1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi
vedette
Posted 2014-12-25 11:46 AM (#465812)
Subject: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/4754883878.html
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vedette
Posted 2015-01-04 9:14 PM (#466693 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Just got a nice e-mail from a guy called Dave who listed this car for his friend Tony who wants $1800 for it,any more details call Tony on 1-586-321-8395



(1960PlymouthSavoyPerkinsDieselTaxiExperimental1.jpg)



(1960PlymouthSavoyPerkinsDieselTaxi.jpg)



(1960PlymouthSavoyPerkinsDieselTaxi2.jpg)



(1960PlymouthSavoyPerkinsDieselTaxi3.jpg)



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Attachments 1960PlymouthSavoyPerkinsDieselTaxi3.jpg (39KB - 297 downloads)
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VAN HELSING
Posted 2015-01-05 12:04 AM (#466713 - in reply to #466693)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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.........

That looks so weird .......... popping open the hood and seeing that little thing sitting in there............ nearly looks like a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine !!!


..........

Edited by VAN HELSING 2015-01-05 8:11 AM
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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2015-01-05 5:39 AM (#466725 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Not only you get a car that looks shabby... You get one that stinks too...
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ttotired
Posted 2015-01-05 7:50 AM (#466729 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Not my style, but it would be an interesting project

I bet you wouldnt come across another in your lifetime like it

Its like a downgrade from a slant 6 (sorry \6 owners)

I wonder how quick ( ) it was, 2 min 1/4 mile?

Imagine the gear changes trying to keep it in its power range

Economical on fuel, expencive on drivers (you wouldnt keep one)

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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-01-05 8:04 AM (#466731 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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it spews half of the fuel unburnt out the tailpipe... enjoy! that thing needs an engine swap badly...
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58coupe
Posted 2015-01-05 12:38 PM (#466742 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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I would be curious to find out what size the Perkins is. You must remember that what gets a car moving is torque and a diesel has lots of it. I had a 88 mitsubishi 4WD pickup that i installed the mitsu diesel to replace the original gas engine. 87hp versus 108hp but the torque output was the same and the truck was just as peppy with the diesel. Fuel mileage was 27mpg versus 18mpg.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-01-05 1:09 PM (#466743 - in reply to #466742)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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This car will suffer from the typical fin car fan mentality that somethign has to be sexy
and fast to be cool .... so they go chasing the same cars we see over and over and over
again here and at shows. Meanwhile, this poor old beast will go unappreciated for the
super unusual machine it is. Never mind that city cab fleets were once full of them. All
that history is gone now, except this car and perhaps a few others that escaped wholesale
scrapping. No, if it isn't racy, it isn't cool.
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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-01-05 3:42 PM (#466753 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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sometimes life is dollars and cents... And there is a reason these are in the scrapyard. You get an old diesel taxi for 1800$ and put maybe 10k into it and you have a 5000$ car.

if you want to save it, be our guest. It would be a cool car to save and make all original like Maybe sell it to a cab driver and he could sell nostalgia rides in the summer? or maybe get in a movie.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-01-05 4:01 PM (#466755 - in reply to #466753)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Or maybe just do it because you are more into cool cars than you are into dollars.

It's a philosophy thing ....
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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-01-05 10:16 PM (#466794 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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If I was in it for money I would have been broke 100 times over. Its just an old taxi, a cooler rarer old taxi. Like I said go for it mr philosopher Talk is cheap



Edited by mikes2nd 2015-01-05 10:18 PM
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-01-06 12:03 AM (#466807 - in reply to #466794)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Nothing cheap about this talk .... I already have my money pit "taxi".

$2550 to buy, $1500 to get home, $33,000 and change spent on it so far, and it still
needs paint, interior, and assembly !

All for a $10K (on a good day) car. But darn, it is cool !


Edited by Doctor DeSoto 2015-01-06 12:08 AM




(rr qtr shot 2 06 Feb 2013.jpg)



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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-01-06 1:36 PM (#466849 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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hah well you should think about mental health counseling
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-01-06 8:32 PM (#466890 - in reply to #466849)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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There are times when the pangs of beancounter mentality hit me, but then I remember
how much I hate cheapskates and the joy of ownership comes flooding back. There is so
much more to life than money.
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matador440
Posted 2015-01-06 8:40 PM (#466891 - in reply to #466890)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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BRAVO !!!! You are so correct--- Life is very short Have fun with old cars while you can
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local2Ed
Posted 2015-01-06 9:16 PM (#466895 - in reply to #466743)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Doctor DeSoto - 2015-01-05 1:09 PM

This car will suffer from the typical fin car fan mentality that somethign has to be sexy
and fast to be cool .... so they go chasing the same cars we see over and over and over
again here and at shows. Meanwhile, this poor old beast will go unappreciated for the
super unusual machine it is. Never mind that city cab fleets were once full of them. All
that history is gone now, except this car and perhaps a few others that escaped wholesale
scrapping. No, if it isn't racy, it isn't cool.


You are right about this car.
I would much rather see something unusual, and this is unusual.
I have 3 projects going on right now but being a fan of diesels, if I didn't have the other projects I most certainly would be looking at this one.
Perkins is a great engine.
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mikes2nd
Posted 2015-01-06 10:49 PM (#466897 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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I think it would be cool to have a nice 4 door but I would prob go after an Imperial or something
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Handygun
Posted 2015-01-11 8:55 PM (#467321 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Brent, You got all the money you made on your adventure/vacation stashed in one of the tires don't you? 33k? Where? Garage looks nice BTW.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-01-11 10:02 PM (#467327 - in reply to #467321)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Well, there was the floor and other rust repair, the frame and chassis restoration, new chrome
was 2K, the recast steering wheel was $1400, interior fabrics, another G, new tires at $200 a pop ...
When you are paying someone else to do it, it adds up fast !

As she sits now, all that is required is sanding and blocking, finish paint, sewing up the interior,
and final assembly.
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Dave L.
Posted 2015-01-12 9:45 PM (#467423 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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That's neat to see. For a long time I've had a magazine ad for a diesel taxi conversion like this - I'll see if I can find it tonight.



Edited by Dave L. 2015-01-12 9:49 PM
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Dave L.
Posted 2015-01-13 12:54 PM (#467470 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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I, too, like it because it's different. Plymouth Taxis were pretty plentiful. Here's a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's:
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_43166-Plymouth-Savoy-1957.html

My Plymouth Diesel Taxi brochure, from a dealer called Future Motors in Queens Long Island, depicting a 1959 Plymouth reads as follows:


CUT YOUR FUEL
AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
APPROXIMATELY $1200 A YEAR

Brand new Plymouth Diesel Taxis, powered by Perkins, the world’s leading builder of diesel engines! The great Plymouth Taxicab incorporates over 30 “extras” added to fit them for rugged taxi service – one reason why there are more Plymouth taxicabs in service today than any other make. This Diesel powered version could cut your fuel and maintenance costs approximately in half: no carburetor, spark plugs, coils, points, distributor, ignition wiring AND the diesel’s long life, economy, and trouble-free service are well known.

SUPERB PERFORMANCE! There is absolutely no objectionable noise, smoke or vibration…excellent pickup and top speed of 70 MPH

AMERICAN DIESEL CORP.
Detroit 26, Michigan

PERKINS P4C DIESEL
No. of cylinders 4
Bore and stroke 3.5”x5”
Compression ration 16.5:1
Torque, 140 ft/lbs at 1600 RPM
Max speed (RPM) 3,000
Max BHP 57
Starts and runs on regular No. 2 DIESEL fuel
Cold-weather starting aid is regular equipment
Weight-543 lbs. with electric starting gear but less flywheel and starting ring gear.


More from the Allpar website:

http://www.allpar.com/history/plymouth/1946-1959/diesels.html

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/perkins.html


Edited by Dave L. 2015-01-13 1:16 PM
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RDP
Posted 2015-01-13 1:24 PM (#467471 - in reply to #467470)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Dave, if you could scan or pics this ad, please
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Dave L.
Posted 2015-01-13 2:57 PM (#467480 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Tak, RDP - I hope this works:

Edited by Dave L. 2015-01-13 2:59 PM




(Ply Taxi-min.jpg)



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RDP
Posted 2015-01-13 3:36 PM (#467485 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Fajne, thanks
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ttotired
Posted 2015-01-20 5:22 PM (#468134 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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So, did anyone buy it?

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modrod
Posted 2015-03-24 9:33 AM (#473293 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Hi everyone, my name is Richard Brown. I'm in the process of getting that Plymouth Taxi in question. I'm into automotive rarities (and oddities), and when I saw it...I had to get it. Although it has an uneventful life story, I'm excited about it. It was an operating taxi for the Checker Cab Co. in Detroit from '60, til about '63. Then painted white, it went into private ownership until about 1971, where it was then parked ever since. I know letting a car sit up is the worse thing for it, but I believe that's the reason this example of a rare Plymouth factory taxi has survived all intact. Plymouth painted it yellow at the factory, and its titled as simply "TAXI" for the model. The diesel only, temperature controlled louver system in front of the radiator is still all intact. As is the ether, cold starting equipment. Luckily, the motor is not locked up.

I'm new to this forum, so be easy on me. I'll need some help and insight on what's the best direction to take on some of the challenges i face with the restoration of this car. Especially, clean sheet metal to replace the rotted panels. The rear fenders for sure. Does anyone know where to find the production numbers of these? I'm sure I will have many questions.
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soiouz
Posted 2015-03-24 9:43 AM (#473295 - in reply to #473293)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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modrod - 2015-03-24 9:33 AM

Hi everyone, my name is Richard Brown. I'm in the process of getting that Plymouth Taxi in question. I'm into automotive rarities (and oddities), and when I saw it...I had to get it. Although it has an uneventful life story, I'm excited about it. It was an operating taxi for the Checker Cab Co. in Detroit from '60, til about '63. Then painted white, it went into private ownership until about 1971, where it was then parked ever since. I know letting a car sit up is the worse thing for it, but I believe that's the reason this example of a rare Plymouth factory taxi has survived all intact. Plymouth painted it yellow at the factory, and its titled as simply "TAXI" for the model. The diesel only, temperature controlled louver system in front of the radiator is still all intact. As is the ether, cold starting equipment. Luckily, the motor is not locked up.

I'm new to this forum, so be easy on me. I'll need some help and insight on what's the best direction to take on some of the challenges i face with the restoration of this car. Especially, clean sheet metal to replace the rotted panels. The rear fenders for sure. Does anyone know where to find the production numbers of these? I'm sure I will have many questions.



Congratulations on your purchase. I'm glad to read that you seem to appreciate this rarity for what it is, and that this example will survive thanks to you!

I am sure you will find this group very helpful, and be sure to search the forum thoroughly as the wealth of information already on the site is tremendous.


Welcome here!
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modrod
Posted 2015-03-24 10:27 AM (#473298 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Thanks for the warm welcome,

Yes, my intentions are to restore it exactly as to the first day it left Checker's garage to do taxi service. All dressed out with the iconic checkerboard stripes and logo's. It is an important part of history for the Chrysler Corporation, as well as the Checker company, and taxi industry.

I've already learned a lot from this forum. It's incredible, the amount of knowledge on here. still trying to find production numbers though. I'm sure not many of these were built.
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oldwood
Posted 2015-03-24 12:00 PM (#473303 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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I have a couple of parts cars when you figure out your needs.
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uncltank
Posted 2015-03-24 2:11 PM (#473315 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Great to see that it will get restored as it should.
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ABloch
Posted 2015-03-24 3:42 PM (#473319 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Welcome modrod! Super cool project that I will look forward to following. Keep us posted and good luck!

Drue
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ttotired
Posted 2015-03-24 6:22 PM (#473340 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Same goes and welcome

Chrysler historical might be able to give you production numbers, but I dont know if they had police and or taxi specific model breakdowns

There are patch panels about that have varying degrees of accuracy, good original stuff is better

I think that you would have one of very few (if not the only) surviving ones

If like modern day taxis (and I cant see why it wouldnt)most taxis are totally shot by the time they finish service and end up in wreckers yards and eventually squashed

Yours being a diesel, even more so as the dirty, low powered, noisy, smelly, old diesel engine would not have appealed to many

It will be great to see the build on this, so I hope you hang around and do a build thread

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Swept57
Posted 2015-12-22 5:11 PM (#498790 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Anybody know what happened to this car?
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Mike McCandless
Posted 2017-11-03 2:21 PM (#551547 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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I know where it is :).
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Swept57
Posted 2017-11-03 2:26 PM (#551548 - in reply to #551547)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Mike McCandless - 2017-11-03 2:21 PM

I know where it is :).


Mike, did you buy it? It's OK if you don't respond for another two years!
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Mike McCandless
Posted 2017-11-03 2:41 PM (#551549 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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I wlll make a thread later, I now have 2 60 Plymouth Perkins diesels.
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jboymechanic
Posted 2017-11-03 3:03 PM (#551551 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Were these diesels turbo charged or NA? If NA, I bet a small turbo would really wake it up. What transmission did they put behind these engines?

Edited by jboymechanic 2017-11-03 3:04 PM
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SavoyPlaza
Posted 2017-11-03 4:31 PM (#551554 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Very cool! I'm glad she wasn't lost.


Oh TAXI!!!


Pete
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GregCon
Posted 2017-11-03 5:38 PM (#551555 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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No turbo. That concept really didn't exist until the 90's for the most part.

I recall, even, the early Dodge and Ford trucks had diesels with no turbo's. And I also recall that '"diesel" was a hateful term....anyone who drove a diesel powered anything was considered a fool. Why? Because a diesel without a turbo is a real slug. It's only been the last 25 years or so that diesel powered vehicles have become 'cool'.

1980's....you saw a diesel powered Mercedes with a pitch black rear end (coated in diesel soot) and you just knew the driver was an idiot. Worse yet was anyone driving an Oldsmobile with the "350 Chevy converted to a diesel" engine. That exercise alone by GM set back the acceptance of diesels in the US by 15 years.

But a 1960 Plymouth with a Perkins? Plenty cool to cruise around in today. The oddity factor is off the charts.

Edited by GregCon 2017-11-03 5:39 PM
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Swept57
Posted 2017-11-03 5:51 PM (#551557 - in reply to #551555)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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GregCon - 2017-11-03 5:38 PM

No turbo. That concept really didn't exist until the 90's for the most part.

I recall, even, the early Dodge and Ford trucks had diesels with no turbo's. And I also recall that '"diesel" was a hateful term....anyone who drove a diesel powered anything was considered a fool. Why? Because a diesel without a turbo is a real slug. It's only been the last 25 years or so that diesel powered vehicles have become 'cool'.

1980's....you saw a diesel powered Mercedes with a pitch black rear end (coated in diesel soot) and you just knew the driver was an idiot. Worse yet was anyone driving an Oldsmobile with the "350 Chevy converted to a diesel" engine. That exercise alone by GM set back the acceptance of diesels in the US by 15 years.

But a 1960 Plymouth with a Perkins? Plenty cool to cruise around in today. The oddity factor is off the charts.


Don't forget the abysmal VW Diesel Rabbit!
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hemiviper588
Posted 2017-11-04 10:33 AM (#551592 - in reply to #551549)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Mike McCandless - 2017-11-03 2:41 PM

I wlll make a thread later, I now have 2 60 Plymouth Perkins diesels.


I would bet it was a "Yellow Cab" company vehicle here in Detroit...very cool Mike!!



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(Unknown.jpg)



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firedome
Posted 2017-11-04 12:38 PM (#551600 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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I'd rather see/own one of these any day than the "average" Fury coupe with cross-ram V8 that most would slobber over at a typical car show. YYMV.
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ttotired
Posted 2017-11-04 5:38 PM (#551629 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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I couldn't remember if it was 59 or 60 Plymouths they used in "Its A Mad Mad Mad World" movie, so I had a look
59s, but still cool to watch


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWXTMWW483k

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Viper Guy
Posted 2017-11-04 10:16 PM (#551647 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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They had to use cars with the torsion bar suspension because they were the only ones that could handle the performance requirements back then.
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highduster
Posted 2018-08-14 11:18 AM (#568406 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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I am new to the board and have many questions. I recenly purchased a 1959 Plymouth taxi with a Perkins diesel that was the subject of an old thread here (about 10 years ago).
The last owner had good intentions, but never got around to getting it running or driving.
I hauled it home and put brakes and tires on it so I can move it around.
I was able to free the engine with a mix of Marvel and acetone. Only took a day. It now turns easily with the injectors out. Changed the oil and filters. Flushed the tank and fuel lines. Getting ready to crank it with the starter. The water pump is toast. It had sat with water in it for who knows how long. It was solid corrosion inside, causing lots of damage to the aluminum housing. Currently looking for a source for a new one or a rebuild kit as a band-aid. It's casting number is 0080274. The pump is similar to those on old Massey Ferguson tractors from the 50s and 60s, but is mounted lower on the timing cover, plus the old tractor ones had a slightly larger bolt pattern and were cast iron.
Any advice on parts sources wuld be greatly appreciated. Also any info on the specific engine. It states "P4 Series, Peterborough, UK" and has the number 2103248 stamped on the block.
I will post some pictures when I figure out how to do it.
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jboymechanic
Posted 2018-08-14 12:20 PM (#568409 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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I would love to see pictures. Not sure how to help you with the water pump situation, but if you're anxious to get her running you could always run water through the block with a garden hose. Then you'll know whether or not you should even spend time/money finding your parts.
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SavoyPlaza
Posted 2018-08-14 5:29 PM (#568423 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Hey Ed! I'm glad the Perkins is still hanging on.

Is this the one you've got?
I thought I saw it for sale in north Georgia a month ago.

http://forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=21518&post...

Pete
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highduster
Posted 2018-08-15 8:23 PM (#568499 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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Yes, that's the one. Wish I could have seen the old pictures and links. Tried to find out if Chrysler Historical still exists. Found two different addresses and nothing newer than two years old.
I'm starting over.
I did get a response today from a place called EnginefixUK.com saying they may have a water pump that would replace the bad one. A friend suggested having an adapter plate made, since it is flush mounted and has a spacer between the pump and the timing cover. Looked at tractors in the local junkyard and the 60s Masseys are very similar, but not close enough.
I could also use a right front fender...the eyebrow area is almost gone.
Once I figure out how to post pictures, I'll put up a few.
Ed
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SavoyPlaza
Posted 2018-08-16 9:52 AM (#568521 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: RE: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi



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Posts: 1172
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Location: Georgia
Very good. Keep us updated with your progress with her. She's classified there with hen's teeth and Chuck Norris' tears. RARE!

As far as body panels go, try John at Big M Auto here on the forum, he's the best!
Pete
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Mike McCandless
Posted 2020-07-20 12:32 PM (#601126 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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https://www.ebay.com/itm/114310852742
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mikes2nd
Posted 2020-07-21 2:49 AM (#601141 - in reply to #465812)
Subject: Re: 1960 Plymouth Perkins Diesel Taxi


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cmon Doc!
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