impossible to get those little nuts on the bolts on the top of the bezel."
That's funny. That reminds me of what someone had done to mine before I restored it. They had done the same thing-lost the cage nuts that press into the square holes in the dash that secure the radio bezel, how you do that I wouldn't know.... They too had put wshers and nuts on the back where you couldn't get to, in place of the cage nuts (which were there in the first place because you can't get to the back). It was so difficult to get to, that the owner who lost the cage nut had gone to the trouble of welding a piece of rod onto the side of the nut, to hold the nut from a distance while he wound the screw in.... I guess the internet wasn't around then to find the correct cage nut. Glenn.
Posted 2010-07-12 6:06 PM (#232236 - in reply to #232167) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
toddst - 2010-07-13 1:32 AM
Can you give me the name of a supplier for the cage nuts?
Thanks
Todd
Todd.
Being that in this country we use metric and the old fasteners were imperial, I never had a chance of finding imperial cage nuts down here, so I sourced them from a guy in USA who was parting out a 57 Plymouth, and got the real genuine ones. Every car that goes to the crusher with it's radio removed still has the cage nuts, so they are not rare or difficult to find.
Glenn.
Posted 2010-07-12 11:22 PM (#232325 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
"along with my driver's side door latch assembly, please!
Oh OH, it busticated?.
My passenger side started getting hard to open, so first I tried the
easy things lubing, adjusting the Jam, etc.
Then I checked to see how free that little "whirlie thing" moved
when I pulled up on the outside handle, it wasnt completely free moving
unless I moved the inside handle---so I had been "Barking up the wrong tree"--
so to speak, er bark. So I looked in that circular inspection hole at the door edge
and saw linkage there, and it appeared to be slotted and had an adjustment screw
well- not quite--You loosened the screw then adjusted the linkage then tighten the
screw. Works great now, even a 98 pound weakling can open it now from the outside.
Not sure 57 Dodges the same thou, and I musta missed the post where you busticated your door
Posted 2010-07-15 3:00 PM (#232774 - in reply to #232325) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Posted for NEIL D500... Although LATE
Well, here's the NORS 11x3" brake drums
and the Carbon Metallic brake shoes that
I've now installed on the front end of Horrie.
Also installed new wheel cylinders, so, the
front braking system has been fully overhauled,
now!
The existing drums were too old, and oversized and
tended to pull--no pulling, now, but, I think
that there's some air still in the system, as
the pedal's a little soft
Posted 2010-07-15 3:20 PM (#232778 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I got my 58 Regent finally licensed and on the road. I put about 20 miles on her last night. She drives really well. Lots of thumbs up and I even had some guy ask to take a photo of it. I really like this car!
Posted 2010-07-15 5:47 PM (#232831 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
I started what is to be a minor face lift on my Plymouth.....Something tell's me the more I look at this 4-speed set up I have and this little small block stroker enigne I just found at a good price that it may turn into a major face lift.
Dunno, If I'm going to keep her I may as well make her more fun to play with.
I guess it's kind of like after years of marrage......You start thinking of way's to spice things up.
Posted 2010-07-15 7:34 PM (#232841 - in reply to #232831) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
58Donnie - 2010-07-15 5:47 PM
I started what is to be a minor face lift on my Plymouth.....Something tell's me the more I look at this 4-speed set up I have and this little small block stroker enigne I just found at a good price that it may turn into a major face lift.
Dunno, If I'm going to keep her I may as well make her more fun to play with.
I guess it's kind of like after years of marrage......You start thinking of way's to spice things up. :madman:
Weren't you planning to return her to her original 1957 Savoy looks?
Posted 2010-07-16 12:08 AM (#232870 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Suspended
Posts: 2827 Location: At "The Rock" in upper East Tennessee
Yea I had though about that but I have more parts on hand to go another direction. For me it's about time and money. I have the time and money to build with what I have. If I went bck stock then I'm back to looking for some parts.
Posted 2010-07-16 11:12 AM (#232894 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
i've gotten very fond of liquid paint remover and a power washer about the same cost of media blast and a ton cleaner---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-07-17 11:47 PM (#233093 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Did well at a yard sale I had this morning, and so the extra funds are able to go towards the Desoto. Hosed down the engine and pulled the plugs. They still look new. Dropped the lower radiator hose (had to pry that sucker off, it was nearly glued on both ends). Had to remove the fan shroud just to get to the end connected to the radiator. Looks extremely old, if not original. I'm hoping to match it up at Napa this week while I pick up a few more pieces. We'll be firing her up this weekend (cross your fingers and toes!) once we get all the pieces put back together along with a new battery.
Posted 2010-07-18 6:29 AM (#233109 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Started on replacing the bumpers on my '57 Chrysler. The current painted ones in favor for chrome ones.
Had too carefully hack away at the front bumper brackets as the clowns who painted the bumpers had welded them. Luckily the welds weren't too deep so after an hour of work using my 'mind-over-matter'-technique (and a bit of help with of an angle grinder, chisel and a large hammer) I was able to get the suckers off.
I learned also that the entire grille came off with the bumpers so the work involved turned into a bit more as I had to remove the grille from the painted bumpers aswell. Can you say rusty bolts and overly tight screws?)
I was also able to pick up a nice large package yesterday containing a nice addition for a next project...
Posted 2010-07-18 1:02 PM (#233137 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Sweden Vansbro
One more improvement on my car, I buy these Leaf spring squeak pads, in a lokal meeting, and today I mounted them.
Now is the car to high in the back, but I change this old help shock absorbers, to new ones with gas, next weekend,
Also notice the car is very silent in suspention with this new parts, and I know why, look at the pics, Bengt
Posted 2010-07-18 2:09 PM (#233145 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 204 Location: canandaigua, ny
We drove "Charlotte" to Syracuse nationals this weakend, it was fun but not as cool as the carlisle trip
Lots of cool cars in syracuse not too many FL cars though
Posted 2010-07-18 3:00 PM (#233154 - in reply to #233145) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Bengt, those are nice leaf pads, where did you buy them? Do you know if they sell them for the '56 Dodges? Your car has a nice stance, a slight rake and you see the hubcaps really well. I generally like my cars very low, but yours is great looking too.
Posted 2010-07-18 3:17 PM (#233156 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I spent the morning figuring out why my backup light didn't work on my 58 Regent. Turns out everything is there except a backup light switch on the pushbuttons! Now I need one of those with a harness..
Posted 2010-07-18 6:47 PM (#233180 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Worked on the Desoto for a little bit today. After 6 months of trying to find a locksmith that dealt with older locks, we resorted to a much simpler method. Turns out, we weren't the first to try it. It appears that the key (what we assume to be the original) had been broken off inside the lock, and the lock was jammed. Not sure who tried to remove the key with a screwdriver and a hammer previous to us, but it obviously didn't work.
Alas, Jimmy Hoffa was not in the trunk (or if he was, he was swiftly eaten by rodents and pooped out). We did find the original oil-bath air cleaner, two hub caps, the original jack stand, front fender trim/color insert, and other misc. garbage that came from God knows what. Looks like we'll have to strike up another game of "Name That Part!"
There are a few pinholes of rust, but otherwise it is solid. The AC unit looks brand-spanking-new. Even the open/close levers work.
Posted 2010-07-18 7:02 PM (#233181 - in reply to #233180) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Jessica, you trunk shows-up, perfectly well, what I don't yet know, and that is: the asphaltic deadener panel(s)
was installed before the trunk under-side (and its outer-side!) was painted (note the surface-rusted non painted
area underneath it), but, the deadener panel was somehow masked-off at the time that the painting was done.
Your deadener panel shows the 'dribs/drabs' of OEM paint that was deposited when the masking-agent was
removed, immediately after the painting work was done.
My belief is that the deadener panels were delivered with a sort of pre-applied covering on them, which were removed
immediately after the painting was done, but, maybe, the painters applied some sort of mask over the deadeners....
But, even those small corner-areas of the deadeners never got covered by the OEM paint, and the inner-bracings
'always' got to be fully painted......but there never was any OEM over-spray (only the dribs/drabs) on the deadener
panels, so, they must have been masked off, somehow, when the trunks were painted.
Posted 2010-07-18 7:22 PM (#233184 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
It is, indeed, curious. I wish mine were better in tact so as to be more clearly represented. One of the things I immediately noticed is that the stainless trim backings within the trunk sides look brand new. They are shiny and brassy, and not corroded or rusted. Perhaps they were replaced at one time.
Posted 2010-07-18 7:56 PM (#233189 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3951 Location: Bama
Today I snatched the 4 speed shifter out of my 57 Plymouth and ordered a new shifter and a stick. Then I drug my 55 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer to the hiz hows. A hemi pulling a hemi.
Posted 2010-07-21 1:20 PM (#233569 - in reply to #233159) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Royal - 2010-07-18 1:50 PM Thanks Jay, I talk to Markus, from sweden who made these nice parts, and he only have these for 57-62 mopars, Here is Markus e-mail. markus.wiberg@glocalnet.net
Thanks anyway Bengt, us '55-'56 guys are kind of the bas***d children of the FL's! That's okay, I like it that way! lol
Posted 2010-07-21 2:43 PM (#233576 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I scored on a shop manual for my Plodge (Canadian edition) on Ebay as well as a NOS brake reverse light switch (mine doesn't have one) and I've been driving the wheels off this car. I can't believe the attention this car gets! I get a kick out of hearing all the stories from the old folks who used to have one "just like it"!
Posted 2010-07-21 3:59 PM (#233580 - in reply to #233524) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Pinecone - 2010-07-20 9:13 PM
Is this bad?
Seems that rather than get a rear sump oil pan, the PO thought it would be better to alter the crossmember. Oh, and the center link too.
That's crazy! Modified steering linkage can be a real danger, that set-up looks like it could bend easily if you nudge a curb or hit a pothole. I would correct those issues before reinstalling the engine. At least they boxed the crossmember, though.
Posted 2010-07-21 4:31 PM (#233583 - in reply to #233181) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
d500neil - 2010-07-18 5:02 PM Jessica, you trunk shows-up, perfectly well, what I don't yet know, and that is: the asphaltic deadener panel(s) was installed before the trunk under-side (and its outer-side!) was painted (note the surface-rusted non painted area underneath it), but, the deadener panel was somehow masked-off at the time that the painting was done. Your deadener panel shows the 'dribs/drabs' of OEM paint that was deposited when the masking-agent was removed, immediately after the painting work was done. My belief is that the deadener panels were delivered with a sort of pre-applied covering on them, which were removed immediately after the painting was done, but, maybe, the painters applied some sort of mask over the deadeners.... But, even those small corner-areas of the deadeners never got covered by the OEM paint, and the inner-bracings 'always' got to be fully painted......but there never was any OEM over-spray (only the dribs/drabs) on the deadener panels, so, they must have been masked off, somehow, when the trunks were painted.
Neil, our '56 Dodge trunk panel looks the same. But it apparently got enough moisture that it dissolves when touched, so I've just scraped as much as I could do. Its real difficult to get it out from under the trunk lid inner-bracings cause my scraper doesn't fit all the way under. But there's a bunch of rust underneath that asphalt stuff that I thought I would use some navel jelly on and try and push some of it under the braces. I don't know how to get the rust out from underneath those braces. Any advice on how to do it?
Jessica, looks like yours has the same rust issues, does it?
Posted 2010-07-21 4:50 PM (#233590 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Jay, what I would do is get/buy a long tool, like a weed-digger, and run it under the bracings so that as much of the
OEM deadener panels can be dug out, from within the two trunk sections, as possible.
Then, I'd merely apply some sort of "POR" or Rustoleum over the surface rust, to encapsulate it, and then I'd paint the
entire under-trunk area with the proper color (either that varying blue-gray color, or the OEM main body color).
Then, I'd find/get some OEM-type deadener-material (it is available, but I dunno where, right now) and epoxy it in,
in sections, so that it LOOKS like its of one-piece, and have it extend slightly beyond the areas of the surface rusting.
Posted 2010-07-21 5:35 PM (#233596 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
No, my trunk lid really isn't rusty. The majority of the rusty spots is centered right along where the rubber seal ran along along the bottom lip. I removed the rubber as it was cracked into 3inch long chunks, and it took some flakes of metal with it.
On the lid, it just appears that the insulation has separated from where it was glued, and has warped. Not sure if it would lay flat again if I were to reglue it. I'll go out in a little bit and take a better look. I can't tell from the pictures if that is rust or just adhesive behind where the insulation was.
Posted 2010-07-21 5:59 PM (#233604 - in reply to #233596) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Jessica, that's surface rust, there, where the deadener panel lay against the primered-only metal of the trunk underside.
You should be able to glue the panel flat against the trunk, but it might be best to remove the trunk, to do that.
BTW, when/if you do remove the trunk, you will find that the areas under the hinge attachments also appear only in
'primer', which will confirm that the trunk lids were installed (and fitment/alignment-adjusted) before the car was painted.
Also, the paint 'dribs' on the upper side of your deadener confirm that the trunk was elevated when it was
painted----apparently, the masking-agent did not fully adhere to the deadener, at that area, which allowed the
heavily-applied OEM paint to run down, slightly, onto the deadener panel, 'behind' the masking material.
The other paint depositions apparently occurred when the still wet masking-agent was quickly (and
prematurely?) removed from the deadener panels----maybe your car was painted on a Friday---lololol...
Posted 2010-07-21 6:06 PM (#233605 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Neil,
I went out to take a quick look. You are right. It is surface rust. And do you know why? The panel was glued to bare metal. I tried to take a picture to capture this, but it didn't turn out that great.
I also took a few pictures of the misc. things I found in the trunk, and will list them under a different thread so we can all play a game of "Name That Part!"
Posted 2010-07-21 8:11 PM (#233623 - in reply to #233605) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Yup, Jessica, that is exactly how our '56 looks. I couldn't really tell if it was bare metal or not, I'll have to take a closer look at it when I get back to addressing the trunk lid.
So, Neil, you don't recommend using navel jelly first then something like POR15? Just go ahead and use POR15 straight on the rust?
My one worry about using navel jelly is I'm worried that I will not be able to get it all washed off behind those darn braces and that it may lay inside there until I tilt the trunk lid and it will come pouring out of my nicely repainted inside trunk lid. Maybe POR15 is the best after just scraping as much as I can off the metal?
Posted 2010-07-21 9:10 PM (#233637 - in reply to #233633) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
There probably was primer on the underside of the trunk, but, maybe not..?
Short answer was: the factory didn't CARE, about preserving the underside of the trunk.
Since the deadener was crimped between the two trunk sections, as a 1-piece assembly, 'we' are S-O-L about
salvaging the deadener, unless the two halves of the trunk become UN-crimped-together, and I've got some
photos where that procedure has been done--WHY, however; I dunno.....
Your best option is to reglue the loose sections back to the outer trunk section, and then, if the deadener's appearance
is troubling you, you can spend about 2 hours in carefully masking off the trunk-reinforcement-and-the-car, so that only
the deadener can be painted-over.
I used a brownish-black 'Bar-B-Que' spray paint on my deadener, but the end result will be a uniform color, and not anything
like the mottled color that OEM deadeners have---in varying colors/shades....yours is a sort of light brown color.
Then, when/if you paint the trunk's interior, you can spend a lot less time in masking off the deadener panels, from the
body-paint color.
Posted 2010-07-21 11:44 PM (#233675 - in reply to #233637) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Jess -
Since the rust looks scaly, I would put a wire wheel attachment on a fairly powerful drill and take that down until it's just surface rust. Then you can do the POR15 thing to keep it from re-rusting. Be careful, though, that you don't tear up the deadener material.
An alternative following the wire wheeling is to use Rustoleum Rust Converter. It starts out as an off-white but dries to a brownish black. Creates a nice barrier between the surface rust and whatever you plan to topcoat it with. Or you can leave the RRC it as-is. I think this would be a better choice, since the shiny black POR15 will draw attention to itself and make the car look less original.
Posted 2010-07-22 12:44 PM (#233729 - in reply to #233633) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Jessica - 2010-07-21 6:52 PM I would think that POR-15 would be sufficient. It's meant for direct application on rusted or seasoned metal surfaces. I guess, now, it begs the question... why apply the panel to bare metal? I expected to see primer, but it is most definitely bare metal under there. Also, is there a way to loosen the remaining adhesive on the panel so it can be removed in one piece? Or are these panels being reproduced?
Jessica, I would see how it feels holding the edge of the deadener. Mine was just flaking off if you just breathed on it! That's why I just said the heck with it and ripped it out, it just came off in flaky chunks anyway. I guess I haven't had as much luck with Rustoleum products as others, maybe I didn't prep right, but rust always comes through with it for me. Whatever you do, if you are going to repaint the inside trunk lid, make sure it works so rust doesn't start coming out through your nice paint job. I would like to see how anyone could get another panel it there, I just don't see how it could be done other by pieces as noted before. I'm going to paint my inside trunk fully, which is why I like the POR15 idea, and then decide what to do about the deadener situation. Probably just find something similar and glue it piece by piece.
Post pics of what you do, I am very interested in your progress and maybe get some tips from what you do.
Posted 2010-07-22 1:03 PM (#233735 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Ron: It is scaly, and I agree that it should be sanded down a bit to take a bit of the flake off. My concern is the rest of the trunk surface where the panel has not come loose. It will likely be just as rusty. Shouldn't this be addressed? I don't want to ruin the panel. I haven't messed with it yet to determine how fragile it is since I am not really at that stage yet.
Neil: It is definitely bare metal. Because of the shadow, the picture didn't show up very well no matter the angle and regardless of flash.
Jay: I'll post my progress on here whenever I am able to make some. Right now I am limited on what I can do with the vehicle because of the strict standards of where I live. Have you thought about measuring the patch where the panel sits, and finding a similar material to replace it with? You could cut it into pieces and adhere them to look as though it is one panel still behind the bracing. Kind of like a puzzle piece. If you are applying POR15 over this area, then you wouldn't have to worry about rust-through again.
Posted 2010-07-22 5:28 PM (#233770 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Bare metal; OK....that means that a 'white' (unfinished metal) trunk was assembled with the deadener panel(s----PLY's
had inexpensive thin-strips installed, instead of a large sheet of the deadener)----being crimped between the two trunk
sections without any sealer/primer application; that makes a certain amount of sense, if the trunk panels were stamped-out
in-house, and nowhere near to a paint station.
Recall that the wagons (too) did not receive any full/complete corrosion tank-dip treatment, to include their roofs, apparently
due to the factory not caring about any future rust-out problems, that high-up on the bodies.
Virtually no trunks have ever rusted-out from the lack of primer/sealer having been applied to the area covered by the
deadener panels.
The trunk undersides must have been both primered and painted along with the car bodies (with the deadener panels being
masked off during those procedures).
Posted 2010-07-22 9:06 PM (#233808 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Neil, it kind of reminds me of the plastic protective layer that is adhered to the screen of a new cellphone. Perhaps the same thing was true for the deadener panel. Taking the time to mask off individual sections seems really time consuming, so I wonder if there would be traces of this between the deadener panel and the bracing. Maybe more like a paper sheet that was ripped off once painting was finished?
Posted 2010-07-22 9:28 PM (#233812 - in reply to #233808) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I'm thinking something like adhesive backed wax-paper, but it should have been pre-cut, for easy pull off, between the various
open areas of the inner trunk section.
Somebody must have figured out, early on, that those asphaltic panels just swallow up paint (they do) and don't look good
in a partially painted condition, so, why go to the extra expense of painting them, when they could (somehow) be masked off?
Posted 2010-07-23 1:22 AM (#233832 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Been there- done that---- Jess is on the right track Under the braces there was no evidense of masking material, but there had to be something masking that deadner. . It is one piece and had to be dug out in chunks. No paint under the deadner. just rust. It HAS to be rusty back inside under the inner panel where there is no paint. And rust where the inner and outer panels meet. I took my lid to a place that had large enough stripper-rust remover tanks to get the lid in.. That dissolved all the rust that could be removed. I then laid the lid upside down on a table and poured rust converter into it and then picked up the lid and rotated all around to get the converter into every nook and cranny. . Drained the excess off and let it dry completely. Then I did the same thing with POR 15. ( actually Eastwoods version). Bob Drake- early Ford parts and supply vendor ( very famous) has that sound deadner that you can buy off a roll. Couple of thicknesses available. You cannot find anything a closer match to the OEM deadner. They would have to be compared side to side to tell a slight difference in the pattern. ( Thanks George in Idaho with the coral 300C ) You will have to cut it out in pieces slightly larger than the inner panel openings. . I used a vynil floor covering glue so that you could slide the pieces around a little befor it dries. That could be done after the inside of the trunk was painted to save having to re- mask the deadner. I even put in the little round hole piece. Turned out GREAT......................................MO
BTW the materials that you use such as the por 15 will naturally flow to the middle of the trunk lid and if you don't sop up the excess it will add a LOT of wieght. and leade to Neils dreaded half mast erect trunk lid!!!!
Posted 2010-07-23 9:42 PM (#233967 - in reply to #233524) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
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Posts: 6203 Location: Big pimpin'
Pinecone - 2010-07-21 12:13 AM
Is this bad?
Seems that rather than get a rear sump oil pan, the PO thought it would be better to alter the crossmember. Oh, and the center link too.
Modified crossmembers as long as it's boxed will not hurt the strength of the frame...I would however, do something with that steering linkage drag link...
I modified my crosmember in my '58 Plymouth in order ot make a rear main seal easier to do and boxed it as well...I'd say the crossmember is ok...
Posted 2010-07-25 7:28 AM (#234152 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
I figured it out!!! I have been working on the belt drives and was able to get them to align. On my 354H I have a Chrysler 2 sheave alternator, BBC short water pump and a modified 340 harmonic balancer. March Pulleys does not offer anything for old school hemis, HotHeads and PAW only offer equipment for Chevu alternators. I prefer the Chrysler alternator for function and looks. I used a BB Chrysler 2 sheave W/P pulley with 1 1/16" spacer and shim and a small block 3 sheave crank pulley. The next hurdle is to finish the power steering pump and bracket. PS: I also painted my restored radiator too, 3-cans of rattle paint!
Posted 2010-07-25 11:39 AM (#234173 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
I spent a day running new fuel line and putting an electric fuel pump at the rear of the vehicle. I used the copper fuel line that comes in 25 foot sections and only have one join for the entire length of the vehicle. I did not need a tube bender with this stuff and the flaring tool was much easier to use with the copper. The copper was twice as expensive as the steel but considering that you don't need a tube bender or the extra cost of fittings and joins to get around those impossible areas, I think the price would be close.
Posted 2010-07-25 1:13 PM (#234178 - in reply to #234161) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Sweden Vansbro
wizard - 2010-07-25 2:36 PM
Here's a photo showing the stance after that I changed the leaf spring squeak pads.
It looks perfektly, Sven,
But I`m not happy after my new gas chock absorbers, without help springs, Now is the car to low instead,
Maybe, lower the front end, or, find these 5,5 leaf springs from station wagon, or, try to put these help springs oround my new absorbers????? any ideas?
First photo shows the car with hellp spring chock absorbers,
Second photo shows the car right now, sorry, about the bad photo, the weather is not fun outside today,,Bengt
Posted 2010-07-25 4:41 PM (#234206 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Bengt, if "Sven's" leaf spring silencers add ride height, I'd suggest just getting them.
Your car's ride height, now, is not very low, and when you get the silencers, you could disassemble your
car's leafs and strip/paint them (and the spring hangers, too) so that when you're done , and this is a relatively
easy operation if you have a lift available to you, your car's rear suspension will look like new, and its ride height
may be restored.
The man selling the silencers is (at) : marcus.wiberg@glocal.net.net
Posted 2010-07-25 5:19 PM (#234212 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
It was Bengt that chaged them first Neil, and gave me the contact to the seller. Bengts car had approximately the same height as mine, judging from the hubcaps and tires. Bengt had some coilovers and when he changed them, the car went too low.
Posted 2010-07-25 7:09 PM (#234234 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Made an attempt to degrease oil bath air cleaner. Dawn wasn't cutting it, though. Looks like she'll need to soak in some Kerosene.
There wasn't as much oil inside as I had anticipated there to be. I thought maybe it was already emptied, but when I scrubbed at some of the sludge at the bottom, I found the oil fill level indicator. All of the weight is from the bulk of the housing.
Posted 2010-07-25 11:55 PM (#234281 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Installed the leaf springs and differential. The chassis is coming together. I am looking for some front hubs out of the drums so I can install the disc brake conversion kit. Roger at AAJ has told me that my hubs are incorrect for my 56 Chrysler Windsor. My front drums had to of come from a Dodge Truck, but not an Imperial. The lug stems are larger than they should be. My hubs have grooved stud holes, and Roger says they should be threaded, and a little smaller in diameter. I am at a loss. The brake drums are 12" x 2 1/2". ?????????
Posted 2010-07-26 12:30 AM (#234284 - in reply to #232774) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by Request
Posts: 1292 Location: Lovely place
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2010-07-15 9:00 PM Posted for NEIL D500... Although LATE Well, here's the NORS 11x3" brake drums and the Carbon Metallic brake shoes that I've now installed on the front end of Horrie. Also installed new wheel cylinders, so, the front braking system has been fully overhauled, now! The existing drums were too old, and oversized and tended to pull--no pulling, now, but, I think that there's some air still in the system, as the pedal's a little soft
Heck, Neil - where did you get those?! How muchos $$$?
Posted 2010-07-26 1:37 PM (#234323 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
I don't intend for the air cleaner to remain functional. The shop manual does not detail the maintenance of the air cleaner, so I referenced it through a VW forum.
I'll pick up some carb cleaner tomorrow when I pick my filters/hose from the parts store and give that a whirl.
Posted 2010-07-26 4:39 PM (#234331 - in reply to #234152) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
NYer Mike - 2010-07-25 5:28 AM I figured it out!!! I have been working on the belt drives and was able to get them to align. On my 354H I have a Chrysler 2 sheave alternator, BBC short water pump and a modified 340 harmonic balancer. March Pulleys does not offer anything for old school hemis, HotHeads and PAW only offer equipment for Chevu alternators. I prefer the Chrysler alternator for function and looks. I used a BB Chrysler 2 sheave W/P pulley with 1 1/16" spacer and shim and a small block 3 sheave crank pulley. The next hurdle is to finish the power steering pump and bracket. PS: I also painted my restored radiator too, 3-cans of rattle paint!
Mike, I've been trying to work out the pulley system for our Dodge 315 Poly as no one makes anything for us as well. I really like how yours worked out and please be sure to post your power steering set-up when you get it figured out. Here's a couple systems I think I may be able to modify to work, or make a similar set-up myself, but using my bolt patterns, etc.
Posted 2010-07-26 6:08 PM (#234337 - in reply to #234335) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
I have seen these brake drums advertised on Ebay, minus the hub. How does one go about attaching the new drum to the old hub (with the wheel bolt threaded holes, wheel bearing housing etc)...?
Posted 2010-07-27 2:06 AM (#234399 - in reply to #234152) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
NYer Mike - 2010-07-25 6:28 AM
I figured it out!!! I have been working on the belt drives and was able to get them to align. On my 354H I have a Chrysler 2 sheave alternator, BBC short water pump and a modified 340 harmonic balancer. March Pulleys does not offer anything for old school hemis, HotHeads and PAW only offer equipment for Chevu alternators. I prefer the Chrysler alternator for function and looks. I used a BB Chrysler 2 sheave W/P pulley with 1 1/16" spacer and shim and a small block 3 sheave crank pulley. The next hurdle is to finish the power steering pump and bracket. PS: I also painted my restored radiator too, 3-cans of rattle paint!
Mike, did you decide not to use power steering? If interested, I have a factory 56 Chrysler manual steering colunm and steering gear..........................MO
Posted 2010-07-27 5:33 PM (#234478 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Mo / Jay,
I will be using power steering. My car is equipped with the coaxial style unit. I am working on patterns to make the bracket and set the pulley sheave. I have the saginaw big block P/S pump that has the 5/8" shaft and key way. I hope to have the prototype completed this weekend. If everything works, I will be contacting Chicago Power Steering to rebuild the pump and set it to the requirements of the coaxial steering.
Posted 2010-07-28 2:33 AM (#234543 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Mike ---PAW ( performance automotive warehouse) sells a power steering pump bracket that bolts the GM style pump to the left lower of a 354 Hemi. Looks good and it has to be used with the GM water pump which you already have. BTW PAW has a early Hemi catalog...............................MO
Posted 2010-07-28 8:25 PM (#234672 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Mo - I called PAW to purchase their bracket but the person who fabricates them retired. I asked for the dimensions to no avail. If you go to there website the bracket tells you to call. Also, my timing cover is different since it is from Hot Heads.
Posted 2010-07-28 10:33 PM (#234683 - in reply to #234672) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Guys, I've decided to go with the Hot Heads style timing cover and chevy water pump adapters when I build the 331 just because its easier to get brackets and its going to get blown anyway. I just wish they had something for us 315 Dodge Poly guys, there's just not many bolt bosses on the fronts of them. Guess not enough of them out there for any company to care about making brackets for. Bummer.
Posted 2010-08-01 10:57 PM (#235320 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Got the rebuilt starter in this weekend. Cleaned up the rear lights and put in the replacement backup lights I found over the winter. Polished the lenses and restored the reflectors in the tail lights. She will look really nice from the rear on Woodward cruise week.
Posted 2010-08-08 3:44 PM (#236124 - in reply to #235320) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Changed the oil, changed the stereo out and changed the front shocks. The shocks were pretty easy to change. Just make
sure to have a wire wheel, PB Blast and a breaker bar.
Posted 2010-08-08 7:13 PM (#236141 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
I completed the P/S pump bracket and refinished the pulley. The bracket is made from 5/16" plate, pump is from a big block Chrysler, pulley is from a Chevy, and the belt is from a 292 cuin L6 Chevy. I mounted the completed assembly and noticed that the pulley is off 1/16" from the crank. My new bracket is now a another template - need to make the bracket out of 3/8" plate.
Posted 2010-08-08 9:38 PM (#236170 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Changed the oil, reinstalled the spark plugs, put on the new lower radiator hose, connected the new battery, and made the attempt to start her up. Unfortunately she was cranking way too slow to fire up. The coil is suspect. Our neighbor's going to grab something from work to test it for us this week. Fuel pump isn't working, either. Looks like we've got a few things to do next weekend.
Edit** Uploaded a vid of what we had hoped would be her first time running. Our neighbor John and his wife joined us this afternoon to help.
Posted 2010-08-08 10:28 PM (#236178 - in reply to #236141) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
NYer Mike - 2010-08-08 6:13 PM
I completed the P/S pump bracket and refinished the pulley. The bracket is made from 5/16" plate, pump is from a big block Chrysler, pulley is from a Chevy, and the belt is from a 292 cuin L6 Chevy. I mounted the completed assembly and noticed that the pulley is off 1/16" from the crank. My new bracket is now a another template - need to make the bracket out of 3/8" plate.
Mike, that looks real nice on the PS bracket. Similar in mounting as the PAW . I wondered if using the chain cover to mount would result in leaks , but after 6 years, it has not. Keep in mind if it doesn't quite work right, the ratio of the pullys. Also the regulated pressure to your steer gear. My bet is it will work just fine.
Maybe you could manufacture that mount and sell to PAW !..........MO
Posted 2010-08-08 10:55 PM (#236183 - in reply to #236178) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2010-08-08 8:28 PM
NYer Mike - 2010-08-08 6:13 PM I completed the P/S pump bracket and refinished the pulley. The bracket is made from 5/16" plate, pump is from a big block Chrysler, pulley is from a Chevy, and the belt is from a 292 cuin L6 Chevy. I mounted the completed assembly and noticed that the pulley is off 1/16" from the crank. My new bracket is now a another template - need to make the bracket out of 3/8" plate.
Mike, that looks real nice on the PS bracket. Similar in mounting as the PAW . I wondered if using the chain cover to mount would result in leaks , but after 6 years, it has not. Keep in mind if it doesn't quite work right, the ratio of the pullys. Also the regulated pressure to your steer gear. My bet is it will work just fine. Maybe you could manufacture that mount and sell to PAW !..........MO
Would you sell a drawing of the measurements to other FL owners?
Posted 2010-08-08 11:20 PM (#236186 - in reply to #236170) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Jessica - 2010-08-08 9:38 PMChanged the oil, reinstalled the spark plugs, put on the new lower radiator hose, connected the new battery, and made the attempt to start her up. Unfortunately she was cranking way too slow to fire up. The coil is suspect. Our neighbor's going to grab something from work to test it for us this week. Fuel pump isn't working, either.
Hi Jess -Glad to hear that the engine is free.
As far as the engine cranking too slow, you have to remember that this is a 6v system. Unless I'm mistaken, these cars crank much slower than what you're used to with 12v.
What is that stuff that your friend is spraying on the intake ? Why is he doing that ?
Fuel pump: This is a simple mechanical device. Unless there is a ton of gas leaking out of the pump, I would look elsewhere for the problem. When you look down the carb and flick the throttle a few times, do you see a two steady streams of gas coming out ? Is there evidence that gas is getting to the carb ?
Posted 2010-08-09 12:47 AM (#236197 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Ron, He was spraying starting fluid into the carb. He also poured a couple small capful's of gasoline down the intake as well. We discovered that the fuel pump does not seem to be working. I am unsure if I should bother replacing the aftermarket electric unit that is currently installed, or if I should rebuild the manual pump at this point.
Also.. it does not seem to be getting much spark. (he pulled a plug and gapped it from a ground-- it did not spark while cranking). The distributor and points look brand new. The coil was our guess. He said he could test it for us this week. I did not realize that a 6V system cranked slower... but that was part of my reason for posting the video... so someone could perhaps give us some tips. It is encouraging to see her come this far, and hopefully will figure out what is wrong soon.
Posted 2010-08-09 7:31 AM (#236209 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
With the help of a friend we got started on fabbing a custom bullet grille on the '57 this weekend.
Now I need to find some nice perforated sheetmetal for behind the bullets to use as blackout, and also come up with a good looking solution to fill in the deep gaps on the sides between the bumper and the fenders.
Posted 2010-08-09 3:18 PM (#236254 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 269 Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
I installed a new set of KYB's all around on our 59 Firesweep.Got them from Summit Racing -$138.00,greatly improved ride & stability. 4507 front (grind 1/8 off metal bushing to fit), 5511 rear (bolt up).Worth it. The Tin Worm has attacked the right rear quarter panel.She's going in the body shop today to fix that & a few other things.I wish Chrysler had put some drain holes in these cars.
Posted 2010-08-09 3:48 PM (#236258 - in reply to #236209) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
BigBlockMopar - 2010-08-09 5:31 AM With the help of a friend we got started on fabbing a custom bullet grille on the '57 this weekend. Now I need to find some nice perforated sheetmetal for behind the bullets to use as blackout, and also come up with a good looking solution to fill in the deep gaps on the sides between the bumper and the fenders.
Posted 2010-08-09 6:51 PM (#236280 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I installed the NOS backup light switch I bought on Ebay (be sure to use some contact cleaner before installing a NOS switch like this as there was a bit of surface oxidization preventing the switch from working) on my 58 Regent. Much to my chagrin there wasn't a little "lever" on the reverse arm of the pushbutton mechanism to activate the switch so I had to make my own.
Posted 2010-08-09 8:56 PM (#236298 - in reply to #236170) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Jessica - 2010-08-08 9:38 PM
Changed the oil, reinstalled the spark plugs, put on the new lower radiator hose, connected the new battery, and made the attempt to start her up. Unfortunately she was cranking way too slow to fire up. The coil is suspect. Our neighbor's going to grab something from work to test it for us this week. Fuel pump isn't working, either. Looks like we've got a few things to do next weekend.
Edit** Uploaded a vid of what we had hoped would be her first time running. Our neighbor John and his wife joined us this afternoon to help.
I would agree with you on the Coil. I changed mine and it improved my spark and starting immensely. Your car is cranking over just a little slower than mine does. I have rebuild the starter and have the largest 6v battery you can get. Check your electrical connections for cleanliness. VERY IMPORTANT with 6v vehicles. Especially to the starter and cranking circuit. Otherwise you'll find yourself smoking cables after doing that for 30 min or so.
Also my vehicle is surprisingly thirsty on start up. Those little ether shots would not even phase my engine. My starting procedure.
1) turn key to activate electric pump. Wait 3 secs for fuel pressure to rise.
2) pump gas pedal 3 times to prime the engine (cold start only)
3) turn key... she fires almost immediately every time.
Without the electric pump it took a lot longer to start up.
Posted 2010-08-09 9:50 PM (#236306 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1121 Location: STL, MO
Put the 518 & adapter in this weekend, now it's time to try to get everything sitting right before I fab tranny mount, current obstacles are a dist thats too close to the heater box, a oilpan riding the crossmember, a left motormount that wont settle down on it's isolater, a cylinder head thats too close to the p/s box, I am hoping that with enough twisting around on the eccentric isolaters, putting brackets on the other side of the "ears" I can keep my heat and p/s, considering I gotta new heater core in there and spent alot of time on the p/s pump bracket
Posted 2010-08-09 10:22 PM (#236311 - in reply to #236306) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Neighbor came by and tested the coil today. The car is definitely not getting spark. Going to replace that and the fuel pump this weekend, and try again.
Posted 2010-08-09 10:40 PM (#236314 - in reply to #236311) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Jessica - 2010-08-09 10:22 PMNeighbor came by and tested the coil today. The car is definitely not getting spark. Going to replace that and the fuel pump this weekend, and try again.
With 6v systems, you have to use 0 gauge battery cables. Modern cables designed for 12v are too small. Old cables may have too much corrosion on the copper strands, adding resistance and causing engine to crank too slow.
Car may not be getting spark because points are not gapped correctly. That would stop you dead in your tracks. Have you measured the point gap with a feeler gauge ?
Definitely do away with the aftermarket electric fuel pump and go with the correct mechanical one. There were lots of 6v cars on the road in the 50s and they all started reliably. I don't feel there is a need to go to an aftermarket solution.
Posted 2010-08-11 4:28 AM (#236451 - in reply to #236314) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Got time to spare. My aftermarket antenna connecting rods stuck in the sides. The foot is flat on the bottom so I took a thicker rubber and polished that they were biased. Looks much better now.
Posted 2010-08-11 1:40 PM (#236490 - in reply to #236451) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Put on back shocks today, Gabriel Guardians. Nothing PB Blast and a 2 foot extension pipe couldnt handle.
Then of course since I stepped outside the nice warm sunny summer day turns upside down with a black
sky, rain, thunder and lightning.....figures.....
Posted 2010-08-11 5:55 PM (#236531 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
I watched and listened to that video, Jessica, That Starter is turning that motor over pretty good, I'm familiar with Mopar 6volt systems, so your cables, Starter etc all seem fine.
Once you get spark and gas, She is cranking plenty fast to "Catch".
You could leave the battery charger on it while cranking, and like Beltran said, put the largest 6v battery that will fit in it. I usta have an electric golf cart battery in my 50 Dodge, but even then , it was worse to start than most Chebbies!
Posted 2010-08-12 12:56 AM (#236584 - in reply to #236209) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
BigBlockMopar - 2010-08-09 6:31 AM
With the help of a friend we got started on fabbing a custom bullet grille on the '57 this weekend.
Now I need to find some nice perforated sheetmetal for behind the bullets to use as blackout, and also come up with a good looking solution to fill in the deep gaps on the sides between the bumper and the fenders.
Posted 2010-08-12 2:54 PM (#236653 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Talked with Hal Houghton on a rebuild kit for my fuel pump today. Apparently there are two models, so I went out and pulled the old one off the car. I don't think it's rebuildable.
Posted 2010-08-12 3:39 PM (#236660 - in reply to #236653) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
I'm willing to bet that the car had the wrong fuel pump on it. Normally, the arm doesn't shear off like that. The pump that you need is 55 Desoto only (and some 56 Ply and Desoto), not 53-6 Dodge. Throw this one out.
You may wish to contact Gil Evangelisto (610-346-7092), who was selling a ton of 55 Desoto parts at Das Awkscht Fescht this year. He may have a new, used or rebuildable one for you.
Posted 2010-08-12 3:51 PM (#236661 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Thanks for the info, Ron. I will give Gil a call.
I am thinking it may be the wrong part, too. Hal gave me some information about the pump, saying that it was manufactured by Blackstone and sold at various Western Auto's years ago. The fitment for my vehicle is not likely right, though.
So the arm will be in my oil pan now? Looks like I will need to drop the pan now after all. *sigh* I'll get in there this weekend and see what I find. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll still be lodged up top so I can wiggle it out with some pliers.
Posted 2010-08-13 2:33 AM (#236746 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Maybe a flexible magnet thru the pump hole in the chain cover to retrieve the broken part. Hope the cam that drives it is ok...........................MO
Posted 2010-08-13 6:56 PM (#236832 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Went to NAPA and ordered a new fuel pump after some advice from a fellow 55-er. Will have it and put it on this weekend. Hopefully I can fish out the broken part.
Posted 2010-08-13 7:16 PM (#236837 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
....Fortunately, didn't do anything 'to' the car, but, this A.M., while showing off his engine to an admirer at a filling
station (remember 'them'?), discovered that I'd forgotten to reinstall the oil-filler-tube cap which I'd removed the day
before, in order to tighten down a loose/seeping valley pan bolt.
Couldn't see it anywhere in the engine compartment, so drove home planning on installing one of those smaller aftermarket
filler-caps that we all see at swap meets and one of which I, too, have, while not feeling good about apparently losing that nice filler cap.
Popped the hood at home and discovered that the OEM cap was just peacefully sitting there, on the passenger's side inner
panel shelf, despite my having driven around town yesterday, and, my failure to spot it, there, at the gas station.
One time, though, years ago...I'd closed the hood after leaving some tool resting on top of the air cleaner; ouch, cried
Horrie!
Posted 2010-08-14 8:52 AM (#236886 - in reply to #236868) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Got home after 4 weeks on the road to find parts waiting for the C at car quest.
Namely brake cyl kits and hold down springs....not cheap!!!
Drug a hone through the cyl's (front), cleaned up the drums, shoes and repacked the bearings.
Installed new seals and reassembled each assly on the work bench. A whole lot easier!!
New hoses will be at NAPA this AM. Could barely blow air through the old ones! This was probably
part of the problem.
Next item will be to get the ass end of her off the ground and tackle the rears.
At least she should be drivable then even if still in primer!
By the way, anyone know of a source for the axle caps??
Posted 2010-08-14 10:35 AM (#236893 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Put new duel exhaust 2weeks ago.
Sent the 56 lancer to the body shop Monday.
Should be painted next weekend.
Maybe I'll be able to get so drive time in yet this year!!!
Posted 2010-08-14 4:38 PM (#236907 - in reply to #236893) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Drove 200 miles round trip, 2 car shows cancelled due to the heat, 100 degrees with a heat index of 110..... well
it is too hot out there, I did get to test the new shocks and all I can say is I think my Dodge rides better
than any car I have ever owned and I have owned 2 dozen or so.
Posted 2010-08-14 8:45 PM (#236925 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Corrected my running light issues. Found a loose wire behind the light switch. Discovered how my trunk light works. It's a mercury switch!.. fixed that. Needed some cleaning.. the correct bulb and of course proper positioning to work correctly. Buffed the crap out of the front bumper guards and finally installed them. This was the last exterior piece of my 55 that was missing. She is now all original looking.
Polished the running boards and clear enameled them so they stop corroding on me. Re-assembled the kick panels on the interior. Polished the car first with Clay Block then a wax. As good looking as I can get that old paint. That was all today!
Woodward dream cruise week starts Monday. I am ready!
Wish some of you could be here. Imagine a car show that goes on for 7 days, consumes a 8 lane highway and 8 cities. By Saturday Woodward will be a parking lot and many many thousands of cars will be viewable to all those willing to walk the distance.
Posted 2010-08-15 11:03 PM (#237032 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Installed the new fuel pump and coil today. It's cranking much better, but still not running. We now have spark into the distributor, but none coming out. Going to work on it some more this week hopefully. Time to check the points again.
Posted 2010-08-16 12:31 AM (#237038 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1121 Location: STL, MO
Proved to myself that you can inst a 392/518 w/4-bolt manifolds in a 58 Plymouth on stock mnts/crossmember and keep p/s and an untouched heaterbox and have clearence everywhere
Posted 2010-08-16 10:44 AM (#237070 - in reply to #237032) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Jessica - 2010-08-15 11:03 PM Installed the new fuel pump and coil today. It's cranking much better, but still not running. We now have spark into the distributor, but none coming out. Going to work on it some more this week hopefully. Time to check the points again.
Check that you are getting fuel into the carb. When you crank the throttle lever on the carb, are you getting a good, steady stream of gas into the carb ? If so, when cranking, is the choke sufficiently closed on the carb to give you a correct fuel/air mix ? Not having a 55 Desoto shop manual in front of me, I would say that when starting, the choke should only be open about 1/4".
Lastly, be careful about spraying all that starter fluid down the carb. That stuff is not good for the engine.
Posted 2010-08-16 10:58 AM (#237073 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Finally got the steering box pulled and finished buildig a crate to ship it off to FirmFeel . Can t wait to see how it steers with the new ratio . Cop Car baby.
Posted 2010-08-16 11:42 AM (#237077 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Hi Ron,
Fuel is getting to the carb now that we've replaced the fuel pump. We played a bit with the choke, but no difference. There is no spark coming from the distributor to the spark plugs. We'll check the points again this week. The wires looked good, but I guess maybe we'll need to replace them? Just trying to narrow things down as we go.
Posted 2010-08-16 12:37 PM (#237081 - in reply to #237077) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Jessica - 2010-08-16 11:42 AM Hi Ron, Fuel is getting to the carb now that we've replaced the fuel pump. We played a bit with the choke, but no difference. There is no spark coming from the distributor to the spark plugs. We'll check the points again this week. The wires looked good, but I guess maybe we'll need to replace them? Just trying to narrow things down as we go.
I wouldn't suspect the wires right away. Checking points with a dwell meter is the easiest way to determine if gap is correct. Also, don't overlook a bad condenser. They all look pretty on the outside. But I had one die on me while I was driving the Plymouth, stopping the car dead in its tracks.
Posted 2010-08-16 6:12 PM (#237129 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Just a thought/question? Jessica.
Is your 55 negative or positive ground?
I have seen a cracked distributor cap cause a problem just like this.
And yes the condenser is a good possibility also.
Phil
Posted 2010-08-18 12:46 AM (#237283 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Great cruise night pics Ron. I never get sick of looking at your car knowing how much you put into your restoration. Your door seems to be closing nice, better than mine. Do you have your door rubber weatherstrips installed and if so, which ones did you use in the end? My door still hangs out a very small amount but are getting better as the rubber wears in. Maybe it is time to adjust the catch in some more.
Glenn.
Posted 2010-08-18 11:35 AM (#237319 - in reply to #237283) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
FURY - 2010-08-18 12:46 AM Your door seems to be closing nice, better than mine. Do you have your door rubber weatherstrips installed and if so, which ones did you use in the end? My door still hangs out a very small amount but are getting better as the rubber wears in. Maybe it is time to adjust the catch in some more. Glenn.
It's the same Gary Goers stuff that you have. What my body shop had to do was to widen the bolt holes slightly by the A-post. I would start out by adjusting the catch a bit, and only going to the more radical procedure as a last resort.
Does JC Whitney have door weatherstrip available for our cars ? Maybe it's softer than the Goers stuff and would work better.
Posted 2010-08-18 11:39 AM (#237320 - in reply to #237275) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
old mopar guy - 2010-08-17 11:12 PM Ron I love that color!!!! It would look good on my convertible.And its due for a repaint again! HAPPY MOTORING! Victor...
Victor -
Have you thought about Canyon Gold with a white or black sweep and matching black or white convertible top ? I think that would look awesome.
Posted 2010-08-18 10:18 PM (#237399 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1508 Location: new york
I don't know Ron that yellow really Has Eyes! Look's like it will stay coral for a while . It looks like the motor needs help! HAPPY MOTORING! (in yellow) Victor..
Posted 2010-08-21 4:02 AM (#237705 - in reply to #237319) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
It's the same Gary Goers stuff that you have. What my body shop had to do was to widen the bolt holes slightly by the A-post. I would start out by adjusting the catch a bit, and only going to the more radical procedure as a last resort.
Does JC Whitney have door weatherstrip available for our cars ? Maybe it's softer than the Goers stuff and would work better.
Ron
Ron. How does bringing the door out at the A pillar help in the door shutting flush at the B pillar? I could not get the Goers stuff to work properly in the end and had to remove it.
Yes JC Whitney has a door weatherstrip which is very similar to Goers, but a lot more flexible. Thay have also just started advertising a hollow extrusion too, similar to what is on my Dodge Ram, which looks to be a similar profile. This could be just what we are looking for.
Glenn.
Posted 2010-08-21 2:58 PM (#237750 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 726 Location: Some Island called Prince Edward
I just got back from Moparfest. I got about three hours in before it started to rain. Well over 1000 cars however only a handful of FL cars. I'll post picks in another thread. The Regent ran great. She's a bit of a pig on gas on the hwy with that Powerflite trans though!
Posted 2010-08-21 4:28 PM (#237765 - in reply to #237705) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
FURY - 2010-08-21 4:02 AM
Ron. How does bringing the door out at the A pillar help in the door shutting flush at the B pillar? I could not get the Goers stuff to work properly in the end and had to remove it. Yes JC Whitney has a door weatherstrip which is very similar to Goers, but a lot more flexible. Thay have also just started advertising a hollow extrusion too, similar to what is on my Dodge Ram, which looks to be a similar profile. This could be just what we are looking for. Glenn.
Glenn - To be honest, I'm just repeating what my body shop guy told me. He had the doors aligned perfectly before I added the weatherstrip, which threw everything off. It's possible that the Goers stuff has flattened out, since it's been on the car about 4-5 years already.
I would try the JC Whitney stuff. Probably works a lot better.
Posted 2010-08-26 4:58 PM (#238478 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Edmonton, AB
Putting together the AAJ brakes today. I hope I got the right parts, since the AAJ instructions are anything but comprehensive. What bolts go where? What about some part numbers on the parts list page?
Otherwise, it should go okay.
Posted 2010-08-29 5:11 PM (#238903 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Yesterday, I installed a Lokar kickdown cable, replaced the transmission servos with high perf. billet units and adjusted the bands. Today I started installing the exhaust system - PITA!!
Posted 2010-08-30 5:52 PM (#239061 - in reply to #239060) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Went to a car show Saturday, there was a nice 61 Imperial convertible there, it didnt get any attention.....
what a shame a car like that got nothing but a 1980 pickup won a trophy.....
Posted 2010-08-30 6:32 PM (#239069 - in reply to #239023) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
big m - 2010-08-30 1:53 PM I'd like to see some photos of the car that beat out your beautiful '58 for top honors, Ron. I would have hardly thought that possible!!!! ---John
The car that got first was a 1959 Dodge CRL D500 convertible owned by Naif Makol, who posts here occasionally. The car was featured at the Meadowbrook Concourse in 2009. You can see its fins in the group shot.
@59CRL - the Imperial in your pics is a '62, not a '61.
Posted 2010-08-30 8:25 PM (#239090 - in reply to #239069) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
ronbo97 - 2010-08-30 6:32 PM
big m - 2010-08-30 1:53 PM I'd like to see some photos of the car that beat out your beautiful '58 for top honors, Ron. I would have hardly thought that possible!!!! ---John
The car that got first was a 1959 Dodge CRL D500 convertible owned by Naif Makol, who posts here occasionally. The car was featured at the Meadowbrook Concourse in 2009. You can see its fins in the group shot.
@59CRL - the Imperial in your pics is a '62, not a '61.
Posted 2010-08-30 8:34 PM (#239091 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Definitely a '62 model. The '61's had much higher fins than this. The owner may have been confused if his title read that the car was first sold in '61 as some do.
Posted 2010-08-30 9:12 PM (#239097 - in reply to #239023) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
big m - 2010-08-30 1:53 PM I'd like to see some photos of the car that beat out your beautiful '58 for top honors, Ron. I would have hardly thought that possible!!!! ---John
Posted 2010-08-30 9:35 PM (#239099 - in reply to #239097) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
ronbo97 - 2010-08-30 9:12 PM
big m - 2010-08-30 1:53 PM I'd like to see some photos of the car that beat out your beautiful '58 for top honors, Ron. I would have hardly thought that possible!!!! ---John
Here's a photo of Naif's 1st place winner.
Ron
Well I will be floored, a 59 Dodge win first place in a show?! Too bad that dosent happen here, it is always a muscle car.
anything in the 50's or lower get ignored and rarely win anything where I live, I guess being a 20 yr old kid as a judge
explains it all too, they seem to pick what they like... best mopar a 2003 PT cruiser.... crap like that happening....
Posted 2010-08-30 9:41 PM (#239101 - in reply to #239099) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
59CRL - 2010-08-30 9:35 PM Well I will be floored, a 59 Dodge win first place in a show?! Too bad that dosent happen here, it is always a muscle car. anything in the 50's or lower get ignored and rarely win anything where I live, I guess being a 20 yr old kid as a judge explains it all too, they seem to pick what they like... best mopar a 2003 PT cruiser.... crap like that happening....
He won 1st in the Antiques class. I don't know if the car won Best of Show.
Posted 2010-08-31 1:07 PM (#239179 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I replaced the torque converter, [bad ring gear] found and replaced these missing parts, starter, distributor, radiator, coil, and tried to start the '59 CRL I picked up a week ago. It ran briefly, but the carburetor needs serious attention, as it is running too lean. Tonight I'll deal with that, so I can test the transmission.
Posted 2010-08-31 9:27 PM (#239230 - in reply to #239188) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
chrome_fins - 2010-08-31 1:39 PM
ron, what is that color called? and where did you get it? i.e. what paint company?
Chrome -
If you're referring to my car, it's called Sunflower Yellow. We used Dupont 2 stage and matched it against the sample in the 1958 Plymouth paint chip booklet, which is a dealer piece.
BTW, don't use that paint chip cards that you see at swap meets, as a reference. Often, they are faded due to exposure over the last 50 years.
Posted 2010-08-31 9:36 PM (#239231 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Edmonton, AB
Went to Pick (yer pocket) n' Pull and picked this up:
It's a front bench from a '91(?) Dodge Ram club cab. I don't have a front seat, and credit for the idea goes to 58dodgeregent. The one he put in his HT looks great.
Maybe I'll do the whole interior in red crushed velvet.......
They also had a 8.8 Ford rear with posi and disc brakes from a '98 Explorer. I didn't have my metric tools with me, so I hope to grab it on the weekend when they have their half price sale.
Then, I tried to figure out what I did wrong here:
The outer brake pad just kinda floats around. There were no spring or clips with the new pads & caliper, and I don't know how it's supposed to go together. So much for AAJ's "novice"-proof kit. Some diagrams or part numbers would be helpful.
Lastly, what can anyone tell me about this hubcap? Is it original 1957? Is it some later cap?
Posted 2010-09-01 1:24 PM (#239285 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I took two partial carburetors and made a good one for the '59 Dodge. It fired right up, I topped off the fluids, pumped the brake pedal like a madman until I had a good brake pedal, and drove the car around the ptoperty. Now just a few more minor details to attend to.....
Posted 2010-09-01 3:25 PM (#239301 - in reply to #239285) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
big m - 2010-09-01 1:24 PM I took two partial carburetors and made a good one for the '59 Dodge. It fired right up, I topped off the fluids, pumped the brake pedal like a madman until I had a good brake pedal, and drove the car around the ptoperty. Now just a few more minor details to attend to..... ---John
Great news, John. You have the magic touch !
For those of us that haven't gone thru this, what was involved in changing out the ring gear ? Did you have to remove the tranny ? How about the torque converter ? Was it a fairly easy job to do and what tools did you use to separate the old ring gear from the torque conv. ?
Posted 2010-09-01 5:01 PM (#239308 - in reply to #239301) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
ronbo97 - 2010-09-01 12:25 PM
big m - 2010-09-01 1:24 PM I took two partial carburetors and made a good one for the '59 Dodge. It fired right up, I topped off the fluids, pumped the brake pedal like a madman until I had a good brake pedal, and drove the car around the ptoperty. Now just a few more minor details to attend to..... ---John
Great news, John. You have the magic touch !
For those of us that haven't gone thru this, what was involved in changing out the ring gear ? Did you have to remove the tranny ? How about the torque converter ? Was it a fairly easy job to do and what tools did you use to separate the old ring gear from the torque conv. ?
Ron
Ron, I replaced the entire torque converter, the seller of the car had a good replacement in the trunk of the car. The ring gear can be replaced, generally, the small tack welds are cut, and the ring gear is heated with a torch to expand the gear. To install the replacement gear, a simple method is to heat it to 400 degrees in an oven, and drop it on the converter. There is ample time to be sure it is on correctly before it cools. Then just tack weld evenly.
The transmission does have to be removed to do this procedure either way.
Posted 2010-09-04 4:05 PM (#239703 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Them are the rear reflectors...the 58's and the 59's have them incorporated into the tail light lenses.
It's axiomatic that as any car model progresses into its 2nd(+) years of production, the factories will
contrive to reduce, eliminate and/or incorporate the amount of trim that appeared on the original models, so that
the subsequent car models are less expensive to manufacture.
It is fascinating to observe the evolution of nameplates, from brass/chrome-covered individual letters, to potmetal/
chromed letters, to simple conjoined letters, to nameplates that include other sub-models' information (one nameplate
replacing 1+ other nameplates), to nameplates incorporated into trim-moldings, to plastic nameplates, and with
plastic nameplates that adhere via self-contained adhesive, to 'nameplates' that are merely molded-into urethane
face bars...to the ELIMINATION of nameplates, like the current "Ram" pick up emblem.
Posted 2010-09-05 2:35 PM (#239810 - in reply to #239703) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
d500neil - 2010-09-04 4:05 PM
Them are the rear reflectors...the 58's and the 59's have them incorporated into the tail light lenses.
It's axiomatic that as any car model progresses into its 2nd(+) years of production, the factories will
contrive to reduce, eliminate and/or incorporate the amount of trim that appeared on the original models, so that
the subsequent car models are less expensive to manufacture.
It is fascinating to observe the evolution of nameplates, from brass/chrome-covered individual letters, to potmetal/
chromed letters, to simple conjoined letters, to nameplates that include other sub-models' information (one nameplate
replacing 1+ other nameplates), to nameplates incorporated into trim-moldings, to plastic nameplates, and with
plastic nameplates that adhere via self-contained adhesive, to 'nameplates' that are merely molded-into urethane
face bars...to the ELIMINATION of nameplates, like the current "Ram" pick up emblem.
Yep I have noticed that, at one time a car once had 50 plus pieces of chrome, by the mid 60's it was down to under a dozen, 1 piece stamped front grill instead of a 15 piece setup.... as the years went by the chrome disappeared and the plastic replaced everything.... cars evolved but for the better?? I dont think so....
Posted 2010-09-05 3:20 PM (#239814 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
I thought I'd start contributing - it may spur me on to do more!
Didn't do much today as we're just back from holiday and I had to rebuild the carb on my mower.... However, I got the seat back ashtray cleaned and primed to paint tomorrow. Just waiting on some parts from Andy Bernbaum now.
Posted 2010-09-05 4:27 PM (#239816 - in reply to #239665) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
"D500jim",
Just curious,how does the trailer hitch attach to your Dodge?
Is it a bolt on unit or welded to the frame underneath?
I ask because the vintage ones for some reason always seem to be welded to the frame of the car,and run underneath the gas tank so you can't drop the tank without cutting the hitch down.
Posted 2010-09-05 4:30 PM (#239818 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
..Cars evolved to the point that they still cost about what they did, in the 50's/60's (adjusted for inflation)
but now they reliably-last for 15+ years and are much more comfortable to ride in and need relatively little
maintenance to operate, and are infinitely safer to operate and to survive in, in a crash, and oh yeah: get a little
better MPG, than their forefather models.
But, our cars are FUN to look at, to discuss, and to maintain (sometimes!) and to operate.
Posted 2010-09-05 10:09 PM (#239848 - in reply to #239231) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
Pinecone - 2010-08-31 9:36 PM
Went to Pick (yer pocket) n' Pull and picked this up:
It's a front bench from a '91(?) Dodge Ram club cab. I don't have a front seat, and credit for the idea goes to 58dodgeregent. The one he put in his HT looks great.
Maybe I'll do the whole interior in red crushed velvet.......
They also had a 8.8 Ford rear with posi and disc brakes from a '98 Explorer. I didn't have my metric tools with me, so I hope to grab it on the weekend when they have their half price sale.
Then, I tried to figure out what I did wrong here:
The outer brake pad just kinda floats around. There were no spring or clips with the new pads & caliper, and I don't know how it's supposed to go together. So much for AAJ's "novice"-proof kit. Some diagrams or part numbers would be helpful.
Lastly, what can anyone tell me about this hubcap? Is it original 1957? Is it some later cap?
The hubcap fits 1972-1976 Dodge Dart according to a hubcaps site.
Posted 2010-09-05 10:15 PM (#239849 - in reply to #239818) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
d500neil - 2010-09-05 4:30 PM
..Cars evolved to the point that they still cost about what they did, in the 50's/60's (adjusted for inflation)
but now they reliably-last for 15+ years and are much more comfortable to ride in and need relatively little
maintenance to operate, and are infinitely safer to operate and to survive in, in a crash, and oh yeah: get a little
better MPG, than their forefather models.
But, our cars are FUN to look at, to discuss, and to maintain (sometimes!) and to operate.
That's gotta count for something!
Weren't there still plenty of Forward Looks reliably being used 15 years after they were new?
Oh yeah,I forgot..in 1972 nobody would be caught dead in one!
Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-09-05 10:17 PM
Posted 2010-09-06 10:17 AM (#239888 - in reply to #239816) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1363 Location: Apeldoorn, Netherlands
1960DesotoAdventurer - 2010-09-05 10:27 PM "D500jim", Just curious,how does the trailer hitch attach to your Dodge? Is it a bolt on unit or welded to the frame underneath? I ask because the vintage ones for some reason always seem to be welded to the frame of the car,and run underneath the gas tank so you can't drop the tank without cutting the hitch down.
It's a bolt on unit. Multi-fit for our type of frames. I wanted bolt on because I want to be able to exchange the receiver between my two Dodges.
Posted 2010-09-06 11:15 AM (#239890 - in reply to #239285) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
big m - 2010-09-01 1:24 PM
I took two partial carburetors and made a good one for the '59 Dodge. It fired right up, I topped off the fluids, pumped the brake pedal like a madman until I had a good brake pedal, and drove the car around the ptoperty. Now just a few more minor details to attend to.....
---John
That's great news!
Glad it worked out so easily for you,it sure pays to have your own junkyard to raid!
That's amazing you didn't have to mess with the brakes,every car I've ever had that's sat for any length of time usually needed wheel cylinders etc!
Did you remove that oddball roof mounted brake light?
Posted 2010-09-06 2:27 PM (#239923 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Last Weekend..
I drove my Mates Daughter to HER Wedding ,, Superb Day Out...
This Weekend..
Finally got around to fitting my New ( Re-man ) Water Pump and fitted Half the New Carb Kit, Basically only need the Pump Valve and a couple main Gaskets,, Now got to find someone this side of the Pond to Re-man my old pump as a future Spare,, Still need to fit the New Generator and remove the Dynamo and Reg box. But at least i can drive her again for now.
I am looking for a 6-7 Blade Flex or solid Fan for the waterpump as mine has the original 4 Blade that i want to upgrade..
Posted 2010-09-07 4:49 AM (#240051 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
I got pretty much everything removed from the engine in preparation for pulling it soon. PS pump, water pump, carb, radiator, wiring harness, all of it is off. Also got the top tranny bolts out. Only thing left near as I can tell are the tranny bolts underneath, as well as the motor mounts and the exhaust. Hope to pull the engine next weekend. I've never pulled an engine before, so this is an Adventure(r) for me. Just making sure to take my time, bag&tag every part and lots of pics for re-assembly. Also want to remove radiator support to facilitate engine pull.
Posted 2010-09-07 12:06 PM (#240076 - in reply to #239890) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
1960DesotoAdventurer - 2010-09-06 8:15 AM
big m - 2010-09-01 1:24 PM
I took two partial carburetors and made a good one for the '59 Dodge. It fired right up, I topped off the fluids, pumped the brake pedal like a madman until I had a good brake pedal, and drove the car around the ptoperty. Now just a few more minor details to attend to.....
---John
That's great news!
Glad it worked out so easily for you,it sure pays to have your own junkyard to raid!
That's amazing you didn't have to mess with the brakes,every car I've ever had that's sat for any length of time usually needed wheel cylinders etc!
Did you remove that oddball roof mounted brake light?
The previous owner had told me he used silicone brake fluid after redoing the brakes. This may be why the wheel cylinders did not seep and rust from long term storage. Regular brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture, and the silicone type is not.
I had electrical problems to the taillights, and ended up removing the roof mounted light, and all the splicing done to the harness in order to get everythying functional again.
Posted 2010-09-07 12:29 PM (#240084 - in reply to #240076) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
That silicone brake fluid sounds like the way to go!
Do you think the master cylinder and wheel cylinders also last longer with the silicone fluid?
If you completely flush your brake system can silicone fluid be used even if standard fluid was previously used or will leaks occur?
Sounds like your Dodge is almost ready to be a daily driver again!
Did you have to clean out the gas tank too,or was it empty prior to being stored?
Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-09-07 12:33 PM
Posted 2010-09-10 11:33 AM (#240684 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Well Not this week!!! I took the week off to help wife get kids back into school routine and finish car for first firing. I completed the re-wiring, installed electric fuel pump with new lines and hose (3/8" with Russell AN fittings...great stuff), finished exhaust system, installed a Lokar kick-down cable, hooked up trans cooler and then last night happened. I filled the radiator and left it with the cap off. Went to prime the oil pump and noticed water leaking. On the left side near the valley pan I found a pin hole leak at the head gasket joint. With static head pressure from the radiator no less. I drained some water off, removed the valve cover and checked the torque on the head. Re-torqued the intake and refilled radiator but the leak was still there. This morning I checked again but the leak was minimal so I proceeded to drain down the storage oil and found a pint of water in the pan! Have to make another donation to Hot Heads but this time I am going with copper gaskets. I have "Best" gaskets on the engine but who knows how old they are or how long they sat on the shelf. No I have to deal with those darn heads and adjustable pushrods again...
Posted 2010-09-11 4:58 PM (#240954 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Got a strange sound is right top, it turned out that it was the manifold gasket which was broken. Had forgotten to draw the bolts after the last change. Replaced gasket and now ok after the change
Posted 2010-09-11 6:35 PM (#240969 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
I'm disassembling the body until it gets too hot in the afternoon. Then it's off to the air conditioned shop to clean parts and remove rust. I have a small parts electrolysis tank going while I wire brush and sand rust from the larger parts. Stainless trim is getting buffed and stored in bags.
I hope to get the body ready for a chemical dip in a couple of weeks. Then I'll sandblast and paint the frame in the back yard so I can roll it into the shop and have it ready to rebuild the steering and suspension over winter.
Posted 2010-09-12 1:18 AM (#241033 - in reply to #240684) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
NYer Mike - 2010-09-10 10:33 AM
Well Not this week!!! I took the week off to help wife get kids back into school routine and finish car for first firing. I completed the re-wiring, installed electric fuel pump with new lines and hose (3/8" with Russell AN fittings...great stuff), finished exhaust system, installed a Lokar kick-down cable, hooked up trans cooler and then last night happened. I filled the radiator and left it with the cap off. Went to prime the oil pump and noticed water leaking. On the left side near the valley pan I found a pin hole leak at the head gasket joint. With static head pressure from the radiator no less. I drained some water off, removed the valve cover and checked the torque on the head. Re-torqued the intake and refilled radiator but the leak was still there. This morning I checked again but the leak was minimal so I proceeded to drain down the storage oil and found a pint of water in the pan! Have to make another donation to Hot Heads but this time I am going with copper gaskets. I have "Best" gaskets on the engine but who knows how old they are or how long they sat on the shelf. No I have to deal with those darn heads and adjustable pushrods again...
Mike, if you had three arms and hands to operate three wrenches at the same time, those pushrods may not be such a PITA. I set mine when the engine was on the stand--I can only imagine what it will be like over the fender. If you come up with a tool or easier way to do it, let me know. I may have one that needs re-adjusted.........................MO
Posted 2010-09-12 10:19 AM (#241073 - in reply to #239810) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
59CRL - 2010-09-05 12:35 PM
d500neil - 2010-09-04 4:05 PM
Them are the rear reflectors...the 58's and the 59's have them incorporated into the tail light lenses.
It's axiomatic that as any car model progresses into its 2nd(+) years of production, the factories will
contrive to reduce, eliminate and/or incorporate the amount of trim that appeared on the original models, so that
the subsequent car models are less expensive to manufacture.
It is fascinating to observe the evolution of nameplates, from brass/chrome-covered individual letters, to potmetal/
chromed letters, to simple conjoined letters, to nameplates that include other sub-models' information (one nameplate
replacing 1+ other nameplates), to nameplates incorporated into trim-moldings, to plastic nameplates, and with
plastic nameplates that adhere via self-contained adhesive, to 'nameplates' that are merely molded-into urethane
face bars...to the ELIMINATION of nameplates, like the current "Ram" pick up emblem.
Yep I have noticed that, at one time a car once had 50 plus pieces of chrome, by the mid 60's it was down to under a dozen, 1 piece stamped front grill instead of a 15 piece setup.... as the years went by the chrome disappeared and the plastic replaced everything.... cars evolved but for the better?? I dont think so....
The real reason that exterior trim has mostly been eliminated is simple: To help eliminate potential rust issues. The more holes you have in the body of a car, the more potential there is for rust out. And as well all know, out FL cars are kinda notorious rustbuckets. Look at some of the pics on this web site of unrestored cars that need help. You will notice that a lot of them have rust forming around the exterior trim, with rust stains running down from the mounting holes... The trend began in the mid seventies, when the use of adhesives came into play as a method of securing trim. Also, the money used to develop and make the trim can then be used elsewhere to make the car better in other areas.
In reality, when we look at our old cars, we need to take off our rose-Colored glasses and see them for what they really are, compared to new cars. An example: I used to drive a '68 Mustang 390 GT. It ran the quarter mile in the mid 14's, got single digit gas mileage, was about as stable at high speed as a Giraffe on mescaline, and had emissions that would choke a small town out. Now you can buy a new Mustang GT with a 412 hp engine, runs the quarter in the low 13's/high12's, is rock steady at any speed you care to drive it, and gets 25 mpg. What's not to love? The engine will also last a lot longer than the old FE engine could ever hope to. When our cars were new, rolling 100K on the odo was a noteworthy event, and even then, it took a lot of maintenance to get it that far. Even the cheapest Korean compact will pull 200K now with virtually no maintenance. Having worked both restoration and collision repair, I can attest that new cars are far more solidly built than old ones in regards to crashworthiness. Last year, the Insurance Institute released a video to show the progress in vehicle safety. They crashed an '09 Chevy Malibu head on with a '59 Chevy sedan. I think the video was posted on here on our site last year. It might be a good thing to have another look at it. It's kind of scary to see, especially in slow motion....
All things considered, new cars are superior to old cars, period. That being said, I still prefer to drive older cars, and will likely always do so until I die.
Posted 2010-09-12 2:56 PM (#241138 - in reply to #241073) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Finally put the windshield on my car ...
Tried it 8 month ago with my father, but we abandoned as it was too much work for just 2 persons.
This time, I called 3 friends and it went well, although we only succeded at the second try.
Posted 2010-09-12 3:59 PM (#241150 - in reply to #241138) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Sweden Vansbro
Chrome58 - 2010-09-12 8:56 PM
Finally put the windshield on my car ...
Tried it 8 month ago with my father, but we abandoned as it was too much work for just 2 persons.
This time, I called 3 friends and it went well, although we only succeded at the second try.
It looks nice, and the car too,
I see you use that glove in mouth for saftey`s sake,
Posted 2010-09-13 2:14 AM (#241211 - in reply to #241138) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Looking good Vincent. You seem to have come a long way since the last pics I saw of your resto. It's a very satisfying feeling getting that windshield in.
I notice you have american flags in your garage, as I do.
Do you think our american friends have French and New Zealand flags hanging in their garages?
Glenn.
Posted 2010-09-13 3:43 AM (#241213 - in reply to #241211) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Royal - 2010-09-12 9:59 PM
It looks nice, and the car too,
I see you use that glove in mouth for saftey`s sake,
Thanks ... It's a friend who uses this peculiar safety procedure !
I'm the big guy in the light blue t-shirt.
FURY - 2010-09-13 8:14 AM
Looking good Vincent. You seem to have come a long way since the last pics I saw of your resto. It's a very satisfying feeling getting that windshield in.
I notice you have american flags in your garage, as I do.
Do you think our american friends have French and New Zealand flags hanging in their garages?
Glenn.
Thanks Glenn.
In fact, I just re-started my resto.
It was at a standstill since January, as I have been since going through a divorce (which isn't over yet).
Posted 2010-09-13 3:40 PM (#241253 - in reply to #241213) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
It was at a standstill since January, as I have been since going through a divorce (which isn't over yet).
Uh oh. Sorry to hear that Vincent. You are not the only person I know of who has been "halved" lately. Struggle through it. Was she jealous of your "other woman" in the garage? It takes a strong woman to put up with the rigours of a time consuming full car restoration! These can be hard times. At least you have plenty going on in the garage to keep your mind off it and relax.
Glenn.
Posted 2010-09-18 8:16 PM (#241869 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Well I started putting outside door handles on the 56 dodge.
Put in window & lock mechanisms.
Started polishing chrome & stainless.
Put chrome on headlight rings.
And sorting through boxes of stuff that I have stashed away
Phil.
Posted 2010-09-19 7:20 PM (#241989 - in reply to #241869) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Drove my 58 Plymouth to the Roarin' 20s Auto Club's 40th annual show today. This is the oldest and probably the largest show in CT. After I parked in my row, a 57 Desoto Firesweep 2dr HT pulled in next to me. The owner, whose name I can't remember, said he recognized my car from the ForwardLook site !
Posted 2010-09-19 7:43 PM (#241991 - in reply to #240684) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Update - I torn the top end down to find the culprit. My suspicions where correct... bad gasket. The "Best" gasket water jacket holes did not match up with the actual water jacket holes. Spent the day cleaning and oiling everything. I ordered a new set of gaskets from Hot Heads; I ordered .040 copper gaskets for the heads and .060 coppers for the exhaust. At this point I will change them all out to copper. No more screwing around!!!
Posted 2010-09-19 9:01 PM (#241994 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1812 Location: Slidell La.
Spent all day Saturday working on Ol Porkchop , reinstalled the rebuilt steeringbox that
I sent to FirmFeel and power steering pump. Reinstalled steering column . Had the steering
column and the interior garnish repainted . My 2 buddies installed the fuzzies for the windows
on the parts I had painted . CAr has been down for about a month and a half . Cruisin the coast
is in 2 weeks and I ll be ready if the creek don t rise and the good Lord is willing .
Posted 2010-09-19 10:47 PM (#242012 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
More tearing down, cleaning, painting, polishing and storing small parts and trim. Had to "Dremel" some rusted screw heads that attached a couple of stainless pieces. Only have to remove the passenger's side window and trim, take a saw to the brittle windshield and rear window seals so they can be removed, and then fight the rusted rear bumper bolts, and I'm ready to remove the body from the frame.
Posted 2010-09-29 8:59 AM (#243447 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
I am in the process of reassembling all the sheetmetal to get my 56 Dodge ready for paint. When I took it apart I carefully bagged and labeled everything. But now I have bags of rusty nuts and bolts and have been cleaning them them putting them in a rock tumbler to get the rust off. It is a long process, and I dont want to mix things up. I purchased an ultrasonic cleaner and tried it out last night with good results. I still need to experiment with it a bit and figure out the correct solvents but I am hoping this will save me some time.
Scott
Posted 2010-10-03 11:55 PM (#244128 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
Went to a car show in Redwood City, had pictures taken of Christine for a calendar and then blew the seam on the radiator as we pulled in to the barn. M'Lisa
Posted 2010-10-04 10:29 AM (#244163 - in reply to #244159) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
56RoyalLancer - 2010-10-04 10:23 AM
I had the same experience years ago. I had just pulled the 56 Dodge into the garage and the upper radiator hose ruptured.
I had a great weekend driving my son to and from the home coming dance. Nice to hear the kids still think the car (and maybe me) is still cool!
Took my son out to a car show. We took best mopar. They had a tug of war, car club verses car club, that was fun.... then they had 6 guys 300 pound each take on anyone. We had 11 guys and they still beat us. Fun
Posted 2010-10-04 10:41 AM (#244166 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 139 Location: Lima,Ohio
Installed a powermaster mini starter on my 354 polyhead powered chrysler.
Had a problem with it not wanting to start when hot(probably solenoid related).
Fires up instantly now,just have to get use to the high pitch starter noise now.
Took it out for a drive to blow some dust off,55 degrees and cloudy.
Posted 2010-10-04 11:10 AM (#244168 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I drove it a bunch over the weekend.
Took it to church twice, Lowe's, a furniture store, went by the parts store for some brake pads for the wife's car, took my daughter to her playgroup at the church Friday, went to get some books from the library.
Put a lot of miles on it for the first time in a while.
Posted 2010-10-04 11:42 AM (#244174 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 139 Location: Central Kentucky
Spent yesterday afternoon and evening sanding out the last of body filler and 6 layers of paint on Elizabeth's right rear quarter (and there was a lot there). I use a Porter~Cable electric DA with 80 grit sandpaper.
Posted 2010-10-04 11:17 PM (#244249 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
installed my Karp's rebuilt master cylinder and brake booster on Sunday. Bled the brakes and took for a drive. All is well again.
Apparently a lot of you other 55 owners are getting your boosters rebuilt cause he had quite a few of them to get through before they got to mine. Must be the season....
Posted 2010-10-05 1:48 AM (#244254 - in reply to #244168) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
57plymouth - 2010-10-05 8:10 AM
I drove it a bunch over the weekend.
Took it to church twice, Lowe's, a furniture store, went by the parts store for some brake pads for the wife's car, took my daughter to her playgroup at the church Friday, went to get some books from the library.
Put a lot of miles on it for the first time in a while.
*******************************
A grocery-gitten marathon ! The best "car show" there is !
Posted 2010-10-06 7:23 AM (#244409 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 189 Location: Melbourne/ Australia
started stripping down my 57 plaza up on blocks found out there were no inner rocker panels the outers were pop riveted in place. no rust in the doors need to patch the fenders lower and eyebrows my dog leg sections finally came full steam ahead
Posted 2010-10-07 1:43 AM (#244580 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
working with the fuel and brake lines on my 56 windsor. I have the disc brake setup on the front with AAJ. the rear axle is in. working on the block off and proportioning valve setup.
Posted 2010-10-09 5:21 PM (#244933 - in reply to #244580) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 208 Location: Fargo, ND
Been having rear end problems for a couple of years on the Firesweep so I finally pulled it and put in a later C Body rear with 46 inch spring perches. The only thing I had to change was the u-joint yoke so it matched the yoke on the driveshaft. Between seals, wheel cylinders, shoes and springs the parts cost me less than getting wheel cylinders alone for the '58 rear end. I took the Firesweep out this afternoon for its maiden voyage and everything worked great. Hopefully I'll be able to do a front disc brake conversion someday in the future.
Posted 2010-10-11 6:48 PM (#245163 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Had a carclub calendar photoshoot with the '57 Chrysler and a sweet model on sunday.
Took some cellphone snapshot pics to gaze at if someone is bored...
Posted 2010-10-11 8:27 PM (#245183 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Nice pics!
Took Penence up north to my father's place to store her for the winter. Drove 180 miles maintaining a speed of around 65-70 mph.
Before I drove up I took it to the tire store and had the wheels rotated & re-balanced. They noted that two of my rims were warped although they were able to balance the tires. It was fun reminding the young guys in the shop about the left handed threads on the rear axle. They had to find a left handed torque wrench to tighten the bolts.
I was hoping that would take care of the drive train vibration that occurs at 70mph. Nadda, still there. Interestly though I noted that it stopped after 100mph and really smoothed out around 110.
It's in the tranny I am betting and when I pull the motor and rebuild it all I will find it I'm sure. /sigh Nothing ever seems to be easy...
Out of curiosity I checked the gas mileage and those 2spd automatics I guess were not geared to run at 65-70 because I got 14miles / gallon overall. bleh.
Mark, you say two of your wheels were "warped". If I understand that to mean the two wheels did not run "true" on the wheel balaancer , they still could be out of balance and causing a vibration in the St. wheel or the seat of the pants. Have the wheels straightened and re-balanced ,both statically and dynamically, and see if you still have the vibration.
Posted 2010-10-13 12:02 AM (#245337 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Well after the balancing and rotation it made absolutely no change to the vibration. I am doubtful that is the issue since the wheels were out of balance and they fixed that but I didnt notice a difference overall. The rotation should have moved the vibration I would think... at least?
Posted 2010-10-13 2:37 AM (#245341 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 139 Location: Central Kentucky
Finished removing the last traces of paint, primer and body filler from both quarters, fins, taillight recesses and the lower panel Tuesday. Moving onward.
Posted 2010-10-17 7:26 PM (#245966 - in reply to #244128) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
deloverly - 2010-10-03 11:55 PM
Went to a car show in Redwood City, had pictures taken of Christine for a calendar and then blew the seam on the radiator as we pulled in to the barn. M'Lisa
Sorry to hear that,at least it happen when she got home rather than out on the road.
Posted 2010-10-17 7:35 PM (#245967 - in reply to #244174) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
djMikulec - 2010-10-04 11:42 AM
Spent yesterday afternoon and evening sanding out the last of body filler and 6 layers of paint on Elizabeth's right rear quarter (and there was a lot there). I use a Porter~Cable electric DA with 80 grit sandpaper.
edit to add photos
It takes a lot of time,but I'm sure Elizabeth is gratefull!
Nice to see another four door Belvedere being saved!
Posted 2010-10-17 10:06 PM (#245993 - in reply to #245967) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 139 Location: Central Kentucky
1960DesotoAdventurer - 2010-10-17 7:35 PM It takes a lot of time,but I'm sure Elizabeth is gratefull! Nice to see another four door Belvedere being saved! What color are you going to paint her?
She'll go back to her original maroon and ivory (I don't have the official '57 color names in front of me). And thanks. It'll be a while before she's ready but it will all be done by my own hands... most of it anyway. ;)
Posted 2010-10-18 12:36 PM (#246039 - in reply to #244163) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
59CRL - 2010-10-04 10:29 AM
56RoyalLancer - 2010-10-04 10:23 AM
I had the same experience years ago. I had just pulled the 56 Dodge into the garage and the upper radiator hose ruptured.
I had a great weekend driving my son to and from the home coming dance. Nice to hear the kids still think the car (and maybe me) is still cool!
Took my son out to a car show. We took best mopar. They had a tug of war, car club verses car club, that was fun.... then they had 6 guys 300 pound each take on anyone. We had 11 guys and they still beat us. Fun
You should have hooked your side of the tug to your 59 dodge!,that would have shown them!
Posted 2010-10-18 2:50 PM (#246054 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Mark-Beltran, there are not many components that can contribute to operational vibration, beyond the
wheels/tires and the driveline.
A vibration at a particular speed-range is typically related to tire/wheel balancing or to wheel damage.
BTW, a real 14 mpg at 65-70 mph is not real bad mileage.
The 2-speed Powerflite is essentially the 3-speed TorqueFlite, but without the 1st gear, which obviously is not required,
at cruising speeds.
You need to confirm your mileage from a known distance travelled, rather than to rely on your 'odometer' mileage.
You can confirm your car's odo error over a verified-accurate distance (using a modern-car's odometer to verify it)
between a few mileposts or a known location distance, but, to calculate the car's true mpg, you'll have to use a full-tank
re-fill, over a true-corrected trip distance, to establish your real miles per gallon.
Have you raised up your car's rear end, and rotated the wheels, to confirm its axle ratio?
Do you run radial tires with that are inflated over 30psi?
Posted 2010-10-18 3:10 PM (#246060 - in reply to #245993) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3588 Location: Plymouth Spaceport
djMikulec - 2010-10-17 10:06 PM
1960DesotoAdventurer - 2010-10-17 7:35 PM It takes a lot of time,but I'm sure Elizabeth is gratefull! Nice to see another four door Belvedere being saved! What color are you going to paint her?
She'll go back to her original maroon and ivory (I don't have the official '57 color names in front of me). And thanks. It'll be a while before she's ready but it will all be done by my own hands... most of it anyway. ;)
Sounds nice!,I have a color chart for the '57 plymouth somewhere,I'll have to check it and see what your color is called.
My Belvedere was originally Desert Gold,so I'll probably paint it that color again,but I really like the turqouise color they had that year,so I am tempted.
It's very time consuming taking a car down to bare metal,It took me most of the day to do just my DeSotos hood.
Posted 2010-10-23 5:06 PM (#246748 - in reply to #246060) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Is building out the house and garage, so I can fit 2x FL consecutively.
Now I have set my Windsor with my wife's parents' carport while we build the
The other day it snowed here
Posted 2010-10-23 11:01 PM (#246797 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Finished installing the fuel line on the chassis. Need 2 more female brake line adaptors to get as far as I can on the brake. I'm having to put the timing marks on the dampner on the right side because the 392 water pump covers up the correct marks on the left. I have the 331 poly. It should work fine.
Posted 2010-10-25 2:11 AM (#246941 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 52 Location: Columbia, SC
Little bits and pieces. Took some engine bay documentation photos, got the front grille off, took off a few more pieces of trim, shot some rust penetrating oil on strategic locations. Current goal is to get the fromt fenders off and set aside for easy engine removal. Take a load of laundry down, twist a couple of bolts, lol...
Posted 2010-10-25 2:42 AM (#246942 - in reply to #246941) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Just another day rolling bank. Convoy action. Took hostile pressure. Returned fire. Pressure
neutralized. Mission accomplished. Returned to base intact. Filed report, cleaned weapons. Only
ten more months to go. Miss my shop and car. Wife too.
Posted 2010-10-25 4:57 AM (#246949 - in reply to #246942) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
Doctor DeSoto - 2010-10-25 6:42 PM
Just another day rolling bank. Convoy action. Took hostile pressure. Returned fire. Pressure
neutralized. Mission accomplished. Returned to base intact. Filed report, cleaned weapons. Only
ten more months to go. Miss my shop and car. Wife too.
Gee be careful over there Doc! That big shed aint finished yet and then you got some Desoto work to do after that, so make it back in one piece. Hope the money's good!
Take care. ForwardLook content-cleaned about a thousand bugs off the front of my Fury after a midnight cruise back from a party out in the sticks last weekend. Black bugs on white paint and gold grille look bad. Simple concerns compared to being shot at though. Perspective check. Fail.
Glenn.
Posted 2010-10-25 9:16 AM (#246962 - in reply to #246949) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
It's OK. We shoot back. This little guy is a new tool for working on the DeSoto. We use it
to open sunroofs in bad guys' skulls. This gets us home safe and with the dough to buy
more tools (like a plasma cutter ) to work more directly with the cars. But it is all related.
Posted 2010-10-27 10:27 PM (#247337 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Replaced a pesky ignition switch - accessories position not working. NOS from Gary Goers, $24.00. Simple job to access it through the speaker grille, which is removable from the top outside of the dashboard - 4 screws.
Posted 2010-10-28 1:52 AM (#247358 - in reply to #247337) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Now Ian, ... that is no way to work on your car ! The underdash stuff offers an excellent
opportunity to work on your contortionism, sticking sharp edges into your back and sides,
and checking on this razor-like metal edges under the dash ! Not to mention those sudden
cramps you often get !
Posted 2010-10-28 3:00 PM (#247428 - in reply to #247358) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Doctor DeSoto - 2010-10-27 10:52 PM
Now Ian, ... that is no way to work on your car ! The underdash stuff offers an excellent
opportunity to work on your contortionism, sticking sharp edges into your back and sides,
and checking on this razor-like metal edges under the dash ! Not to mention those sudden
cramps you often get !
Well, that nasty under dash Mark-IV A/C unit is in the way to access anything remotely in the center of the dash!
Posted 2010-10-29 7:35 PM (#247537 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
got the pioneer ready to put in garage after the seneca comes out and put a 1960 legal plate on the pioneer , soon to be called plum crazy !-------like ME !------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2010-10-31 1:54 PM (#247752 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
I had my 56 Dodge in a storage shed for 2 years, Although I had treated the metal with a rust inhibitor my neglect and the humid summer took a toll. Well today I finished sanding off the rest of the surface rust. She is beautiful.
Posted 2010-11-12 11:56 AM (#249278 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Very nice 56 dodge !!
The body looks to be very solid!!
Looks like you have a little work getting it painted put back together.
But it will be well worth it.
Phil
Posted 2010-11-13 6:37 PM (#249420 - in reply to #249278) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
Thank you Phil. It was ROUGH when I started Lucky for the car I had no idea what i was getting into. By the time I realized how bad it was I was already in too deep to quit.
Scott
Posted 2010-11-29 4:21 PM (#251249 - in reply to #251237) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
Mike, not sure if you're looking for any advice ;), but I suggest spraying those head gaskets down with this stuff, and installing them while this stuff is still wet. Copper gaskets are really good at sealing cylinder pressure, but really bad for sealing water. This will help, a bunch. Let us know how it goes!
-Danny
Posted 2010-11-29 6:51 PM (#251266 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Ugggg - I installed the passenger side this afternoon. Both surfaces have been recently machined with no rum time on the engine. I hope it is ok. I will get the glue tomorrow and do the drivers side. I will play guinea pig with copper gaskets. Thanks for the info.
Posted 2010-11-30 12:41 PM (#251360 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Why did you go with copper headgaskets?
That's a (now old school) solution for race-motors and should be used only when the decks have been machined for a large copper O-ring aswell.
If you put one of these gaskets on without any sealant it will leak, maybe not now, but it will once the system gets pressurized.
Today you can buy Cometic headgaskets in about any thickness you like. They can withstand compressionratios up to 15 to 1 with the correct deck- and headfinish. No sealing O-rings needed here and they are also reusable.
Posted 2010-11-30 1:12 PM (#251364 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We dropped mine off at JMC Performance, to have the 440 installation started. Still waiting for a few parts to come in. We are installing (In addition to the 440), new clutch fan, water pump etc. New exaust system and shortie headers (ceramic coated). MSD ignition, new dual 4 barrel aluminum intake manifold. We will remove the dash, install a tach where the clock is now (Prosport Gauges) already have installed temp, and volt gauge and matching clock. I installed the gauges in the popup AC vents, looks kinda "Kewl" (to me at least and I'm the one that counts).
I will also rewire the dash for both red and white LED's (Like the Prosport gauges) and when you turn the dimmer switch all the way down (CW) the gauges will go from white to red.
We will also put a new Black Convertible Top on the car, as long as it is in the shop.
Will take you guys along when we Dyno the new Engine!
Posted 2010-12-04 9:40 AM (#251848 - in reply to #251360) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
I went with the copper head gaskets for uniform heat transfer and thickness. Also uniform dimensions. The previous set of gaskets (Best Mfg.) were not uniform and the water jacket openings were off center. I coated the gaskets with the copper coating per the above recommendation and a recommendation from Hot Heads. The heads are installed and I am setting the adjustable pushrods today. Regards, Mike
Posted 2010-12-04 5:36 PM (#251903 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
I drove mine to work yesterday and some guy I never saw before who looked about 55 said "You're the one with the Cadillac, beautiful car." I told him thanks, and that it is a Chrysler. He said "oh" and had a look of slight surprise. I passed by him again a few hours later and he said "hey it's the Cadillac man, how ya doin?"
Today I'm going to try to take out the incorrect 4-ohm round dash speaker and figure out exactly what size 8-ohm oval I have to buy to replace it. Most likely a 6x9.
Posted 2010-12-13 2:00 PM (#253128 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Installed the motor mounts, attached the idler arm bracket to the frame, and attached the proportioning valve to the frame just behind the steering gearbox.
Posted 2010-12-13 2:28 PM (#253133 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
FwdLk56's Third Account
Posts: 738 Location: Midwest USA
does installing a ceiling and two layers of R19 to the previously uninsulated detached garage with no ceiling count towards doing something for my '55 Dodge Coronet?
it's been single-digit temps here and after all, i'm putting the ceiling and insulation in so that i can keep my "baby" from dropping below 'freezing' :D
Posted 2010-12-31 4:47 PM (#255231 - in reply to #253134) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
From NEIL D500
Had to wait til Xmas to open my personal-giftee,
but was pleased to see that the new (to me) 130
MPH speedometer assembly was in excellent (if neglected)
condition.
Opened it up and cleaned/lubed it, and installed Horrie's
Xlnt-condition chrome bezel onto it, and H's odometer---
altho the 'donor' guy was only showing 34K miles on it.
Its plastic face looked great; like brand new, in fact.
Got to drive H. today, and the speedo works flawlessly;
the former one was kinda 'jumpy', despite being lubed-up.
Posted 2010-12-31 10:49 PM (#255281 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Alberta Canada
It wasn't today but I have to come clean on this one-due to unfortunate circumstances, I had to move the 59 when it was -30 a few weeks ago. Criminal as it sounds to turn it over under those conditions, that poly 318 fired up in about 30 seconds.
I promise not to start it again until spring so hang on to those nasty cards and letters.
Posted 2011-01-01 8:30 AM (#255312 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
I was having a go at trying to form rust repair sections for my right rear quarter panel today, sort of got 1 a bit close but think i might end up trying to find a complete new one. the damage done to it when someone else has tried to repair it is quite bad and i dont think i,m making it much better. It was pretty hot today as well.
Posted 2011-01-01 8:37 AM (#255315 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I have to do an actual repair on my car for the first time in five or six years!! I have a hard brake line that has started leaking. So, I get to rebend the line that goes to the rear axle. Lucky me.
Posted 2011-01-01 11:44 AM (#255333 - in reply to #255315) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
I rebuilt the 1406 Edelbrock carb. New floats, needle valves and seats. Adjusted the floats for 7/16 resting and a 15/16 drop.
Bolted it on the car and started her up. She runs great.... alot better than the other carb, smooth with the idle at 725 neutral
and it drops to 650 in drive. Raining today so I will wait till we have a dry day to test it out.
Just came back from a short cruise. She runs really nice. Not running rich like the other carb. Now I can start my car with
out touching the gas pedal like she use to start.... might get better mileage... like 15 mpg?? LOL!
Posted 2011-01-02 8:49 AM (#255409 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Fired up the '56 NYer yesterday. I completed the all of the hookups and she fired right up for the first time since 1958! Let her run for a while at 2000 rpm to break in the cam, checked trans fluid and topped off since trans is new too. Have some valve train noise that I need to adjust out but everything works great! The electrical system, charging, etc...
I would like to thank all of the people here at FL for your knowledge and support. Happy New Year!!!
Posted 2011-01-03 11:44 PM (#255659 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
I took a trip back in time this weekend. As I was tearing down my two marine hemi's I caught the smell of ozone as I opened the sealed spark plug chambers. I removed the intakes and heads and discovered distinct differences in my two engines. It seems I do not have two 331 hemi's... I have a 331 and a 354! Surprise Surprise! Funny how they look identical on the outside but are very different on the inside.
Posted 2011-01-05 5:02 AM (#255820 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
The weather's been too bad to get anything done on the car itself (I have no garage), but I had some paint mixed in aerosols to match the car and have been painting the last piece of external tin - the C pillar cover that doesn't look like it comes off but does! Of course, having primed it and put on the colour coat, the stupid thing fell over on my bench during the night and some paper stuck to the paint so I had to strip it and start again. Oh well...
Posted 2011-01-05 1:54 PM (#255848 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
Tore my front seat apart looking for the build sheet-yuck! Just kidding, I tore it apart because it stunk and needs new upholstery. Built a seat support for under the driver's side floorpan. Realized that it was too far gone for the demolition derby which is why the previous owner sold it to me. Perhaps I need therapy.
Posted 2011-01-09 11:17 AM (#256337 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
Pulled my carb today ready for a rebuild. I'm thinking about using the Eastwood paint to spruce it up a bit. Hoping to get my Carter filter through from eBay this week too. Put some clear coat on my c pillar piece. Getting there....
Posted 2011-01-10 5:58 PM (#256483 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
Installed a new garage heater so I can keep working on my car all winter.
I picked up a Dayton G73 its a 5000 watt electric unit that seems just fine in this 22 degree NJ weather.
So far so good this thing is great.
Posted 2011-01-10 5:59 PM (#256484 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
Installed a new garage heater so I can keep working on my car all winter.
I picked up a Dayton G73 its a 5000 watt electric unit that seems just fine in this 22 degree NJ weather.
So far so good this thing is great. (the pic is not mine)
Posted 2011-01-10 8:58 PM (#256528 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
I purchased a RediRad™ RF Modulator add on for my stock AM radio. This is very much like the underdash FM Converters of our childhood, except that it is intended to be a patch to an aux audio system, like a portable MP3-FM radio Ipod, or similar. I was suprised to learn that this product is designed and manufactured right here in one of my local towns, ( about 10 minutes from my home ). I met with the designer, president of this one-horse hobby business who took all the time I needed and answered any question I had. He even went as far as to extend the warranty on the product to start this spring when I get my 59 out of storage. I can't wait to get it installed. He would even be willing to offer a Club Discount to our FL group.
Posted 2011-01-10 9:36 PM (#256533 - in reply to #256528) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
Bart_59_Dodge - 2011-01-10 8:58 PM
I purchased a RediRad™ RF Modulator add on for my stock AM radio. This is very much like the underdash FM Converters of our childhood, except that it is intended to be a patch to an aux audio system, like a portable MP3-FM radio Ipod, or similar. I was suprised to learn that this product is designed and manufactured right here in one of my local towns, ( about 10 minutes from my home ). I met with the designer, president of this one-horse hobby business who took all the time I needed and answered any question I had. He even went as far as to extend the warranty on the product to start this spring when I get my 59 out of storage. I can't wait to get it installed. He would even be willing to offer a Club Discount to our FL group.
Posted 2011-01-17 7:29 AM (#257282 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Today I pulled my finger out and got really stuck into some rust repair
The first candidate was the R/R door
The bottom of the door was more holes than metal. One of the previouse owners had started peeling the door skin (hadnt noticed that) and when
i tried to bend it back, the metal cracked and sort of came off. That was the inspiration.
Went out to the metal supplier and bought a sheet to use to replace the missing metal and got it cut to suit the new bending brake i bought.
Got it all home and assembled the brake and excitedly went to bend a bit of steel for the bottom of the door. Stupid bender is pretty much useless. Try to bend anything and the plate that hols the metal down just bens and moves, so i used it as sort of an anvil to make the 100 deg bend.
So got there in the end. Cut another peice to make a patch panel for the outer skin and welded that in, so if time permits tomorrow, i will beat out the waves from the heat i put into the door and it will be the first (and only) rust free part on the car :)
Had a thought about the stupid bender though
Might be able to make a suport for the anchor plate to make it stand on its edge. I think that will work
Got the instrument panel back in place, adjusted the glove box door so it'll laya little flatter, added a bottle of ZDDP to he engine and put in 30 weight conventional oil from Walmmart to breakin the rotating parts300 - 500 miles on it and it'll be replaced with a 10/30 conventional oil with some more ZDDP.
Now I can finish the non-conforming electrical wiring. Also took the speedo apart. drilled holes and monted two leds for the right/left turnsignal lights.
Posted 2011-01-18 8:18 PM (#257462 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
good idea on the turn signals. I did my whole dash on my 59, used white LED's for the turn signal indicators and they really lite up a nice bright green cause of the green plastic difuser in there. I just stuck my Leds in the holes where the lamps were.
We are also breaking in the new engine. That succer sure goes, even with the 276 rear end, I gotta be careful as it is easy to smoke the tires.
I did "Smoke" Börje's 62 409 4 speed chebbie on the way back from a car show. He pulled beside me on freeway, slowed down to 45 or so,and "Hit It" . I bet folks that saw that saying "What the ****" A 59 Dodge leaving a 409 in the dust
Posted 2011-01-18 8:26 PM (#257464 - in reply to #257462) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
1959Dodge - 2011-01-18 5:18 PM
good idea on the turn signals. I did my whole dash on my 59, used white LED's for the turn signal indicators and they really lite up a nice bright green cause of the green plastic difuser in there. I just stuck my Leds in the holes where the lamps were.
We are also breaking in the new engine. That succer sure goes, even with the 276 rear end, I gotta be careful as it is easy to smoke the tires.
I did "Smoke" Börje's 62 409 4 speed chebbie on the way back from a car show. He pulled beside me on freeway, slowed down to 45 or so,and "Hit It" . I bet folks that saw that saying "What the ****" A 59 Dodge leaving a 409 in the dust
Gary
Heh Heh-
Way to go, Gary! Sounds like you're having fun doing the break in!
Posted 2011-01-23 12:22 AM (#258002 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Finally installed the 331 poly and Powerflite into the chassis on a beautiful January Saturday. The weather couldn't have been better. I have been looking forward to this for 6 months or so.
Posted 2011-01-23 11:15 PM (#258131 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
I finally was able to get the garage cleaned out enough to and got some help to push the Dodge into the garage and get it up on dollys. I found a '98 4L80e OD tranny core, so I'll get it cleaned up and mount the tranny adapter and new mini-starter. Then try and fit everything in and see how the tranny mount sits in relation to the original crossmember. I'm going with the OptiShift tranmission controller system.
I also thought I'd see if the Poly would fit better facing rearward!
Posted 2011-02-04 12:04 AM (#259510 - in reply to #256533) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
soiouz - 2011-01-10 6:36 PM
Bart_59_Dodge - 2011-01-10 8:58 PM
I purchased a RediRad™ RF Modulator add on for my stock AM radio. This is very much like the underdash FM Converters of our childhood, except that it is intended to be a patch to an aux audio system, like a portable MP3-FM radio Ipod, or similar. I was suprised to learn that this product is designed and manufactured right here in one of my local towns, ( about 10 minutes from my home ). I met with the designer, president of this one-horse hobby business who took all the time I needed and answered any question I had. He even went as far as to extend the warranty on the product to start this spring when I get my 59 out of storage. I can't wait to get it installed. He would even be willing to offer a Club Discount to our FL group.
I can't wait to have your review of this product, as I was already considering getting one for our car. :)
I installed one in my 61 Chrysler last week, and I am really happy with it. I like the fact that the radio remains as it was originally. I also like that when you play the ipod through it, your music has that old AM radio sound. I installed it behind the dash just below the right side of the speaker, and I have the ipod jack going to the ash tray/lighter drawer. I can hook up my ipod nano, close the drawer, and it is completely hidden from view.
It works exactly as it is supposed to work. The signal is nice and strong, and comes through just right when you leave your ipod volume at 50% and use the radio volume control to adjust the sound level. There is a little bit of hiss, but it becomes very minimal when you adjust the tuning just right, and you only notice it between songs.
The signal is fed directly into the radio's antenna input, so like I said, it will sound like your AM radio normally sounds. I like it that way. If you are looking for crystal clear sound and/or stereo, then the RediRad is probably not for you.
Posted 2011-02-04 7:44 AM (#259518 - in reply to #259510) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
spider89119 - 2011-02-04 12:04 AM
I installed one in my 61 Chrysler last week, and I am really happy with it. I like the fact that the radio remains as it was originally. I also like that when you play the ipod through it, your music has that old AM radio sound. I installed it behind the dash just below the right side of the speaker, and I have the ipod jack going to the ash tray/lighter drawer. I can hook up my ipod nano, close the drawer, and it is completely hidden from view.
It works exactly as it is supposed to work. The signal is nice and strong, and comes through just right when you leave your ipod volume at 50% and use the radio volume control to adjust the sound level. There is a little bit of hiss, but it becomes very minimal when you adjust the tuning just right, and you only notice it between songs.
The signal is fed directly into the radio's antenna input, so like I said, it will sound like your AM radio normally sounds. I like it that way. If you are looking for crystal clear sound and/or stereo, then the RediRad is probably not for you.
Thanks a lot!! That's EXACTLY what I was looking for. I too would like the original AM radio sound! I think I'm going to buy one now!
...by the way, was the installation as easy as they say it is?
Posted 2011-02-04 10:12 AM (#259534 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
Yes the installation is very easy. It took me longer than the manual said it would, but that's only because I was deciding where the RediRad was going to go.
Posted 2011-02-04 10:22 PM (#259619 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
I have a second RediRad FS.... The Owner / Designer lives about 15 minutes from my home. The second unit was going into a friends '59 T-Bird, but it looks like the T-Bird will have a full blown am/fm/aux conversion. This is a new unued unit. PM if interested.
Posted 2011-02-05 12:03 PM (#259672 - in reply to #259665) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: Santa Barbara, California
David... heater control valve... that was swapped out years before I got the car with an in-line valve from what some say was a Dodge truck... you'll see it in the heater hose in the pic below.
Posted 2011-02-05 12:59 PM (#259675 - in reply to #259672) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
Bryan1960Windsor - 2011-02-05 12:03 PM
David... heater control valve... that was swapped out years before I got the car with an in-line valve from what some say was a Dodge truck... you'll see it in the heater hose in the pic below.
The leak was in the heater core itself.
bryan
Oh, ok!
If you ever want to replace this setup with a factory one, let me know as the canadian control valves are different from the us ones and I could find one for you up here.
Posted 2011-02-06 12:18 AM (#259754 - in reply to #259675) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: Santa Barbara, California
David, I had no idea... still searching for a Canadian shop manual for this one... if you ever come across pics, or scans or ?? let me know, would love to see what's supposed to be in the car.
Posted 2011-02-06 8:19 AM (#259772 - in reply to #259754) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
Bryan1960Windsor - 2011-02-06 12:18 AM
David, I had no idea... still searching for a Canadian shop manual for this one... if you ever come across pics, or scans or ?? let me know, would love to see what's supposed to be in the car.
Many thanks!
bryan
Bryan, check your inbox, I just sent you a personnal message.
Posted 2011-02-06 8:51 AM (#259784 - in reply to #249452) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
From NEIL D500
About a couple weeks ago,I removed the rear seat(s) and trim panels
in order to get at the left quarter window control mechanisms,
as something 'in' there was obviously, and suddenly, rattling
furiously.
No photos taken, but a screw-bolt had worked loose, which
holds a window run-channel against the inner 1/4 panel.
Got it all buttoned-up, but noticed a nasty buzzing rattle that appeared
to be back, behind me, somewhere!
I was thinking that it might be inside the driver's door, but, today, when
I was taking off H.'s car cover, in preparation for cruising around in our
mellow sunny weather (sorry-) today, I noticed a 'snapping' noise, and
realized that the new-rattle was merely coming from the roof-molding
which had come off/away from its two lower mounting clips, and which
would 'buzz' badly when H. would go over some bump (due to his stiff
suspension) !
Posted 2011-02-09 9:19 PM (#260372 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: Santa Barbara, California
Heater core back from shop, leak soldered... back in the car... I HAVE HEAT AND DEFROST!!!!!!!!! Amazing how you miss the little things when they're not around, especially on foggy mornings!
Posted 2011-02-13 12:45 PM (#260875 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Well Today i Opened the Garage Doors and let the Dodge see Daylight after its Winter break,, Sttod for at least 3 months and fired right up on the Second Crank.. Warmed her up and took her for a 5 mile Trip, Man its great to have her Awake again..
Have to do my mates Wedding on Friday so now she just needs a Spit & Polish..
Posted 2011-02-13 5:03 PM (#260904 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 449 Location: jersey
Ordered a comp cams Thumpr cam, lifters, valve springs, locks, retainers, timing chain, pushrods, Crane adjustable rockers, Mopar performance rocker shafts and hold downs, a HV oil pump, carter HV fuel pump, rod and main bearings, piston rings,and an aluminum radiator.
Posted 2011-02-13 5:27 PM (#260909 - in reply to #260904) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Over the past several weeks, I have been gathering new, rebuilt and N.O.S. items. I got the water pump, clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, carburetor rebuild kit and other fuel system components for my '59's freshly rebuilt 318.
Posted 2011-02-15 4:50 PM (#261145 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 269 Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
I'm rebuilding the engine & trans in our 59 361 Firesweep.I finished the engine today, installed a 4 bbl & duals,Pertronix is replacing the dual points.I'm waiting on the trans & Torque converter now.
Posted 2011-02-20 11:40 PM (#261776 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 466 Location: Vancouver, Washington
better question is what didn't I do? moving around on whatever I have parts to go after.. today though was a conversion to the Aspen disc brake setup.. on the second side now and installing new balljoints, upper lower bushings, pitman ball bearing upgrade, and half a dozen other things...
Nothing so ambitious as the last few posts above. All I did was cut off the rusty shreds of metal from the bottom of the A-pillar lower garnish mouldings, weld about 3" of flat metal back on, then cut and shape curved pieces to conform to the top edge and weld them on. Applied a rather heavy coat of epoxy to cover the grinder marks. Now to sand it down, apply primer sealer, sandable primer and paint both to blend in with the black kickpanels.
Nothing so ambitious as the last few posts above. All I did was cut off the rusty shreds of metal from the bottom of the A-pillar lower garnish mouldings, weld about 3" of flat metal back on, then cut and shape curved pieces to conform to the top edge and weld them on. Applied a rather heavy coat of epoxy to cover the grinder marks. Now to sand it down, apply primer sealer, sandable primer and paint both to blend in with the black kickpanels.
Posted 2011-02-21 4:36 PM (#261868 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 75
After off again/on again progress, finally got the engine out of my wagon a few weeks ago and took it to a friends garage to start working on it. Yesterday, I was able to spend some time and pull the intake and one of the heads off. I was very pleased with what I found. Clean bores without any scarring, pistons that look almost brand new without any depsosits on the tops, and clean combustion chambers with nice tight fitting valves.
Tomorrow I'll pull the other cylinder head off and maybe the oil pan too. I think the reciprocating assembly will be fine. Motor only had 80K on it when pulled. I pulled it to re-seal everything since it's been parked since the seventies and would leak like the Exxon Valdez if I tried to run it like that. Never done a rebuild, so I'm pleased that there are no ugly hidden surprises with this thing.
Posted 2011-02-21 5:47 PM (#261874 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I yanked the hydraulic cam out of the 500" stroker motor in my '60-NY today in favor of a nice little .570+ lift roller cam. I will also do a discbrake conversion at the same time while the longrams are out of the way.
Posted 2011-02-23 3:51 PM (#262123 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 154 Location: Mandan, North Dakota
Got to turn wrenches on her last night for the first time since getting her. It was only for a half hour, but hey, it's something!!! I pulled the dead fuel pump and started working on pulling the radiator. I want to get it cooked & checked over and need to pull it anyway to swap out the water pump. Got a laugh - when I pulled the upper radiator hose I got a good view down into the thermostat. It was upside down.
Posted 2011-02-24 12:58 PM (#262247 - in reply to #261988) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Conrad_AZ - 2011-02-22 2:25 PM Started working out the 5 dents in the roof of my '56 Dodge Sierra.
Hi Conrad! Glad to see you posting here. Do you have any pics of your '56 posted around here? I think it would be great for the people here to see the mods you've done. You are building a well put together car with nice modifications. I finally got the wife to allow me to put my '56 in the garage so I can do more work on it. Let me know when you are down in the Valley next time.
Posted 2011-02-24 4:24 PM (#262284 - in reply to #262137) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Kenny J. - 2011-02-23 2:17 PM
I killed the "Guardian of the Engine Compartment":
What method did you use to kill the 'black widder', Kenny? The WD-40 torch, snag the webs with a stick, and squash on the cement, or the good ol' Carb cleaner death?
Posted 2011-03-07 7:01 PM (#263832 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Had a busy weekend. Finished installing the power steering lines, trans cooler lines, brake lines, proportioning valve and master cylinder. Also changed the trans fluid and filter. Bleed the brakes and adjusted the m/c push rod; flushed out the power steering unit. So far so good. Tomorrow I will be receiving (UPS) my Detroit True-Trac for this weekends project!! After the rear is done - parking brake cables - uggggg!
Posted 2011-03-09 7:45 PM (#264106 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Received my Eaton - Detroit True-Trac today. The machinists at work are installing the bearings for me. They are using an induction bearing heater - real cool! I wonder if they would miss it
Posted 2011-03-09 9:55 PM (#264115 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
I stared at my '57 today... wishing I could work on it... but I am trying to get my shop ready for paint, so I can FINALLY mount the lights on the ceiling, and finish the electrical. Then I will be able to see in the shop, and I can work on my car without using the garage door opener lamps and a trouble light!
Posted 2011-03-10 2:48 AM (#264134 - in reply to #264106) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
NYer Mike - 2011-03-09 6:45 PM
Received my Eaton - Detroit True-Trac today. The machinists at work are installing the bearings for me. They are using an induction bearing heater - real cool! I wonder if they would miss it :madman:
Mike, can you give us an update on your lifter problem................MO
Posted 2011-03-10 8:38 PM (#264215 - in reply to #264134) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Sorry Mo - thought I did. The No. 6 intake lifter had a leaking reed valve in it. The Comp Cam lifters that I had have a spring and ball valve at the bottom and an intermediate chamber where the reed valve is. Changed them out with the Hot Heads units and have had no problems.
Posted 2011-03-10 8:40 PM (#264216 - in reply to #264106) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
NYer Mike - 2011-03-09 7:45 PM Received my Eaton - Detroit True-Trac today. The machinists at work are installing the bearings for me. They are using an induction bearing heater - real cool! I wonder if they would miss it :madman:
The guys at work mounted the bearings for me today and I have started mounting the ring gear on it. Hope to have the rear together over the weekend.
(Det True-Trac.jpg)
Attachments ---------------- Det True-Trac.jpg (282KB - 295 downloads)
Posted 2011-03-10 11:43 PM (#264236 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1150 Location: Southern California
I finally pulled the trigger on resurecting this old gal. I'm having her built as a driver, something to have fun with and not worry about so much since my 58 plymouth is to nice to drive all the time. Figure I'd use christine as my show piece and put around town in this thing. Having my good friend Jon at JMC Performance rebuild the entire drivetrain. Hes re-building me Gary Johnsons old 400 motor with a torqueflight tranny. 8 and 3/4 rear end and four wheel disc brakes. I'm very excited. She'll be rolling on 15 crager super supremes with general WW tires. I'll probably paint her satin black for awhile until I can afford to give her a decent paintjob in the future.
Posted 2011-03-11 12:20 PM (#264264 - in reply to #262284) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
big m - 2011-02-24 1:24 PM
What method did you use to kill the 'black widder', Kenny? The WD-40 torch, snag the webs with a stick, and squash on the cement, or the good ol' Carb cleaner death?
---John
Spider spray, John. But I am so good at catching these ladies alive (snag the web between the widder and the lair) that I used to sell them to a researcher at the university for twenty five cents a pop back in the mid 1980s.
The trick is to destroy the web during the day and catch them off-guard while they are rebuilding it after sundown, when their escape options are limited. A sturdy stick, a good size plastic jar with lid and fast reflexes always help.
Posted 2011-03-15 7:07 AM (#264695 - in reply to #264264) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Inactive by user's request
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Yesterday, we moved Muttley to my friend's place, where we can get some work done. It does run, stop and drive, but I do not have it registered or insured. Plus, it needs some engine gaskets as it leaks oil while running. Pressure is great, so every bad gasket spews oil. At least it doesn't burn oil...
I had to get it out of here, because we have a two car garage and with both this and the '59 Impala inside, there would be no room to work on my '59 Plymouth wagon.
Progress may be impeded due to upcoming knee surgery, and my '59 Plymouth wagon's engine swap, but I'll post photos when and as we progress.
Posted 2011-03-18 9:47 PM (#265132 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
I have been on a tear lately. Since last weekend I assembled my rear axle with a Detroit True-Trac; finished the brake lines flushed and purged; installed 1968 Chrysler parking brake cables; mounted new tires (235/75R15's); and started re-installing the front clip. Tomorrow I hope to finish the front clip and get rolling with the compound etc... The car still has the original paint. I have modified so much under the skin but the car is original. How do I register for Carlisle? Survivor, Barn find, Modified or as a C-Body? The '56 year is not recognized in the classes.
Posted 2011-03-18 10:18 PM (#265135 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
I have a tip for all the AAJ brake customers out there...
Roger recommends a "mid-70s Dart" master cylinder, which has a bore of .9375".
The brakes on my wagon always worked 'OK' but it wasn't going to win any awards. Not a big deal because I don't race it or anything and I don't tailgate. They engaged low on the pedal and the pedal was a little too soft for my liking.
I was going through the front end again getting it ready for the summer and thought I'd revisit this. I looked up a master cylinder for a '78 Cordoba (Bendix BF11628), and it uses a bore diameter of 1.03125" - an increase of .09375". And the four-hole mounting pattern is the same as the Dart m/c.
That bore increase may not sound like much, but it made all the difference in the world for my car. Brakes begin applying sooner and the pedal is much firmer. I REALLY like it and suggest it to anyone else.
In addition to the brake master, I replaced both front calipers (one was sticking slightly) and replaced the upper control arm bushings, all four ball joints, and the tie rod ends. I'm holding off on the lower control arm and strut rod bushings until I can find some Fury (I wish) or V8 wagon torsion bars to replace my 6cyl versions.
Posted 2011-03-18 10:38 PM (#265136 - in reply to #265135) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
57burb - 2011-03-18 7:18 PM
I have a tip for all the AAJ brake customers out there...
Roger recommends a "mid-70s Dart" master cylinder, which has a bore of .9375".
The brakes on my wagon always worked 'OK' but it wasn't going to win any awards. Not a big deal because I don't race it or anything and I don't tailgate. They engaged low on the pedal and the pedal was a little too soft for my liking.
I was going through the front end again getting it ready for the summer and thought I'd revisit this. I looked up a master cylinder for a '78 Cordoba (Bendix BF11628), and it uses a bore diameter of 1.03125" - an increase of .09375". And the four-hole mounting pattern is the same as the Dart m/c.
That bore increase may not sound like much, but it made all the difference in the world for my car. Brakes begin applying sooner and the pedal is much firmer. I REALLY like it and suggest it to anyone else.
In addition to the brake master, I replaced both front calipers (one was sticking slightly) and replaced the upper control arm bushings, all four ball joints, and the tie rod ends. I'm holding off on the lower control arm and strut rod bushings until I can find some Fury (I wish) or V8 wagon torsion bars to replace my 6cyl versions.
Danny, do you think that master cyl. fit underneath the power brake booster OK? Presume your Plymouth has manual brakes?
Posted 2011-03-18 10:54 PM (#265141 - in reply to #265136) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3974 Location: DFW, TX
I'm not sure how well it would fit under a booster. The master cylinder itself is slightly taller, maybe 1/2" or so. And it is longer, by about an inch.
I still have the old m/c, so I will get some more precise measurements. And you are correct, my Plymouth has always had manual brakes.
Posted 2011-03-19 4:38 PM (#265221 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Danny, the "Fury" torsion bars are the same as a DOD/PLY V/8 wagon's bars, and those bars were also standard equipment on
57 Coronet and Royal V/8's : 952/953.
If your wagon is a V/8 model, you should get under it and check out the ass-end of the T/bars, to confirm the P/N's of
its bars.
If you've got the 952/953 bars, now, (they won't be able to do much, to control the front end suspension's work if you've
got the bars slammed to the ground) you can still go find a sway bar system from a wrecking yard Dodge wagon, or a
Custom Royal wreck, and install it.
Also, you could install a HD bushing onto the the strut bar's front cross member connection point.
Posted 2011-03-19 5:17 PM (#265229 - in reply to #265221) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Started the Plymouth for the first time this year. Took a little extra cranking, but once it got going, the engine smoothed out real quickly. Took it for a short drive to bring it up to operating temperature.
For those folks that have had their car in storage for a while, check your tire pressure. Mine was down to about 18-20 pounds on all tires.
Posted 2011-03-26 10:35 AM (#265988 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
I got three old Carter 2BBL carbs off Ebay last week, hoping to replace some of the small parts missing somewhere in my house. Success! I have all the parts I need, so the carb is almost done. Hope to get her started again tomorrow.
Any if anyone needs floats, retainer clips, screws etc. I can cannibalise the spare carbs too.
Posted 2011-03-26 8:48 PM (#266055 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Put on the front cover on the Powerflite tranny. Finally tightened down the motor mounts and tranny mount. Cleaned 50+ years of dirt off of the driveshaft and shot some primer under my awning with a little hail storm to keep it interesting, (of course while drinking a Henry's Beer)
.
Posted 2011-03-27 9:03 AM (#266086 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
I replaced my speedometer pinion. The one that came with the car was all chewed up looking where the cable shaft is supposed to stick into it, and would not accept the cable. It also looked like it may have been the wrong pinion, since it looked slightly different from the replacement I bought. It was one of those jobs that looked easy until I tried to maneuver a wrench up in there. There wasn't much room to turn it. Replacing the pinion did the trick. I finally have a working speedometer. Now, to figure out how accurate it is...
Posted 2011-03-27 1:09 PM (#266122 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to Loerrach, Germany, to the US car meeting. My Chrysli was the only one 1956 Chrysler, pre sexties respectively and FLK car, at this meeting. The fastest speed I had on the clock was 75 to 77 mph. My Chrysli runs very good. It was a pleasureful journey.
Posted 2011-03-27 3:33 PM (#266139 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Dieter, I spent 4 1/2 years in Germany in the Air Force. Loved it. I can't wait 'til I get Johnson on the road. My wife and I bought 2 lots of property on the Washington coast the end of last year. In September the town has the "End of the World" run. The town loves hot rods and the classics. Thats the main reason we chose Ocean Park, Wa for retirement.
Posted 2011-03-27 8:25 PM (#266172 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Well - I rolled out the NYer for the first time, what an experience. I finished the mechanicals and I am working on the finish stuff. Took a cruise thru the neighborhood and then out on the side roads. What a beast - hemis do have a lot of torque! Car felt great - need to adjust the throttle cable to the trans. Prior to cruising - spent the day color sanding and compounding - still the original paint!
(out 1.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- out 1.JPG (118KB - 305 downloads) out 2 (121KB - 305 downloads) out 3 (110KB - 312 downloads) out 2 (121KB - 288 downloads)
Posted 2011-03-27 9:41 PM (#266184 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
I'm still in teardown mode on my '56 Belvedere. I wire brushed, de-rusted, and cleaned parts and stored them in the garage attic until it's time to put them back together. Yesterday I built a dolly to roll the body around while I work on the frame. I'm nearly ready to haul the body and sheet metal to the dip-strip shop.
Most of my chrome and pot metal has been dropped off at the replating shop. I found a better set of tail light frames and hood trim that I want to replate, and they will go in when I take the body to Dallas.
Refurbishing the frame and installing the B-body 8-3/4 with new rear springs will be the project when my son comes down for week-long visit in April.
Posted 2011-03-28 2:52 AM (#266211 - in reply to #266172) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
NYer Mike - 2011-03-27 7:25 PM
Well - I rolled out the NYer for the first time, what an experience. I finished the mechanicals and I am working on the finish stuff. Took a cruise thru the neighborhood and then out on the side roads. What a beast - hemis do have a lot of torque! Car felt great - need to adjust the throttle cable to the trans. Prior to cruising - spent the day color sanding and compounding - still the original paint!
Congrats Mike! I been with you since the beginning of this project Gar looks great and you will get a kick out of peoples reaction when you pop the hood . Cruise on!.....................MO
Posted 2011-03-28 12:13 PM (#266241 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Just got over an interesting hurdle in this prosess. The dreded driveshaft boot installation. Borrowing my wifes other 2 hands, got the boot over the pins and thru the inside of the body. Finally clamping both ends and cleaning up. I put plastic wrap over the shaft while installing the boot and will finish cleaning the shaft soon. Thank God that part is over. The old and new boot had been sitting on my work bench for months staring at me. I will install the drive shaft in a couple weeks.
Posted 2011-03-29 2:15 AM (#266345 - in reply to #222325) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 34 Location: CA
spider89119 - 2010-05-08 2:35 PM
I can't even pull this baby out of the garage without ending up in a long conversation with someone passing by. I had a 64 1/2 Mustang which I sold last month to get this car. There are probably just as many 64-66 Mustangs in Vegas as there are 2010's, but you NEVER see these.
Yeah, I have yet to know what to expect when I finally take my Belvedere for a spin around town.. Whatever it is, I can't wait drive my Plymouth!! It will really take me back to another era when cars were cars, and they were COOL.
Posted 2011-03-30 12:16 AM (#266479 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
went through 2 days of repairing heater switch and wondering why no blower , then when i went to move big red into garage , no start , not even a click , full battery so i jumped it across solenoid to move then by a nerve racking process and the last on the list , it was the trans neutral switch . so i ran it to ground to be able to key start it .
now on to body issues which gave me a few pleasant surprises , red's quarters aren't as bad as first expected , a little por 15 , little filler and she be good to go for a few more yrs . thank god for having two 60 darts , for the things i've forgotten i can go look at bertha to get things straight . yes , i have forgotten more than i ever retained in the last few yrs. . when red is roadable this time it will be to my liking but for some it's going to be a total Purist shock !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but oh well my car , my money , my ass !!!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------almost forgot , totaly refabbed the exterior of heater box to accept a totaly refabbed heater core that is useable with a flat firewall ! no one wants to just hot rod these cars , why ? or maybe rat rod anyone ? ---------------i can't afford a show car but i can afford by past accumulation a U%UUD%I^E$GMCN , yep one of those ?--------------------------------------------------------much later
Posted 2011-03-30 1:59 PM (#266530 - in reply to #266529) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
A couple of days ago I moved my '59 from one half of the shop to the other using a riding lawnmower and a 5' chain. Going down a small hill, she rolled past me and jackknifed me forcing the rear wheels of the mower against the front bumper of the Firedome. I lived to tell but I hope the next time I have to move it, I can drive it!
Posted 2011-04-02 9:36 AM (#266874 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Got my insurance coverage yesterday and sent my registration forms to the state for my historic plates. I hope I don't have to go for an emissions test, never know with these a**holes. If I do, I'll dump a couple gallons of Everclear Grain alcohol in the tank. Today I am color sanding and compounding again - never ending process. And I have started hanging the rear bumper this morning. I will post pictures later today.
Posted 2011-04-02 11:54 AM (#266886 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
installing stoneguards on big red , so i made up a template . just missed it by a red hair but a next size bit trued it up nicely . not using the upper pioneer stainless around doors this trip so i removed them and will be fitting nos door drip edges in their place . still gives a lot of shiney to the upper door area . might add wind silencers to -----------i'm not doing a conventional rebuild for now . the direction i'm taking has been fun for the fact that nothing has to be perfect . i want to drive and have fun with red , and not worry about me or anyone else putting a scratch on her--------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2011-04-02 12:46 PM (#266889 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Went and pick up the rear seats for the 56 lancer from the upholsterer.
Front seat should be done next week.
Had him ordered the new headliner for it.
It is starting to come together now.
Phil
Posted 2011-04-02 3:03 PM (#266898 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
Finished rebuilding the carb and reinstalled it with the restored Carter fuel filter. She started pretty quickly once I'd realised I'd forgotten the throttle return spring and had the fast idle arm on wrong. Of course, I haven't got the float level right and didn't get away with reusing the top gasket, so it has to come partly apart again, but hearing a running engine again is nice even if there's gas all over the inlet manifold that I had to clear up
Posted 2011-04-02 8:09 PM (#266917 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 608 Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Put the new "RediRad" into the car and took it for the first ride of 2011. Nice spring day and actually talked my wife into going with me! The 50's music was playing on the old AM radio the whole way. Very nice product, I would have to recommend it. Thanks Bart for selling it to me. Weather was in the 50's as well...
Posted 2011-04-02 10:33 PM (#266927 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 323 Location: New Orleans-ish
I got my '61 Newport running after a 20 year slumber! I have only owned it for a few months but it hasn't run since the early '90's. I rebuilt the carb and fuel pump, replaced plugs and wires, changed the oil, cleaned under hood electrical contacts and filled the radiator with water. When we cranked it up, it started on the first try and ran great!
Posted 2011-04-03 8:48 AM (#266960 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
I've wanted to add power windows to my 56 Plymouth convertible for years. I've always known the power window units themselves from any 1956 Mopar would fit, but it was a mystery how the wire harness loom made it through the door hinge area. Dodges and Plymouths are very different from the Chryslers and Desotos I was getting all my pieces from. There were so few of these Dodges and Plymouths made with power windows, I've never seen one in person. Only some fuzzy photos. THE SOLUTION: Gary Goers sells the rubber conduits pictured here and if you drill 1-1/4" holes at the factory-provided dimples in the jamb and the door, everything fits and work. I also discovered when adding an overdrive hand cable, there is another factory-provided dimple just where you need to drill the hole in the firewall. Richard
Posted 2011-04-03 2:26 PM (#266989 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I turned the contact in the switch of the hand brake for and back until I got contact. I noticed that the feed line is dead (no power at all). So I decided to take some pictures from the back of the ignition switch. At the IG connector there should be three wires (red - to the horn relay - power, quite new wire, blue - to the flasher relay, power, red - to the brake warning light couldn't figure out if connected, probably not). But I could not notice the stems of the ignition switch. Or is it an aftermarket switch?
Posted 2011-04-04 3:03 PM (#267119 - in reply to #266040) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2011-03-25 11:10 PM
No comments? Would be thankful for your thoughts - like or dislike?
After your question and the comment of Serge I got back one page and scrolled up from the bottom...
The hubcap looks wonderful. I think better than new. I like the appearance. I guess it was a time consuming job, but worth to do it.
Posted 2011-04-05 2:49 PM (#267242 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I bought a 1610 863 choke (choke coil with housing) at ebay. When I'll remove the existing (aftermarket?) electric choke (not working anymore, disconnected, could have a short circuit inside) I'll see what else is missing (e.g. choke piston, pin of the choke piston) or how the end of the choke shaft looks. For sure the tube with thermal isolation, the connector to the tube at the exhaust manifold and the hex nut is missing.
Posted 2011-04-08 5:32 AM (#267549 - in reply to #266898) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
So yesterday I discovered that I'm an idiot. I pulled the carb again to replace the gasket, and found one of the accelerator pump jets blocked. So I pulled the air horn block and found that the last time I rebuilt it a couple of years ago I'd used the wrong gasket and so discovered why it never really ran right!
And, I'd put the float bowl needle valve in backwards.
All cleaned and done properly, float level set, carb back on and turned the key....
Started first time, no leaks, idled pretty well so YAY! I'll take her for a short drive at the weekend.
imfinlay - 2011-04-02 8:03 PM
Finished rebuilding the carb and reinstalled it with the restored Carter fuel filter. She started pretty quickly once I'd realised I'd forgotten the throttle return spring and had the fast idle arm on wrong. Of course, I haven't got the float level right and didn't get away with reusing the top gasket, so it has to come partly apart again, but hearing a running engine again is nice even if there's gas all over the inlet manifold that I had to clear up :(
Posted 2011-04-09 1:21 PM (#267716 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I did a one hour trip with my Chrysli. The environmental temperature was the highest I've ever driven my Chrysli: 77 F (25 degree C). I discovered hesitations during acceleration out of a circle. Three times my Chrysli died at idle with the gearbox in Drive (two times at an intersection, one time in a circle. After a deceleration close to walking speed it was very difficult to get speed again, lot's of drop outs until the Firepower got some more rpm. I guess I got loads of gas bubbles in the carb and feed line to the carb or a low fuel pressure from the pump.
Posted 2011-04-09 4:54 PM (#267732 - in reply to #267716) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Dieter, an easy way to check on the health of your fuel pump is to accelerate with WOT from 20-ish and to see
if the car's acceleration bucks or surges or stumbles at some point around 50-60, because the fuel pump is
not providing enough fuel to the carburetor.
Posted 2011-04-10 5:02 AM (#267785 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thanks a lot, Neil, for your advice. Once in a 50 mph area I did a WOT acceleration from about 10 mph to 50 mph. It was hesitating about half of the time until I got 50 mph. The faster the HEMI crank turned the less surges I got. Absolutely none when it was raining or night (both time below 60 F). At night it was going uphill and my Chrysli accelerated like a fire rescue or like pressurized air - like we use to say in Switzerland for anything moving/accelerating very fast. The day I took over my Chrysli I noticed (once) a slight hesitation of the HEMI to get speed right from the still stand when I pressed the accelerator pedal (low pressure at the pedal, I guess around 64 F). At the higher temperature yesterday it was always until I got about 30 mph.
Happy motoring!
Dieter
FYI: all temperature values I noted are ambient temperature values
Posted 2011-04-10 2:46 PM (#267856 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Hell - today I guess I burned the starter motor. First several times it only engaged the starter drive into the flywheel, but couldn't crank the engine. Afterwards it started the engine, but the engine starved and died. Third time the starter drive was engaged into the flywheel, but couldn't crank. Fourth time the starter drive didn't disengage when I left the starter key go back to the ign position. I went out of the car to disconnect the battery and tried to rotate the crankshaft by hand until I heard the starter drive going back in it's rest position. Since then I only hear a chrrr when I try to start the engine. Finally I gave up.
I always thought the engine is cranking quite slow when the starter was at work even though the battery was full.
I couldn't get access to the starter motor - I don't have a car lift. I could cry.
Posted 2011-04-10 2:52 PM (#267859 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Sorry to hear that Dieter. Your description makes me think that the bushing has worn out, causes the Bendix and the rotor to bind. Now, rest up and calm down. Tomorrow maybe you can lift up the car with hydraulic jack and rest it on some jack stands. Once you have the starting motor out of the car, it's no big deal to fix it. Hopefully it's just the bushing.
Posted 2011-04-10 2:57 PM (#267860 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4533 Location: Ripon, WI
Well, over the last couple of days, I made me a new yard ornament out of part of my rusty 4 door 60 Plymouth, and I began taking stock of my new non-rusty 60 plymouth. Figured out what I have, what I need and what I have more of than I could ever use. :D
Posted 2011-04-10 6:39 PM (#267885 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
Tried to fit the rear door lock interior actuators, and got one on after major fiddling to find that both door openers were swapped left to right! No wonder they didn't work. Anyway, finally got both sides sorted, so i have locking and opening rear doors. The mounting straps for the door cards were painted on the doors, so wouldnt come off. So, top tip: fit your door lock mechanisms before installing the window regulators!
Posted 2011-04-10 7:27 PM (#267894 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 508 Location: Orlando
Started stripping my motor block down and was going to check the clearances with some plastigage (just to get a rough idea where it's at) and the package of plastigage that bought was EMPTY...arghhhh. I have to order it (nobody around here ever has any in stock) and it takes few days to get here. It's delays like this that make it take forever to get anything done. Has that ever happened to anybody?...opening a brand new package of plastigage to find nothing inside?
Posted 2011-04-11 12:11 AM (#267932 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Didn't install these myself, but this week I had all new front end bushings installed - upper and lower control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and cushions, strut rod bushings and new shocks, then a front end alignment. I collected the bushings last fall, just now have had the time to get the car in to the front end shop to get it all put in.
Posted 2011-04-11 12:17 AM (#267934 - in reply to #267894) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
ThomasD500 - 2011-04-11 4:27 PM
Started stripping my motor block down and was going to check the clearances with some plastigage (just to get a rough idea where it's at) and the package of plastigage that bought was EMPTY...arghhhh. I have to order it (nobody around here ever has any in stock) and it takes few days to get here. It's delays like this that make it take forever to get anything done. Has that ever happened to anybody?...opening a brand new package of plastigage to find nothing inside?
************************************************
Just to help you keep that in perspective, I have sat for two months at a FOB, living in a tent
and eating K-rations, waiting on orders that never came, only to be told to return to base and
wait for the next assignment. Fu$#ing the dog, if there ever was such a thing. We call it "cat
herding" here, and I wear the unit patch I designed for Task Force Q'andahar / Qat Herders to
make it clear that I can chase my tail with the best of them !
Posted 2011-04-11 2:43 AM (#267942 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Yesterday we got Betty Lou out of my in town garage and took her for a little cruise Very nice warm day- a good day for ice cream. So we went to the next town to Sonic Drive in. . On the way home, the speedo started making noise and quit working. OH NO! it couldn't just be the cable, the head seized up---RATS! Brought her home to the shop for maintenance and other things to get ready for some long distance road trips this Summer. .......................MO
Posted 2011-04-11 5:59 AM (#267970 - in reply to #267859) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2011-04-09 8:52 PM
Sorry to hear that Dieter. Your description makes me think that the bushing has worn out, causes the Bendix and the rotor to bind. Now, rest up and calm down. Tomorrow maybe you can lift up the car with hydraulic jack and rest it on some jack stands. Once you have the starting motor out of the car, it's no big deal to fix it. Hopefully it's just the bushing.
Thank you very much, Sven. The worst sound I got was the chrrrr. I guess the starter tooth wheel had contact to the ring gear and turned instead of first engaged into the flyweel ring gear. So I fear that the ring gear is damaged as well. But I'll check it when the starter motor is removed.
Posted 2011-04-11 9:54 AM (#268009 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 310 Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ (South Jersey)
Finished mounting the bumpers and chrome trim on the car. Installed the headlamps and the color sanding / compounding continues. Tonight I will aim the headlamps and mount the headlamp trim. Still waiting on the license plates - NJ MVC is so slowwwww. Regards, Mike
Posted 2011-04-11 10:05 PM (#268101 - in reply to #268091) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Put some fresh gas in the tank, then took my 58 Plymouth out on I-84 for the first time since last September. Did about 20 miles. I can't believe how well it drives at highway speeds.
Posted 2011-04-11 11:18 PM (#268118 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
My son came to visit and helped me pull the body from the frame of the '56 Belvedere. Next on the list is cleaning and painting the frame, and then installing the B-body rear end and new springs.
Posted 2011-04-12 1:09 AM (#268133 - in reply to #268118) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
GaryS - 2011-04-11 11:18 PM
My son came to visit and helped me pull the body from the frame of the '56 Belvedere. Next on the list is cleaning and painting the frame, and then installing the B-body rear end and new springs.
Nice.... And speaking of springs, I need to get me a set for my rear as well. They're gonners. Are the springs that you're installing brand new??
Posted 2011-04-12 1:36 PM (#268209 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Finally got the new rear leaf springs settled out enough to install the rear shocks. Also installed the fronts and mounted the heater core and box to the fire wall.
Posted 2011-04-12 9:58 PM (#268278 - in reply to #268133) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
57-time-machine - 2011-04-12 12:09 AM
GaryS - 2011-04-11 11:18 PM
My son came to visit and helped me pull the body from the frame of the '56 Belvedere. Next on the list is cleaning and painting the frame, and then installing the B-body rear end and new springs.
Nice.... And speaking of springs, I need to get me a set for my rear as well. They're gonners. Are the springs that you're installing brand new??
Yes, springs and shackles were bought new from Springs 'n Things. They didn't list them in their online catalog, but when I callled they had the info for my springs instantly available. They arrived in about ten days.
Posted 2011-04-12 11:08 PM (#268290 - in reply to #268278) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
GaryS - 2011-04-11 11:18 PM
Yes, springs and shackles were bought new from Springs 'n Things. They didn't list them in their online catalog, but when I callled they had the info for my springs instantly available. They arrived in about ten days.
Cool. Thanks for the info. I will keep them in mind if all else fails... It's a joy ride working on these cars isn't it??
Posted 2011-04-13 12:38 AM (#268301 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Last Sunday, finally put 5 quarts of oil into the 331 and installed the WIX oil filter with the 30 degree adapter from Hemi hot heads. Do NOT buy the vertical oil filter adapter for your poly engine. The transmission adapter is too close to the filter to allow the filter to mount to the oil filter adapter. Had to return it and get the same direction as the original crappy filter. But at least I know this will work.
Posted 2011-04-13 4:01 AM (#268324 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
I got home late, and it was getting dark so I thought I'd put the last piece of trim on my rear left door. I had just enough trip clips left, but couldn't reach the rearmost one to get the nut on. However, I found a great tool - my 12 year old son! Small hands, slim arms - a perfect fit!
Posted 2011-04-13 4:30 AM (#268325 - in reply to #268324) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
imfinlay - 2011-04-13 4:01 AM
I got home late, and it was getting dark so I thought I'd put the last piece of trim on my rear left door. I had just enough trip clips left, but couldn't reach the rearmost one to get the nut on. However, I found a great tool - my 12 year old son! Small hands, slim arms - a perfect fit!
Posted 2011-04-13 4:43 AM (#268326 - in reply to #268324) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
imfinlay - 2011-04-14 1:01 AM
I got home late, and it was getting dark so I thought I'd put the last piece of trim on my rear left door. I had just enough trip clips left, but couldn't reach the rearmost one to get the nut on. However, I found a great tool - my 12 year old son! Small hands, slim arms - a perfect fit!
*****************************************
I am a big advocate of child abuse as well. Put that little urchin to work. Make them pay for
those meals, that cozy bed, that hot shower .....
Posted 2011-04-13 5:34 AM (#268330 - in reply to #268325) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
57-time-machine - 2011-04-13 9:30 AM
imfinlay - 2011-04-13 4:01 AM
I got home late, and it was getting dark so I thought I'd put the last piece of trim on my rear left door. I had just enough trip clips left, but couldn't reach the rearmost one to get the nut on. However, I found a great tool - my 12 year old son! Small hands, slim arms - a perfect fit!
Posted 2011-04-14 9:22 AM (#268484 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1211 Location: Ponder, TX
Pulled the old rear end and springs from the frame, and then tried to install the B-body rear end. I heard it was a bolt-in. but like most rumors it wasn't true. Thetrack is fine, but the B-body perches will have to be moved.
With my bad back I really hate having to wrestle that rear end all over all over the yard, but shame on me for trusting a rumor without checking it out carefully.
Posted 2011-04-14 10:20 AM (#268489 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We took the car to Jon, (JMC Performance). He installed a "Custom Engine Torque Rod" for the "Nasty 446" under the hood! It is secured to the frame, and should keep that motor from "Turning Over" on its engine mounts. Soooooo, that means we will be able to put the "Pedal to the Metal" on the way back from the
Spring Fling this Saturday------Stay tuned for the Videos!!!!!!
Gary
(PS) Where can I get a good deal on White Sidewall tires????---Course wife will kill me when She finds out I only need 2 tires instead of 4, Can you guys guess "Which 2"???
Posted 2011-04-14 12:03 PM (#268500 - in reply to #268438) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
jboymechanic - 2011-04-14 3:08 AM
Painted the defroster blower box.
What did you paint it with? My '57 Plym heater box is a bit grey, but I'm reluctant to paint it with the Eastwood underhood black as I've no idea whether it will stick.
Posted 2011-04-14 3:49 PM (#268518 - in reply to #268489) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
What sort of tires are you looking for-bias ply or radials?
Glenn.
1959Dodge - 2011-04-15 2:20 AM
We took the car to Jon, (JMC Performance). He installed a "Custom Engine Torque Rod" for the "Nasty 446" under the hood! It is secured to the frame, and should keep that motor from "Turning Over" on its engine mounts. Soooooo, that means we will be able to put the "Pedal to the Metal" on the way back from the
Spring Fling this Saturday------Stay tuned for the Videos!!!!!!
Gary
(PS) Where can I get a good deal on White Sidewall tires????---Course wife will kill me when She finds out I only need 2 tires instead of 4, Can you guys guess "Which 2"???
Posted 2011-04-14 7:21 PM (#268532 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
Oh, I was just kiddin', thanks Glenn. I have Coker Wide Sidewall radials on it now.
I prefer the radials, and so does Aivar now, one time on the way home from the Spring Fling
Aivar had his 59 Dodge, which at the time had bias tires, and that car was dancing all over the
road---so after that He switched to the Cokers.
They are not the greatest tires in the world as it takes a lotta wieght to balance them, and in
fact I had to go to the next size smaller, a couple years ago as they could not balance the
bigger Coker tires.
Posted 2011-04-15 12:44 PM (#268618 - in reply to #267890) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2011-04-10 12:48 AM
Glad to see you back at it, Mike.
Dieter, it's probably a good idea to have an auto-electric shop overhaul both your starter and your generator.
It sounds like your fuel pump needs an overhaul or a replacement.
I've never thought about my car's starter solenoid, and don't recall any discussion about having to service or to
replace them, either.
Richard, actually I'm thinking about three options for the starter: a) overhaul the existing starter, b) a powermaster from Hot Heads, c) a Roadrunner hi torque starter from NZ. For an overhaul (complete) of the starter of my manual geared truck I payed 1000.- in Switzerland. An (for option a) ) option is to send it to Joe Mazzone (Buckeye) for a complete overhaul. I didn't ask him until now.
After starting (only the successful starts, when my Chrysli was sitting for a week) the needle of the ammeter went close to the maximum. After about a quarter hour driving the needle went back close the the normal position. I'm driving always with headlights on. I think the generator and the voltage regulator are working correct.
But it could be the old battery. I don't know how many times it was deep decharged and how long the battery was at low during my Chryslis rest in the storage bin (stored for about 5 years). I'll check the fluid level and the voltage again. Last time I measured the voltage, the result was close to 13 Volt (-> full).
Posted 2011-04-16 11:43 AM (#268737 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
So far today, I rustproofed the inside of the doors and the rocker panels with Dinitrol wax, and had a go at getting her to idle properly. It has been a bit of a struggle - I made it round the block stalling a few times as I have to go pretty slowly, just at or off idle really. Then remembered I'd bought a used tach/dwell meter, so I've now got her idling at about 750 rpm fairly well. I also know the dwell angle is wrong, so I need to adjust the points. Just having a coffee now, then I have to make dinner. Hope I'll have another go tomorrow.
The brakes are still pulsing, but I hope they'll bed in with use, and if I reset the drums too.
Posted 2011-04-18 12:45 PM (#269022 - in reply to #268489) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
1959Dodge - 2011-04-14 10:20 AM
Soooooo, that means we will be able to put the "Pedal to the Metal" on the way back from the
Spring Fling this Saturday------Stay tuned for the Videos!!!!!!
Gary
Speaking of videos, I will be uploading a couple of short videos of Spring Fling soon on youtube. Will you be uploading up yours on youtube, or elsewhere??
Posted 2011-04-18 1:38 PM (#269025 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
The daughter and I washed it, vacuumed it, cleaned the windows, cleaned and installed the "new" old trunk mat that Pete Cook gave me. Then I drove it to my evening Bible study. Not bad for a lazy Sunday.
Posted 2011-04-18 2:13 PM (#269028 - in reply to #268500) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
imfinlay - 2011-04-14 11:03 AM
jboymechanic - 2011-04-14 3:08 AM
Painted the defroster blower box.
What did you paint it with? My '57 Plym heater box is a bit grey, but I'm reluctant to paint it with the Eastwood underhood black as I've no idea whether it will stick.
I just washed the whole box with a tiny amount of Dawn in warm water, blew it off with the air hose and then let it air dry. Painted it with black Rustoleum spray paint.
Posted 2011-04-18 6:53 PM (#269053 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
Got my Carb Kit in the mail today that I ordered from Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts. I placed the order Friday morning the 15th. Shipped the same day and got here quick. I'm very satisfied with that. Gonna go pick up some carb dip and a new air filter and I'll be ready to start disassembling my carburetor. Heeheeheeheeheeee
Posted 2011-04-18 7:20 PM (#269058 - in reply to #269053) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
The '57 HT that I just bought was missing the front bumper. I found one in an old junk yard and with 200ft of extension cord I was able to cut the frame behind the braces and got the bumper out. I also got the lower valence and the head light surrounds for spares. I also received my gas tank sock in the mail.
Posted 2011-04-21 8:44 PM (#269500 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
Finally.... Finally, Finally.
Admitidly I paid too much for it, but after wanting and looking for so long, I had to have it.
Now I just need to find out where to get a match to the brown paint color used on the '59 Dodges.
Posted 2011-04-22 7:23 AM (#269567 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today (Good Friday (!)) I did a half an hour journey to my Chrysli to check the battery voltage. I measured 13.1 Volts. I removed the battery and tried to charge it. After a very short time battery charger (a GYS 160) switched automatically to the hold mode - no wonder, the battery seems to be full. So I removed the charger and put the battery back to the car.
Next week I'll lift the Chrysli at the drivers side to remove the starter motor. After disassembling I'll decide which way I'll choose (restore or new gear reduction starter). Furthermore I'll try to get 35mm2 (+/- 2 gauge) wire to replace both cables from the battery.
Posted 2011-04-22 5:07 PM (#269633 - in reply to #269567) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
Made and installed my gauges yesterday. I wanted a small tach, a 2 5/8 worked good, a water temp and voltage. I dont need an oil pressure as my factory one works fine. I covered the gauge box in vinyl interior material and stuck it on top of my radio box in the car. Hooked everything up and it works like a champ.
Posted 2011-04-24 7:14 AM (#269795 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: Mid Michigan
Jumped in the wife's new challenger Yesterday and took a 75 mile ride north to get the 55 dodge out of storage.
Checked the oil and gave it a shot of gas started right up and drove it home 65/ 70 mph all the way.
The new car is real nice but I still prefer my old 55 Coronet.
Phil
Posted 2011-04-25 8:54 AM (#269899 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to my Chrysli. After an hour and a half I removed the starter motor. Uuuhhh dirty!
I'll disassemble the starter motor to have a look why it didn't work proper. By the way I noticed that the screw at the starter relay of the wire to the starter solenoid was quite loose (not torqued like all other screws). I removed the this wire and the wire from the battery to the starter relay as well. The 4 ga wire from the relay to the starter solenoid looks quite new. The wire from the battery to the starter relay is a 6 ga wire. It's too small, it should be a 4 ga wire. I gonna replace it as well.
Posted 2011-04-25 10:08 AM (#269907 - in reply to #269500) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Bart_59_Dodge - 2011-04-21 8:44 PM
Finally.... Finally, Finally.
Admitidly I paid too much for it, but after wanting and looking for so long, I had to have it.
Now I just need to find out where to get a match to the brown paint color used on the '59 Dodges.
If it is a part that you really want, you didn't pay too much. Sometimes you have to spend more than you want to when you want your car exactly the way you want it.
Posted 2011-04-25 10:59 AM (#269911 - in reply to #269907) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Location: Parts Unknown
Back about 1990 I FINALLY stepped up and bought the traffic light viewer in the case at
Vintage Auto Parts that I had been paining over the price of for ten years. Apparently
everyone else thought it was overpriced too, but I finally shelled the hundred bucks or
so and took it home. It remains the only one I have ever seen with the Forward Look
emblem on it.
A few years have passed, I really never missed the money, and chances are I'd pay a
lot more now IF one popped up. Price is entirely relative.
Posted 2011-04-25 1:03 PM (#269925 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
I finished painting and lacquering the rear view mirror and bracketry - it came out OK, but I think I could have done better. Later I had another look at my carb to fix the poor idle performance. I found an accelerator pump passage I hadn't cleared, changed the bottom gasket and followed the manual to reset the fast idle throttle clearance (it was maybe a couple of thou too much). Set the idle screws to 3/4 turns as a start up, then I installed it with a new base gasket too. And, lo and behold, she started and sat there burbling away happily! OK, the revs were about 1100, but I have an idle at about 700 rpm and she doesn't die when I go into D or R. No space to try out a short road drive, but I hope to do that tomorrow. Then I could use a CO meter to get the mixture spot on...
Posted 2011-04-25 3:59 PM (#269942 - in reply to #269925) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Ian -
If you have the stock 301 with 2bbl carb, your idle should be ~450 in gear and ~525 at idle. I'm doing this from memory, so that's approximate. If you are stalling out at those numbers, then something's not 'dialed in' correctly. Your mixture screw settings sound correct at 3/4 to 1 turn out.
Posted 2011-04-29 12:42 PM (#270432 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thank you very much for your good pictures, Sven. The wheel covers are looking wonderful. The frame and the picture (is it Virgil Exner?) at the license plate also.
Posted 2011-04-30 8:43 AM (#270523 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Finally got around to replacing the water pump on my plymouth today
Bearing was totally shot and the fan was wobbling all over the place. I was going to save it untill I rebuild the engine
but it was getting a bit worrysome
Posted 2011-05-05 2:56 AM (#271172 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
I have been doing several things to my 56 Chrysler to prepair fo a road trip the first of June. ( Handygun and Herb, I will be in your neck o the woods) Recently my speedometer started making increasingly loud noises and quit working. I am talking about 10 miles and could not get the cable off. I have a parts car that still has the guages and dash in it, so decided to take the speedo out of it so I would know how to do it. As it is hard for me to see up under the dash, I thought I would just take the whole cluster out. What a PITA! worked on it quite some time and bolts- screws were rusted. They tell me I don't have much patience. Out comes the prybar and other forcefull tools When I got the mangled dash out , then I could see how simple it was to just take out a couple of screws and the whole speedo comes right out the front I may just get the naeibor kid to take out the other one!....................MO
Posted 2011-05-05 3:50 AM (#271174 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 502 Location: London, England
Painting the speaker grille - what a PITA to not fill up the little holes with primer! Looks like none of the dash parts (vents, grille) were primed from the factory!
Posted 2011-05-05 5:12 AM (#271176 - in reply to #271172) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2011-05-04 8:56 AM
I have been doing several things to my 56 Chrysler to prepair fo a road trip the first of June. ( Handygun and Herb, I will be in your neck o the woods) Recently my speedometer started making increasingly loud noises and quit working. I am talking about 10 miles and could not get the cable off. I have a parts car that still has the guages and dash in it, so decided to take the speedo out of it so I would know how to do it. As it is hard for me to see up under the dash, I thought I would just take the whole cluster out. What a PITA! worked on it quite some time and bolts- screws were rusted. They tell me I don't have much patience. Out comes the prybar and other forcefull tools When I got the mangled dash out , then I could see how simple it was to just take out a couple of screws and the whole speedo comes right out the front I may just get the naeibor kid to take out the other one!....................MO
Yes Steve, first I thought to remove the whole panel. Then I decided to have a look at the parts list (electric section). So I figured out that it should be possible to dig both instruments out of the panel. At the backside there is a small hex nut to remove at each side of the instrument (speedometer and combi instrument). All four hex screws are easily accessable with a hex socket, a prolungation and a small wrench (1/4" size).
Posted 2011-05-08 4:05 AM (#271596 - in reply to #271172) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 5140 Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Yesterday I took out the speedo from my 56. It was so accesable behind the dash that I could take it out just by touch- after seeing how the parts speedo was installed. I ordered some paint that is advertised as being better than POR 15, sold nearby , and available in more colors than POR15. I got light grey for the trunk. He said a lot of people do that and then put spackle paint over it. . I have pre fit carpet. Today, I took both speedos to a friends and we took the one from the parts car( it only had 650 miles on it since being rreplaced. ) and the better chrome ring from mine- set the odometer at the same miles as my car has. Cleaned everything , it actually has a glass face! and painted the needle with flouresent orange. It really looks nice. Install it tomorrow.
If I didn't mention it before , I took the gas tank out There was a little line of pin-holes that I sealed from the outside 3-4 times, so I had it acid cleaned and inside sealed , and he even soldered the outside Cost me $85 ! The advantages of living in rural Iowa!....................MO
Posted 2011-05-08 7:35 AM (#271610 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Yes Robert, here in Sweden, we do not use the tax-label anymore, so we are free to use that space (No number or letter though) As for copyright, no problem, because I dont sell them.
I actually "found" the "lost" oil pump/distributor drive gear for my 270 Hemi. I hat put it where it belongs so I could 'find' it when I gat to installing the Distributor! (Sorry, John. I hope I won't be needing to buy one just yet.)
Otherwise, I cleand off the top of the engine in preparation to pulling the cylinder heads back off so I can install the valve seals. Yes, I forgot to install them ehen I assembled the heads.................................. If I don't do things at least twice, I sometimes do them three times!
And I finally put together a wiring harness for the NipponDenso alternator that I'm using to convert from 6 to 12 volts.
Posted 2011-05-16 12:38 PM (#272699 - in reply to #272679) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Polished the first two of the dozens of stainless pieces that go on the exterior of my 59 Dodge conv. This came after inventorying all the stainless that I've collected over the last 25 years, for this car (and the 2dr sedan that preceded it).
Posted 2011-05-16 5:23 PM (#272734 - in reply to #272699) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
From NEIL D500
..............
Just spent 10 hours, this past weekend installing a new
driver's side door latch, and refinishing the door edge
area, in OEM red/white colors.
The driver's door, suddenly, had not wanted to close,
fully, at times.
Bought a used door latch and cleaned/lubed it, and waited
for a proper weekend to do the project.
Upon its removal, discovered that one the door latch's internal
tumbler-teeth had completely broken off from its tumbler body,
and that the remainder of the internal tumbler teeth were in very
poor condition, compared to the 'normal' appearing condition of
the latch's visible external tumbler teeth.
Also discovered that the door handle's lifting-lever's welded-
on mounting nut had pretty much been stripped out, so that I had
to remove the handle and have a sympathetic body shop Mig-on
a new mounting nut onto the handle's lifting arm's failed nut.
Adjusting a door handle to work the door, smoothly, in company
with the door lock's operation, is always a hassle.
Anyway, with the door jam's painting, the project came out just fine,
eventually.
As a word of caution, however, as you can see, your door latch's
exterior tumblers may look OK, but its non-visible internal tumbler
teeth may be in very poor condition.
It may not be a bad idea to buy a replacement driver's side door
latch, to have on hand, as a future spare part.
Posted 2011-05-16 5:43 PM (#272737 - in reply to #272735) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thanks, Clive!
Again, what you can see, about your door latch's mechanical condition, is seen in photos 229 & 230---apparently
perfectly normal condition external tumbler teeth.
What you can not see, regarding its internal tumbler teeths' condition, is seen in photos 226-228.
Posted 2011-05-16 7:57 PM (#272754 - in reply to #272745) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Good advice about the door latch, Neil ! Nice pics as well.
Regarding the two toning, I thought that the 'second color' didn't carry over into the door latch area. On 59 Dodge, it doesn't. Not sure about 57, though.
Posted 2011-05-17 3:26 AM (#272796 - in reply to #272734) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2011-05-15 11:23 PM
From NEIL D500
..............
Just spent 10 hours, this past weekend installing a new
driver's side door latch, and refinishing the door edge
area, in OEM red/white colors.
The driver's door, suddenly, had not wanted to close,
fully, at times.
Bought a used door latch and cleaned/lubed it, and waited
for a proper weekend to do the project.
Upon its removal, discovered that one the door latch's internal
tumbler-teeth had completely broken off from its tumbler body,
and that the remainder of the internal tumbler teeth were in very
poor condition, compared to the 'normal' appearing condition of
the latch's visible external tumbler teeth.
Also discovered that the door handle's lifting-lever's welded-
on mounting nut had pretty much been stripped out, so that I had
to remove the handle and have a sympathetic body shop Mig-on
a new mounting nut onto the handle's lifting arm's failed nut.
Adjusting a door handle to work the door, smoothly, in company
with the door lock's operation, is always a hassle.
Anyway, with the door jam's painting, the project came out just fine,
eventually.
As a word of caution, however, as you can see, your door latch's
exterior tumblers may look OK, but its non-visible internal tumbler
teeth may be in very poor condition.
It may not be a bad idea to buy a replacement driver's side door
latch, to have on hand, as a future spare part.
Big thank you for your post. The door latch in my 56 Chrysli 2d doesn't keep the locked position at the drivers side. From the inside of the door it looks like from another planet, compared to the appearance of the inner side of the door.
I plan to remove the door latch and your comment encourages me to do it. Big thank you.
Posted 2011-05-17 9:52 AM (#272820 - in reply to #272737) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
It should be noted that 59 door latches and handles are different from 57-8, even though from the outside, they appear identical. The difference is in the serrated area that meshes with the handle. The 57-8 'mesh' is different from the 59.
Posted 2011-05-17 3:26 PM (#272857 - in reply to #272856) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
imfinlay - 2011-05-17 3:19 PM
That's odd - mine come off after the shoes are wound in.
These actually didn't bind on the shoes at all, they were just siezed up on the axle shaft. I backed the axle nut off just a bit, then applied much force with the puller. They popped off like a grenade, then I just removed the nut and slid the drum right off. Looking at them, I don't know that they have ever been off.
Posted 2011-05-17 5:08 PM (#272867 - in reply to #272734) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2011-05-16 10:23 PM
From NEIL D500
..............
Well, this driver's side (at least, it appears to be for
the driver's side) door latch appears to be economically
priced.
I asked the seller for some images of the condition of the
all-important gear teeth, and you can read his reply to me.
I've re-asked for pics, but don't expect to receive any,
due to the seller's "busy-ness".
78,000 miles on a car is NOT low-mileage, as far as driver's
door usage is concerned.
You should not really need the long-lever activation assembly
(but hey, it's included here); only the latch mechanism itself.
Knowing what I've now seen, on my 70,000 mile OEM latch
mechanism's teeth condition, I'd be leery of buying any
used latch mechanism without first seeing the condition of its
inner gear teeth.
Q: Could you kindly send me several images of this door latch's inner tumbler-teeths' condition? You can activate/rotate the tumbler, to show several different teeth on that inner tumbler. The inner teeths' condition is more important than the outer-teeths' condition, but, I'd like to see at least one close up image of the outer-teeth, too. Thank you. May-17-11
A: Hello: The tubler is nice and tight and the teeth are just starting to show some whear in the grease. This car has been parked since 1979 and only had 78,000 origianl miles before some idiot smashed it. Hope this helps and we have several hundred other add to take pictures of.
Posted 2011-05-22 8:41 AM (#273475 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I mounted the Powermaster 9530 high torque starter. After that I did some tests. The Chrysli was not running proper last journey I did.
I noticed frequent sparks between the terminal of the high voltage and the terminal of the connection to the distributor (lead wire) until the engine got slower and finally died. After a closer inspection I noticed that one spark plug wire was not connected at the distributor hood. Cylinder 6 (visible in the first video) has an aftermarket spark plug socket. Another spark plug socked at the same side was not connected proper. After the first test run I opened the screw under the glass bowl gas filter little bit. There was a big pressure. I torqued it very quick.
Some videos....
Engine running: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTd5A3KSYQc
Accelerating: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB-cjqpRC6g
Exhaust note (Impostor mufflers, all cylinders firing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_ZsLZeM1yg
One more cooling fluid leak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdkFU4Z5x_A
Posted 2011-05-22 9:34 PM (#273538 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Dieter, listening to your engine run, you should go get an easy-to-find XJ Jag fan clutch assembly.
It will quiet-down the fan noise tremendously, and will give you better MPG in the bargain.
It is a relatively simple installation protocol, & I can give anyone a how-to-do on it, once you/they score
this fan clutch, which is essential on the close-fitting DOD/PLY radiators...
Your 56 CHRY may have enough room, between the radiator and the water pump to install a proper 3" long MoPar fan
clutch, but, the 2 1/2" long Jag-guy works just fine and is a dead-ringer for the Mope unit.
Posted 2011-05-23 12:12 PM (#273593 - in reply to #273538) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2011-05-22 3:34 AM
Dieter, listening to your engine run, you should go get an easy-to-find XJ Jag fan clutch assembly.
It will quiet-down the fan noise tremendously, and will give you better MPG in the bargain.
It is a relatively simple installation protocol, & I can give anyone a how-to-do on it, once you/they score
this fan clutch, which is essential on the close-fitting DOD/PLY radiators...
Your 56 CHRY may have enough room, between the radiator and the water pump to install a proper 3" long MoPar fan
clutch, but, the 2 1/2" long Jag-guy works just fine and is a dead-ringer for the Mope unit.
Hello Neil
Thanks a lot for your advice. I'm happy with the stock fan and the sound of the fan. First I'll fix all other problems (issues) prior to think about an i dot solution (like a mid 80ies XJ fan or wire wheels).
The engine almost doesn't start when hot, needs looong help with the starter motor. The starter motor changes the sound from time to time (higher pitch) when some cylinders fire from time to time... it stumbles after an idle run for few seconds like in the second video...
Then I noticed one more leak of cooling fluid. The movie is from the passenger side, between door and front fender... Actually I do not know if it's the heater core or the valve. Inside or outside of the firewall I didn't notice cooling fluid...
Posted 2011-05-23 2:28 PM (#273620 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Dieter, yeah; looks like you've got more pressing issues at hand.
Ok; try these suggestions;
You can install an 8-volt battery, or, as is shown in the current Hemmings Classic Car magazine: I forget the brand name, but,
an owner installed two modern (small!) 6-volt batteries in parallel, so that their positive and negative terminals were connected
pos:pos & neg:neg.
Then, the car's main-positive cable was connected to one battery's pos-terminal, and its negative cable was connected to the OTHER
battery's neg-terminal.
That way, you get twice the cold cranking amps, but still only 6-volts!
"Tar Topper" company makes fake-olde battery 'toupees' which cover the flat-tops of modern batteries, but, they also make fake-
battery bodies for Optima-type batteries.
They might make something that can disguise your two 'parallel' 6-volt batteries.
OOPS; 1956: 12-volt system...Ok, this is still good info for our '55 bretheren !
Posted 2011-05-24 6:25 AM (#273728 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yes, 1956 is the first full model year /w 12V negative ground - voltage system.
Yesterday night I removed the carburettor with the glass bowl filter still connected. At the back of the WCFB carb is a connection to the later installed (non stock) PCV- valve at the pass side valve cover . As I recall from my memory the early pictures show the stock breather tube closed with a big screw, while more contemporary pictures show the tube open (no more screw). So I guess there was too much false air to the carb at the pcv port.
Good news: the accelerator pump is still working, the spray of gas out of the discharge nozzles is powerful.
About the PCV-valve: In my truck (318 poly) the hose is connected to the air filter. Once I connected it to the pcv-port at the edelbrock carb. The engine was running much worse. So I connected it again to the air filter and closed the pcv-port.
Bad news: My Chrysli lost almost half of a gallon cooling fluid. Where the heck does this cooling fluid come from? The heater valve is closed, during the test run one hose was hot the second cold. I guess I'm going to short circuit the heater core and heater valve with a new hose (temporary solution).
Posted 2011-05-24 11:40 AM (#273762 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Dieter, you need to backflush the radiator - try to loosen the wingnut screw on the bottom tank (hope that there is one on the 56?) check the threads and make yourself an adapter so that you can connect a water hose to the bottom tank. Now open the radiator cap and try to force a rubber tube into the hole (old radiator hose?) so that the water is lead away from the fan and the motor. Open the water hose and let it flush until you see clear water in the "outlet".
Hint - while flushing, start your engine and let it run until the thermostat opens - that way you flush the engine too. The heater valve shall be fully open during the flushing operation.
Hint 2 - The radiator will puke up the water if you fill the radiator up to the neck - this is valid for all old cars. Keep the water level low, try with the level one inch below the neck.
Posted 2011-05-24 2:57 PM (#273787 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Sven, thanks a lot. As far as I remember there is a wing nut at the bottom tank of the radiator. So I could drain the cooling circuit. It's clear that I'll open the heater valve as well. Furthermore I noticed two plug screws one at each side of the block. I drained my truck several times. For that I cut a .5 liter cola pet bottle into two equally sized pieces. One of these works very good to direct the cooling fluid away from the frame or radiator.
The leak of the cooling fluid is at the firewall area, not at the nose of my Chrysli. The inner side of the rocker panel is wet at the pass side.
Actually I could not run my Chrysli. I removed the carburetor. I would like to clean it.
Posted 2011-05-24 3:11 PM (#273790 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Even here you could see the drops of cooling fluid (pictures taken at 03/12/11). First I hoped that these wet areas are not from my Chrysli or water pouring out of the cleaning my mechanic did. But I feared cooling fluid. Now I'm sure it's cooling fluid from my Chrysli...
Posted 2011-05-25 3:35 PM (#273900 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I got out where the cooling fluid goes and where the it leaves.... what a big mess under the sill board! First mildew spots are visible under the sill board close to the front bench. The carpet, the insulation (temperature and sound) are all very wet. The heater valve exhausted - not last Sunday, but long ago apparently. Today I took time to read some threads in the Heating, Cooling and Air Condition section. I trust John (Big M) who wrote "I've never seen a broken Mopar heater core, but always leaking heater valves" as an answer to a thread of an 62 New Yorker (Heater core?).
Best solution to solve the leakage? Please don't tell me it's available at a Napa store. If you don't mind buy one (repair set) for me, PM me the price (s&h included) and I'll send the money via PayPal.
Or is the cvi-automotive Volvo Amazon heater valve the better solution?
I'll appreciate your answer, thank you.
Posted 2011-05-26 8:20 AM (#274019 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thanks a lot for your response. I guess I'm going to buy a Volvo 122 heater valve. The only difference - as far as I could see from pictures - is the mounting frame (the mounting screws are located differently between my 1956 Chrysler and a Volvo 122). The price is a little bit whopping... US $ 144.-, but it's worth, it's brand new.
So I just have to drain the cooling circuit (the fluid needs to be changed either - rusty color, but no signs of oil ), to figure out how to remove the front bench, the rear side panels and the carpet/insulation to clean and let it dry. I guess the isolation holds almost a gallon of old cooling fluid, good luck passenger side only.
I don't think I'm driving my Chrysli again until it's summer...
Posted 2011-06-01 1:46 PM (#274931 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
I had a new fuel pump, water pump, re-cored radiator and rebuilt carburetor installed! Thanks a million Finsinthemirror, thanks to the both of you. I owe you guys one..... Onward to the next task
Posted 2011-06-02 1:49 AM (#275017 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yesterday evening I removed the wet newspaper and put new, dry newspaper under the insulation again. Last time I opened the heater valve and good luck - no more cooling fluid drained into the passenger room.
Posted 2011-06-02 2:30 AM (#275022 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Work has been a bit quiet the last week or so, so I have gotten busy
My car now has a gaping big hole in the r/h/r fender and I have repair sections on the way
for both fenders
I did make a little mistake, I meant to get all of it from the same place, but I bid on 2 panels from different suppliers (ebay)
and "won" both of them. Be interesting to compare the panels though.
1 is from ammuscle, the other from rocker king
I also found a local fab shop that can bend up a new trunk lip for me and cut out the best of what was
left as a patern for them. The lip is almost totally gone.
I will feel a lot better about the project after I get some solid steel in place
Posted 2011-06-02 2:03 PM (#275086 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417 Location: Bräcke,Sweden
Since it´s my cars 50th birthday I gave her some presents.
She received 4 new outside doorhandles and a clock with new instrument cluster lens (Thanks Dave S).
I removed the intake manifold and the right cylinderhead from the 270 ci Hemi in my '55 CRL, (and killed the headgasket in the process) so I can install the valve seals the were not installed when I assembled the engine. The "kit" i bought to rebuild with came with new valve springs. But did not distinguish intake and exhaust valvesprings, and also included a set of inner valvesprings (which the engine did not have when I tore it down). With innersprings installed there's no way the valve seal will fit. On calling the supplier, I get a song and dance that up to 1955 the Hemi engines had two valvesprings on the exhaust valves and one spring on the intake valves. Also they had no seal on the exhaust valves, but did have on intake valves. And in 1956, they changed to single springs on both intake and exhaust with seals. My factory manual only shows single springs and only discusses single springs. Who's to be beleived? The customer service yoyo, or the 1955 factory shopmanual? ? ?
Posted 2011-06-02 4:36 PM (#275115 - in reply to #275086) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
polara61 - 2011-06-02 2:03 PM
Since it´s my cars 50th birthday I gave her some presents.
She received 4 new outside doorhandles and a clock with new instrument cluster lens (Thanks Dave S).
Posted 2011-06-02 6:49 PM (#275146 - in reply to #275103) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 508 Location: Orlando
wbower3 - 2011-06-02 3:43 PM I removed the intake manifold and the right cylinderhead from the 270 ci Hemi in my '55 CRL, (and killed the headgasket in the process) so I can install the valve seals the were not installed when I assembled the engine. The "kit" i bought to rebuild with came with new valve springs. But did not distinguish intake and exhaust valvesprings, and also included a set of inner valvesprings (which the engine did not have when I tore it down). With innersprings installed there's no way the valve seal will fit. On calling the supplier, I get a song and dance that up to 1955 the Hemi engines had two valvesprings on the exhaust valves and one spring on the intake valves. Also they had no seal on the exhaust valves, but did have on intake valves. And in 1956, they changed to single springs on both intake and exhaust with seals. My factory manual only shows single springs and only discusses single springs. Who's to be beleived? The customer service yoyo, or the 1955 factory shopmanual? ? ? :o
I've found my factory service manual (57 Dodge) to be terribly inaccurate. It lists specs for the poly and the hemi separately, but many of the hemi specs were NOT what I found when the motor came apart.
Valve dimensions (head diameter and stem length)-wrong
Valve springs -wrong
piston compression distance/deck height - wrong (this resulted in my motor having about 8.8:1 compression ratio, rather than the advertised 9.25:1)
crankshaft dampner- motor didn't have one despite it being in the manual.
Posted 2011-06-08 2:59 PM (#276022 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
...Not to mention that you can safely negotiate driveway berms and speed 'bumps', etc., with those exhaust deflectors
hanging down from the rear bumper.
Posted 2011-06-08 3:52 PM (#276031 - in reply to #276022) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1363 Location: Apeldoorn, Netherlands
For D500Neil
This is the conclusion of my door repair discussion that began on page 31 of this message-board. After installing the new driver's door latch, noticed that the door was kinda standing away from the body (by a "mile"). Tried to loosen the door striker, but two of its mounting bolts were too badly stripped out, so hie to the body shop... ...where I met up with one of the KOOLEST tools : an "Impact Driver". The I.-D. twists in either direction when it is struck, so that a badly wiped philips-head bolt surrenders to it without hardly a whimper! Already had replacement mounting bolts on hand. To adjust a door inward, the striker is positioned further inboard, to hold the door closer to the body. Prepped the door lock-pillar and sprayed with Tower Paint's aerosol OEM paint (Glacier White), and voila! Another maintenance problem/project is hiss-toe-REE.
Posted 2011-06-08 4:42 PM (#276033 - in reply to #276031) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Thanks, Jim; the photos are a little out of sequence.
The first photo is #2, above, which shows the door being held too far away from the car's body.
The next photo(s) should be # 3 & #4, which show the door with one of the striker bolts removed and with the other
two having been (long ago) stripped-out on their 'slots'.
The next photo should be #6, which shows the body shop's use of their Impact Driver, to remove the buggered bolts
from the door's lock pillar.
The next photo would be #7, which merely shows the new mounting bolts installed, before the striker & pillar were prepped
for painting.
The next photo is #1, which shows the nicely re-painted lock pillar and striker.
And, the last photo would be #5, which shows the end-result (as compared to "before" pic #2) where the door is now held
in closely to the car's body.
Posted 2011-06-10 3:24 AM (#276223 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yesterday night I finally managed to mount the canister filter at the second attempt. Only some (rare) drops from the top of the canister appeared. At the second very short run of the engine no more oil drops came out at the top. So I still struggle with the ignition (sparks from terminal 4 to terminal 1 - ignition coil).
Next I'll mount the screws for the Volvo heater control valve, install the hoses and fill cooling fluid.
Posted 2011-06-10 3:52 AM (#276226 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Dieter, check very closely if there is a very thin crack in the distributor cap. If you can see a crack, you could drill a very small hole in the beginning and one at the end of the crack - this might help you temporarily.
Posted 2011-06-10 4:34 PM (#276292 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Today, I decided to take it easy with the heavy engine work (It is just shy of 100 degrees outside), and made an interior handle release tool per the specs in the factory shop manual so I could remove the door panel on the right rear door and figure out why the regulator isn't moving. Good thing I did it today. Now it has the weekend to soak in rust penetrating oil....
Posted 2011-06-12 1:14 AM (#276427 - in reply to #276292) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 115 Location: Sunny Queensland..AUSTRALIA
Today I treated the Dodge to a new set of strut bushings. I knew they looked a bit stuffed, but I was unaware just how bad they actually were until they came out in 2 pieces. Glad to have them replaced for sure.
Posted 2011-06-12 12:36 PM (#276453 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I replaced the ignition coil the distributor cap and the distributor finger. I mounted screws to hold the new Volvo heater valve in place. I made thoughts about how to route the heater hose that they don't interfere too much with the gas line.
I noticed a little bit too big gap of the vent cap of the carb. I pressed the cap down (a little bit, but too much). I wanted to reset the vent arm at the shaft, but it broke off.
Where to get a replacement?
This weekend, after pulling the cylinder heads off, removeing the inner valve springs from the intake valves, installing the correct valve seals, receiving the new head gaskets, i re-installed the cylinder heads on the engine. Yes, the engine is in the car. No, it was not fun. Yes, I had to crawl into the engine compartment to torque the cylinderhead bolts. Then I removed and replaced the 3/16" studs on the lower perimiter of the cylinderheads that retain the valve covers and replaced them with shorter (3/4") studs. I also pulled the single belt pulley off the nose of the crankshaft and replaced it with a two belt pulley that I think came off a DeSoto 331ci engine. Had to cut a .25" thick spacer off of an old 318 harmonic balancer to alllow the 331 pulley align with the water pump pully on the 270 Hemi. Now I've got to rebuild the brackets I made to mount the Sanden AC compressor and the 12 Volt Chrysler alternator (actually, it's a Nippon-Denso alternator) on the 270 Hemi engine. Boy, this is fun..........................................................
Posted 2011-06-13 2:30 PM (#276550 - in reply to #276536) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
This weekend I re-installed the chromed trim parts inside the car.
And realized I needed to have the long arches chromed in order to make the (chromed) bridge betwenn the front windshield trim and the rear glass trim.
My Belvedere will have a Fury-like interior, every trim will be chromed like in a Fury.
I also worked on polishing several stainless steel trim, namely the lower windshield moulding, and the little grille just in front of it.
Posted 2011-06-13 4:02 PM (#276567 - in reply to #276226) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2011-06-09 9:52 AM
Dieter, check very closely if there is a very thin crack in the distributor cap. If you can see a crack, you could drill a very small hole in the beginning and one at the end of the crack - this might help you temporarily.
Posted 2011-06-13 4:11 PM (#276570 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I installed the heater hoses. One heater tube got a little dent. I do not know if I made it with the screw driver when I tried to remove the old hoses or if was on the the tube already earlier. I used some RTV to fill the dent...
Next weekend I'll fill in the cooling fluid. I hope the heater core is still with no leaks even though I pulled quite strong at the heater hose prior to use a knife to slice it.
When I'll notice that every thing is sealed I'll mount the mats and carpet again - I don't want to clean it once more...
Posted 2011-06-13 6:27 PM (#276593 - in reply to #276031) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
D500Jim - 2011-06-08 1:52 PM
For D500Neil
This is the conclusion of my door repair discussion that began on page 31 of this message-board. After installing the new driver's door latch, noticed that the door was kinda standing away from the body (by a "mile"). Tried to loosen the door striker, but two of its mounting bolts were too badly stripped out, so hie to the body shop... ...where I met up with one of the KOOLEST tools : an "Impact Driver". The I.-D. twists in either direction when it is struck, so that a badly wiped philips-head bolt surrenders to it without hardly a whimper! Already had replacement mounting bolts on hand. To adjust a door inward, the striker is positioned further inboard, to hold the door closer to the body. Prepped the door lock-pillar and sprayed with Tower Paint's aerosol OEM paint (Glacier White), and voila! Another maintenance problem/project is hiss-toe-REE.
Jim, I bought one of those drivers when I got my original Hudson and had to get the door hinge bolts off. Works really well most of the time, though on some bolts nothing seems to work. When I bought the replacement unibody for my Hudson, the guy had just broke the bolts off the get the doors off. Now, I'm really going to have a hard time getting the bolts out with no heads! Best off luck with your repair.
Posted 2011-06-13 11:00 PM (#276639 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
nothing , had to do some painting and install a bifold closet door in a new jam before the carpet people come on thursday ----------------------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2011-06-14 4:52 PM (#276719 - in reply to #276716) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Jay, I went to the body shop thinking that they'd have to use a broken-bolt-extractor, to get, at least, the worst-
buggered bolt-stud out out from the lock pillar, but the guy said: "Hmmm, I think we've got just the tool for
your problem, right here."
Your shop could use that B-B-E, or, they might be able to tack-weld-on new head/shoulders sections, of helper bolts,
onto the torqued-off ends of your mounting bolts.
Posted 2011-06-14 5:20 PM (#276723 - in reply to #276639) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
60 dart - 2011-06-13 11:00 PM
nothing , had to do some painting and install a bifold closet door in a new jam before the carpet people come on thursday ----------------------------------------------------------------------------later
A spoiler, black paint and a bifold door? I'm not sure where this change to Big Red is going.
Posted 2011-06-18 5:03 PM (#277173 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I spent hours with my Chrysli. First I drained the cooling fluid kept in the engine block. Good luck both valves were working, none has broken. Then I filled plain water and started the engine to run it until the thermostat opened. After cooling down for five to 10 minutes I drained all fluid again.
I filled in new cooling fluid (red, also recommended for aluminum high tech engines) 50%/50% mixture with distilled water. I didn't notice a cooling fluid leak. So I installed the mats and the carpet again. I'm just waiting for helping hands to install the front bench again. For me alone - it's far too heavy and bulky.
I guess next visit at my Chrysli would be Thursday, June, 23rd. I hope then I could install the front bench.
Posted 2011-06-18 9:27 PM (#277200 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account deactivated by owner's request
Location: On this barrel
I was able to prime the engine (again), install the timing gear, turn the crank bolt and check for oil pressure, and install the torque converter. It's taken a reaaaal long time to get it to this point, the car hasn't been on the road since 1993. I used aircraft style locking nuts for the torque converter. I'm close to installing it, finally!!
Posted 2011-06-18 10:46 PM (#277207 - in reply to #277200) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Looking good Robert! A cool Hemi as well, can't beat that. I should be priming our Poly soon and matching up the O/D tranny to her and building the rear mount.
Is yours running the Powerflite, Std, or something else?
Posted 2011-06-19 12:35 AM (#277219 - in reply to #277207) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account deactivated by owner's request
Location: On this barrel
jsrail - 2011-06-18 8:46 PM
Looking good Robert! A cool Hemi as well, can't beat that. I should be priming our Poly soon and matching up the O/D tranny to her and building the rear mount.
Is yours running the Powerflite, Std, or something else?
Hi Jay I'll be using the powerflite that came with the car.
Posted 2011-06-19 9:13 AM (#277228 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Account Inactive by Request
Posts: 1601
Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning! A barn-stored car can get dirt/crap into some of the darndest places! My '57 NY'er is finally ready to go to a detail shop for some severe paint buffing and ultra steam cleaning. This last week, I removed all carpets and threw them away (dry rotted), pulled the seats and completely cleaned the metal under them to check floor integrity (amazing condition), sanded and treated surface rust, cleaned up a mouse nest (where do those little critters get all that "padding" to make a nest), took all original clear seat covers off (dealer installed when car was new...seats are amazing, but faded) and then temprarily reassembled the interior. Basically did the same cleaning in the trunk, but kept the original mat. Ordered new tires and got two of the five wheels ready to go (I have extras). Also ordered some parts from Big M. A lot of work for an old guy and not much to show for it yet. Ahh, the joys of old car resurrection! The best thing about it is that the car really freaks the neighbors out...most sort of know what it is but can't believe that one still exists, especially with the big hemi!
After putting the two belt pulley on the crankshaft,re-installing the alternatorI had to re-engineer the mount for the Sanden A/C compressor.
9:00 am 'til 3:00 pm at the ware house, cutting, drilling, grinding, bending, puttin' it on and takin' it off more times than I want to think about. Lowest temperature was 98 F. at 9:00 and 105 F. at 3:00. It now will mount on the front of the right cylinder head with only one brace to the waterpump manifold. (And, Rube Goldberg's services were not required this time). I used heavier guage metal.
Posted 2011-06-20 5:39 PM (#277349 - in reply to #277326) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Walt, at least you have the Hemi that has one bolt boss on the front of the head, the Poly's don't have any. I have to come of the intake or exhaust manifold bolts as support for brackets. I am looking at a pair of brackets that come off the water pump and the front exhaust manifold bolts to see if they can be modified for an a/c compressor. I can use the original generator bracket for an alternator bracket. I am hoping not to have to change the timing cover and put a chevy water pump w/ adapters on it since everythings already buttoned up on the engine. But who knows. I still have to drop the motor down into it and build the tranny mount.
There's one (1) bolt boss on the top of the right stock exhaust manifold on my engine, and two (2) bolt bosses on the front of the right head.
If I had used 1/4 inch plate, I think I could avoid having to run a brace from the right end of the waterpump manifold, where it bolts to the head.
But the 3/16ths metal is just not something I trusted to hold up the Sanden compressor and allow it to pivot so tension can be had in the belt.
Don't know what your tranny looks like, so I have no basis from which to offer suggestions. Just eyeball it and go for it..................LOL
Posted 2011-06-23 8:53 AM (#277599 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to a short ride with my Chrysli to go to a car wash station. On the way to the car wash I noticed a strong tendency to auto turn the steering wheel to the left side (outside a village, at 50 mph). I was fighting. The servo pump started to produce noise and immediately I lost the support of the power steering to both sides. Then I stopped my Chrysli and opened the hood. Some steering fluid was sprayed around, but not much. I stopped the engine and started it again. The noise was away, but I still have the auto turn to the left side. It's more noticeable when a gear is selected at the Powerflite and almost absent when the button N is pressed. This is the first time I got a problem with the steering. Next time I'll check the power steering fluid level, but I guess it's full (at my mechanics I exchanged the steering pump and installed new hoses, the mechanic filled the steering reservoir).
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
some pictures... e.g for Ian...; the third picture: the level at the bowl is quite low
Posted 2011-06-24 5:27 AM (#277751 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
About the steering:
At the evening I went to my Chrysli again... I checked the fluid level (below the filter cartridge) and got "surprised" about the inside of the cover. It looks like a chemical reaction between to different type of fluid. As far as I know my so called mechanic filled in Dextron II, the same like for the PowerFlite. The steering pump was freshly restored before I bought it.
So I don't wonder why the piston inside the coaxial power steering seems to stick (no return to the initial position).
Posted 2011-06-24 7:54 AM (#277761 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yep it does. It's like grime but come off the surface. I tried it prior to take the pictures. On the tissue lying under the cover is the part wiped off. Even the inside of the gasket was full with this stuff. I cleaned the gasket and the gasket surface of the cover as well. Now the cover seals again. The only leakage I noticed now is at the connection of the pressure (feed line) hose of the pump. The surface of the inner side of the cover is shining like it was when I bought this pump.
Posted 2011-06-24 12:59 PM (#277792 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Hi Ian
Today I just went to my Chrysli again. I cleaned off all oil of the inside of the cover, but you're right! There is rust on the cover. I'll have to fix the leakage at the pressure terminal (it might be that the o-ring is defective, I had to exchange the adapter of the pressure side). Then I'll correct the fluid level. I'll see if I'll have to disassemble the whole steering gear box or if the self turning of the steering wheel stops. The cleaning (eventually) I'll do it next winter season.
Posted 2011-06-27 4:12 AM (#278141 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
I worked on the firewall ...
Put up the windshield wiper motor and linkage, all cleaned up.
Cleaned and repaired (one bracket was loose) the heater vent tubes, and put them in place.
Put the draft trap (that's what I call it, anyway) and the foot activated dimmer switch.
Used a lot of that flexible all purpose gasket caulking (apparently called dum-dum your side of the pond) ...
Posted 2011-06-28 12:22 AM (#278269 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378 Location: hampton mn
Sat: I bled the brakes, and lowered her down on its new torsion bars, first time its held its own weight up in the 8-9 years Ive owned the car. Rolled it out, swept the floor. Admired the fins for a while.
Sunday: Pulled the`65 413, regasketed the oil pan and valve covers, Checked the rod bearings(used engine) made a alternator bracket and PS bracket. made tranny lines, messed with an aftermarket kickdown cable.
Mon: re-installed the engine. realized the PS bracket wont work. Made throttle linkage. Played with the kickdown again. Time to go to work and make money now.
Posted 2011-06-29 7:14 AM (#278460 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1074 Location: PL / EU
painting - part 2
Yesterday I painted epoxy primer. Today black acrylic lacquer
I bought a new professional mask. Disposable masks are bad for this job
Posted 2011-06-30 1:25 AM (#278589 - in reply to #276719) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
d500neil - 2011-06-14 2:52 PM Jay, I went to the body shop thinking that they'd have to use a broken-bolt-extractor, to get, at least, the worst- buggered bolt-stud out out from the lock pillar, but the guy said: "Hmmm, I think we've got just the tool for your problem, right here." Your shop could use that B-B-E, or, they might be able to tack-weld-on new head/shoulders sections, of helper bolts, onto the torqued-off ends of your mounting bolts. The B-B-E will probably work fine, though.
Neil, are those the tool where you drill a hole in the remaining bolt and use an extractor to twist the remainig threads out of the bolt hole? That's what thsi guy said that broke off the heads. If so, I imagine I will have to heat them up or something besides just try to turn them back.
Posted 2011-06-30 10:25 AM (#278622 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Neil, are those the tool where you drill a hole in the remaining bolt and use an extractor to twist the remainig threads out of the bolt hole? That's what thsi guy said that broke off the heads. If so, I imagine I will have to heat them up or something besides just try to turn them back.
Or is this B-B-E tool something else?
Thanks, Jay
I,m with you Jay
Whats a bbe tool?
Heard of stud extractors, L/H drill bits ect but not that one
Posted 2011-07-03 6:36 PM (#279015 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 19
Changed the oil, adjusted the brakes, washed it, added my Forward Look mirror I picked up at a local swap meet, and then cruised around for a couple of hours!
Posted 2011-07-04 7:14 PM (#279151 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
My father-in-law and I began taking off trim, straightening some metal, and sanding today. The car has lots of little bubbles or pimples in the paint, but I was happy to discover that it is not rust. The body panels are in excellent shape. Looks like the trunk floor, minimal body work, and a good paint job is all she'll need.
Posted 2011-07-06 12:50 AM (#279338 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 520 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
I got down and dirty with a scraper removing seam sealer from the firewall and heater box area. Made some good progress on it, but i still have a bit to get out of the heater/cowl area.
Posted 2011-07-08 6:51 PM (#279697 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
I was waiting for a comment on those rails
The car needs new upper control arm bushings badly as it wants to go in a slightly different direction I'm pointing the wheel at, but even with camber/caster being off so much, this car is still the most tightly steering car I've got in my stash. But then again, it has no power steering and absolutely NO play in the steering box or linkage.
Accompanied with the low stance and the 60-series tires, it handles fine. I do still need to re-install the anti-swaybar though.
Posted 2011-07-09 10:18 PM (#279820 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Put in a Pertronix ignition and coil today. WOW what a difference. The engine starts right up with 2 or 3 rotations and a tap of the gas. Really made a noticable difference in power too. The idle is so much smoother too. I don't know why I took so long to do this.
Posted 2011-07-12 12:04 PM (#280245 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yesterday when I went to my Chrysli and got the first sight - I got very angry about whom (not to be named...)?
He promised to use pressurized air to clean my Chrysli after finishing his work ( mounting a second ceiling - or floor, depending on the point of view).
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: I wanted to do a short ride, but the engine denied to start... pouring some gas into the carb let the engine run for few seconds. After mounting a new hose in front of the pump (and blow through the gas pipe to the tank) I removed the fuel pump - it doesn't deliver anymore, not one drop of gas... more at the Engine, Exhaust, Fuel and Ignition section - thanks
Posted 2011-07-13 10:17 PM (#280471 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3490 Location: Montreal, Canada
Changed the small bulb inside the radio in my car. It's a small detail, but what a great difference it makes when you turn on the radio and the green glow in the dial screen lights up!
Posted 2011-07-25 3:22 AM (#282127 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Took almost all day to sort out the mess in my garage and do some cleaning.
At the end of the day, almost knocked out, I decided to reward me with some nice work on my car.
I received last week some universal trim clips that I needed for the "hockey sticks" trim going on the fins top.
My girlfriend wanted to help me, so I let her buff and polish the trim ... She ended up making some dings on them, so I had to straighten them and polish them again !
Also, I thought that the universal trim clips would be a breeze, and I was so wrong !
You need to bend them one way and then the other until they break off at approximatively the location you wanted.
And then you have to straigthen them back so they don't stay all distorted. I thought they would snap easily ... Not.
Anyway, after two hours, the "hockey sticks" were in place, along with the last part of the Sportone trim that goes up.
It is beautiful !!!
Posted 2011-07-25 4:41 AM (#282133 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
I spent the weekend finally welding the right rear fender onto my car, not quite finished yet, i have to re weld a couple of spots where I got a bit carried away with the grinder and then try to get the waves out of the panel (I had 4 pieces to weld in and of coarse they were all slightly different) then I have to weld in pieces to seal the trunk and panel.
Once this fender is done, I am moving onto the trunk lip (already made up and sitting in place) then comes the left fender, its not as bad as the right one.
Posted 2011-07-25 10:01 AM (#282163 - in reply to #282115) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
Doctor DeSoto - 2011-07-24 11:52 PM
Lisa,
This is your first old car, correct ?
I am muy impressed by your spunk. Most people would cringe at going so deep on the first round ..
... or second !
Doc, I have tinkered with older cars for a while now after being told I couldn't do it because I: A) was a girl, B) didn't know how, or C) didn't have the right tools. It doesn't take much to put a bee in my bonnet and with basic hand tools, off I went!
I have taken the car to this level using the welcome advice of everyone here, a mentor mechanic friend of mine in town, the FSM, basic hand tools (no compressor), and a bunch of determination. Thank you everyone
Posted 2011-07-25 10:19 AM (#282165 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I tried to correct the position of the starter motor (Powermaster 9530 1951 to 1957 Hemi). First I mounted it top down because I couldn't mount it the correct way. Today I noticed that there is no other way. Either I turn the mounting plate - then I couldn't mount the hex nuts or the top of the starter collides with the engine block. So I mounted it the same way it was.
I replaced the rubber hose between the tank and the fuel line and made further checks with the power steering... it's getting worse. I had to clean up the intake manifold (driver side), the valve cover, the pressure and return hose and the brake lines. Oil spilled all over .
I ordered two Gates 7440 belts because the 7450 belts (fan to generator / p/s-pump, no AC) are slightly to long - I couldn't level the p/s reservoir correctly.
Posted 2011-07-25 6:21 PM (#282259 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Pieksamaki, Finland, Europe
Painted the engine... the "silver" turned out to look more like "aluminum" ... let's see if another paint brand gets heat resistant silver as silver =)
Posted 2011-07-26 3:03 PM (#282395 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I did a test run again. Some hesitation and stumble during acceleration from very low speeds are still noticeable. Releasing the pedal and press it again helps. I guess it's because the primary shaft bearing of the carb has an excessive wear out.
I'm still loosing fluid from the p/s pump. The pump, the hoses and the steering box are at least as hot as to upper tank of the radiator. Is this normal?
Posted 2011-07-26 5:09 PM (#282419 - in reply to #282395) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
No Dieter, its not normal - the pump might be as hot as the surrounding engine parts, but I beleive that your pump is working too hard for some reason. If someone has adjusted the steering gear faulty or tried to take up excessive free play in the steering gear, then the pump will work too hard and occasionally puke up the fluid. Read your work shop manual carefully and correct eventual faults.
Posted 2011-07-26 5:52 PM (#282424 - in reply to #282419) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2011-07-25 11:09 PM
No Dieter, its not normal - the pump might be as hot as the surrounding engine parts, but I beleive that your pump is working too hard for some reason. If someone has adjusted the steering gear faulty or tried to take up excessive free play in the steering gear, then the pump will work too hard and occasionally puke up the fluid. Read your work shop manual carefully and correct eventual faults.
Thanks a lot for your comment, Sven. That's what I feared. It looks like I have to disassemble almost the whole steering box to find the fault. It seems that this over temperature could be connected to the self steering (always tries to turn the steering wheel ccw). Because the surface of the p/s pump is so hot first I thought if the fluid's boiling.
My mechanic tried to take up excessive free play at the steering box. On the car lift he wiggled the front wheels at the front and the rear end of the wheel. We could hear a tick tack tick tack while the steering gear arm was moving a little bit.
Last week when my Chrysler was in the air with all four wheels I rechecked the free play again. It's still here...
Posted 2011-07-27 2:31 AM (#282478 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
The freeplay must be checked with the front wheels straight forward and ONLY be adusted in this position. There shall be a small freeplay (it will tighten up when the pump starts)
Posted 2011-07-27 4:15 AM (#282481 - in reply to #282478) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2011-07-26 8:31 AM
The freeplay must be checked with the front wheels straight forward and ONLY be adjusted in this position. There shall be a small freeplay (it will tighten up when the pump starts)
Yes, the front wheels were straight forward. Since I'm the owner I could feel some free play at the steering wheel as well but it doesn't bother me, because I don't feel any free play as soon as the engine's running (so in my sight there was no urge to adjust anything...).
I don't know if his action at the steering box causes the overheating or if it was present earlier on (prior to my ownership). My Chrysler has an unknown history. From the amount of old oil behind the drivers side cylinder head I think this issue is older and now repopped again. The valve cover gasket seems not to leak on both cylinder banks.
Posted 2011-07-27 5:41 AM (#282486 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Hey Dieter
When I first got my plymouth, the power steering wasnt connected so I got hoses made up and connected everything.
What happened when I started the engine was that the steering wheel spun to the left
at 100 mph and it then broke the little lever that opperates the valve on the top of the
steering box that controls the oil flow.
This was caused by it all being stuck because it hadnt worked in ages.
Anyway after getting a new lever and cleaning everything, when I started the car again, it was self steering to the right.
To fix it all I had to do was loosen the 2 bolts that hold the valve on and move it a little, tighten it back up and try again.
Took a couple of tries but I got it.
My thought is that if yours is trying to self steer and you are fighting it to keep it straight or letting it just finnish turning,
then thats why your oil is getting hot because the pump is working all the time.
Adjust the valve and your problem will be solved I think.
Just remember that a little does a lot with that valve.
Posted 2011-07-27 10:53 AM (#282501 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Hi Mick
Thank you very much for your description. I don't know if your Plymouth has the same steering box (coaxial power steering) like my 1956 Chrysler. To get access to the adjustment valve I have to remove the steering wheel, the upper steering shaft, the connector and then to take a long, long screw driver.
First few hundred miles it was no problem at all. No spun to the left nor right, not overheating, no leakage. I could drive with free hands, the Chrysler was still going straight. Until one day (06/23/11) at about 50 mph the spun to the left (turn ccw with a very strong force) startet. This happened for few seconds. Afterward the steering lost all of the assist. But the pump made a strong whining noise. The wining disappeared, the assist came back and the tendency to spun to the left.
Since then, I refilled the oil level (Merc/Dexron III). The p/s spills oil and is overheating. The steering box (fortunately doesn't seep nor show a sign of leakage) is very hot either.
I don't drive my Chrysler at least for the next three months. I decided to stop working at my Chrysler (brake for three months).
Posted 2011-07-28 10:21 PM (#282742 - in reply to #282501) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2492 Location: Kansas City, KS
my project today wasn't as complex as others' in this thread. you guys do some amazing things here!
the starter drags on the 57 so I put on one of my spares.
Found the cable had melted against the exhaust, couldn't see the bad spot until it was removed.
Amazingly, the cable still worked but went ahead and I replaced it anyway.
This time I routed the cable behind the steering gearbox to give it a straight shot to the starter.
Hoping to avoid the tight clearance between frame and exhaust manifold.
Posted 2011-07-28 10:49 PM (#282747 - in reply to #282742) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 929 Location: Finger Lakes NY
radiator in my yellow sedan was starting to get clogged and was leaking so i pulled one from one of the parts cars flushed out the walnuts and horsehair the varmits had stored in there painted it up put new fittings in the tranny cooler and installed it works like a champ!
jeff
Posted 2011-08-02 9:28 AM (#283148 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Pieksamaki, Finland, Europe
Cleaned, waxed & assembled tail lights yesterday. They need re-chroming but I think decent polishing job we did with my 8 year old son is just fine for now.
Both tail and back-up light lenses are reproductions from KP Usabilar in Sweden and I think their lenses are the best ones available I have seen. Few other repros in my friends projects have different mark-ups and some do not fit like they do, but these had just the same look and texts as originals and they fitted perfectly.
Posted 2011-08-04 2:54 PM (#283412 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I received a dealership item for my 57. A Rear Door Safety Lock kit. It locks the door lock flippers so a kid can't accidentally open the door. I figured I needed them. Pics will follow after installation.
Posted 2011-08-08 10:14 AM (#283859 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
I put the body back on the freshly painted frame, tightened everything down and am excited to say that the doors still open and shut It's the little things...but, I also broke the adjusting cam bolt on the brake support plate
Posted 2011-08-08 10:31 AM (#283862 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Lisa, I'm impressed by your work! I have been checking your posts and I'm very curious to see the progress. That IS a BIG and HEAVY work - keep us posted.
Posted 2011-08-08 10:48 AM (#283864 - in reply to #283862) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
Thank you Wizard, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! I used a small floor jack under the rear crossmember of the frame in order to roll it under the body. The body was supported by jackstands that were adjusted all the way up and a 4"x4" block of wood was used on top only to gain additional height to clear the kickup of the frame. Long bolts were used to help align the body with the frame. The most time consuming step was getting that threaded bolt from the mount under the rear seat to come through the hole in the body, and letting the body onto the frame an inch or so at a time.
I believe the firewall is supposed to be body color but since I do not have that yet, I thought it would look ok painted semi-gloss black for now. I will keep you posted!
Posted 2011-08-14 1:19 AM (#284595 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 782 Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Hi Lisa:
My Fury has an incorrectly painted flat black firewall and this is something that I need to deal with on my car. It is possible to change the color once the engine is mounted in the car. That being said, I can't even begin to tell you what a royal pain in the rear it is to paint this with the engine installed. If you intend to paint the firewall body color right now, absolutely, is the time to do it. At some point, I will be removing the engine from my car and replacing it with the proper engine. I'll paint my firewall at this time. I guess the point of this post is to try and "sell" you on painting your firewall the correct color before you do much more.
Painting with a spay gun isn't too bad. If you've never painted before, I won't kid you; you won't get a perfect job first time out. That being said, some imprefections are totaly acceptable on a firewall, at least in my opinion. You can purchase the materials you need and an inexpensive paint gun for less than $300.00, and maybe even less than $200.00. I've had to learn a few things about painting in the last couple of years. Hit me backchannel and I can share what I've learned with you. I'm sure a pro painter would cringe over what I do and what I use for paint, but what I've done works well for a novice painter such as myself. I know I could do a reasonable job on a firewall, and that means you can too!
On another note, the photos of your progress are are absolutely impressive! It's very cool seeing the pics of your resto and how it's coming along.
Posted 2011-08-15 8:54 PM (#284816 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 269 Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
I sent my gear box out to be rebuilt(Steer & Gear),installed all new wheel cylinders,(Rock Auto,made in USA) & installed new upper control arm bushings.(Andy Bernbaum)
Posted 2011-08-15 10:38 PM (#284843 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 260
Maybe we need a new thread: "What I tried to do to my FL today". I tried to get the inner rear axle seal out. The method employed was a homemade slide hammer. Apparently some things will be stubborn on this car after all!
Gord-Thanks for your comments! Motor is now in so the firewall will have to be painstakingly painted...but I am more than willing when the time comes to try painting it myself!
Posted 2011-08-15 10:50 PM (#284847 - in reply to #283859) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
Lisa P - 2011-08-08 10:14 AM
I put the body back on the freshly painted frame, tightened everything down and am excited to say that the doors still open and shut It's the little things...but, I also broke the adjusting cam bolt on the brake support plate :angry:
Have you ever posted a picture of yourself ??? Some of need to know what a REAL mechanic looks like !!!
Posted 2011-08-21 6:27 AM (#285575 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 186
For the first time ever I had to make an all out, no thinking, both feet on the brake pedal emergency stop...
Some jerk suddenly tried to cross an intersection from behind someone else...
I am very very surprised by the brakes of the '56 to say the least....
Last week I was researching disc brakes, but for now, I am convinced that the 56 year old design is can face nowadays jerks and traffic...
Posted 2011-09-17 5:48 PM (#289070 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Well. I sent my chassis to a friends shop to store it for the rainy winter months today. Next weekend the body is coming into the garage to be rust repaired on its belly. The front floors are going to be installed.
Posted 2011-09-18 2:43 PM (#289189 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I tried to start my #@*&^%! Chrysli. It didn't start. Then I poured some gas into the carb (oil bath air filter removed) and the engine started immediately. But it ran only for few seconds. I repeated this procedure until I used about a half of a quart of gas. The level inside the glass bowl filter didn't get higher during this trial.
Next: I'll remove the fuel pump and work with the lever to see if the fuel pump will feed some fuel.
I think sooner or later I'll mount an additional rotary vane fuel pump (electric) at the fuel tank.
Posted 2011-09-21 5:02 PM (#289642 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 481 Location: The Netherlands
Installed my brand new dash pad.
Did in the last 2 weeks:
Fix convertible top with an extra top that I bought
Fixed my power seat
Fixed the electronic ignition
Changed spark plugs
Completed the autronic eye
Posted 2011-09-25 12:26 AM (#290134 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
changed the howlin center section 3.91's back to temp. 2.76's . next setup will be oem 3.23's in an ebody housing with green bearings and cuda disc brakes . got real tired of waiting for help , so i built a head for my floor jack to assist me . all tolled about 4 hrs. . the new jack head worked smooth as silk . used a shortened ratchet strap to hold it on the head --------------------------------------------------------------later
Posted 2011-09-26 2:26 PM (#290361 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
In the process of making a mold so I can cast new seals out of silicone for the fresh air intakes for rear mounted air conditioning units for 1955-56 mopars (Chryslers, Imperials and DeSotos any way, not sure how different the seals were for Dodges and Plymouths). I used clay and a wet sponge to fill in all the little surface cracks of the foam rubber seals that are hard as rock. Also added about 1/8" in height so they can compress properly, hope the mold turns out well.
Posted 2011-09-26 3:31 PM (#290369 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2244 Location: Yorba Linda, Ca
We took the car out for a drive and noticed the street was a little low on rubber content, NO Worries, We took care of that with a few "Judices Stabs" of the pedal to the metal!
Posted 2011-09-29 12:01 PM (#290666 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Completely disassembled my trunk AC evaporator and cleaned it carefully. Ordered new Dyanliner insulation for it and some rubberized paint for the inside. Going to take my evaporator core, thermal sensing valve, and expansion valve in for testing.
Posted 2011-09-29 2:01 PM (#290681 - in reply to #290361) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1590 Location: Scottsdale, AZ
jboymechanic - 2011-09-26 12:26 PM In the process of making a mold so I can cast new seals out of silicone for the fresh air intakes for rear mounted air conditioning units for 1955-56 mopars (Chryslers, Imperials and DeSotos any way, not sure how different the seals were for Dodges and Plymouths). I used clay and a wet sponge to fill in all the little surface cracks of the foam rubber seals that are hard as rock. Also added about 1/8" in height so they can compress properly, hope the mold turns out well.
Jon, the fresh air intakes I've seen have been in two sizes, one larger than the other. Are you making any extras that you would sell? I'm installing a Chrysler Airtemp Rear Air unit off a '56 Desoto in our '56 Dodge. I have to cut the holes in the body for the fresh air intakes as our Dodge didn't originally come with a/c. I'm interested in your work since I am doing it as well (later though, it's still too hot now). Are you using a later model compressor, dryer, etc., or all original a/c stuff? For weight and ease of parts, I was going to use all late stuff under the hood, but the stock evap/blower unit in the rear. Was your car an a/c car originally?
Posted 2011-09-29 2:27 PM (#290690 - in reply to #290681) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
jsrail - 2011-09-29 1:01 PM
jboymechanic - 2011-09-26 12:26 PM In the process of making a mold so I can cast new seals out of silicone for the fresh air intakes for rear mounted air conditioning units for 1955-56 mopars (Chryslers, Imperials and DeSotos any way, not sure how different the seals were for Dodges and Plymouths). I used clay and a wet sponge to fill in all the little surface cracks of the foam rubber seals that are hard as rock. Also added about 1/8" in height so they can compress properly, hope the mold turns out well.
Jon, the fresh air intakes I've seen have been in two sizes, one larger than the other. Are you making any extras that you would sell? I'm installing a Chrysler Airtemp Rear Air unit off a '56 Desoto in our '56 Dodge. I have to cut the holes in the body for the fresh air intakes as our Dodge didn't originally come with a/c. I'm interested in your work since I am doing it as well (later though, it's still too hot now). Are you using a later model compressor, dryer, etc., or all original a/c stuff? For weight and ease of parts, I was going to use all late stuff under the hood, but the stock evap/blower unit in the rear. Was your car an a/c car originally?
Keep your progress posted!
Jay
Sounds like I'm doing exactly what you're doing, my '56 Imperial was not originally built with AC. I too plan on a stock appearance but will be using modern components under the hood (new compressor, condenser, dryer and so on) and convert to R134a. I'm only using the stock evaporator trunk unit, dash (extra hole for switch) and AC switch. My mold for the seal is complete, but I'm waiting for the silicone material I'll be casting the seals with (supposed to be here today, but we'll see). I'll post pictures of how they turn out, but yeah I could cast extras if they turn out okay.
I'm a long way off having the rest of the AC system complete, I'm just trying to get the evaporator done and mounted in the car before I have it painted as I don't want to try to lug that hug unit around a finished car.
I like to get spark plug tube seals installed as well when I rebuild the heads. That way, you can change or check the plugs without them getting covered in oil and dumping oil into the cylinder. The downside is that it makes it harder to remove the tubes if you ever need to.
Posted 2011-10-07 3:48 PM (#291731 - in reply to #290361) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
jboymechanic - 2011-09-26 1:26 PM
In the process of making a mold so I can cast new seals out of silicone for the fresh air intakes for rear mounted air conditioning units for 1955-56 mopars (Chryslers, Imperials and DeSotos any way, not sure how different the seals were for Dodges and Plymouths). I used clay and a wet sponge to fill in all the little surface cracks of the foam rubber seals that are hard as rock. Also added about 1/8" in height so they can compress properly, hope the mold turns out well.
Cast my first seal today, will know how they look by Monday. I should be able to make several pairs, the color is a light blue, almost lavender. Will share if I get good results.
Posted 2011-10-07 10:23 PM (#291808 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Albuquerque, NM
Well, this morning I was able to look out of my kitchen window and gaze upon the incredible lines of a 61 Newport; that's what I did. I also answered the door this evening to receive a set of rear Monroe sensatrac load adjust shocks from FedEx
Posted 2011-10-08 3:48 PM (#291897 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Plenty. Exercised H. today, out where the skies are not cloudy all day (altho the Sierra got
its first--of many, hopefully--'winter' storms this week).
These pics are also for the benefit of our Northern European & US/CAN members who will very-soon
only be able to day dream about running their rides, as they sit in their cars, in their garages
(hopefully with the engine 'off').
Posted 2011-10-09 4:48 AM (#291953 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thanks a lot for your pictures. It's a wonderful scenery. It's so wonderful to drive on dry roads with almost no traffic where you can stop by and take a picture and pick up the speed again.
Posted 2011-10-10 5:38 PM (#292132 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Hey Jay
Thanks, this is a nice product recommended to me by a member in here; I did my doors back then now the floor. The ebay seller is "sounddeadenerdiscounts" a side note is that 50 Sq Ft is not enough for the floors, I would said 100 for the whole car.
.
Posted 2011-10-10 10:26 PM (#292163 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Albuquerque, NM
I installed new rear shocks - Monroe Sensatracs. Then, did a quick fix on my steering wheel using Gaffer's Tape (it's broken where one of the spokes meets the ring).
Then, went for a little cruise around town, esp. on Central Ave (old Rt 66) Nathan
Posted 2011-10-11 1:54 AM (#292175 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 520 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
I miss driving around albuquerque, i lived there in 1999 and i was driving a black 1958 New Yorker 4dr at the time. I loved driving around in that car, it wasn't pretty, but everyone seemed to like it.
Anyhow back on topic, today i helped my Dad clear out around our 1947 vintage 125gallon air compressor so we can move it out of the garage in prep for a new 80gallon FS Curtis that we bought. Once that's in place ill be able to start blasting on my floors/rockers so i can get the car in the garage this winter and start replacing the rusted sections.
Posted 2011-10-12 9:47 AM (#292305 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Cast my new fresh air intake to inner rear quarter seals. I will have a few spare pairs as I have to use up my casting material before it goes bad. They're a bit taller than the originals, but that can be compensated for with longer studs.
Posted 2011-10-13 6:21 PM (#292467 - in reply to #292384) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
hemidenis - 2011-10-12 9:32 PM
Loop pile and they are NOT MOULDED, maybe in germany are dont know for sure never been there :)
yup 60 mopars that were supposed to be shipped to germany 30 or 45 years later got molded carpets from the factory just checked the OE carpet in my unrestored 60 adventurer... loop pile and definitely molded not sewn...
denis are you saying the carpet in your picture is the 50 year old oe carpet?
Posted 2011-10-13 7:16 PM (#292473 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
If there is a difference between factory carpets, it could be that Chrysler had more than one supplier for them - some moulded, some sewn. I am pretty sure the original carpets in my former '60 Adventurer were sewn at the front of the hump up by the firewall. It was a Canadian car as well.
Posted 2011-10-13 7:40 PM (#292475 - in reply to #292473) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I would be interested to confirm the identity of a company, in 1960, that had the capability to "mold" the form
of the carpeting, to conform to the various shapes/contours in the floor pans.
Doesn't "molded" carpeting, by definition, require some sort of plastic substrate-backing, that is capable of being
heat-formed, or pressed, into a certain shape?
Posted 2011-10-13 9:26 PM (#292496 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
I don’t know what else to said, since my credibility is zero on this site, ok guys carpet was molded or sewed your choice.
Just a side note is that in the front section I found a SECOND (first one was under the rear seat) Car production Broadcast sheet still glued to the NON original carpet plus a lot of factory trash, so I’m sure this is NOT the 1961 original Jefferson plant carpet, some old upholstery shop did all this 15 years ago to confuse the hell out of me
Posted 2011-10-14 2:13 AM (#292513 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Moulded - not moulded? The carpets in my '60 Saratoga actually looked and felt like they where moulded together with the jute padding. They where actually glued together. I "moulded" my carpet with wet beach sand in sacks. That surely looks to be the real thing you've got in there Denise, but where did you actually find a NOS carpet - congrats!!
Exerpt from "Styling And Engineering Features 1960 Chrysler"
"And all carpeting is now performed to assure a perfect, TAILORED fit."
"The luxurious new FORMED pile carpenting is featured in black or mediums shades of blue, turquoise, or terra cotta".
So, it seems that not mother MoPar actually knew what to call it
It could very well been so that the jute padding was glued to the floor pans and the carpet was glued to the jute padding and FORMED into a TAILORED fit.....
Posted 2011-10-14 11:09 AM (#292525 - in reply to #292473) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
imopar380 - 2011-10-13 7:16 PM
If there is a difference between factory carpets, it could be that Chrysler had more than one supplier for them - some moulded, some sewn.
probably, but i've never seen a 60 with an oe sewn carpet. this is from the 1960 plymouth sales brochure, page 22:
EVEN THE CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED A BRAND NEW WAY. THERE ARE NO STITCHES AND SEEMS IN THEM ANYWHERE. THEY'VE BEEN CAREFULLY MOLDED BY FACTOTY CRAFTSMEN TO THE SAME SHAPE AS THE CARS'S UNDERBODY. THEY FIT LIKE THEY'VE BEEN SPRAYED ON.
Posted 2011-10-14 11:24 AM (#292529 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Wiz
That is the way they were, in several parts the carpet is not touching the metal or the padding. My carpet is not NOS, is the car's original I was the first one in taking it out after 51 year. Good job wiz! Looks exactly like the original!
Sid, we spoke about not believing too much in the brochures they are BS most of the time, especially with the drawings literally they lie! at least they did it with my car.
Posted 2011-10-14 5:58 PM (#292570 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Neil
- Broadcast was in the carpet, the broadcast still has a piece glued to it.
-Ok, give me a few days to go to the car’s parking garage to take a picture of the fender tag.
-yes it came out preformed, but because the underfelt is flexible enough to take any shape, it was a sort of thick green wool and it was virtually flat again after wash, same with the carpet.
I did this same thing with my 2001 daily driver and that carpet was molded, it is a plastic coat that keeps the whole carpet molded no matter what you do to it.
Posted 2011-10-16 3:08 PM (#292829 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I removed the steering wheel, the upper steering shaft housing, the steering shaft, the p/s pump, the p/s hoses and the hex nut at the connection from the steering arm to the center link. How do I separate the steering arm from the center link. It's a ToDo prior to remove the steering gear.
Posted 2011-10-17 5:01 PM (#292946 - in reply to #292529) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
hemidenis - 2011-10-14 11:24 AM
Sid, we spoke about not believing too much in the brochures they are BS most of the time, especially with the drawings literally they lie!
i think i can't follow you... because your car happens to have a sewn carpet (by the way the best preserved 51 year old OE non nos carpet on planet earth )
you say the brochures and i are telling the untruth???? again, i still have the OE carpets, they are MOLDED (why should i lie?) and the brochures did not lie either they fit as if they have been sprayed on, just like they say.
Posted 2011-10-17 6:47 PM (#292959 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Sid, no problem this always happened to me when I presented something uncommon, I don’t know when I'm going to learn not to bring hot potatoes to this forum my radiator hose stickers taught me enough.
My question is how do you know that you rough and dirty carpet is the original?
Posted 2011-10-18 10:36 AM (#293032 - in reply to #292959) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
hemidenis - 2011-10-17 6:47 PM
My question is how do you know that you rough and dirty carpet is the original?
i know because i bought my car in 1988. I'm the 3rd owner. the car was an unrestored original with torn oe seat covers. i know the previous owner who did not install a new carpet and who knew the original owner who never replaced the carpet either (he wrote down every spark plug he replaced) the carpet was OE MOLDED. i found sales receipts from the 60s on the carpet partially under the seat as if they just dropped there. the oldest from august 16 1961 co op san francisco. i still have it. also found a "new" glass run channel rubber seal under the carpet that must have dropped there during production.
when i restored my car in the late 80s there was no molded aftermarket carpet available since no one restored a car like a 60 plymouth back then. and up to this day there is no QUALITY carpet available for these cars. they do not fit like the factory molded carpets.
the 60 adventurer in my garage we bought from a wrecking yard were it was parked untouched since 1978 is a rough unrestored original with OE seat covers. the carpet has never been replaced. its molded too like in every 60/61 original mopar i've ever owned. like the brochures said, no stitches or seams. so at least some 60/61s came from the factory with molded carpets. learn to live with it
Posted 2011-10-18 2:14 PM (#293057 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3905 Location: Northen Virginia
Ok like you said, I have the best OE factory carpet in the world and is not molded, you have a rough carpet that you think is original because the previous of previous owners told you about it.
Don’t forget that New Yorkers and Imperial were in a complete different category than Desoto and Plymouth, so the material and manufacture techniques probably weren’t the same.
Posted 2011-10-26 11:08 PM (#294120 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Have been doing my own phosphoric acid dipping of my small trim clips that I have been collecting over the years. The formula I'm using is actually an industrial strength shower, tub and tile cleaner, it works great. Then I clean with solvent and zinc galvanize, they're turning out great. Also rebuilt my defrost blower motor, now working on the heater blower motor.
Posted 2011-10-29 5:57 PM (#294392 - in reply to #294383) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: Santa Barbara, California
Evelyn transported us to the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance~!! Only ONE other ForwardLooker there, a 58 Plumouth Suburban 4 door wagon... for sale... asking price 49,500~!!!
Posted 2011-10-30 12:53 PM (#294475 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
I tried to - NO SUCCESS! to separate the steering arm from the center link. A mechanic told me to use a big hammer and a smaller hammer to loosen the tapered section. The bigger hammer rests at the surface and hammer with the smaller one from the opposite side. He said a fork would damage the gasket and he uses the hammer method.
When does the #@*&^%! steering arm come off? I have no clue.
Posted 2011-10-30 1:59 PM (#294477 - in reply to #294475) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
You must be using too large a fork. Try a smaller one. Don't worry about the gasket (actually a boot for retaining grease). I'm sure it's replaceable. Or wedge the fork between the washer and the center link. BTW, remove the nut before doing any of this.
Another method is to use a three-legged puller that grabs onto the steering arm.
Posted 2011-10-31 6:39 AM (#294544 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Ron and Bengt,
Thank you very much for your responses. First I would try the three legged puller I bought few weeks ago (4" legs, to grab at the steering arm, below the rubber gasket). If I will not succeed I would like to try Bengt's puller. Where to get it? It looks like a tool you bought somewhere, Bengt. Am I right?
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: yesterday I tried to grab the center link with the three legged puller (the legs were too short a little bit). But I guess this wouldn't work either - grab at the center link is the wrong place... I assume.
Posted 2011-10-31 4:04 PM (#294575 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Sweden Vansbro
Dieter, yes I bought these in sweden, I`m not sure where,
but I find this now on the web, it starts at page 14, many types of tools, Klann tools looks good, and expensive,
Posted 2011-10-31 4:49 PM (#294579 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thank you very much, Bengt. The Puller I bought needs a bigger diameter (about 60 to 100 mm / 2.3" to ~ 4") so I decided to buy a Hazet 1779-1 (quite similar to the KL 162-1 on page 15). I gonna see when I'll receive it.
Today I ordered 3 Liters (~ 3 quarts) of power steering fluid (Midland, synthetic). From Lares I got the answer that I could use what I want - just flush the pump.
Posted 2011-10-31 5:14 PM (#294586 - in reply to #294392) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Bryan1960Windsor - 2011-10-29 2:57 PM
Evelyn transported us to the Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance~!! Only ONE other ForwardLooker there, a 58 Plumouth Suburban 4 door wagon... for sale... asking price 49,500~!!!
peace love and fins
bryan
Bryan, bet it was the blue one loaded with options, discussion on the Ebay and other finds section.
Posted 2011-11-05 3:17 PM (#295107 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I could remove the steering gear, thanks to Ron and Bengt. Furthermore I added a new wire from the tree to the switch at the hand brake. Now the brake warning light is working again. I'm happy.
Then I investigated why the engine wouldn't start and the fuel pump doesn't feed anymore. With a rubber hose few - feet long - I applied pressure to the tank. But nothing happened - except the fuel tank changed the shape temporarily. Third time some gas spilled back out of the tank, because I released the pressure too fast (pressure from me..., my lung).
Then I removed the fuel line at the glass bowl and cranked the engine with the starter. Gas came out. Good news, the fuel pump still feeds. At least I got out I that I strangled the fuel at the gasket of the glass bowl. I opened the screw until some gas leaked and torqued it just as much until no gas leaked anymore. Now it's fine. I'm happy.
Posted 2011-11-07 8:35 AM (#295265 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Townsville,Qld,Australia
Well,today I stripped and cleaned the carb on my 60 Imperial.Found 2 small problems which I rectified.Also made new plug leads and fitted HEI ignition.
Run's sweet as now!!!!
Posted 2011-11-07 2:34 PM (#295308 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
I spent the weekend doing some sprucing up on the Dodge, I buffed out the old oxidized paint, and color sanded the front group that had been repainted [poorly] and got a good shine out of the paint. I replaced the bent grill bar and a couple small damaged pieces of trim, she looks much better now!
After cleaning the compound off, I overhauled the headlght switch, using pieces from other switches, as the dash lights did not work before. All electrical is in good working order now! Also, rebuilt the heater valve, so I will have heat in the car too. Slowly getting some of these things out of he way to get back on the convertible.
---John
Posted 2011-11-07 3:58 PM (#295329 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Albuquerque, NM
Today I dropped my car off at the shop to have the front end rebuilt. I got a rebuild kit from Kanter. I'm going to lower the car at this time as well, in the 2"-3" range. I'll post pics by the end of the week.
Posted 2011-11-07 6:25 PM (#295351 - in reply to #295329) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Nathan, just so you'll know about this; slamming your car will remove virtually all of its suspension travel
(buck-board), the front wheels will have a tremendous amount of negative camber (knock-knees), and you
will wear out whatever kind of front tires you have on the car, and probably wear out your nice new suspension
components, too.
Posted 2011-11-08 9:43 AM (#295405 - in reply to #295308) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
big m - 2011-11-07 8:34 PM
I spent the weekend doing some sprucing up on the Dodge, I buffed out the old oxidized paint, and color sanded the front group that had been repainted [poorly] and got a good shine out of the paint. I replaced the bent grill bar and a couple small damaged pieces of trim, she looks much better now!
After cleaning the compound off, I overhauled the headlght switch, using pieces from other switches, as the dash lights did not work before. All electrical is in good working order now! Also, rebuilt the heater valve, so I will have heat in the car too. Slowly getting some of these things out of he way to get back on the convertible.
---John
What an improvement John!!! I saw that car when i visited your yard and you surely worked hard on it!
Posted 2011-11-08 1:19 PM (#295424 - in reply to #295401) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
catman - 2011-11-08 6:18 AM
John,
The Dodge looks amazing !!! How is the interior? 361 in it?
I hope to pay you and M'lisa a visit one of these day.
:cool:
The car has the original interior, although the front seat upholstery is getting well-worn. It has the original 361 as well. I had to replace a burned exhaust valve, but now it runs great.
Let us know when you will be coming to the western US, we'd be happy to meet you, Robert!
Posted 2011-11-08 1:20 PM (#295425 - in reply to #295405) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
wizard - 2011-11-08 6:43 AM
big m - 2011-11-07 8:34 PM
I spent the weekend doing some sprucing up on the Dodge, I buffed out the old oxidized paint, and color sanded the front group that had been repainted [poorly] and got a good shine out of the paint. I replaced the bent grill bar and a couple small damaged pieces of trim, she looks much better now!
After cleaning the compound off, I overhauled the headlght switch, using pieces from other switches, as the dash lights did not work before. All electrical is in good working order now! Also, rebuilt the heater valve, so I will have heat in the car too. Slowly getting some of these things out of he way to get back on the convertible.
---John
What an improvement John!!! I saw that car when i visited your yard and you surely worked hard on it!
Thanks, Sven! Next time you come to the states, be sure to drop by!
Posted 2011-11-08 7:55 PM (#295464 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Just received all of my wiring to completely remake the wiring harness myself for the '56 Imp. Also just dropped off the AC condensor and evaporator for pressure testing, cleaning & painting and the radiator for a re-core.
Posted 2011-11-10 11:16 AM (#295613 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yesterday evening/night I installed the restored steering gear, adjusted the coupling and installed the steering shaft. First I tried to drive in the pin /w a vise, but I hit the head at the brake lever. Then I used two hammer (different size). Finally I could adjust the position of the steering gear to the frame, but noticed that I mounted the steering shaft the wrong way.
Now I have to drive out the pin again, rotate the steering shaft and drive the pin in again... sometimes I feel like the worst idiot... after I checked the function of the steering gear (with ps fluid) I went to the emergency station at the hospital (to stitch the wound)
Posted 2011-11-10 2:56 PM (#295639 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thanks a lot - I got the Tetanus last February, just to renew it. I try to find the landlord to help (plan to use a big hammer and a socket at the opposite side and drive the pin out with a small hammer and a punch).
Posted 2011-11-10 7:02 PM (#295667 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2265 Location: McComb, Mississippi
I got my car back from the shop today. i got the radiator repaired and a nice dual exhaust put on. Car sounds sweet!! Next thing will be to get a gas tank, glovebox, and seat covers made.
Posted 2011-11-11 9:45 AM (#295723 - in reply to #295661) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
big m - 2011-11-09 11:40 PM
Dang, Dieter, that looks painful!!
I use a pin punch, just smaller than the hole. Seems to work well for those when they are stubborn.
---John
Thanks a lot, John. I still have some headache from the hit I got at the brake lever.
I noticed that an M4 screw is little bit smaller than the hole. So I bought a 3 mm and a 4 mm pin punch. To drive the pin out at the old steering gear I used a Torx screw driver and a hammer (first a M4 screw, a big hex nut and a vise). I thought it doesn't care if I'll destroy the head bearings, there was excessive clearance(free play) before - at the new one I don't want to destroy the bearings!
I don't know how contemporary mechanics at a Chrysler shop removed this pin. There is no hint at all neither in the service manual nor in the service bulletins (e.g. 078, 087, 089, 095, 101).
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: 3 mm: little bit less than 1/8", 4 mm about 5/32", M4 the same like 4mm.
Posted 2011-11-12 11:05 AM (#295869 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Thanks to the assist of my Landlord I could remove the pin and rotate the steering shaft 180 degree. I only had to tap quite slightly with the pin punch. He held the 4 lb hammer with a nut at the other side.
Finally I assembled every thing, checked the electric functions (blinker, horn). Now I just have to tighten the screws at the steering gear and the nut at the drag link to the final torque. At the same occasion I'll exchange the adjusting tubes at the tie rods.
At the pictures I took I noticed that the steering wheel starts cracking. And I know - the drivers side sun visor looks bad either.
Posted 2011-11-12 12:32 PM (#295877 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Keep up the good work friend! Happy to see some progress in the right direction - glad that you only hurt your head and not any important body member :).
The sun visor can be sewn back in shape with a good thread and TWO needles - you start in one point with one needle - pull the thread through to the middle and thread the thread through the second needle - now it's just like in the bedroom - push and pull
This way, youll be able to stretch the thread for each stich in a good controlled manner.
Posted 2011-11-13 3:43 PM (#296018 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
This is the rail on the drivers side. It is the worst of the two. I have dug alot of dirt out of the cavities on the underside. This car had to have been in a dry river bed in Eastern Washington for some time. Normally there wouldn't be so much mother earth here.
Posted 2011-11-13 5:11 PM (#296027 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1493 Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
When I was 14 I bought my first FL car. A '59 Plymouth. Since then I had about 10 of them. Some buckets, some legendary. All drivers. Since then time, money, jobs and all that stuff made these things more of an elusive luxury. So, last summer, right before I got married I asked my betrothed and the universe if I could have this one thing. A '57 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman that used to belong to Tom Hoover. And everyone seemed to think it was a good idea, because we all need a corner in the world. Anyway, after redoing the brakes, steering and interior, I took her out for the first time today. And she handled like a princess, and I felt like a king. Long love Dee, my delovely, delightful DeSoto.
Posted 2011-11-14 2:32 PM (#296110 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I removed and installed a new tie rod adjusting sleeve I got from Rockauto. Prio I measured the distance of two grease nipples (tie rod and attachment at the center link) and wrote it down. After installing the new sleeve I tried to adjust the length to the same distance. But I guess I didn't score it very exactly.
Now my Chrysli rolls back (with engine running and rear gear) very easy, but it needs a lot of power to move it forward... After refilling a quart of trans fluid it moved forward a little bit better, but not as good as I expect. I guess I'll need a check at an adjusting bench/computer for undercarriage to readjust the position of the steering wheel as well as the toe in/out.
Posted 2011-11-23 4:20 AM (#297146 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Installed the restored heater core in the engine bay, and the pedal assembly inside.
Waiting for my brake bellow booster to come back from Dewey's in Oregon to install the rest.
Posted 2011-11-23 3:00 PM (#297205 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
Thank you. I have been documenting most of the steps along the way of restoring my 56 Dodge. Its a good thing I did.... I started this project in 2001 and thankfully have enough reference pictures to put it back together again. I have enough to write a book on my experiments with rust removal alone! I knew I was on the right track when my kids and friends started calling my garage "Dexter's Laboratory".
Posted 2011-11-23 4:31 PM (#297216 - in reply to #297146) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Chrome58 - 2011-11-23 4:20 AM Installed the restored heater core in the engine bay, and the pedal assembly inside. Waiting for my brake bellow booster to come back from Dewey's in Oregon to install the rest.
Just a thought...you may want to remove the housing/heater core from the firewall until after the engine is in the car. Otherwise, you risk damaging the housing when doing the engine/transmission installation.
Posted 2011-11-24 3:56 AM (#297286 - in reply to #297216) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
ronbo97 - 2011-11-23 10:31 PM
Just a thought...you may want to remove the housing/heater core from the firewall until after the engine is in the car. Otherwise, you risk damaging the housing when doing the engine/transmission installation.
Ron
I thought about it, Ron ... But the thrill of finally advancing in my restoration and seeing things reassembled got me !
I think I'll leave it in place, but I will use much precautions, and some protection for when the engine comes in.
BTW, I have not forgotten about your offer to guide me in the installation of the power windows.
It's just that I prefer at the moment to focus on the firewall things.
As soon as I'm ready for it, I'll get back to you, if you still agrees !
Posted 2011-11-28 9:09 AM (#297746 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Spent a few Hrs yesterday preparing for Winter Hibernation..
Got the Dodge out and cleaned / washed garage floor, The last time i used the Dodge she played up under acceleration ( like on 4 cylinders ), So went straight to the accelerator pump and Yep Stuck, ( only replaced it 6 months ago ) so got that working and bent the bar that goes to it to remove the slack and she runs like a Champ, No Stutters and lights up the rear end again.
Put the Dodge back in garage and covered her up, Need to Wire Wheel the Trunk Floor this winter and Rust Proof it up, It is all original but now starting to get surface rust appearance under the Rubber Mat, so Clean Up time..
Posted 2011-11-28 9:03 PM (#297826 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Got the short block painted, the engine stand built and dropped the engine into it. Then put the lifters, heads, rods, rocker assemblies and torqued it all down. Startin to look a little less cluttered in the work area.
Posted 2011-11-29 7:03 AM (#297856 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
I got rid of some paint off the roof of my phoenix today, the paint is badly cracked over most
of the car, but the roof is the worse. Its cracked down to the metal with rust lines in the shape of the cracks.
Still not really sure what colour the car was orriginally, but starting to think it was black.
I dont think its been painted lots of times, but the layers are as follows
top coat is burgandy
second is light blue
third is black
forth is sort of red
I think the red is undercoat, the black is orriginal colour, the light blue is high fill primer?
Under the window rubbers its black also.
The way the tags are done is different to how the US produced cars are done and what
I think is the paint tag does not match any of the paint codes I have found for the 60 dodge
Posted 2011-11-29 7:15 AM (#297857 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Townsville,Qld,Australia
I've been sorting out a longhorn setup.
They're on late 906 heads with hp exhaust manifolds.
Fuel delivery is sorted.
Linkages are sorted and better than original.
PCV is plumbed into the balance tube.
Carbs are holley 450 mechanical sec with no sec throttle pumps.
Posted 2011-11-30 1:48 PM (#298035 - in reply to #297857) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Received my power brake booster restored from Dewey's Power Brake Booster Exchange in Oregon.
I certainly recommend him : very good contact, fast turnaround and shipping, and nice work !
I installed it on the firewall (but it will need some adjusting at the pedal assembly).
Posted 2011-11-30 4:41 PM (#298049 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: Santa Barbara, California
Sounds a little insignificant compared to all the above postings LOL, but last night, I took the 59 out into town to go to the BB King concert here in Santa Barbara at the Granada Theater... Was so hard to leave her in the parking lot.... those fins wanted to see BB~!!! What a better concert to take fins to... Awesome!
Posted 2011-11-30 6:11 PM (#298058 - in reply to #298049) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Townsville,Qld,Australia
Bryan1960Windsor - 2011-12-01 7:41 AM
Sounds a little insignificant compared to all the above postings LOL, but last night, I took the 59 out into town to go to the BB King concert here in Santa Barbara at the Granada Theater... Was so hard to leave her in the parking lot.... those fins wanted to see BB~!!! What a better concert to take fins to... Awesome!
peace love and fins
bryan
Haha...sounds MORE significant to me. Yours is going!!!!
Posted 2011-12-04 9:57 PM (#298556 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Well I hurt the back this week and wasn't up to going outside in the garage in the cold to work. However, my wife just happened to remember I was looking for a KD Tool #435 Door handle remover and found one lost in the 'collector tools' section of eBay. Got a NOS unit for 54 bucks. :).. nice xmas present from the wife.
Posted 2011-12-15 1:44 PM (#299822 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792 Location: Buena Park, CA
I used the 56' Belvedere my girlfriend an I bought a couple of months ago to propose to her yesterday. Decorated the Belv with some Christmas lights and had some friends trailer it to the parking lot of the restaurant we were eating at so that it would be siting there light up when she walked out. She said yes and the Belv will be part of our lives forever.
Posted 2011-12-15 2:59 PM (#299828 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
You better take care of that woman - If you proposed with the help of an old car and she accepted, she surely loves you!! Congrats?!!! (where the goat is tied, he must eat)
Posted 2011-12-19 9:17 AM (#300267 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 130 Location: Central NJ
I finally figured out a way fabricate / modify the transmission crossmember to work with the T56 6 Speed.
I cut out the middle of the original x member, welded in two 11" lengths of 3/8 x 3 steel plate. Next step is to fabricate a "H" shaped horizontal support to mount the trans mount.
Posted 2011-12-19 1:43 PM (#300280 - in reply to #299822) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
DepsilonD - 2011-12-15 10:44 AM
I used the 56' Belvedere my girlfriend an I bought a couple of months ago to propose to her yesterday. Decorated the Belv with some Christmas lights and had some friends trailer it to the parking lot of the restaurant we were eating at so that it would be siting there light up when she walked out. She said yes and the Belv will be part of our lives forever.
Posted 2011-12-19 4:00 PM (#300300 - in reply to #299828) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
wizard - 2011-12-15 2:59 PM
You better take care of that woman - If you proposed with the help of an old car and she accepted, she surely loves you!!
What he said!
My first (and now ex-) wife never did get the car thing... it was always an issue....
My fiance however has lit a fire under me. She has demanded that I have the Savoy done before our wedding date of June the 9th of next year, as that is when, per her request, we are to use it as our getaway vehicle. She even posted a pic of the car on our little wedding website. Yeah, if you can find one that embraces the Forward look side of you, you've chosen wisely.
Posted 2011-12-19 4:49 PM (#300306 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+ Passed away 30th Sept 2024. You will be missed Chuck!
Posts: 8954 Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA
just got an oem 383 4bbl. intake delivered . the condition amazed me , it's probably an 8 of 10 . the price was crazy low ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,54$ delivered . i'm way more than satisfied and it came from ebay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------------------------------later
Posted 2011-12-20 6:48 PM (#300464 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792 Location: Buena Park, CA
Rick,
Hahaha! I think our lovely ladies are cut from similar cloth. I have also been told that I better get to work on the car or that I will never hear the end of it. Good luck to you man.
And Rosy . . . you couldn't be more right. Thank you for the "congratulations".
Posted 2011-12-20 7:00 PM (#300465 - in reply to #300413) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
FIN ME - 2011-12-20 1:58 PM
I MISSED my FL car today, 'cause the weather is wet and the DeSoto is in our tiny garage under its blanket, waiting for better weather.
Congratulations, Dave! (Yep...we "car gals" are keepers. )
:)
I covered my car with a thick car cover, my garage has a metal roof and it sweats.... great. Well the car wont be getting
rained on anymore. She waits for the 25 pieces of chrome to come back next month. Then some engine work too.
Posted 2011-12-21 1:37 PM (#300573 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: seattle, Wa.
Looks like this is where I can find Matthew these days! I wrote to you but I don't hear back too often. You connected the Autronic Eye and it works? Cool!
Have you figured out the radio conversion, or do you not use the radio? Any luck with that power seat? have you fixed the cvt top linkage?
Posted 2011-12-21 2:12 PM (#300579 - in reply to #300573) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 481 Location: The Netherlands
rogerh - 2011-12-21 1:37 PM
Looks like this is where I can find Matthew these days! I wrote to you but I don't hear back too often. You connected the Autronic Eye and it works? Cool!
Have you figured out the radio conversion, or do you not use the radio? Any luck with that power seat? have you fixed the cvt top linkage?
Where did you wrote me? I haven't seen it.
The autronic eye works. I only had to switch 2 wires as it was going to hi beam instead of dimming.
Radio is al figured out too.
Top is fixed and works perfect, power seat also works. Movies of these 2 are posted on the 59 P forum.
Posted 2011-12-28 1:49 PM (#301345 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Drove the '59 Custom Royal 400 miles to southern California, but found out after driving two hours that the radiator is partially plugged. Had to keep the speed below 55 MPH in order to not overheat. Will be changing out the radiator this weekend, as this one has a marginal core.
Posted 2011-12-28 4:28 PM (#301362 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2492 Location: Kansas City, KS
took the 57 up to get the mufflers replaced. while on the lift, I found a leaking brake line. then couldn't get it to start to drive off the lift. it was cranking super slow like the battery was completely discharged. I arced across the starter relay and it spun fast and fired right up. I'm going to try one of my spare relays and see if that finally cures my slow cranking problem.
Posted 2011-12-28 5:54 PM (#301377 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 337 Location: UK
This is my first time posting on this thread, daft really as I'm tinkering in the garage most days.
So today I sorted an intermittent horn problem where it never worked in the straight ahead (or whenever you needed to use it). Turned out to be a poor ground on the center of the column. I got round this by making a jumper cable to go around the rubber coupling between the bottom of the steering column and steering box. I'm sure my neighbours will disagree but it now works a treat!!
Also I fabricated a new pair of sun visors by taking the guts out of the original ones which are falling to bit with the slightest touch. All the metal joints were seized solid, freed them off and cleaned them up and bolted them to some tinted perspex cut the same shape as the original visors.
Fitted an off side mirror which should help with driving here in the UK.
Hooked up the after market heater temperature control valve to the dashboard slider. It's been getting a bit hot in there since I fitted new door seals last week!!
Posted 2011-12-29 2:23 PM (#301461 - in reply to #301407) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
I finally finished to put the insulation inside the quarters and doors, so I started to fill the panels ...
I started with the driver's door : moldings, NOS handle, NOS lock, rear window channel, opening linkage ...
Posted 2011-12-29 6:31 PM (#301500 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 269 Location: Chesterfield, Virginia
Had my 59 T-Flite completely rebuilt ,torque converter also,& installed by a great local trans shop.Expensive but with a 12 month 12 K warranty.I got tired of being lied to by the "Do it on the side" mechanics.
Posted 2011-12-31 6:18 PM (#301687 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Exercised Horace, today.
For the benefit of our members who are celebrating this season's indoor torbering/torrkora'ing/
fahrvergnugen'ing, here's some views to enjoy "Under (60F/16C) Western Skies".....Happy
New Year (and Global Warming) y'all!!!
Posted 2011-12-31 6:41 PM (#301690 - in reply to #301687) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Took mine out for a run today, dry roads, bit of sun, 48 deg F. 8 Deg C. Western Skies of Vancouver Island. Also mowed my lawn prior to taking the car out
Posted 2012-01-01 5:06 PM (#301784 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
great shots!!!!!! I so have a hard time knowing that my project is about 3-4 years from completion so these kind of drives can happen. I love the lines and fins on your Dodge. The steering wheel center is probably my favorite of all.
Posted 2012-01-02 2:06 PM (#301863 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Great video Gary, thanks for that!!! Once I completed the rebuild on the chassis and engine, I sent it to a buddy for storage. Now that the body is in the garage, it is a daunting task, to repair the rust problems that I have uncovered. I find myself coming up with reasons NOT to get in the cold garage and continue on this massive '56 4 door Windsor. Its tough on the mind. Any words of wisdom to push me?
Posted 2012-01-02 7:17 PM (#301889 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1120 Location: Brisbane, Australia
I took my 57 Fireflite for a ride today with the top off. It was only a short run over to the Bobby Grant, my gearbox builder. Such a beautiful day, slight breeze, sun shining down about 30 deg. Certainly got some looks! I of course was up front with my fav girl by my side -- in the truck!!!
Posted 2012-01-04 3:36 PM (#302124 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 481 Location: The Netherlands
Mine is not correct. I've got an incorrect pinion. If I remember correctly I've got a 19 tooth while I need an 17 tooth.
It's a lot better than before as I had an 20 tooth in there. While doing 60mph the speedo showed 90mph.
Posted 2012-01-04 3:46 PM (#302126 - in reply to #301889) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
earleebob1 - 2012-01-02 7:17 PM
I took my 57 Fireflite for a ride today with the top off. It was only a short run over to the Bobby Grant, my gearbox builder. Such a beautiful day, slight breeze, sun shining down about 30 deg. Certainly got some looks! I of course was up front with my fav girl by my side -- in the truck!!!
Look Great the frame end the engie. Nice warm wether.
Posted 2012-01-04 3:52 PM (#302127 - in reply to #302126) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1120 Location: Brisbane, Australia
yes Joakim, I cant wait to get back into the reassembly, hopefully by mid 2012 it will be drivable, but there are still so many things to finish and a few more parts to acquire.
Bob
Posted 2012-01-04 4:05 PM (#302130 - in reply to #302127) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
earleebob1 - 2012-01-04 3:52 PM
yes Joakim, I cant wait to get back into the reassembly, hopefully by mid 2012 it will be drivable, but there are still so many things to finish and a few more parts to acquire.
Bob
You do a realy serios work, nice to see. DeSoton being show car!
Posted 2012-01-05 11:45 PM (#302245 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
I'm working on cleaning up my '60 Plymouth Aero wheel. I may end up selling it as my '60 Plymouth is all original and the green doesn't match my interior. It just depends on what its worth.
Posted 2012-01-06 5:44 PM (#302366 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
It's been a while since I've logged on or posted. Even longer since working on the '55. Now that the husband is back home from Iraq and the holidays are over, we're ready to get down and dirty once again. I bought a small shop vac and gave the interior, hood, trunk areas a good sweeping this afternoon, and we managed to pull the gas tank as well. Baby steps to the elevator...
Posted 2012-01-06 8:27 PM (#302395 - in reply to #302366) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
Jessica - 2012-01-06 2:44 PM
It's been a while since I've logged on or posted. Even longer since working on the '55. Now that the husband is back home from Iraq and the holidays are over, we're ready to get down and dirty once again. I bought a small shop vac and gave the interior, hood, trunk areas a good sweeping this afternoon, and we managed to pull the gas tank as well. Baby steps to the elevator...
Posted 2012-01-06 10:10 PM (#302411 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1054 Location: Ny
Might have to hit you up for more parts, John. The trunk wasn't as solid as I originally thought now that we've scraped away some of that undercoating.
Posted 2012-01-15 6:26 PM (#303866 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 204 Location: canandaigua, ny
Its been a while since ive posted, cancer was kicking my ass for a while, im back on track now.
After driving the wagon for 2 year as it was, its time to DO IT. So far we gutted it, and getting it ready to remove the body from the frame
fun, fun, fun
Posted 2012-01-15 6:44 PM (#303869 - in reply to #303866) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3001 Location: Sept. 1958
wild440 - 2012-01-15 6:26 PM
Its been a while since ive posted, cancer was kicking my ass for a while, im back on track now.
After driving the wagon for 2 year as it was, its time to DO IT. So far we gutted it, and getting it ready to remove the body from the frame
fun, fun, fun
God bless you. Right now I'm in the hospital with my brother who's 31 and has cancer. Right now he's battling a very nasty infection but is now showing positive changes. It's been hell.
Posted 2012-01-15 8:29 PM (#303887 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Bummer, you guys---hoping for the best for y'all, this year.
Cancer can affect any body part, and does, but there were only very few of them that ever got any real publicity,
in the 50's-60's.
And, in case anyone doesn't already know this, each type of Cancer cell appears unique from all of the others (under
a microscope), and it is quite common for one type of C. to metastasize into another organ, so that a person might
get 'brain' cancer in his liver.
I moved the '55 CRL from the warehouse to the newly renovated Cushman shop where I hoe to continue putting the car back together.
The past six months have bee takenup by moving a complete business out of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and consolidating it into a 5,000 sq.ft.
warehouse in which my brother also has his Cushman business. Finally got the shelving up and all the paint and materials, etc. onto shelving,
the other un-installed parts of the interior and A/C located and stored to be installed the next several months. It seems that time is getting shorter
with each passing day. Now there's only the '55 CRL to finish, the 63 Corvair to start, the LOLA 342 race car to be stripped to the bare frame exrayed and a jillion rodends (Heim joints) to replace and rebuild, plus maintaining the Mazda GT3 race car, and the Mazda GT Lite race car. And, I don't touch the Chump race car.............LOL
I moved the '55 CRL from the warehouse to the newly renovated Cushman shop where I hope to continue putting the car back together.
The past six months have bee taken up by moving a complete business out of a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse, and consolidating it into a 5,000 sq.ft. warehouse in which my brother also has his Cushman business. Finally got the shelving up and all the paint and materials, etc. onto shelving,the other un-installed parts of the interior and A/C located and stored to be installed the next several months. It seems that time is getting shorter
with each passing day. Now there's only the '55 CRL to finish, the 63 Corvair to start, the LOLA 342 race car to be stripped to the bare frame exrayed and a jillion rodends (Heim joints) to replace and rebuild, plus maintaining the Mazda GT3 race car, and the Mazda GT Lite race car. And, I don't even think about touching the Chump race car.............LOL
Posted 2012-01-16 10:02 PM (#304044 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Albuquerque, NM
Well, today I replaced the sender in my gas tank, and also put on the wheels with 2 new tires (pics in wheels section)
FIlled up the gas tank to verify that the gauge worked - man, I can't recall the last time I had to put in over 22 gallons to fill up a car - ha ha ha
Posted 2012-01-19 9:09 PM (#304428 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Drove, but didn't exercise, H., today; very much a cruise-around-and-show-the-colors type day, but, I did remove his
clock, which had indicated that it was getting lazy in its operation.
Lubed its guts with WD-40, but think that its problem was a slight loosening of the power-wire connection to it.
Felt good to be back behind the wheel after a couple weeks 'off', but, precipitation is forecast the Sierra Nevada (which
also is very-good, for the environment) this weekend.
Posted 2012-01-22 12:38 PM (#304732 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 337 Location: UK
Took the speedometer out of the dodge as it was sticking at whatever it felt like sticking at. It was impossible to read the numbers on the odometer as well due to the layer of grime that had built up. Glad to be back the right way up to get the blood back in my feet.
I'm sure they designed the dash so you couldn't get it apart, half the screws have got lost behind the dash and I think I'm going to have twice the fun putting it back in...
Posted 2012-01-22 1:14 PM (#304740 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
I checked my Chrysli. The upper LH front brake cylinder is filled with air, because the rubber umbrella, the piston and the spring jumped out of the brake cylinder when I was installing the rear brake shoe. The RH side brake is stuck again. Under the brake pedal is a wooden block to resist any apply of the brake pedal. (more about the story in the brake/wheels/tires - brake locked on).
But there is some more work - small leakage at the bottom of the radiator (could be the lower hose) and a - more severe - leakage at the transmission...
Posted 2012-01-23 2:51 PM (#304911 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
It wouldn't start yesterday. The 12 year old Interstate battery just flat died overnight. So, I bought another Interstate to ignore for another decade. Funny, they didn't pro-rate the replacement...
Posted 2012-01-25 7:48 PM (#305193 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Cleaned the hell out of my radiator. I had it checked out and sealed up, but it was still a rusty mess. Pretty clean now, also vacuumed out a big marble sized chunk of old lead. Currently soaking the inside with mild vinegar solution to finish the job before repainting.
Posted 2012-01-25 10:10 PM (#305207 - in reply to #305196) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
d500neil - 2012-01-25 7:07 PM
Jon, have you had the radiator be pressure checked?
Yes, and they discovered a few minor leaks. The radiator was patched and retested okay. They then spray painted the whole thing even though the mounting brackets were rusty. So I stripped it back down to repaint it properly. I have a warranty tag on in and I always keep my documentation so if something comes up I can take it back in.
Posted 2012-01-29 6:27 PM (#305649 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 632 Location: Belford, NJ
Finally gave up on the idea that soaking the engine in the Imperial would loosen it up. Took the heads off and see that the 2 rear drivers side pistons are seized up. Not sure what to do at this point, so I'll clean the heads up and think it out.
Posted 2012-02-12 10:45 AM (#307527 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to my Chrysli to remove the brake shoes of the front brakes (both sides, all four). At this time I measured the inside diameter of the drums. The drums are 12.028" (305.5 mm). I plan to bring the brake shoes to a local company to grind or replace the lining.
Then I tried to start the engine to see if it'll run. Finally I succeeded after I opened the screw at the glass bowl filter a little bit. I got out that I only have two options: a) the glass bowl filter doesn't leak - chokes the gas or leaking and flow to the carb. Prior to mount a new gasket I cleaned the surface of the upper part. The gasket I got from Richard...
I think I'll remove the glass bowl filter to look for the reason after the brake job is done. Hints?
Posted 2012-02-12 1:08 PM (#307544 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Ah, originality, how fun. Are you having fun yet Dieter? I'm going to finish media blasting the belly of the body in my garage today, just the nooks and crannies. Then on to cutting the rust out of the rails and trunk area. The maddness never stops.
Posted 2012-02-12 6:05 PM (#307589 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Yesterday I replaced the pinion seal that finally gave up after 55 years. I had the forethought to purchase a redi-sleeve, which I needed. The yoke had a pretty good groove.
Today I drove it to church, then back this afternoon for a deacon's meeting.
Posted 2012-02-19 8:58 PM (#308577 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Finally installed the idler arm, the centerlink, and tie rods. Recieved a replacement bushing from Steve in Wisconsin, thanks, and a couple of tie rod boots from Gary Goers, thanks. It took over a year to finally complete the chassis. Now to continue with the body,
Posted 2012-02-20 10:58 PM (#308840 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
A few years back I purchased a set of original 1959 Lancer front fender emblems off ebay. They were reasonable enough for the set , but only because one of the two emblems suffered from 3 of the 4 pins missing, and had a drilled hole in the badge where the previous owner must have screwed it back on the car.
Tonight I effectively repaired and replaced the 3 broken pins and cosmetically filled in the hole with Alumaloy / Durafix aluminum Welding rods . It worked like a charm. Reviewing some of the Youtube DIYers working with the rod was key to success. They confirmed proper cleaning, prep, temp control and tecnique. Im sold on this stuff. Supposidly it can be used on potmetal for repairs prior to rechroming. It may be worth a shot on an otherwise "too far gone" piece, just for practice.
Posted 2012-02-24 1:32 PM (#309452 - in reply to #307548) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2012-02-11 7:51 PM
Dieter, servicing the glass fuel filter is very simple.
Carefully unscrew it, clean its insides and pour acetone or lacquer thinner thru its ceramic filter element.
You can also wire-brush and clear coat its retaining strap and its lid.
You don't even need to risk removing the upper potmetal 'lid' from its line connections.
I took the time at my Chrysler to remove and disassemble the glass bowl filter. I was not surprised about the result. The rubber gasket engorged. It could be the wrong rubber (not able to cope unleaded fuel). I replaced the gasket and assembled the whole filter. It's working now again. I hope for a long time...
Posted 2012-02-26 3:56 PM (#309759 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
This evening I removed the rear wheels and tried to open the ferrules of the brake line. I was able to open both ferrules a little bit. But the brake line started to twist at both rear brakes. Of course - Hamerite color glued the ferrule to the brake line on both side. And as the top of the crown I noticed that the RH rear drums produces a high pitch rattling during revolving.
Posted 2012-03-03 2:54 PM (#310591 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Wow, that clock looks really nice. Big congratulation.
Beside that I went to my Chrysler to install the refurbished power steering pressure hose. A friend of me (running a hydraulic shop) disassembled the old hose and reused the fittings (upper, middle and lower). The cost was CHF 75.- and the rating of the hose is 300 bar (4350 psi).
The I thought I would like to investigate the rear wheel bearings and started the engine. Normally I sat inside and felt vibrations in the floor and a weird noise, when the engine is running, all wheels of the ground and the tranny in "N". It stops when I'll apply the hand brake or step onto the brake pedal. Please look at the movies.
Posted 2012-03-03 4:00 PM (#310602 - in reply to #310591) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
di_ch_NY56 - 2012-03-03 8:54 PM
Wow, that clock looks really nice. Big congratulation.
Beside that I went to my Chrysler to install the refurbished power steering pressure hose. A friend of me (running a hydraulic shop) disassembled the old hose and reused the fittings (upper, middle and lower). The cost was CHF 75.- and the rating of the hose is 300 bar (4350 psi).
The I thought I would like to investigate the rear wheel bearings and started the engine. Normally I sat inside and felt vibrations in the floor and a weird noise, when the engine is running, all wheels of the ground and the tranny in "N". It stops when I'll apply the hand brake or step onto the brake pedal. Please look at the movies.
Dieter, it sounds strange indeed - first thing that come to mind is that the propellershaft is mounted wrong and the second one is that the parking brake has a loose shoe that rumbles around inside the drum..
Posted 2012-03-04 3:41 AM (#310654 - in reply to #310602) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-03-02 10:00 PM
di_ch_NY56 - 2012-03-03 8:54 PM
Wow, that clock looks really nice. Big congratulation.
Beside that I went to my Chrysler to install the refurbished power steering pressure hose. A friend of me (running a hydraulic shop) disassembled the old hose and reused the fittings (upper, middle and lower). The cost was CHF 75.- and the rating of the hose is 300 bar (4350 psi).
The I thought I would like to investigate the rear wheel bearings and started the engine. Normally I sat inside and felt vibrations in the floor and a weird noise, when the engine is running, all wheels off the ground and the tranny in "N". It stops when I'll apply the hand brake or step onto the brake pedal. Please look at the movies.
Dieter, it sounds strange indeed - first thing that come to mind is that the propellershaft is mounted wrong and the second one is that the parking brake has a loose shoe that rumbles around inside the drum..
Thank you very much for your answer Sven. What's not visible at the movie is that the rear axle shakes up and down forth and back during the run. What's mounted wrong? The only reason could be that the axle inside the trunnion is not aligned to the u-joint? Anything else?
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: Please let us switch over to Transmission and Rear Axle. It's because it looks like a too much drive shaft/trunnion/u-joint related issue. Thank you very much - Dieter
Posted 2012-03-04 8:44 AM (#310661 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 395 Location: Netherlands
Dieter, I can't make out how your car is lifted up, is it on axle stands or is just the frame on stands? The shocks look very extended and the driveshaft seemes to be pointing down a lot. The noise is terrible......
If the car is supported and no axle stands the rear axle will be hanging down a lot in the sagging springs, giving you a real bad alignment in the driveshaft set up which could cause the knocking and the shaking of the axle...
Did you try running it with the axle at ride hight?
Posted 2012-03-04 2:20 PM (#310710 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Last fall after installing the restored steering gear - when the brake adventure started - I did a very, very short test drive. I noticed that I had to turn the steering wheel about one inch to the RH side to keep the Chrysli straight. Yesterday I reset the tie rod adjusting sleeve to get the same distance between the center ball of both grease nipple like measured prior to replace this parts. The coupling at the steering box I adjusted exactly at the center.
Today I turned both sleeves (open at the LH side, bigger distance, close at the RH side, smaller distance) one turn.
The result: From the center position to turn the steering wheel to lock (LH side) is equal now to the other side. So I guess next run I could keep the steering wheel at the center position to drive straight.
When the brake system is working again - I plan to go to a garage with professional car mechanics to (let) check the toe-in.
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: the old steering box was not at center position, when the steering wheel was at center. The clearance at the steering gear has been adjusted under this condition
Posted 2012-03-04 2:43 PM (#310711 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
It sounds like the rear u-joint is bad or there is no lubrication in the u-jiont. And the noise out of the brake drum is coming from inside the housing. Something is amiss there.
Posted 2012-03-04 9:18 PM (#310760 - in reply to #309802) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
Bart_59_Dodge - 2012-02-26 10:07 PM
jboymechanic - 2012-01-27 5:44 PM Took a load of chrome parts to Badger Plating for restoration, excited to see the results in 2 to 4 weeks!
Where is Badger Plating?
Badger Plating
4021 S. Kinnickinnic Ave
St. Francis, WI
It's pretty much right on the south west corner of Howard and Kinnickinnic at the border of Bayview and St. Francis.
As for what I did to the Imperial today, I sand blasted all of the engine accessory brackets and pulleys and put them in primer. Then I rebuilt my PS pump.
Posted 2012-03-05 4:16 AM (#310796 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8449 Location: Perth Australia
Continued with the roof repairs on my dodge
Sometimes I think I should have turned it into a 4 dr roadster.
After welding in the metal to replace the rust, I am useing the dreaded bondo to get the ripples out but in the heat we have, its going off really fast.
Even when I reduce the hardener a bit, its still doing it, d@mn stuff.
At least I will end up with big arms from all the sanding lol
Posted 2012-03-05 6:24 AM (#310810 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
I ALMOST got mine actually running and driving over the weekend, but had to stop at the last minute to get the "Required" tasks done for the weekend....
The good news is she turns over, no noises, Oil pressure present, and other that the fact that the thermostat housing (which I forgot in my rush to go back and seal up) has a little coolant leak.... Gettin' pretty excited now. Hopefully she'll be alive in the next couple of days.
Posted 2012-03-05 11:50 AM (#310850 - in reply to #310810) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Went to the garage for the first time in almost two months. Removed the car cover from the 58 Plymouth. Checked that the choke was closed (it's been a bit sticky lately). Pumped the gas once or twice. Turned the key...it fired up within a few seconds. Let it warm up to full operating temperature. Then shut off the engine. Put the car cover back. Locked the garage.
Posted 2012-03-05 2:46 PM (#310877 - in reply to #310711) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
floyd066 - 2012-03-03 8:43 PM
It sounds like the rear u-joint is bad or there is no lubrication in the u-jiont. And the noise out of the brake drum is coming from inside the housing. Something is amiss there.
Hello John
Yes, I assume the same thing. I fear the replacement or seeking of a replacement for the u-joint. I know it's easier for my '64 truck -> 7260 the same for all six u-joints (rear propeller shaft, intermediate shaft, front propeller shaft). But I'm afraid I don't have a clue if this would work at the rear axle of my New Yorker. As far as I got out the clips are inside, too.
Posted 2012-03-05 6:23 PM (#310907 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 480 Location: The Great Northwest
Removed the rear seat after fifty one years looking for wierd stuff but it was very sanitary. As soon as I have enough posts on the discussion board, some pictures will be posted. This boring post counts towards the total required................
Posted 2012-03-06 8:33 AM (#310969 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Points adjusted, new condenser installed, finished up a few little things.... started actually trying to start the Savoy today and all seemed well untill....
Untill the seal at the accelerator pump spring gave way and created a beautiful fountain of fuel from the top of the carburetor....
Carburetor kit ordered, be here this afternoon at my local Napa store.... so close, yet so far....
Posted 2012-03-07 3:12 PM (#311168 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
This evening - a two hour job - I removed the brake shoes at the rear axle, disconnected the brake line and replaced the rear brake cylinder (both sides) with no problem. All the screws and hex nuts are torqued to the specified torque and the brake shoes are mounted again. Next time I'll replace the spring washers as I did for the front axle. The dust shield I didn't remove, the outer rear wheel seals are looking quite good and don't leak.
Posted 2012-03-08 7:21 AM (#311263 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Went for a burger and some beers with my buddy who's visiting from Sweden. Nice ride through the cool air with a friend. The daughter unit had fun as well.
Posted 2012-03-08 8:06 AM (#311264 - in reply to #311169) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-03-06 9:14 PM
Good to hear that you had some progress Dieter - keep us posted!
Thank you very much. I'm not a professional auto (car) mechanic. I'm interested in cars and would like to learn a lot. Since I removed the gasket in the glass bowl filter (replacement I got at Rockauto) the glass filter is no longer an issue. My Chrysli starts at the first key turn now and needs a little game (micro pumping) with the gas pedal to keep it running (the choke is open all the time) for the very first time after the start.
I took some pictures as well but didn't post it here. I guess I'll remove the brake shoes at the pass side again to flip it (because I noticed a stamp on the web addressing the rear and front shoe). At the photo I noticed that I mounted the rear at the front position (closer to the front axle).
Posted 2012-03-08 4:01 PM (#311311 - in reply to #311285) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
floyd066 - 2012-03-07 6:16 PM
Dieter, what did you find out about your driveshaft problem?
Hello John, thank you very much for your question. Actually I didn't do further investigates except using Google to seek for Spicer 5-1304x u-joints. The result of the seeking was - use a 7260 and seek for a new clamp (Spicer addresses a Special... what ever that means)or replace the yoke at the rear axle...
I plan to replace the u-joint near the rear axle and try to clean the trunnion part. But I postponed this work. First I would like to finish the brake job. I'm sorry I couldn't give a better answer right now.
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
Picture series: installed the new five leg puller (at the minimum lug diameter), second: with a clonk the brake drum released, third picture: everything installed (pending issue is to correct the direction of the brake shoes)
Posted 2012-03-08 11:57 PM (#311381 - in reply to #311263) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: CA
57plymouth - 2012-03-08 7:21 AM
Went for a burger and some beers with my buddy who's visiting from Sweden. Nice ride through the cool air with a friend. The daughter unit had fun as well.
Posted 2012-03-09 1:08 AM (#311392 - in reply to #311344) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Desotorandy - 2012-03-07 11:55 PM
Hello Dieter, Love your NY'er,had a 56 Windsor in the same colors long ago. What brand of drum puller is that and where did you find it?
Keep up the good work,
Randy
Hello Randy, Thank you very much for your comment. The drum puller is a Hazet 1781-5, bought it online at TBS-Aachen in Germany. It's a 10 t puller for a range 115 mm to 220 mm. The bolt circle at the Chrylser (as well as most ChryCo cars in these years) was 4.5" (114.3mm). Primarily designed for truck application and there is a hydraulic spindle available as well.
Posted 2012-03-09 2:29 PM (#311470 - in reply to #311438) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
floyd066 - 2012-03-08 5:30 PM
Dieter, I was going to replace my U-joint but couldn't find a good one anywhere, so I just rebuilt it and reinstalled it.
John, what parts did you use to rebuild it? Just the needles?
Once I had a very hard vibration in my truck, especially under load. The longer I drove the worse it got. Finally (after about a quarter hour) I checked the u-joints with my fingers. I burnt my finger at the u-joint at the input of the transfer case. After replacing both u-joint it was going back to normal and the old u-joints I got. At the hot one about half of the needles were gone, just dust.
I hope the u-joint in your Windsor was not that bad.
Posted 2012-03-10 9:03 PM (#311604 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
I finally de-moused my '57 Windsor 4 door, that I pulled out of a wrecking yard last year. Four and a half large glad bags of mouse eaten interior and crap!!!
Posted 2012-03-10 9:21 PM (#311608 - in reply to #311604) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
No the needles where fine, I just repacked and put some new seals before the caps go back on.
Today I finished media blasting the underside of the body. The plastic sheets are off and the area has been vacuumed. What a job that was. Next will be cutting the rust out then patching where there are holes.
Posted 2012-03-11 8:11 PM (#311722 - in reply to #311719) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Fired up the F today and backed her out and parked her next to the Kenworth so she could tell
the truck good bye!! Then, after a dust off, took her for a spin.
The Kenworth headed down the road today with it's new owner at the wheel.
I guess now I'm and official "Old Retired Fart"!!
Posted 2012-03-11 9:57 PM (#311740 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Took the wife and kid to church, then to lunch in the 57. Came home and washed the car up good. Took the 57 back to Bible study, then to the grocery store for a trunk full of eats. The trunk of a 57 will hold a massive pile of groceries.
Posted 2012-03-12 8:24 AM (#311775 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Busy most of the weekend on customer cars... but I did manage a little play time for the Plymouth...
I pulled the inner fenders and radiator support off, cleaned them up, got the support painted and back in place. I also cleaned up the fan motor housing and the heater case, got a little clear on them to protect them. I'll reinstall them tonight. Hope to get the fender liners done up tonight as well. Once the engine compartment is done, I am moving on to the exciting part... cutting and welding. .
All this beautiful weather has me wanting to get this old pile on the road soon.
Posted 2012-03-14 1:46 PM (#312086 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to Derendinger to pick up the front drums with new bearings. Suddenly I installed the front drums and the LH nut locked the hole for the cotter pin at 10 Nm. So I turned the screw back until I could put in the cotter pin. Actually the torque of the nut is near zero.
Then I bled the brake cylinders at all four corners. I did three rounds. At the third round the wife of the landlord helped (at the steering wheel, applying the brake pedal). Always I kept an eye to the MC to refill before it would be empty. I tried to adjust the brake shoes. I hope I did it correct.
Then I mounted the wheels, tightened the nuts at the rear axle and let the Chrysli back to the floor. Of course I wanted to test it. Little bit backward and forward is okay. The brake pedal seems to have a longer travel now. When I stepped to the brake pedal quite fast the wheels locked and the brake pedal didn't touch the floor. The engine sounds good. But I guess there is a toe out instead of a toe in at the front axle... I'll check it at a shop /w steering measurement equipment.
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: at the floor there is everything okay with the propeller shaft, the u-joint and the trunnion - no vibration, no noise.
Posted 2012-03-14 2:12 PM (#312093 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Good Dieter, happy that you finally have some good progress! Check the adjustment of the brake shoes once again - if you do not have anything else as a test, a gravel road will give you answers if you adjusted the brakes correctly. Just apply full brake at low speed and feel if the steering wheel pulls to one side or not. Measure the brake tracks - old "raggare" trick
Posted 2012-03-14 2:22 PM (#312095 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
When I slammed the brake at the quite slow speed (in the barn) I didn't feel any reaction in the steering wheel. I think the garage (Winter Ford, Kaisten) would have a brake test stand as well as a chassis alignment test stand. I'm afraid - actually I don't know where a gravel road is around here (where not a passing prohibited sign is).
Posted 2012-03-14 5:41 PM (#312118 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 395 Location: Netherlands
Sali Dieter, congratulations on getting your brakes sorted! And the loss of the drive shaft noise! Bet you're one happy man now...
I think you now officially have the most discussed and worked on brakes on the planet, that should well impress your local MFK for years to come...
A little more travel on the pedal was to be expected as the shoes now have to travel to meet the drum, before they were already there...
It's allso normal that the nut locks slightly different due to new bearing tolerances...I know Derendinger well, they do quality stuff...
Posted 2012-03-15 8:06 AM (#312202 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Monday after work I sanded the front inner fenders down, got me some primer on them, and some Semi-gloss black. They look NOICE.
Tuesday I was falling asleep standing up when I got home, so I stayed out of the garage.
Wednesday evening I got the undercoating cleaned up and patched up on the undersides of the fender wells. Most of it was still intact, so I just shot a thin overall coat, and heavier in the few spots were it had come loose after the pressure washer. I also got the heater case and fan housing and motor mounted back on the firewall.
Tonight I Hope to get the inner fenders bolted back up and the wiring all run and connected up as well.
Posted 2012-03-16 2:34 PM (#312450 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Yesterday I took the kid to the library for her first library card. She was tickled pink! Tonight I'm driving the 57 to church for a men's prayer meeting.
Posted 2012-03-17 1:48 AM (#312511 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
I took all the "guts" out of the passenger side door tonight. Took a little over an hour to take it all apart. I stripped out the passenger door the other night, and it took twice as long! Guess that means I learned something!
Posted 2012-03-17 11:16 AM (#312531 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 208 Location: Fargo, ND
Went to the storage unit this morning and threw a battery in the Firesweep, pumped the gas six times, turned the key and off she went. Drove her home, redid the settings on the stereo and she's ready to go. Well, I'll have to give her a bath. Lots of dust from her winter sleep. Ah, spring......
Posted 2012-03-17 10:58 PM (#312625 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Lifted the hood, put the charged battery into into it, turn the key, and it just turned over and over and over. A couple days later, towed to the shop, just to finds out the problem is the distributer and others are bad. $922 later. The car? A 1993 Camaro Z28 RT1. Nothing simple here. Can't wait till the Windsor is done.
Posted 2012-03-18 2:08 PM (#312680 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
Here's some pics of the "gut" from the passenger door on my '57. I layed every part out, just as I had removed it from the door, and took pics, so I can have a much easier re-assembly. I don't want to say "Now, where did that part go!"
Posted 2012-03-18 6:10 PM (#312709 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Nice going, Brad; but for general information, can you post up a close up image(s) of the physical condition of the
inner/hidden tumbler gear on that door latch (the one that can't be seen unless the latch assembly is removed from the car)?
Posted 2012-03-19 2:40 AM (#312755 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
I measured the toe in/toe out at my Chrysli. The result was 1 9/16" toe out. Ways too much. It was visible from the back with sight to the front. Within several loops I adjusted to 1/16" toe in. I know the measurement should be 1/8" toe in. But the result I got is much better than the initial condition. So I'm waiting for better weather condition to do a test run.
Posted 2012-03-21 10:02 PM (#313195 - in reply to #313036) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
yeah.... the Plater called to say that they received my bases and it would be $140 bucks to show plate and ship back to me. Having never working wit a plater before, it seemed reasonable enough, but I don't have any experience to gage against.
Posted 2012-03-22 8:17 AM (#313250 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
Got most of the inner rocker in... cut away all of the remaining wreck damage in the rear corner floor by the wheel well. Straightened the wheel well itself.... I had to stop so I could get a refill on my gas bottle... picked that up at lunch time....
Also, the NOS fairy dropped me off a little package in the mailbox... an oil filter adapter plate so I can change over to a spin-on. Go ahead... Just call me lazy.... I will be smiling every time I don't look down and see a drip coming from the canister.
Posted 2012-03-23 4:46 PM (#313527 - in reply to #313250) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2216 Location: Muskego, WI
BarnFind57 - 2012-03-22 7:17 AM
Got most of the inner rocker in... cut away all of the remaining wreck damage in the rear corner floor by the wheel well. Straightened the wheel well itself.... I had to stop so I could get a refill on my gas bottle... picked that up at lunch time....
Also, the NOS fairy dropped me off a little package in the mailbox... an oil filter adapter plate so I can change over to a spin-on. Go ahead... Just call me lazy.... I will be smiling every time I don't look down and see a drip coming from the canister.
Where does one find such an adapter? Plan to do the same on my '58 once it's in my possesion.
Posted 2012-03-23 8:06 PM (#313567 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1493 Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
Got home from work at 6, pulled out the crunchy, leaking manual steering gear, fitted the new power steering gear, sat down to dinner at 7:15. Now I just have to remember where all these wires go.
Posted 2012-03-23 9:42 PM (#313578 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 323 Location: New Orleans-ish
I finished installing (retrofitting) the factory A/C setup in the '61 Newport! Took quite a bit of tweaking since it never had one before, but now it's indistinguishable from a factory-built setup. That is, unless you look at the fender tag...:)
Posted 2012-03-24 8:05 AM (#313626 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
On Thursday evening I did a 50 mi trip to check the functions of my Chrysli. The steering wheel has an offset to the LH side now and the rear wheels tends to block earlier than the front wheel. So I have to adjust the brake shoes at the front axle and LH rear side.
I didn't hear or feel drops or surges during driving and acceleration. I guess the new ignition coil does it. For the pictures I let the Chrysli at idle and after parking I noticed that the glass bowl was at half full level now. Actually I don't know if the fuel pump is at the limit at very low idle or if the new rubber gasket has swollen too.
Posted 2012-03-24 10:07 AM (#313636 - in reply to #313601) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2679
ttotired - 2012-03-23 11:45 PM
That 59 looks awesome
Must be hard to drive without arms (cost of chrome) lol
How did you do the black anteneas?
The antennas and just about everything that was chrome was painted black when I bought the car. I had all the chrome redone.
I left the antennas black cuz I like them that way, different looking ya know?! I need new eyebrows but did get a lead on a set.
Posted 2012-03-24 12:38 PM (#313648 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Aren't the eyebrows stainless steel?
Dieter, after all that you've done for your car, and what you know about maintaining it, you'll probably be very suspicious about the mechanical condition of any other car that is advertised for sale as being 'restored'.
Posted 2012-03-24 9:33 PM (#313710 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 234 Location: Chambersburg,PA
Over the past two wks here in centeral PA it's been warm,been out every night after work till late just cleaning the interior and polishing the many chrome peices.
I have my brakes appart,going to blast the backing plates and paint em' replace the axle and pinion seals,also rebuild and detail the front end also rebuild the heater valve.
Getting close to cruising and car show time! Can't wait to burn some gasoline while listening to the AM radio :O)
Posted 2012-03-24 10:46 PM (#313718 - in reply to #313710) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
I took the 61 out to the weekly Cars and Coffee of Las Vegas. While there, I took the first pics of the car with the new paint and bodywork completed. I also saw this 57 DeSoto while I was there, which was a rare treat, since my car has always been the only forward look in attendance whenever I have driven it there.
Posted 2012-03-25 10:40 AM (#313755 - in reply to #313744) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475 Location: Las Vegas, NV
Windsor Wendy - 2012-03-25 5:23 AM
Will, your car looks great with the new paint! Like the stylish bullits in the reverse lights, did you just drill the lenses?
Yes. I also had to put smaller bulbs in my backup light sockets to make room for the bolts that hold the bullets. The doors are also working as they should now. (I don't know if you remember, but I had mentioned before that they were sticking.) The paint is DuPont 99K. It looks really sharp. It looks blacker in person than it does in the pics for some reason.
Posted 2012-03-25 2:45 PM (#313787 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I did a 130 mi round trip. Prior I readjusted the steering links and the front brakes. The steering wheel is centered now and the free way at the pedal was much shorter. But during a break after about half an hour of my journey with a short 75 mph ride within a guy asked me it's smelling like hot brakes. I smelled it too, but couldn't figure out from where. After the full journey back at the storing location I noticed the smell again. I walked around and touched every wheel cap. The front RH wheel cap was warm. After putting the Chrysli into the barn I removed the RH front wheel cap. The lug nuts were hotter than the center of the brake drum. But there was no smoke, just smell (the same I noticed when I got the relined and radius ground brake shoes back). I guess the temperature of the lug nuts was around 50 to 60 degree C and the center below 50 degree ( 122 to 140 F, 122 F).
Posted 2012-03-25 2:52 PM (#313788 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Hmm, seems like the brake shoes drag a little - lift up the car and check that the drums turns next to freely. If there is some drag, it will be ok after some more miles.
Posted 2012-03-26 2:20 AM (#313856 - in reply to #313788) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-03-24 8:52 PM
Hmm, seems like the brake shoes drag a little - lift up the car and check that the drums turns next to freely. If there is some drag, it will be ok after some more miles.
Hello Sven
Thank you very much for your answer. I'm sorry I've got a silly question: How much grease do you pack into the hub at the front brake drums? I installed the bearings just with the preload of grease. I think it's not enough. I'll appreciate your answer very much. Thank you.
I plan to lift up and check the if it will revolve freely. Otherwise I remove the drum and seek for the initial setting of the brake shoes (the start point where the excenter is at minimum).
Posted 2012-03-26 3:31 AM (#313858 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Hi Dieter, the bearing shall be properly greased, applying grease with the fingers, while rotating the bearing. lets say that the amount of grease shall be the same level as the height of the rollers in the bearing. Thereafter, the grease cap shall be filled, lets say to a third with grease. Thats the way I do it. There are bearing lubrication tools available today for low cost also, but I prefer to do the work like in the old days.
Posted 2012-03-26 4:22 AM (#313862 - in reply to #313858) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1090 Location: Auckland, New Zealand.
What does filling the grease cap with grease do? Just curious, I'm sure there must be a good reason to, but I just can't think what. If it's in the cap surely it wouldn't find it's way into the bearing from there?
wizard - 2012-03-26 7:31 PM
Hi Dieter, the bearing shall be properly greased, applying grease with the fingers, while rotating the bearing. lets say that the amount of grease shall be the same level as the height of the rollers in the bearing. Thereafter, the grease cap shall be filled, lets say to a third with grease. Thats the way I do it. There are bearing lubrication tools available today for low cost also, but I prefer to do the work like in the old days.
Posted 2012-03-26 4:39 AM (#313863 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Actually, in the old days, we were teached to fill all the free space with grease - look at the pictures below, all the gray shadowed areas should be filled with grease. It should be a spare resovair as well as to take up some heat, that's what I recall our old teacher saying back then.
Note, the "Bakhjulslager" is the rear axle bearing.
Posted 2012-03-26 5:57 AM (#313865 - in reply to #313863) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-03-25 10:39 AM
Actually, in the old days, we were teached to fill all the free space with grease - look at the pictures below, all the gray shadowed areas should be filled with grease. It should be a spare resovair as well as to take up some heat, that's what I recall our old teacher saying back then.
Note, the "Bakhjulslager" is the rear axle bearing.
Yep, I thought about it earlier. When the wheel is rotating the the centrifual force brings the grease to the max diameter inside the hub. The grease wanders along the inner surface and finaly goes through the race of the bearing. Then back to the center - and the game begins again. Not long ago I saw a video about rear brake shoe exchange at a 508 Mercedes (in Germany, Youtube) where the very experienced truck mechanic filled in a little bit oil (in addition to the grease). When the grease is warm and the wheel stands still the grease seeks the lowest point. With some oil this effect is more pronounced. After a certain time (rotating again) the grease is all around at the surface.
Posted 2012-03-27 5:55 AM (#314003 - in reply to #313648) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2012-03-23 6:38 PM
Aren't the eyebrows stainless steel?
Dieter, after all that you've done for your car, and what you know about maintaining it, you'll probably be very suspicious about the mechanical condition of any other car that is advertised for sale as being 'restored'.
Your tires, there, look massive!
Hello Neil
I guess you mentioned the 59 CRL (eyebrows) and not me. Mine are not stainless steel (;-).
About restored cars... yes and no. From the pictures I saw I noticed that the engine bay is original, not dressed nor replaced the key parts with modern parts. The seller advertised new painted and new interior. These three points (and the color of course) were the base of my decision to buy it. I didn't think about when the last maintenance could have been done. I should be aware that some guys ride a car with no maintenance until it dies or an expensive defect appears. Or like my grand mum died: all organs stopped working at the same time. She was 89 at that time.
At the hemmings (500k Adventure) I noticed a 55 Dodge for about 29k. I think the seller is honest writing about the little blow by and the oil consumption even though the engine bay is nicely detailed. To check if e.g. the trunnion at this car is well maintained - this is almost impossible...
About the tires. Yes they are looking massive at this picture. It's the close to stock dimension 235/75R15 3"WW.
Posted 2012-03-27 11:44 PM (#314123 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: duluth mn.
my daughter and i got her savoy all cleaned up and ready for a carshow this weekend (her first). i have been doing a little fabbing on my belvedere lately as well.
Posted 2012-03-28 4:16 PM (#314239 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792 Location: Buena Park, CA
Well it wasn't just today, but over the last couple of weekends I completely cleaned, painted, replaced all rubber, installed new kingpin and bushings, shock, and spring on the passenger side of my 56 Plymouth. Now on the the driver's side. Here are "before" and "after" shots.
Posted 2012-03-28 5:21 PM (#314244 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
If the grease cups have any significant hammer-dents on them (from re-installing them), their circumference/diameter can be
affected, so that they will throw off excess grease from around them, at speed.
Posted 2012-03-29 1:48 PM (#314359 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
We all have those moments, and they usually result from trying to dome something constructive while we are so tired we can hardly stand up....
Last night around 10 o'clock I tacked in the upper section of the passenger outer rocker, and plug welded along the bottom of it, and was quite proud of myself.... right up untill I realized that I had meassured the dimensions for the inner to outer edge wrong, so the front door hung out over the rocker by 1/4"...
Today I went home on my lunch break, ate a quick bite (big guy no eat no workee) and cut the tacks out, seperated the new panel from the old, and welded it back in the right place...
There is an advantage to using a lap seam versus a butt welded joint on a rocker sill.
Posted 2012-03-31 8:47 PM (#314799 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 100 Location: west chazy ny
Went today and just tried to see if my brakes work did a half fast bleed job and moved it it stops a little but after when I moved it the pass brake froze for a second. I guess sitting 10 years will do that lol.
Took and started chipping all the floor undercoating off still got some to do in the front and all the back wish there was an easier way to remove it. Also pulled the re moveable floor piece on the driver side. With that out I can see my bad rear brake line and fix some wiring that go's under there. Did find 3 rust holes in the floors
Depsilon D What did you do to clean up your front end there? Looks Good
Posted 2012-04-01 2:27 PM (#314898 - in reply to #272734) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
Rebels-59 Coronet - 2011-05-16 3:23 PM
From NEIL D500
..............
Just spent 10 hours, this past weekend installing a new
driver's side door latch, and refinishing the door edge
area, in OEM red/white colors.
The driver's door, suddenly, had not wanted to close,
fully, at times.
Bought a used door latch and cleaned/lubed it, and waited
for a proper weekend to do the project.
Upon its removal, discovered that one the door latch's internal
tumbler-teeth had completely broken off from its tumbler body,
and that the remainder of the internal tumbler teeth were in very
poor condition, compared to the 'normal' appearing condition of
the latch's visible external tumbler teeth.
Also discovered that the door handle's lifting-lever's welded-
on mounting nut had pretty much been stripped out, so that I had
to remove the handle and have a sympathetic body shop Mig-on
a new mounting nut onto the handle's lifting arm's failed nut.
Adjusting a door handle to work the door, smoothly, in company
with the door lock's operation, is always a hassle.
Anyway, with the door jam's painting, the project came out just fine,
eventually.
As a word of caution, however, as you can see, your door latch's
exterior tumblers may look OK, but its non-visible internal tumbler
teeth may be in very poor condition.
It may not be a bad idea to buy a replacement driver's side door
latch, to have on hand, as a future spare part.
I have started a new thread in the Body/Interior section regarding door latches and issues in the FL cars.
Posted 2012-04-01 11:03 PM (#314954 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4533 Location: Ripon, WI
I spend a good part of the day doing things around my 60 dodge. I took the slant sub frame down to Belvidere IL, where I exchanged it for the V8 one and the 360/727 that will power my car. I helped pull the Plymouth's sub and front sheet metal off. They helped me load my V8 sub and back home we went. Started the day at 8 AM... ended it at around 5:30 at home... Then of course a quick stop at applebees turned into an hour and a half ordeal.
Posted 2012-04-01 11:20 PM (#314955 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Started cutting out the rusted floorboard sections, and removed the rear seat body braces. They are rusted from the inside. This car had to have sat in a dry river bed or something like that for these braces to be so rusted on the inside and not the outside.
Posted 2012-04-02 1:05 AM (#314960 - in reply to #314123) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: duluth mn.
we made it to the car show. managed to get a couple of awards as well. one for outstanding restored, and a rising star award (for younger people getting into the hobby) for paint on the savoy! kind of a suprise. my daughter had fun showing off her car, and the amount of interest in the car was unreal..... people loved it or didn't know what to think of it! drove home getting thumbs up the whole way too. good times!
Posted 2012-04-02 3:31 AM (#314970 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Nice going, Tony!
Looking at your car made me flash back to the fall of 60, when those designs were brought out, and remembering how daringly
flashy and unreal they appeared, compared to anything that had preceded them!
Posted 2012-04-16 6:22 AM (#317083 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4533 Location: Ripon, WI
More of over the weekend, but I rebuilt a 727 that turns out it didn't need it..... Cleaning it up on the outside was messy! Managed to get the oil pan, timing cover and water pump painted. Most of the time this weekend was spent wire-wheeling everything that was left that needed it. Heads, trans, etc. Oh, and the subframe is now painted.
Posted 2012-04-18 10:42 PM (#317461 - in reply to #317376) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1444 Location: Oconomowoc Wi
jboymechanic - 2012-04-18 8:02 AM Badger Metal Finishing has a bunch of my '56 Imperial chrome, my first experience with re-chroming. Are you happy with the results from them Bart?
My first experience with rechroming as well....
I had to look extremely close to find ny flaws. There may have been a mix-up as I told them that these bases werewere original virgin potmetal pieces ready to be chromed.
I didn't mean that they were prepped completely. as such I found a blemish that I had not taken care of as I was doing my own prepping, sanding etc, prior to sending them out.
I believe that they figured the parts were ready and went straight to the tanks.
Posted 2012-04-19 8:09 PM (#317608 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 100 Location: west chazy ny
Today I put new brake line from dist box to rear end then when done realized were I flanged it its leaking :l so have to re flange it now. Also took exhaust from the muffler back seeing it was shot!
Posted 2012-04-22 8:50 PM (#317978 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I moved it off the rack to do an alignment on the S-10. First time I've used the alignment machine a buddy gave me. Once all of the optical heads are calibrated it's a breeze to use. I was thinking about selling the alignment machine, but now I think I'll keep it.
Posted 2012-04-22 9:51 PM (#317991 - in reply to #317978) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
I was tired of not knowing how much gas I had because the sending unit in the tank is shot. I had to drain 15gal of non -ethanol and ordered my new sending unit. Kinda pricey,$99.00 with shipping. This is for my '60 Savoy.
Posted 2012-04-23 5:30 AM (#318012 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Installed the passenger side quarter window ... And it was a mess !
The service manual says very little about the procedure, and it does not help you.
I had to do it twice to get it correctly (and I mean assembling AND disassembling twice ...).
And still I have not a clue about the correct procedure to do it on the driver side ...
Posted 2012-04-23 11:24 AM (#318033 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
With help from my beautiful wife, we installed 2 patches in the rear floorboard with solid rivets. I cut patches from the hood of a 74 Blazer. Preety cool!! What a wife!!!
Posted 2012-04-23 7:23 PM (#318113 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 100 Location: west chazy ny
I havn't done anything weather is cold and raining but did ask pertonix if they had a pertronox ignitor kit for my car they said we do not but can make a custom one for you for $300....um no thanks
Posted 2012-04-23 11:58 PM (#318145 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
The IBJ 4301A was installed in 56 Dodge Poly V/8's and the 56 PLY 270 2-bbl V/8's.
It is a good performing dissie, with 4 degrees of initial advance recommended, with 30 degrees of built-in Mechanical
Advancement = 34 degrees with an OEM Vacuum Advance rated at 25 degrees = 54 degrees of total advancement.
It has relatively heavy primary & secondary springing, which will slow down the rate of advancement, so that the 34
degrees of total M.A. might not be reached until around 4,500 RPM+ of WOT, or so (the V.A. is inoperable at WOT)
...and, at cruise mode, when the V.A. provides its advancement, the heavy springing will hold down the M.A., so that the total advancement might be retarded to....maybe 45 degrees.
If you can find a wasted dual point dissie, its breaker plate could be put into your dissie, so that the Pertronix E.I. could
then be installed, along with the dualie's light weight springing, for faster timing advancement.
Meanwhile, you should be on the lookout for a good/NOS/re-man V.A. unit that is rated at about 14 degrees (a '7' would
be stamped on its lever arm), so that you could dial in about 6 degrees of I.A. + 30 degrees of M.A. + 14 degrees of
V.A. = 50 total degrees of advancement.
But, your dissie has good Mechanical Advancement already built into it, as a starting point.
Posted 2012-04-24 9:56 PM (#318257 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 100 Location: west chazy ny
haha you lost me there I'm not to good with distributors that's why I wanted to go with the ignitor kit east maintnece and what of cars/trucks would the dual points distributor be in? also does it just drop in?
Posted 2012-04-25 8:52 AM (#318319 - in reply to #318257) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Have developed my 59 AFB carburetors that I bought the Big M in January (Turn of the self from an Imperial 59) Will blasted (glass or nut shells??), and all the rods and screws to electric galvanized. Have a good carter carburetor at Windsorn but not the right model.
If any know how I blasted the carburetors with glass or nut shells?
Posted 2012-04-29 2:45 PM (#318908 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I did a journey with my Chrysli. Up to a local pass with grades up to 15%. Down to the next village I drove in "L" and from time to time I applied the brakes not to get too fast. I've never seen blue smoke in the rear mirror. That's good. But I've to plan when I'll replace the hoses to/from the radiator to desludge the engine. It's weird how black the oil was (when I had a leak around the canister filter) and how brown (colored like honey) the oil is at the dip stick at the same time.
Posted 2012-04-29 3:54 PM (#318917 - in reply to #318319) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Windsor59 - 2012-04-25 8:52 AM
Have developed my 59 AFB carburetors that I bought the Big M in January (Turn of the self from an Imperial 59) Will blasted (glass or nut shells??), and all the rods and screws to electric galvanized. Have a good carter carburetor at Windsorn but not the right model.
If any know how I blasted the carburetors with glass or nut shells?
I wouldn't use glass bead. I usually soak them in carb cleaner. If you want to blast the surface, I would use soda or walnut shells, but nothing more coarse than that.
Posted 2012-04-29 7:40 PM (#318948 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 608 Location: Madison, Wisconsin
I put two new taillight bulbs in. I purchased them at Jefferson Car Show and Swap this weekend from a vendor that was selling products from the same people that make the california car duster. The new bulbs are "supposed" to be twice as bright as original. I have yet to test them. Most likely a rip off but I was willing to take a chance. I will let you know the outcome. btw. highly recommend my califorinia car duster. Works great.
Posted 2012-04-29 8:15 PM (#318951 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 755 Location: Big M Automotive's Yard
Yesterday I drove Brutus from Williams, ca to Redding, ca. It is a 100 miles north of us. I wanted to go see Kyle Petty's Charity Ride and the closest the were to us was in Redding. Apparently she only likes the old 2 lane highways and not the interstates. I drove old 99 north to Corning and she ran great. Stopped for gas and transferred over to I-5. We made it 20 miles and she started getting hot. I drove her at 60mph, the same we were doing on the old road. We pulled off in Red Bluff and sprayed the radiator and block with water. We did make it to the ride. I parked her next door to the event and she promptly "marked" her spot.
We stayed there for about 45 minutes and then headed to a friend's house. We let her cool off, topped her off and then headed home. She ran cool the whole way home. Go figure.
Posted 2012-04-30 8:05 PM (#319057 - in reply to #319036) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Dieter, blue exhaust smoke, under strong deceleration, going downhill (or when starting up the car) indicates worn out valve-stem
rubber seals (boots).
Mike, any Autolite dual point dissie can have its breaker plate be installed into a single point dissie so that a Pertronix "Ignitor 1383" could then be installed into it.
Dual point dissies are pricey, even bad ones.
But a guy on this site may soon be offering up a dualie-points parts-dissie.
You should remove your dissie's vacuum advance to see if it is operable (suck on its orifice & listen/feel if its diaphram is moving).
Posted 2012-05-01 11:05 AM (#319128 - in reply to #319057) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2012-04-30 2:05 AM
Dieter, blue exhaust smoke, under strong deceleration, going downhill (or when starting up the car) indicates worn out valve-stem
rubber seals (boots).
Mike, any Autolite dual point dissie can have its breaker plate be installed into a single point dissie so that a Pertronix "Ignitor 1383" could then be installed into it.
Dual point dissies are pricey, even bad ones.
But a guy on this site may soon be offering up a dualie-points parts-dissie.
You should remove your dissie's vacuum advance to see if it is operable (suck on its orifice & listen/feel if its diaphram is moving).
Thank you very much. I remember a neighbor owning a '67 Plymouth Fury III /w a 383 engine (I guess I remember the Super Commando V8 emblems at the front fenders) always exhausted a blue cloud when starting the engine. That was in the mid 70ies, when I was about 13.
Or a customer of a Fiat garage brought his Ford Taunus, continuously exhausting a slight blue exhaust gas at idle where the owner of the garage said, the valve stem gaskets have gone. My truck engines shows the same, now the valve stem gaskets are new now(as some valve guides are, too).
Or BMW 2002 were well known to show a big blue cloud, when at the deceleration lane at the high way (80 mph allowed at that good old time) and down shift and brake to come down to about 35 mph in a a short distance.
At my Chrysli I've never seen blue smoke or smelled burned oil. But that doesn't tell too much. If the engine consumes a lot of oil, it could be a sign that the piston rings are not like new anymore, too.
Posted 2012-05-01 9:24 PM (#319201 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
Worked on the engine Sunday.
Put the headers on, valve covers, spark plug tubes and plugs. Put on the oil filter and filled the pan with 6 quarts of break in oil. I then spun up the oil pump with the drill and got it to 65 - 85 PSI as I rotated the engine and made sure oil got up into the heads and out the valve train.
Posted 2012-05-02 3:28 AM (#319225 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
Installed the vent window frame in the passenger door.
Did swear a little.
Tried three times to install the window into the door, finally succeeded when I understood that the rear channel had to be disassembled first.
Did swear a little more ...
Adjusted the doors, scratched my new paint here and there in the process, and sweared again.
Scratched my head trying to figure how to assemble my inner window scraper with the chrome plated upper thingie.
Found a way to do it, then tried to install it and sweared again until I understood that the inner door skin was bent a little. Unbent it and installed the thingie. Looks nice.
Finally got to try to repair that broken vent window frame, driver side.
Made two holes in the pot metal, used hardened steel nails to reinforce the lot, and used plenty of JB weld.
Looks like it's gonna do the trick. Have to wait a few days though, before trying to install it.
And I did not even talk about repairing my quarter window frame, assembling and then disassembling the passenger door lock (because the hole in the arm that connects the latch with the lock was too small, had to enlarge it to allow that 1/4 bolt to go in), finally putting the door strikers (now the car doors do lock !), scratching my new paint here and there (again !), installing the complete set of stainless steel moldings around the windshield (and polishing them before), ...
Drank a lot of beer.
Ate home made hamburgers and a Philly steak sandwich (made with leftovers of a giant T-bone).
Sweared too much.
Posted 2012-05-02 2:42 PM (#319297 - in reply to #319201) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
Beltran - 2012-05-01 9:24 PM Worked on the engine Sunday. Put the headers on, valve covers, spark plug tubes and plugs. Put on the oil filter and filled the pan with 6 quarts of break in oil. I then spun up the oil pump with the drill and got it to 65 - 85 PSI as I rotated the engine and made sure oil got up into the heads and out the valve train. All went well and she is primed. successfully!
Just curious about this...could you have primed the heads/built up the oil pressure by cranking the starter, assuming that the fuel line was disconnected from the fuel pump ?
Posted 2012-05-02 9:05 PM (#319367 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Yeah; that's called "wiping" the non lubricated bearings.
Back 20 years or so, I bought a rebuilt D500 engine (actually one of the last ones produced in 1957) that had sat for a few years.
When it was opened up, the bearings were 'wiped' and useless, because they were not properly lubricated when the engine was
reassembled by the builder.
Posted 2012-05-03 11:56 AM (#319427 - in reply to #319367) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
OK, so let's say that instead of a freshly rebuilt engine, it's an engine that hasn't started for about 20 years. Crank turns freely after soaking in Marvel (down the spark plug holes). In this situation, would it be acceptable to do what I described above ?
Sorry about getting off-topic, but I need to know this.
Posted 2012-05-03 6:50 PM (#319481 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
I've had this radiator patched up so many times it's not funny. It's not clogged up, and it's not the core. It's the top tank seam. It splits open all the time. I need to bite the bullet and get a new one. I've been eyeballing and aluminum one from Summit that will work with my next engine as well.
Posted 2012-05-07 11:05 PM (#320099 - in reply to #319481) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2492 Location: Kansas City, KS
found a tear in my power brake booster today. had a spare that came in the trunk of a parts car, it had been in there for years but still works great. got them swapped out and took a nice drive around the neighborhood. it was a much easier and quicker job that I anticipated.
Posted 2012-05-08 12:59 AM (#320114 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Victoria, AUSTRALIA
Finally got to work on the actual engine.
Primed the motor with a Mopar priming rod, got 55lb and nearly blew up my cordless drill
then started mocking up some temporary wiring for the run in. Refiitted the Dissy and static timed it.
The tranny and engine oil was full but no water in radiator yet. fitted fuel hose to jerry can of fuel and cranked.
the 440 started so easy and wanted to run. I s**t myself and pull the wires off to stop it straight away. Cant believe how easy it was
to start and wants to run , love it, christine lives!!!
so tonight going to fit the tempertaure guage & tacho with the already temporary oil guage, fill the water and connect thermo fan, then run the cam
I m going to film it so will post on you tube with a link. bloody excited, had the engine built 2 years ago
and finally getting the chance to here it run.. I'm on a high right now
Car goes to paint shop next month, just waiting on the driveshaft to be custom made
then I can drive it bar bones - LOL
Posted 2012-05-08 9:27 AM (#320149 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Gonna pull the carbs off today and send them of to the rebuilder for a restore & re-bush.
But first I have to get by my Princess here as this was the 1st sight this AM when the door went up.
Hope to bring the F to Carlisle in July if I can finda decent price on some new tires.
Gonna put 'em on a set of 15" '70 300 chrome slotted road wheels.
Should give me a little better mileage on the trip, I hope.
Posted 2012-05-08 7:05 PM (#320246 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1493 Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
I did the thing all the cool kids are doing, and continued to cut my car to pieces. And no, I'm not using perfect replacement pieces from John's desert cars. I'm using angle stock, scrap sheet metal and cheapo repro floors. A perfect 10 she will never be.
Posted 2012-05-10 7:57 PM (#320624 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4654
Fired up the Desoto and let it run for a while. The last time I ran it, it stalled after a few minutes like it had run out of fuel or had a plugged fuel filter. I changed the filter, but the old one was ok, and it still stalled afterwards. Then I tried to make sure the gas cap was vented, as it seemed someone drilled it out, but something on the inside of the cap was moving and partially blocking the hole. Today it ran fine, so we'll see what happens. Then I brought the clock down from the attic, where its been for a few years, and plugged it in.
Posted 2012-05-16 12:05 AM (#321336 - in reply to #165425) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
This post is also in the "Body, Glass and Interior Trim" thread under "What glue to use for Weatherstrip"
I installed new deck lid weatherstrip, and used the 3-M Weatherstrip Cement as recommended in that other thread but there are two types..... apparently I got the wrong stuff so read on...
OK, So I bought a tube of the 3M Weatherstrip cement this week so I could install my new deck lid weatherstrip. They had two types, black and yellow, same price. The guy told me to buy the yellow as it is "Super Weatherstrip Adhesive" and the black stuff is "Regular" . Well I used it ( the yellow stuff) tonight and it is nothing more than standard Contact Cement. Very difficult to work with but I managed to do it. The thing is I already had a can of Contact Cement in the basement and was looking for something easier to work with that's why I chose the 3-M product mentioned in the other thread. Anyhow to give you an idea of what I did, I removed the old weatherstrip ( which was reproduction that had been installed before I bought the car but was not high enough to seal). I then rotary-wire brushed out the trough to bare metal, sealed with a rust-inhibitor, then primed and repainted the entire rail. Let it sit for three days, then tonight I applied the cement to both the rail and the weatherstrip, as you do with contact cement you have to coat both surfaces. Then I installed it. This new weatherstrip is from Gary Goers and certainly is high enough to seal the deck lid all the way around. It is a new "hollow" weatherstrip instead of the usual "sponge type" that is common for these cars. In fact its a little too high and it takes a good slam to get the lid to shut, even with the latch adjusted all the way up. The deck lid sits a fraction higher than it did before but at least it seals. This is the best sealing weatherstrip I've so far seen that fits the 60-62 full sized cars. I have never had any others from different suppliers that would ever seal correctly on the various 1960-1962 Mopars that I've owned. Anyhow as to the 3-M adhesive, I wish I had tried the black stuff as I am assuming it is NOT Contact Cement. Any one else out there know?
Posted 2012-05-16 1:00 AM (#321345 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Ian, years ago, I bought some Gary Goers trunk weatherstrip, and it took about a year before the trunk could
be shut normally, but, the seal became like a bank vault tight, as might be expected, after the W/S took its set against the
closed trunk.
Posted 2012-05-16 1:12 AM (#321349 - in reply to #321345) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
d500neil - 2012-05-15 10:00 PM
Ian, years ago, I bought some Gary Goers trunk weatherstrip, and it took about a year before the trunk could
be shut normally, but, the seal became like a bank vault tight, as might be expected, after the W/S took its set against the
closed trunk.
The deck lid weatherstrip for the 57-59 cars is a better fit than the stuff available for the 60-62 cars, until this new one from Gary became available for the 60-62s.
Posted 2012-05-17 8:26 AM (#321565 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Yesterday night I removed the restored p/s pressure hose and installed a NOS one. The transparent MOPAR bag containing the p/s pressure hose indicated the year 1991. I hope it could handle the pressure... even though these two hoses aren't brand new.
Then I started the engine to check if the connections are good (no leaks) and I used the situation to select all gears in a row. Afterwards I checked the level at the transmission as well while the engine was still running at idle. The stick shows a level about 1/4" above "MIN" level. The ambient temperature was around 50F.
Posted 2012-05-17 10:05 AM (#321570 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1324 Location: Hickory, NC
Last night I got the driver's rear door on my '60 Fury unstuck. Now all my doors open. The door lock mechanism was frozen just enough to where the door wouldn't open. I moved to the passengers rear door to get the door lock working properly...I got the lock working great, but now the outside door handle wont open the door. So it'll just have to be opened from the inside for now until I investigate it some more.
I then ripped out the remnants of the headliner/rats nest out of the car. Boy that was fun....
Posted 2012-05-18 2:59 PM (#321768 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Looks really nice Vincent, keep up the good work and keep us posted! - Oh by the way, are you sleeping in your car now? - well I get on the nerves of my wife sometimes too
Posted 2012-05-18 4:23 PM (#321782 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 907 Location: Magra, Sweden
Got a beautiful NOS grille piece for the right side of my 55 Dodge by mail from Turkey today.
It's already on the car ready for the car show on Sunday.
Posted 2012-05-19 4:58 AM (#321862 - in reply to #321768) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
wizard - 2012-05-18 8:59 PM
Looks really nice Vincent, keep up the good work and keep us posted! - Oh by the way, are you sleeping in your car now? - well I get on the nerves of my wife sometimes too :)
Thanks Sven !
I really hope the car will be finished for this fall.
And no I don't sleep in my car
It's just a bean bag I use to work inside the car ...
I must say I have a very cooperative wife on that subject.
She urges me to finish the car so she can ride in it ... And she does help me a lot.
Posted 2012-05-19 1:55 PM (#321908 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1363 Location: Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Nothing much, but I woke Mr. Greene up again, for this year's Summer.
I had some worries, because we've had a pretty severe winter, with below minus 4, and I was kinda afraid something would not have survived in the remote little garage box I have.
Amazing. No dead battery and it started after the normal several tries!
I took him for a drive to the annual European World of Bluegrass Festival, some 20 miles from here. No problem!
Took the accompanying picture, at an amazing looking bus stop along the way.
Now I'm zippin' on a little Maker's Mark I found in some dark cavern. Neil teached me well!
Posted 2012-05-19 3:17 PM (#321920 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to my Chrysli again to have a look for the pass side front brake. The picture shows the brake shoes prior I worked at it with sand paper. I spent about half an hour to find the best adjusting after assembling again. Now when I push the brake very hard both sides dives a little bit (at the front end). But the drivers side is more aggressive than the pass side when I apply only slight pressure at the brake pedal. It tends to lock.
Posted 2012-05-19 7:36 PM (#321942 - in reply to #321782) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
I finished the inside of my trunk today. I removed all the panels, the floor carpet, spare tire and everything inside. The rail supports below the weatherstrip rail had not been painted body color when the car was painted. In fact they had been painted black over top of sprayed on tar type undercoat that covered a lot of the area and it was not pretty. I ended up scraping off the tar with a scraper and then a razor blade. then sanded, cleaned, primed and painted the supports, and also the area where the trunk latch is mounted. The floor, wheel housings and inside of the quarter panels are painted in tremclad black but those areas are all covered with carpet and carpeted panels. This completes the trunk job, though I still want to get a carpeted spare tire cover. I think I'll have to get one made up as I can't seem to locate one anywhere.
Posted 2012-05-20 12:39 PM (#322028 - in reply to #321942) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1318 Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels
I put the dashpad in ...
It still misses the lower fixtures at the molding, but it's already secured by the speaker and its grille.
Not so easy, as the correct position had to be found before putting everything in.
I assembled and disassembled the speaker and its grille 5 times before getting it right.
I also sorted out the mess of wires behind the dashboard.
Everything is tidy now, and the main harness is now on the other side of the firewall.
Posted 2012-05-20 3:17 PM (#322054 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Today I went to an old car meeting with my Chrysli as dirty as it is... At the journey back I noticed very long drop outs of power when I pulled the pedal low to medium during acceleration. When I applied more power the engine ran fine like it does when I only apply very low load.
Posted 2012-05-20 3:30 PM (#322061 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
@ Dieter - you have dirt or gum residue in your carburator - I remember that you had issues with your fuel filter. Check your manual and do a real good carburator cleaning/check-up.
Posted 2012-05-21 12:57 AM (#322140 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 347 Location: Ocean Park, Washington
Worked in the trunk area on the condition of it. I find I do not have to replace the whole pan. Thank God!! The fuel tank support strips on the top side will work with a little cleaning up. The drivers side of the trunk area is swiss cheese while the spare tire hole is rust free. Could someone explain this to me because my car doesn't want to tell me. It has very little to say. I think its because she is completely apart, and she's not happy with this.
Posted 2012-05-21 3:38 PM (#322226 - in reply to #322061) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-05-19 9:30 PM
@ Dieter - you have dirt or gum residue in your carburator - I remember that you had issues with your fuel filter. Check your manual and do a real good carburator cleaning/check-up.
Thank you very much Sven. I'll buy a bottle of brake cleaner (Wuerth). Then I'll disassemble and clean the carburetor again. Last time I did it last fall. Then I used degreaser (Marine Clean) and installed new gaskets (CK36 set). Prior assembling the parts I dried it with compressed air. The result was never close to perfect... I noticed a heavily worn primary shaft, throttle body or both. I could wiggle it very much.
Posted 2012-05-22 1:54 AM (#322285 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
@ Dieter - Aha, you'll need to get the primary shaft checked and fixed. Hopefully it's the shaft that is damaged. Try to smear some thick grease around the shaft in both ends and test drive the car - the grease will be sucked it and seal up for a short while. That way you understand if it is the leaking shaft that cause your problems.
Posted 2012-05-22 3:12 AM (#322294 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 323 Location: New Orleans-ish
I test drove my '61 Newport today for the first time in the year and a half I've owned it! A LOT of work to get it to this point! I would venture to say that it hasn't been driven in at least 20, maybe 30 years!
Posted 2012-05-22 4:50 PM (#322392 - in reply to #322285) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-05-21 7:54 AM
@ Dieter - Aha, you'll need to get the primary shaft checked and fixed. Hopefully it's the shaft that is damaged. Try to smear some thick grease around the shaft in both ends and test drive the car - the grease will be sucked it and seal up for a short while. That way you understand if it is the leaking shaft that cause your problems.
I applied some grease around the shaft (pass side) last week and today. Today I tried to apply some grease at the drivers side as well. There's no difference in the running behavior. I guess the shaft is worn for years now. So I assume it must be something different, e.g. like you addressed earlier on.
Posted 2012-05-22 4:53 PM (#322393 - in reply to #322264) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2012-05-21 2:00 AM
Dieter, your distributor's vacuum advance may be inoperative.
You can try removing the V.A. and sucking on its orifice, to hear/feel if its internal diaphram is moving.
Also, what IBP part-number does your dissie have?
And, if you continue to have a slight pull-differential in the brakes, you might consider buying new
brake drums--even if they are made in China.
Thanks Neil, this evening I'm afraid I forgot to check the dist. I'll do it next time. The brakes are better now, but quite far away from perfect. The pass side front drum is little bit out of round, but withing the specification.
Posted 2012-05-24 9:56 AM (#322670 - in reply to #322264) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
d500neil - 2012-05-21 2:00 AM
Dieter, your distributor's vacuum advance may be inoperative.
You can try removing the V.A. and sucking on its orifice, to hear/feel if its internal diaphram is moving.
Also, what IBP part-number does your dissie have?
Neil, I tried the Mityvac pump at the vacuum hose and removed the dist cap. The vacuum advance is working from one mechanical end to the other and back. Nowhere is an air sucking noise. It seems the diaphragm is okay. At the distributor I only could read the Chrysler parts number (the upper line) as long as it's mounted. According the number 1642 392 it's a IBK 4301A (double breaker). The Service Manual adddresses the same parts number and IBK- number.
BTW at that time I noticed that not all high voltage wires were hooked perfectly or shaked out of the sockets.
Kind regards
Posted 2012-05-27 6:30 AM (#323081 - in reply to #165425) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 444 Location: Victoria, AUSTRALIA
Fitted a 284/484 camshaft also on Friday night, Ran the cam in Saturday then
Fitted the Heater core and fan motor today ( sunday ) and ran the water pipes.
Also fitted the gas pedal and linkages. first time in ages I was able to press the gas pedal and hear somthing.
Car is going to painter next week so have to finish off a few more things in the engine bay
then its good to drive onto the trailer.
Posted 2012-05-28 12:05 PM (#323236 - in reply to #318917) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
57plymouth - 2012-04-29 3:54 PM
Windsor59 - 2012-04-25 8:52 AM
Have developed my 59 AFB carburetors that I bought the Big M in January (Turn of the self from an Imperial 59) Will blasted (glass or nut shells??), and all the rods and screws to electric galvanized. Have a good carter carburetor at Windsorn but not the right model.
If any know how I blasted the carburetors with glass or nut shells?
I wouldn't use glass bead. I usually soak them in carb cleaner. If you want to blast the surface, I would use soda or walnut shells, but nothing more coarse than that.
Thanks for the tip.
Has sandblasted now, and submitted all his pieces on the surface treatment of gold and silver. What more can you do to get the final gloss on the carburetor, it is a bit "black" marks still. Something polish?
Posted 2012-05-28 12:42 PM (#323242 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Hopefully, you mean that its blasted with glassbeads and not sandblasted - glassbeads will not do so big damage as the sand.
Since you didn't like the ideas above with soda or walnut shells, there's another method which I have used on other parts. Take a bamboo barbeque stick of 3mm diameter (grillpinne) and wrap number 0 or 00 steel wool around the stick - put it in a Dremel machine and clean away everything darkish with that. WARNING, the sttel wool will break up in many tiny pieces - the parts must be extremely well cleand and the carburator washed out several times with gasoline. It looks like someone also sandblasted the primary and secondary shafts - they will now eat your bushings very fast.
Further more, since the throttle valves have been removed (hopefully marked so you can get them back in position) the throttle valve clearance/centering must be performed according to the "book" - otherwise the carburator will not perform correctly.
Posted 2012-05-28 1:27 PM (#323246 - in reply to #323242) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2600 Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden
Hi Sven!
Yes glassblastet (not with sand).
And that bee good with grillpinnar, very good tip.
Yes I must be carfuly when I put it back, or if it go hell I mail the questing here.
Posted 2012-05-28 7:33 PM (#323285 - in reply to #323262) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Dieter, the IBK 4301A (double-breaker) dissie was the OEM guy for the 1956 single-4 D500's and was used on the 'early'
1957 single-4 D500's.
Probably due to the questionable quality gas in the 50's, Chrysler did not specify that high performance mechanical-advancements
be created within the sub-contracted Autolite distributors.
Altho that 4301A has dual points breaker plate in it, and therefore, is suitable for the installation pf Pertronix's "Ignitor 1383" unit,
the OEM performance specifications on that dissie are not good: 2 Initial Advancement (recommended, on engine) + 19 Mechanical
Advancement (in the dissie) = 21 Total M.A. (lousy) + 23 vacuum Advance (check yours for a "11.5" stamping on its lever-arm) =
44 degrees total advancement at (only-) 3000 RPM.
A 56 D500-friend found and installed a "16" V.A. , so that he could dial-in 10 I.A. + 19 M.A. = 29 (not great T.M.A.) + 16 V.A. = 45
Total Advancement.
He also replaced the 4301A's (VERY-heavy-weight) OEM 'light' spring with another (4003 G ) dissie's (very-) 'light' spring, and trans-
ferred the 4301A's (not-light-weight) 'light' spring over, to replace its 'heavy' secondary spring (altho using another 'light' spring
there would probably be preferable).
So, you can certainly "use" the 4301A in your car, but as-is, that dissie is strangling your car's performance (and, even, its MPG,
because the engine is not being allowed to consume its gas efficiently).
Posted 2012-05-28 7:46 PM (#323287 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
...Above 50 degrees of Total Advancement, your car would probably ping, at 70 MPH cruise mode.
Premium grade gas will be a 'must', at sea level, to prevent engine 'knocking', with Total Advancement greater than
50 degrees.
So, if you do nothing else to hot-rod your 4301A, you could dial-in about 7-8 degrees of I.A. so: 7+19(=26 T.M.A.)+23= 49 and
8+19(=27 T.M.A.)+23= 50
Ideally, you want your T.M.A. to calculate to about 34-36 degrees, so, at 26/27 degrees you are well short of maxing-out your
dissie's hard-acceleration performance, and, its OEM very-heavy 'light' spring will also retard the dissie's advancement rate,
in even getting up to the 26/27 degrees of T.M.A.
But, the car will cruise around town nicely, as-is...
Posted 2012-06-01 3:12 PM (#323971 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1493 Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
Floors all stitched in, reassembly stage. Just a tiny nod to rat rods with 66 Charger bucket seats, a 300 style console and black interior. No worries, I kept the stock stuff in case I have second thoughts.
Posted 2012-06-02 12:36 PM (#324052 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Wow, nice Jim. Thanks a lot for this picture.
I'll say big thank you to Sven (Wizard) and Neil (D500Neil) for your assistance and emotional help to bring my Chrysli back to a normal running state. Today prior to do a test ride I tightened the inner screw at the distributor to tighten the connector of the lead wire to the point. Together with the cleaned carb my Chryli purred like a cat and never had a flat spot during acceleration.
It was a pleasure to ride my Chrysli today. It brought me back with no problems. The ambient temperature was around 80 F (27 C degrees). The picture with the gauges I took after the test run. The engine was at idle. When the oil's hot (normal temperature) the pointer shows around 50%. The amp meter's low because I was on the brake. When the engine speed's higher the needle is at 50% (in the middle).
Happy Motoring!
Dieter
BTW: Yes Neil, I know - the IBK-4301A is the double breaker dissi with the most conservative advance of all dissies. That I read on a site of a D500 owner who described all the modifications he did at his engine. Here in Switzerland no lower than 95 octane (European measurement system) is available. It's what I'm running.
Posted 2012-06-02 12:53 PM (#324055 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Dieter, your temp is a little low - please check the temperature with for instance IR-instrument @ the thermostat housing and tell us the actual working temp. Oil pressure seems good, a single grade SAE 30 with ZDDP additive will save your engine and maybe even get more milage out of it too.
Posted 2012-06-02 1:07 PM (#324056 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
Hi Sven
Thank you very much for your response. I know - the gauge doesn't show more - even though there's a new temp sensor mounted. --> the same value. It looks like the needle would stick. At a rough surfaced rural road the needle swings a little bit to the left side and never above that position.
Actually I'm running 20W50 oldtimer oil it should have more zddt. At Panolin I ordered another 10L to replace the oil in the engine. After a short time it turned dark black (from what I saw /w the disaster /w the canister oil filter - last year).
The radiator is so hot I only touch it for a very short instant. Next time I'll take the IR temp meter /w me.
Posted 2012-06-02 1:46 PM (#324060 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I'm running a 195 Fahrenheit (90 celcius) thermostat and the thermostat housing is approximate @ 87 C. The black oil is most probably sludge and residue that are dissolved by the new oil. You need to change oil at short intervals in the beginning Dieter, like maximum 500 km.
I had the same situation with my car - the oil level actually increased with the blackish oil - the only explanation must be sludge that dissolved. Now my oil is not discolored, no more than normal. I change the oil at 500 - 1000 km though. I reason like this - old engine, never renovated - stick to the old ways I run Pennzoil straight grade SAE 30 (because I don't drive in the winter, hence no need for thinner oil) + extra ZDDP additive - looks like honey and the engine runs smooth as silk
Posted 2012-06-02 4:32 PM (#324071 - in reply to #324060) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1532 Location: ZH, Switzerland
wizard - 2012-06-01 7:46 PM
I'm running a 195 Fahrenheit (90 celcius) thermostat and the thermostat housing is approximate @ 87 C. The black oil is most probably sludge and residue that are dissolved by the new oil. You need to change oil at short intervals in the beginning Dieter, like maximum 500 km.
I had the same situation with my car - the oil level actually increased with the blackish oil - the only explanation must be sludge that dissolved. Now my oil is not discolored, no more than normal. I change the oil at 500 - 1000 km though. I reason like this - old engine, never renovated - stick to the old ways I run Pennzoil straight grade SAE 30 (because I don't drive in the winter, hence no need for thinner oil) + extra ZDDP additive - looks like honey and the engine runs smooth as silk :)
Hello Sven
Thanks a lot for your quick response. Again I went back to my Chrysli to do another about half an hour ride. First I had to do an emergency stop because a bike rider (small bike) didn't turn his head to the rh side - just drove into my trace... good luck I could stop and he looked puzzled... (prior the emergency break my speed was about 40 to 45 mph)
After returning I let the engine running while measuring: 91 at the rear, 85 at the front (wind from the rotating fan). Engine stopped 89 rear, 88 front, 88 around the sensor.
So I guess either the wiring, the gauge or the characteristic of the sensor is the problem. Where do I find extra ZDDP additive? What's the name /brand?
I'll appreciate your answer very much. Thank you.
Posted 2012-06-02 4:56 PM (#324073 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
Good Dieter - the temperature seems just good. It's your sender that has the wrong characteristic, or the the voltage limiter (if there was one in 56?) not giving the right voltage. Have a friend to very shortly ground the sender cable when you look at the gauge - it should move towards "HI".
Posted 2012-06-03 3:14 PM (#324178 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1730 Location: Michigan
I'm sorry but these text updates don't count unless you post a picture. :P Sheesh... anyone can type text... but a picture says a thousand words!
Take that extremely nice picture above showing all those nice models (err a prom queens) obscurring the view of that very nice Dodge.... not that I am complaining mind you... just sighting an example.
Posted 2012-06-03 3:22 PM (#324180 - in reply to #324178) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Took the radiator out again, to get the top tank fixed again. Seems like a never ending cycle. Once every other year or so the top tank springs a leak again.
Posted 2012-06-03 3:27 PM (#324181 - in reply to #324116) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR
1958 Plymouth Infina - 2012-06-02 10:41 PM
I installed a original power seats I found in a yard ( Got it Reupholstered of course ) in my beloved belvedere!
I don't believe you. Pictures are worth a THOUSAND words. You spend ALL that $$$ to get a seat and recover and then HIDE it from us. Shame Shame The FL Gods will set you straight!!! Before and after pics.
Posted 2012-06-04 7:02 PM (#324347 - in reply to #324180) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
57plymouth - 2012-06-03 12:22 PM
Took the radiator out again, to get the top tank fixed again. Seems like a never ending cycle. Once every other year or so the top tank springs a leak again.
Try a seven pound pressure cap, Brian.
I had a '58 Merc hardtop wagon that had the same problem, the metal was fatigued and expanded too much, stressing the solder seam. mThe lower pressure cap eliminated the problem.
Posted 2012-06-04 7:08 PM (#324348 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7828 Location: Williams California
While driving the Fury today, the engine suddenly died, and a cloud of white electrical smoke poured from under the hood and dash. I turned the ignition off, and pulled over to disconnect the battery, and found the primary ignition wire had rubbed through on the distributor shaft, causing a short circuit. By cutting the ignition quickly, it did little damage except to the one wire. Decided to use the '59 Dodge until I have time to inspect the electrical system further.
Posted 2012-06-10 12:04 AM (#325019 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Member
Posts: 5
Today, I drove my FL truck to a local cruise in. Only 3 others decided to cruise in. ?? Oh well, I enjoyed driving it and appreciated several thumb ups from those passing me.
Posted 2012-06-11 11:57 PM (#325257 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Took my grille and top support out, brackets, hood latch etc. Am sanding and repainting the font of the core support and lower inner valance panel in front of the core support behind the grille. Forgot to take a photo before I put the car back in the garage, maybe tomorrow evening.
Posted 2012-06-12 2:40 AM (#325266 - in reply to #325019) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
New User
Posts: 2
57DodgeD100 - 2012-06-10 12:04 AM
Today, I drove my FL truck to a local cruise in. Only 3 others decided to cruise in. ?? Oh well, I enjoyed driving it and appreciated several thumb ups from those passing me.
glad to hear that. but in me not much done unique.
Posted 2012-06-12 8:47 AM (#325275 - in reply to #321862) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Getting ready to re-install these beauties back on the F.
Got to get w/the program here to get her ready for Carlisle.
New tires are in the works also.
Posted 2012-06-12 8:58 AM (#325277 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
Okay, so a little late. The repair on the radiator is holding. The 7 pound cap may be a mistake. I noticed the front cross member was wet this morning from the overflow pipe. I'll give it another few days and then I might have to try a 10 pound cap. I did notice that the car now runs about 1/8 of the sweep hotter. It's still less than 1/2 of the gauge at full temp on the interstate.
Posted 2012-06-15 12:30 AM (#325657 - in reply to #325277) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
I'm still working on the core support and the panel below it. I wed sanded everything, then cleaned it all up and wiped it down with lacquer thinner. Applied the primer tonight and the body color to the lower panel, then clear coated it. When its dry I'll mask off the turquoise and then paint the core support black, likely on Saturday, then re-assemble it all!
Posted 2012-06-17 3:01 AM (#325915 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 314
I finally got my F's today! She's a barn car, but she's the very one I've dreamt of for 40 years. Pics to follow...
Today I officially became a Forward Looker and a letter series owner
Dave
Posted 2012-06-17 1:41 PM (#325946 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 170 Location: central Massachusetts
Nice day in New England. Took the family to a car show and breakfast at the local historical society. Ms. Rose and a 58 Dodge were the only FL'ers there. Stopped in a local cemetery to pay homeage to fathers. These old cemeteries are always great for impropt photoshoots!
Posted 2012-06-20 1:10 PM (#326345 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 175 Location: Hebron, IN
My Scarebird disk brake brackets came via UPS so I pulled the front drums and backing plates and started cleaning up the spindles and such. Per UPS my rotors and calipers will be here tomorrow.
Loving the purple and shaved door handles- those rims Torque Thrust? I am looking at a set of those (because I need 15" wheels for the disk brakes).
Posted 2012-06-22 2:29 PM (#326665 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Necessity being the the MOTHER of an invention that it is: ....today, got an unpleasant surprise when
Horrie's battery was found to be KIA (or, at least: MIA), from my having left his key in
the wrong direction, when I parked him, last week.
Oh, well, finally had the reason to replace his incorrect "Group 27" (it's for the longer batteries)
MoPar battery applique with the correct "Group 24" applique that I've had for many moons.
Also, had the opportunity to use some of my precious remainder "Klean-&-Shine" (finest no-longer-
produced cleaning & polishing agent ever removed from store shelves) to detail the area around
the battery.
That's the famous "Tar Topper" battery toupee which hides the installation of the wonderful
Delco brand ACD24-60 flat topped battery---whose immediate predecessor survived for 21
(IIRC) years before finally succumbing to olde age.
Kustom sanded and painted the fake caps to look like Mope-green ones; others, like Ron W.
have glued-on actual caps, but my own caps were/are not show-quality.
Posted 2012-06-22 3:20 PM (#326678 - in reply to #326665) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 4159 Location: Connecticut
d500neil - 2012-06-22 2:29 PM others, like Ron W. have glued-on actual caps, but my own caps were/are not show-quality. On the Road Again.....stylin properly.
Nope. Have the same setup that you have. One thing that I did was, after painting the caps Mopar green (as Neil did), they got painted with a semi-gloss clear. The TT looks great.
Posted 2012-06-22 4:08 PM (#326688 - in reply to #326678) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
OOPS; i THINK I clear coated mine too; dunno why I wouldn't do that.
My caps said "AC" on their tops; Ron's may have been a later version, where the tops were blank.
BTW, that plastic is tuff stuff...it took a lot more filing of the cap tops, to elide the AC than I had imagined; simple
sanding of them hardly had any effect on them.
Posted 2012-06-27 7:34 PM (#327398 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
Hugged my die cast version of mine because the transporter STILL HASN'T CALLED to tell me when they are picking up my life size version and bringing her home!
Posted 2012-06-28 6:16 AM (#327459 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
DB, I think you're asking about my '57 Chrysler here,
It's lowered 3" in the rear with blocks and just turned down torsion bars in front.
Tiresize is 235/60/15 all around.
Posted 2012-06-28 9:10 AM (#327477 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2788 Location: USA - KY
Stressed out here...having some mild damage to the clear coat and paint near the gas door repaired.
The body shop has a really good reputation, but naturally, one still frets anytime their FL is not tucked safely in its own garage under its dust cover.
It should be finished today...just waiting to hear...fret, fret, fret...
Posted 2012-06-28 9:51 AM (#327490 - in reply to #327477) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7599 Location: northern germany
FIN ME - 2012-06-28 9:10 AM
The body shop has a really good reputation, but naturally, one still frets anytime their FL is not tucked safely in its own garage under its dust cover.
It should be finished today...just waiting to hear...fret, fret, fret...
:)
oh man i can relate, i feel your pain. be prepared to find the ignition key upside down hammered into the ignition switch and the directional lever bend by some idiot trying to shift with that
Posted 2012-06-30 10:31 PM (#327891 - in reply to #324968) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
Windsor59 - 2012-06-09 10:19 PM Begun to assemble the carburetor, it is fortunate that we took pictures before but unscrew it. Difficult one time. :o
I did this job many years ago, very carefully as you do. Finally I was not satisfied. With all efforts I couldn't get a smooth idling. Then I switched to Edelbrock and my problem was solved. But as far as I learned, you will drink a beer in between and this will help.
Posted 2012-07-02 3:54 PM (#328097 - in reply to #325905) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 1231 Location: SWITZERLAND
imopar380 - 2012-06-17 6:15 AM Finished it all today finally. No more left in the engine compartment to do!
It is a pleasure to look at your nice pictures - you did an excellent job. I can lively imagine your good feeling for your new car and this every time you will open the hood. A motivation to do as well for many of us. - SERGE -
Posted 2012-07-02 9:18 PM (#328114 - in reply to #328097) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert 5K+
Posts: 7216 Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
sermey - 2012-07-02 12:54 PM
imopar380 - 2012-06-17 6:15 AM Finished it all today finally. No more left in the engine compartment to do!
It is a pleasure to look at your nice pictures - you did an excellent job. I can lively imagine your good feeling for your new car and this every time you will open the hood. A motivation to do as well for many of us. - SERGE -
Your Custom Royal Convertible is THE inspiration for all of us here !
Posted 2012-07-03 1:19 PM (#328185 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2369 Location: Eastern Iowa
Packed the trunk.....and the rear seats for the trip to Carlisle.
Leaving early in the morning and will be rollin across I-80 in IA-IL-IN-OH to I-76 and on.
Overnite at Freemont OH
Posted 2012-07-04 11:01 AM (#328327 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 957 Location: Signal Mountain, TN
I managed to eliminate the ignition miss a couple of days ago at work, still playing with the other tuning, but she was running well enough, so today the Savoy participated in her first parade for Independence Day.
Posted 2012-07-04 12:22 PM (#328334 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 531 Location: Park Hills, KY
Found a poorly covered rust hole in my lower left front fender under the rocker molding which the seller did not disclose even though I directly asked him about this area!!! Now I will be finding a good bodyman to fixit......
Posted 2012-07-04 2:20 PM (#328346 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Veteran
Posts: 234 Location: Chambersburg,PA
Gonna' bleed my brakes one last time and get my brake light switch mounted,wash and polish for the 20+ mile trip up to Carlisle. Man it's gonna' be a hot wk end!
Posted 2012-07-04 2:51 PM (#328353 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 481 Location: The Netherlands
Took the dash pad off and placed it back a whole lot better!
Also changed the snaps with screws in my rear seat with longer ones as I can use the shorter ones in my arm rests when I find a correct cvt top boot cover
Posted 2012-07-04 8:14 PM (#328388 - in reply to #165059) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Changed H.'s oil (after about/almost a year? I know: "too long"...for what?) with another dose
of Valvoline 20/50 Racing oil, which is loaded with ZDDP.
Clean living...as expressed in the immaculate condition of the oil filter!
(I was looking for that famous photo of that hugely sludged-up oil filter, for grins---but couldn't find it).
Posted 2012-07-04 9:19 PM (#328399 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3951 Location: Bama
Got my car crunk back up today after getting the painless wire harness into the engine bay and headlight switch and ignition switch. Front lights are working and car is cranking and charging. Time to finish the under the dash and to da back!
Posted 2012-07-05 4:46 PM (#328504 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2658 Location: Rogersville, Alabama
I dusted mine off with a damp microfiber cloth . then I used waterless car wash and a detail spray on it . Were I live there is a water restriction there has not been any rain for days and its needed bad here. I also bought oil for it today 5qt jug and 1 extra quart. All I need is the oil filter and the zddp additive.
In the future I plan to get that windowshield tinted up to 6" .
Posted 2012-07-05 5:11 PM (#328507 - in reply to #328173) Subject: RE: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 2658 Location: Rogersville, Alabama
What model is your '61 plymouth ? Belvedere , fury or Savoy. My '61 is a fury and its a 1 owner car. My dad bought the car from the original owner in 2006 . It took him 18 months to restore the car.
Posted 2012-07-10 8:49 PM (#329251 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
Adjusted Horrie's Bendix brakes, over the weekend.
Bendix brakes have a sort of 2-stage application, and their proper adjustment is important, because when they get 'loose',
their (major-) braking action occurs all-at-once, after the brake pedal free-travels to that point of engagement.
Posted 2012-07-13 10:57 AM (#329673 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I "Sergeized" my flashers - following Serges very useful instruction, I connected the flasher relay to the OEM front center loadspeaker, with 42uF capacitor and 100 ohm resistance. Now I can clearly hear if I forget to switch of the flasher. I still need to fine-tune the sound a little bit, I'm gonna try with lower resitance values -, with 100 ohm without resistance, the sound is too high and somewhat peaky, with 100 ohm resistance, the sound is kind of good, but just a little too low.
Instructions;
-Just solder a speaker cable, one part to each connector of the flasher relay.
-Connect a suitable (or muliple) coapacitors (with the plus side towards the outgoing flasher) in serie on one of the speaker leads, then add a suitable resitor, also in serie in the same lead.
-Connect the other speaker lead to the + side of the flasher relay.
-Connect both speaker leads to the speaker.
-Test the sound level and adjust eventually by changing capacitors and/or resistors.
It will take you only an hour or two and the value is really a higher safety. I noticed, just like Serge, that when you drive on a highway, stereo on high volume and overtake another car - it is very easy to forget the flasher, since the small movement of the steering wheel does not allow the cancel switch to work.
Try it, you'll like it.
Or go for the buzzer option as Serge described in his thread....
Posted 2012-07-13 4:56 PM (#329710 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I WONDERED whatever happened to that bumper sticker!!!!
It will look good, in Eurosville....
As an aside, it is interesting that the low-level 57+ Dodges got that painted cowl-grille on them,
but that it was also used on the top-line 59 Sport Furys (and, probably, on the 57-58 Furys, too).
Posted 2012-07-14 7:28 AM (#329806 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3579 Location: Netherlands
Yesterday I re-installed the long ram-intake system back on the engine of my '60 NewYorker.
I had put them aside a while back and used a single carb intake in the mean time, after I had installed a nice little solid rollercam in the engine, and performed a drum-to-discbrake conversion on the car aswell.
Today I got around to startup the engine again to tune the carbs.
I still have some work to do 'cause I'm faced with a surging issue at idle. Probably a mis-adjustment between both carbs still.
But already I've found the motor sounds why crisper with this cam then it did with it's pretty much stockish cam before.
Posted 2012-07-14 2:01 PM (#329837 - in reply to #329673) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13153 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
wizard - 2012-07-13 4:57 PM
I "Sergeized" my flashers - following Serges very useful instruction, I connected the flasher relay to the OEM front center loadspeaker, with 42uF capacitor and 100 ohm resistance. Now I can clearly hear if I forget to switch of the flasher. I still need to fine-tune the sound a little bit, I'm gonna try with lower resitance values -, with 100 ohm without resistance, the sound is too high and somewhat peaky, with 100 ohm resistance, the sound is kind of good, but just a little too low.
Instructions;
-Just solder a speaker cable, one part to each connector of the flasher relay.
-Connect a suitable (or muliple) coapacitors (with the plus side towards the outgoing flasher) in serie on one of the speaker leads, then add a suitable resitor, also in serie in the same lead.
-Connect the other speaker lead to the + side of the flasher relay.
-Connect both speaker leads to the speaker.
-Test the sound level and adjust eventually by changing capacitors and/or resistors.
It will take you only an hour or two and the value is really a higher safety. I noticed, just like Serge, that when you drive on a highway, stereo on high volume and overtake another car - it is very easy to forget the flasher, since the small movement of the steering wheel does not allow the cancel switch to work.
Try it, you'll like it.
Or go for the buzzer option as Serge described in his thread....
For clarification, please see the rough drawing below. For me, the capacitor value of 42uF gave me the best "Tick-Tock" and the 47 ohm resistor gave me a suitable "volume".
The higher the capacitor value, the sharper the "Tick", the lower resistor value, the louder the "Tick"
Posted 2012-07-14 3:02 PM (#329844 - in reply to #329837) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Expert
Posts: 3599 Location: Blythewood, SC
wizard - 2012-07-14 2:01 PM
wizard - 2012-07-13 4:57 PM
I "Sergeized" my flashers - following Serges very useful instruction, I connected the flasher relay to the OEM front center loadspeaker, with 42uF capacitor and 100 ohm resistance. Now I can clearly hear if I forget to switch of the flasher. I still need to fine-tune the sound a little bit, I'm gonna try with lower resitance values -, with 100 ohm without resistance, the sound is too high and somewhat peaky, with 100 ohm resistance, the sound is kind of good, but just a little too low.
Instructions;
-Just solder a speaker cable, one part to each connector of the flasher relay.
-Connect a suitable (or muliple) coapacitors (with the plus side towards the outgoing flasher) in serie on one of the speaker leads, then add a suitable resitor, also in serie in the same lead.
-Connect the other speaker lead to the + side of the flasher relay.
-Connect both speaker leads to the speaker.
-Test the sound level and adjust eventually by changing capacitors and/or resistors.
It will take you only an hour or two and the value is really a higher safety. I noticed, just like Serge, that when you drive on a highway, stereo on high volume and overtake another car - it is very easy to forget the flasher, since the small movement of the steering wheel does not allow the cancel switch to work.
Try it, you'll like it.
Or go for the buzzer option as Serge described in his thread....
For clarification, please see the rough drawing below. For me, the capacitor value of 42uF gave me the best "Tick-Tock" and the 47 ohm resistor gave me a suitable "volume".
The higher the capacitor value, the sharper the "Tick", the lower resistor value, the louder the "Tick"
Right click, save as...
I'm doing this one for sure. There's a stack of "Serge" ideas in my notebook for my car.
Posted 2012-07-14 4:22 PM (#329853 - in reply to #165059) Subject: Re: What did you do to your FL car today?
Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca
I've got two speaker wires already going down to a fader switch, so connecting to the speaker-leads should be easy.
I probably can come off of the fader switch's speaker wire-connections, and make up an independent (removable) "loom" that
will incorporate the resister and the capacitor legs in it, that connect to the flasher switch, but, Sven, don't "your" two legs that
run from the flasher switch ALSO have to be connected to the two wires that run TO the flasher,
What did you do to your FL car today?
I remember the yellow crusty foamrubber powder that seemed to be EVERYWHERE in the car together with what I think was laurel leaves coming out from the fan ducts every now and then!
