New build thread; 48 Plymouth

[falconvan]

I was pretty shocked myself, Dave. Not much new stuff out there for the old Mopars.

[TooMany2count]

I was pretty shocked myself, Dave. Not much new stuff out there for the old Mopars.

And Champion Radiators are inexpensive, I think it's like $220 for the one for my Panel/Bus. Hell thats cheaper then what I can buy one for my old daily driver for. AND they are made here right in the good o'USA...joe

[moparjack44]

A bolt in radiator for a Plymouth???? Be right back, gotta check the rule book, I think that's cheating!!!!

Ain't that the truth? I don't even like to think about what it cost me to have one made for my 48 DeSoto about 10 years ago

[stovens]

There is a great place in Superior Michigan, that will custom make radiators to fit old car, but to your modern specs and need out of aluminium. I had one made for my 460 in my 48 ford truck, with a built in trans coolers, for about 250.00 It is rated for up to 600 hp motor for cooling. There are places out there you just have to do the leg work! It's great when you can find one for an old rare application that bolts right in!

[falconvan]

yeah, totally unexpected to find one but a nice bonus. Only $210!

[falconvan]

I actually got to spend a whole day on this myself for a change! My body guy is still going strong; he's got a skim coat of filler on the quarter and the A-pillar fix is done. Still haven't got my parts back from the blaster. This guy is good, cheap, but he takes forever. Hopefully he'll get them done this week. I got my brackets for the rack n pinion tacked in and did a test fit on the drive train. At first it looked like the oil pan wasn't going to clear so I re read the directions and ended up moving the rack mounts down 2". Now were getting close. Looks like I'm going to need a different trans cross member. I've got a 3" drop but I'm going to need a 2" to get the drive line angles right. But at least I'm making progress; that feels pretty good.

[Dave Severson]

Going to fit in there just fine Falcon! Who makes the rack kit for the car?

[falconvan]

Fatman's sells a kit where you use a Cavalier rack and tie rods, 2wd Explorer tie rod ends, and they send you adapters for the tie rods and the mounting plates for the rack plus a steering ujoint.

[Dave Severson]

Looks like it fits good, and what I can see of the tie rods they appear to be fairly flat...should work good! A rack makes these old cars steer so nice!

[falconvan]

Got everything back from the blaster last night! I'm happy; I expected some swiss cheese but everything is pretty solid. Only some minor patching on one door bottom, the lower decklid inside edge, and one inner fenderwell will be needed. I'll have to build one good decklid from the two I have but it looks like it wont be too bad. Pics to follow this weekend.

[Dave Severson]

Good news, huh??? Better then having the blaster tell you there's nothing left to bring home, anyway!!!

[Mr Blue]

Looking great! Lovin it! These early Plymouths make for a fantastic project. Don Jr.

[falconvan]

Thanks, Don! I'm glad you like it, not a whole lot of folks like the old Mopars. Never could figure out why they didn't get the attention of Fords and Chevys of that year; they're good looking cars, I think. I spent about 10 hours on this today and got pretty far. I swapped out the 4 inch drop cross member for a two inch drop, got the rack and pinion mounts welded in and built motor mounts. Everything came out good, I'm happy. Trying to weld upside down was a chore, I kept getting burned so i lifted this sucker up so i could sit and do it.

[falconvan]

Here's a few more...

[falconvan]

And here's some of my parts after returning from the blaster.