Projects 52 Chrysler New Yorker decode

Just picked up a '52, 331 hemi car. anyone got stats on decoding one or numbers on 2dr cars.....also need a rear center glass and some misc parts

 

Engine 331 hemi V8 180HP. Engine number should start with C52. Not because of the year, it just happened to get that number (Imperial is C53)

Serial number on the driver's door post.

 

Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler and Imperial hardtops of that era all shared that body shell, so glass from any of those would fit.

Ray

 

Call Wildcat for parts.

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It's all flat glass except the back window, you can get it from any auto glass shop

 

He mentioned he needed a "center back glass"........not flat.

Ray

 

thanks Ray i'll look and see what I can find cause my search for 52 Chrysler comes up pretty slim pickens

 

looks like they made 3533 of these for 1952, and a heavy monster at that 4145 lbs, 131.5" wheelbase

 

That body shell began with 1950 models and, with minor mods, was produced through 1952 for Dodge and 1954 for DeSoto and Chrysler. Nonetheless, it is kind of scarce but they are out there. In the meantime you possibly could use 1/4" Plexiglas or Lexan to make the car useable. Being that it is a rear glass, not a windshield, there should be no safety or legal issues in doing so.

As I see it, the practical issues are: a) making an accurate pattern. b) find or making a surface with about the right curvature to use for forming the plastic. c) the rubber gasket is likely lost it's pliability and I don't know if there are any replacements available from MOPAR specialists or Steele Rubber Products.

Another approach, though kind of 'far out', would be to make cardboard or thin wood patterns of the vertical and horizontal curvature and search for a windshield from which a piece of glass could be harvested. Any of several one piece windshields might have center areas with a gentle enough curve to fit. Cutting the glass would be a challenge, no doubt.

One last extreme suggestion......in the absence of any better solution. Do a custom top modification to a more 'formal' roof treatment. Fill in the wrap around back glass opening with metal and graft in the rear window section from a sedan or coupe that is about the size of your current center glass.

In any case, best wishes with your project.

Ray

 

There are quite a few 51 52 Chryslers and DeSotos out there in junk yards, and the back window is the last one to get damaged. Does it interchange with 4 door sedans? You should be able to find a used one without too much trouble.

Might be a long shot but have you tried any auto glass shops? There is a slight chance they are available new.

 

Very cool car! I have a late 51 4 door. Very great cars and a blast to drive. Call Moores auto salvage in Rapid city south dakota. They have tons of old Mopar parts. As far as the plexiglass my car has plexiglass for a corner window and it does the job...but it looks pretty crappy in my opinion

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