I missed the note stating the specific car with the wiggling Ammeter needle, but can speak to this on '60 through '63. In most cases, my experience has been that this is not due to component failure, but rather to dirty electrical connections and bad wires.
Be careful before you start throwing money and parts at it. That only corrected the problem once for me (probably by accident). Of four from this era, two of my cars still have this problem. The one that I fixed right required that the wires going to plus and minus terminals on the coil, and several other connectors be replaced. Once that was done, the "throbbing headlights" and the wiggling needle were stabilized. I am not a scientist, but I was told that this is due to the increased resistence in corroded wiring and bad connections.
Just wanted to throw this on the table.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From: A. Foster <monkeypuzzle1@xxxxxxx>
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 21:18:47 -0800
Subject: Re: IML: Please Welcome Richard Boultinghouse
Welcome Richard;
It sounds like your car may need the voltage regulator serviced or replaced if the ammeter needle wiggles. If the car is doing anything else that seems strange on the electrical side the alternator may need the rectifier replaced, or there is an open ground on the car somewhere.
Leaky valve covers are an issue common to all MoPar "B" and "RB" engines especially earlier ones. They are much like Harley motorcycle engines, it's not whether it leaks oil it's how much. The only way to stop the leaks is to use a gasket sealant of some type on both sides of the gasket before reinstalling the covers.
As for the seats there are a number of products out there that you can use to clean, redye, and recondition the seats. Tandy leather has a whole whack of them, so do some specialty stores. Some swear by Leatherique and other products but the leather in my 54' is way past restoration into the replacement realm so I can't make any recommendation on performance.
Best Regards
Arran Foster
1954 imperial Newport
Needing a Left Side Tailight bezel and other trim parts.
1975 Chrysler Newport
Has same affliction with valve covers.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 5:00 AM
Subject: Re: IML: Please Welcome Richard Boultinghouse
Thanks, Rodger and Gabby
The '62 Crown 4-door also has an Auto Pilot and dual air.
I trailered the car home (east Texas, near Tyler) yesterday from the Dallas area. The car attracted much attention. I have several issues to deal with.
The ammeter "wiggles" erratically when it is showing a charge. Mostly, it remains in the neutral (not charging) position.
The heater core must be leaking, so I've shunted the hoses coming out of the water pump. There is an obvious coolant leak near the water pump.
The air conditioners blow air (but not cold).
The valve covers leak very slightly. I've bought new gaskets and will install them in due time.
The steering feels very "loose" when driving and the steering wheel has too much play with the engine not running.
Other than that, the car is beautiful. The paint and chrome are in fantastic condition. The leather is stiff and shows wear, but does not have any tears.
Thanks again.
Richard Boultinghous
Back to the Home of the Forward Look Network