I am intereseted in a 52 Cranbook convertible that went up for sale nearby. Before I go look... I did some searching but did not find a lot of parts sources. Any recomendations? I would need to go through it. So brake parts, front end parts, seals and gaskets would be needed. I know it also needs rockers and floors. I think all the glass and interior is in tact. It should have all the molding and chrome. Anywhere to get v8 and tranny mounts? I would like to do a swap but I have no fabrication skills. I was told it is complete and running.
If your first thought is an engine swap forget it. Buy a car that comes with a V8 and save yourself a lot of time and money. There are lots of them out there. On the question of parts for Plymouth and Chrysler products in general, parts like brakes, fan belts, spark plugs etc are as close as your nearest NAPA dealer. All that stuff is still available, more so for the flathead six than some of the V8s believe it or not. Chrome trim, body panels, glass, upholstery not nearly as well supported as Ford or Chev. If parts supply worries you buy a 55 56 or 57 Chev or a Ford Model A. There are vintage parts guys who specialise in MoPar like Andy Bernbaum, Vintage Power Wagons and Roberts Motor Parts.
http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=15 Engine/trans. mounts, brake kits...lots of neat stuff. http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/index.php Best site for old MoPar info from tech advice to build threads, parts vendors, etc. http://www.rustyhope.com/ Another great place for brake conversion stuff, intake/exhaust mods for the flattie. http://www.plymouthdoctor.com/ Used to be the go-to guy for most floor/trunk/rocker patch panels. Web-site I believe has changed, but he's still out there somewhere. http://oldmoparts.com/Default.htm Not to mention this guy...a little high sometimes, but hey, if ya can't make it... Lots of good resources out there, just gotta dig a little deeper...although, I just saved you a month !!!
I have some of the basic seals and brake parts NOS and NORS. Still sorting through all of this stuff and have a long ways to go. Rod
I was looking for a late 60's convertible when I saw this on on craigslist. I don't think I could find a ford or chevy in the same condition for under $2,000 What the power like on a flat 6? How would it do on the highway? can I keep up with traffic if needed? It is a 3 speed.
Won't be a ball of fire. You might find an alloy head, split ex man & 2 carb intakes if you look long enough. an overdrive added to it would make it livable on the highway. EBay & swap meet. You can upgrade to disc brakes & relocate the front shocks. "MR. Street Rod" if he's still around, also makes stuff like that for late 40s early 50s Mopars.
you could always swap out rear axles and change your gear ratio. that's on my to-do list. then you will also get a better parking brake unless it's different in '52... Mine will do 65 all day. besides, fuck traffic, hang out in the right lane and cruise
Thanks for all the input. I have been looking at all the sites. I plan on going to see the car this weekend.
i got some stuff for my 50 from a place called ams obsolete he was nice to deal with and seemed to have anything you could ever want . i have the same engin and tranny in mine it cruses very comfortably at 55 it will do 65 but i think its pushing it a little bit i can never get enough seat time in in mine i love it and most people love it to . good luck
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