Hello everyone, just picked a "new to me" vehicle last week that I wanted to share and get your opinions on. 48 Dodge D24, 4 door. It's an original survivor car that I happened to run across. It called out to me and was priced right, so no it's mine! The car is complete and runs so so. Not sure what I to do with it just yet. Been reading about shock relocation, rack & pinion steering, V8 swap, just to see what's possible. Gonna keep it simple since I'm just wanting a good cruiser without breaking the bank. All comments and suggestions welcomed!
I’d opt for a good tune up, change of fluids, carb rebuild, wet sand and polish and go go go! Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Good find - once you start changing motors, etc it will get more involved and more expensive than you ever thought in the beginning - have fun
If you are like most of the people on this site, you will be chopping the top and turning it into a two door. Oh yea, don't forget the early model HEMI. I had a 41 Plymouth, 4 door, drove the crap out of it. It did have a 241.6 Dodge Red Ram in it.
As said above; A tune up, change all fluids, check brakes. And then a split exhaust manifold with glass pack mufflers, really a great sound! A little drop in the front to give the car that "COOL" look! The old Mopars make great cruisers. What ever you do, have fun with your new find!
I had a 48 D24 2dr sedan, recently sold and I miss that car! That 230 flathead 6 is as smooth a running engine there ever was. And a sound all its own. Not a lot of power but if the 6 is in good shape, I'd keep it running and enjoy the car! Nice car!
Thanks for all the kind replies. Glad she meets your approval. Gonna start with checking all the systems for proper function and then some simpler mods like lowering it a tad. After that, Probably the shock relocation. On the subject of lowering, I was considering using Aerostar springs up and blocks for the rear. This is my first vehicle with a flathead, so I will be reaching to you all for info, as I'm sure plenty of you know these well. Plan to spend some time getting use the unfamiliar features on it, like the fluid drive equipped trans. I have the original receipt from the dealership, as well as a couple of factory books, even registration info as far back as 53. Getting to know her is going to be as cool as getting to drive!
That's one I would just drive. My mom drove one back in the day before I was born. Here is mom, the first three of my four older sisters, and the Dodge which was about a year old in this photo. My oldest sister, on the right, was pulled out of the car at about 30 mph when she opened a rear door and the wind caught it, pulling her out of the car in an instant. Hit her head on pavement and bled a lot, but no fracture and she was fine, thankfully.
Like others have said, get it running, steering and stopping good and the just drive it. Looks like a nice car.
I'd suggest looking over the wiring carefully for any corroded connections, broken wires, etc. Never know what you're gonna find - don't want a burnt car. Super cool car! Modify as you drive it.
Join P-15 D-24 to get your more obscure questions answered...relocating the lower control arm spring pocket from the top to the bottom will drop you about 3 inches in the front.
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