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'55 Plaza Suburban arrives today Jump to page : < ... 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 > Now viewing page 11 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General Discussion | Message format |
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I hadn't driven it in almost a month, so I decided to take it to the grocery store today. I have to say, this car has a really good heater. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | That's really nice. None of my forwardlook cars have good heaters. Some might, but I have been too afraid to hook them up to try them. | ||
normsclassicradio |
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Extreme Veteran Posts: 303 Location: Kalispell, MT USA | Powerflite - 2019-11-13 1:26 PM That's really nice. None of my forwardlook cars have good heaters. Some might, but I have been too afraid to hook them up to try them. :laugh: Not an option up here in the "GREAT WHITE NORTH" My car is parked until spring. Maybe I'll go over the heating system next year. I do remember as a kid it seemed to work OK... in 1975... | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I delivered my '71 to the paint shop today which freed up a garage slot for the wagon. Before parking it in the garage, I decided to take a drive around the neighborhood. That backfired as the fuel line clogged. I changed the fuel filter on the side of the road and it restarted. Since it was running again, I drove past my house to make one more circuit. Of course, as soon as I created the hill it died again. Some helpful folks gave me enough of a push to coast home and I pushed it into the garage. I'll blow out the fuel line tomorrow. (phpQ0XvjoAM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpQ0XvjoAM.jpg (111KB - 303 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today, I worked on replacing the window whiskers and window channels. Long, long overdue. (phpv6akWRPM.jpg) (phprd6bbZPM.jpg) (php14VyH9PM.jpg) (phpUrxtHJPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpv6akWRPM.jpg (93KB - 304 downloads) phprd6bbZPM.jpg (65KB - 318 downloads) php14VyH9PM.jpg (45KB - 324 downloads) phpUrxtHJPM.jpg (100KB - 302 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I finally got around to swapping the parking brake band. Now I should be able to park on an incline. (php5Oo91xPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- php5Oo91xPM.jpg (128KB - 295 downloads) | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Wow, that's really worn out. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I still have to get it adjusted. There are no instructions in the service manual for replacement of the band, but there are instructions for adjusting it. It's supposed to be 65 degrees on Saturday, so I will probably get to it then. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today, I took advantage of freakishly warm weather and adjusted the band as best I could. I'll give it a few miles of driving around to kind of bed it in before I climb under and recheck the adjustments. I found that my fuel line was not clogged and that I'd made the mistake of believing a 65-year-old fuel gauge and was simply out of gas. So, I dumped a couple of gallons in it from the mower can and drove it to the gas station. Unfortunately, I've now lost my gas cap. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | A couple of my cars has fooled me like that too. Seems to be one of their favorite pranks. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I started replacing the window sweeps and window channel on the passenger door. I got as far as getting the interior trim off and the vent window assembly out when I decided I was tired of being cold. So, it can wait 'til another day (or week, or month). (phpXdpxdOPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpXdpxdOPM.jpg (82KB - 290 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Got back on it today. Getting the curve using the new pieces to match that of the old pieces is not easy. (php5lYfvmPM.jpg) (php3ijvWXPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- php5lYfvmPM.jpg (72KB - 300 downloads) php3ijvWXPM.jpg (41KB - 299 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today, I finished screwing the outer window fuzzy to the '55 Plymouth passenger door and decided to pull the window regulator to see why it's so hard to wind up and down. I found corrosion on the steel channels in which the guides slide and that the regulator itself is a little out of whack. The large gear was cutting a groove in the plate to which it is mounted. I tweaked it a bit and cleaned and greased everything before putting it back in. It didn't even require any substantial cussing. It all works much better now. (php0fQYkVPM.jpg) (phpOR946xPM.jpg) (php9tk6RPPM.jpg) (phpl4cXtCPM.jpg) (phpNtIdYDPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- php0fQYkVPM.jpg (67KB - 297 downloads) phpOR946xPM.jpg (59KB - 284 downloads) php9tk6RPPM.jpg (54KB - 288 downloads) phpl4cXtCPM.jpg (49KB - 289 downloads) phpNtIdYDPM.jpg (55KB - 302 downloads) | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9904 Location: Lower Mainland BC | 71charger_fan - 2020-02-22 4:36 PM It didn't even require any substantial cussing. Sorry. You must not have done it correctly if there wasn't any substantial cussing. Suggest you redo it again and report back. KIDDING!! Good job. I am still shocked to see two guide tracks on one window. The 4 dr sedans (like my 56 Dodge) only have the one. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I wonder if the two-door window is wider and heavier. There are three guide tracks. Two on the window and one mounted to the door. To get the window out/in, the window had to cranked up to the point where the guide comes out of the door-mounted track. The hard part of doing it alone was during installation, trying to hold the window up and align the guide with the door-mounted track while slowly cranking the window down. Edited by 71charger_fan 2020-02-22 8:58 PM | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today, I installed the inner "cat whiskers" onto the upper passenger door molding. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a chance to reinstall that and the door panel. (php0ydCsfAM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- php0ydCsfAM.jpg (68KB - 288 downloads) | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9904 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . I would be worried that your screw heads will scratch the glass. No such worries with pop rivets. Edited by 56D500boy 2020-02-24 10:06 PM | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | The screws sink deeply enough into the the material that it's not an issue. | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9904 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . OK. There might be an issue with the threaded bit not allowing the inner window frame to sit down properly on the door. Maybe. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I was worried about that, but figured if that became a problem, I could just Dremel the ends of the screws off. However, I didn't have to. Today, I put the door panel and the upper trim back on the door. Before I did that, I decided to make a pattern to replace what appeared to be a missing panel over the large access hole in the door. I assume the original was probably cardboard and didn't survive the years. Unfortunately, only three of the four clips were still with the car. I used coroplast to make the new panel. (php6qbqPqPM.jpg) (phpA0vADuPM.jpg) (phpURGZO7PM.jpg) (phpl3ZzoVPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- php6qbqPqPM.jpg (57KB - 276 downloads) phpA0vADuPM.jpg (43KB - 291 downloads) phpURGZO7PM.jpg (45KB - 286 downloads) phpl3ZzoVPM.jpg (45KB - 283 downloads) | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9904 Location: Lower Mainland BC | . Well that is good news Terry. I wasn't trying to be negative, just flagging potential issues as I saw them. As for the "hole" in the door (panel), in my 56 4 dr Sedan experience, each door had a door panel and beneath that, tight against the door, was a thin(ish) cardboard/paper "liner" (?) that was glued to the metal of the door, covering all openings, big and small. Three of my four were trashed by water and I replaced then with 6 mil poly taped to the door with "Tuck" tape. The fourth (and last) door I did was fine, close to perfect, so I left it as it left the factory. I did clean and paint the inside of the door with anti-rust primer/paint so I think that it will be fine for the next 64 years. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Since I had an entire season and then some on the gear oil, I took advantage of warm weather and crawled under and drained the differential. I was happy to see it come out looking like gear oil instead of sludge. It wasn't even very dirty. I would have changed the transmission, but I didn't have enough gear oil. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I somehow lost the return spring from the parking brake when I put on the new band. Today I found this spring in one of my junk bins. I think it's from a junked washing machine. Works. No more looking for the missing spring. (phpC558G8PM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpC558G8PM.jpg (97KB - 297 downloads) | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Hi My 56' Savoy needs to have the park brake bands replaced too. Where did you find new bands,and how did you fasten them ? Rivets,or maybe glue of some kind ? Thanks | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Oldmoparts.com sells the band's with lining attached and ready to install | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Great ! Thanks for your help | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today's parts score. (phpfSzVylPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpfSzVylPM.jpg (102KB - 286 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Scraped off one of the stickers that was on the glass when I bought it and replaced it with one to make my grandson happy. (phpDgJ04PAM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpDgJ04PAM.jpg (63KB - 248 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | When I took the seats apart to redo them, I misplaced the knob for the seat adjuster. Yesterday, long after I gave up on it, I found it while looking for something else. (phpcd8DG5AM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpcd8DG5AM.jpg (50KB - 243 downloads) | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Today, I finally got around to adjusting the driver door. I was very happy to not snap off any of the hinge screws. (phpnfdARxPM.jpg) (phpWZyD0BPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpnfdARxPM.jpg (61KB - 229 downloads) phpWZyD0BPM.jpg (79KB - 231 downloads) | ||
mikes2nd |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 5006 | i used the nickle copper brake line, its a little soft but works well installing it. I didn't need the pliers. but the brake pedal feels better than my modern Chevy truck... brakes are amazing with 4 wheel disc. ton of work though. I cut them on the car with a dremel cutting wheel. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I can't see myself using anything but no-copp for making custom lines. | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Hi I've been following this tread all along,but is hasn't happened much for a while,so maybe you don't have the car anymore ? I have one just like yours,far from finished,but also a 56' Savoy in very nice condition. I've done a front disc conversion like yours on this one,but went for the set from AAJ brakes. Like you, I have had (and have)severe problems with a spungy brake pedal,even though I think I have tried all the tricks in the book bleeding the brakes,incl. the reverse method.Question is,did you ever find out what the problem was on your car ? I see you have replaced several MC's,but was this the solution ? The AAJ set up,uses mostly Mopar parts,think the rotors and discs are for the 68 - 70 Charger..? between the inner pads and calipers there are supposed to be some kind of triangular clips,that prevents the inner pad from ratteling inside the caliper. My new setup came without those,so it took a long while to find out where that anoying rattle came from alright...anyway,I'm thinking this ratteling may also cause the pad to move away from the disc when driving,and cause lower pedal ? Impossible to find these clips here in Norway - so fare... Regards, Geir | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I still sometimes have a soft pedal and have gotten used to pumping the pedal to make it firm. As of now, the car's been for sale for quite some time. I've had a few nibbles and one firm offer. Although the offer is quite a bit less than I thought I'd be willing to take, I may change my mind as I don't want to store this car outside which is what its fate will be when my Charger comes home from body and paint. | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Ok,I see..then I just want to thank you for creating this blog,your work with your car has been a huge inspiration for me,and I guess other owners of these cars. It's much more difficult to restore these cars than a tri - five Chevy,or Ford,for shure,so we need all the help we can get,you know,expecially when you live in my country,where,as far as I know,my 55' Suburban is the only one in existence.. Good luck with the sale ! Regards, Geir | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Just wander if you can answer a couple of questions..just now,I'm busy,trying to patch up the lower tailgate,it's just so rusted,it really should have been replaced,but what is the chance of finding one ? But,I know you were lucky to find one,but I wonder,where did you find the rubber/weatherstripping for it ? And since you have the flat head six,have you had problems with vapor lock in the carb ? I have that problem with my 56' Savoy,the engine just gets so hot,even on short road trips on a rather cold Norwegian summmer day.. Thanks, Geir | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | A retarded ignition can make the engine run hot. Check the timing on it and check that the mark on the dampener is correct first. Giving it a little more advance than what the factory called out might be a good idea too. | ||
58coupe |
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Expert Posts: 1740 Location: Alaska | On the flathead 6 behind the water pump is a water distribution tube that runs the full length of the block and can rust away. If it does the engine can run hot because the water is not carried to the rear cylinders. Just a thought. | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | I have pulled the water distribution tube,and it was brand new,and so is the water pump. I have also flushed the engine and radiator,and installed a new thermostat. The engine seems clean inside,no rust or sludge coming out of it. I havent checked the timing ,since it fires right up,and runs ok when it's cold,that is. I will check the timing though. Took out the thermostat before the last drive previous summer,but made no difference.. Thank you guys for valuable tips ! | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I think you should just buy my wagon and I'll throw the tailgate that came off of it in the back. You can steal the NOS one off the car and put the one that came off of it back on. I haven't had any overheating problems and have driven it for extended periods in hot weather. | ||
56' Savoy |
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Member Posts: 30 | Hehe,great idea,and that shure would have saved me a lot of work,and probably money at the end too,but I am not to give up on my wagon,after all,we go over 40 years back together...hmm,must be some kind of record..? The overheating six in my Savoy,is a mystery,but now when the snow is dissapearing,I can get it out of winter storage,and start troubleshooting,first thing,checking the timing.. | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | I believe it's sold. Won't be official until I have the money. Wound up breaking even on the car and just writing off the money that I put into it. | ||
Old Ray |
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Extreme Veteran Posts: 507 Location: Invermere B.C. Canada - Rocky Mountains | 71charger_fan - 2021-03-15 9:01 AM. Wound up breaking even on the car and just writing off the money that I put into it. Sounds like normal to me .
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71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | At least I learned a lot and had fun with it. What I'm losing is less than I would have lost on depreciation on a new car over the same period. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Very true. These are small beans compared to losses you experience with new purchases. Even a 7yr old car can easily depreciate by $6K in 3-4 years. | ||
58coupe |
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Expert Posts: 1740 Location: Alaska | Isn't that the American way? "buy high on impulse and sell low" | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Loaded her up with spares today as she should be off to a new home tomorrow. (phpEN1o2SPM.jpg) (phpvEfk9oPM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpEN1o2SPM.jpg (85KB - 124 downloads) phpvEfk9oPM.jpg (73KB - 128 downloads) | ||
SavoyPlaza |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1172 Location: Georgia | I'm glad she's found a new home. I must say I've enjoyed following your progress with her in this thread. Good work on a cool car. Sadly, we've been conditioned by the Barrett-Jacksons and the Barn Find Hunters to believe the hobby is about deals and big profits. The reality is, however, just as your journey with this '55--a mostly enjoyable experience with a cool old car, which, I think, is a way better reality than trying to bank big money. So thanks for sharing this with us! Please pass the forum information to the new owner so we might see what's next for this wagon. Pete | ||
71charger_fan |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 667 Location: Frederick, MD | Off to her new home. Overall, it cost me about $9500-$10000. But, as I've said, I enjoyed it and learned a lot. (phpZUi4GqAM.jpg) (phpqvPktyAM.jpg) (phpzcvVbmAM.jpg) Attachments ---------------- phpZUi4GqAM.jpg (81KB - 129 downloads) phpqvPktyAM.jpg (82KB - 125 downloads) phpzcvVbmAM.jpg (95KB - 128 downloads) | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9904 Location: Lower Mainland BC | 71charger_fan - 2021-03-19 10:54 AM Off to her new home. Overall, it cost me about $9500-$10000. But, as I've said, I enjoyed it and learned a lot. Terry: Sad to see but I am sure that you have more project cars to "learn on" (like a 71 Charger?). I've enjoyed your posts because many of the issue that you've had, I've had with my 56 Dodge, e.g. the broken cowl vent hinge. While my solutions were not always the same as yours, the photos that you posted definitely helped me figure things out. There's only a few folks here with one of the 55-56 King Pin Orphans that post a lot. You're one. Nathan (Powerflite) is another. (I guess I am too). It all helps. My latest issue is discovering that my heater core isn't happy so I will be going back through your thread looking for photos of your core when you had the fibreglas housing off. (At least I hope that you do). Thanks for your help. /Dave F. | ||
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