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'59 Plymouth Suburbans
Author: Kenny J. (Show all albums)

These are my '59 Plymouth wagons. I have owned the blue one since February, 1985. Until recently, I drove it frequently, usually three to five times per week. It has an AAJ front disk brake kit, an H.E.I. distributor and radial tires. Colors are 1973 GM medium blue metallic and 1973 GM light blue metallic. I have made no modifications that can't be easily reversed. I have a complete set of Solex glass & a tinted windshield from donor wagons. I plan to install the tinted glass when it receives its next paint job. It's overdue for a repaint (last painted in 1986.) I have included some images of it's 1986 partial disassembly and repainting. It's 1957 230 flat head six is very tired. Hank Dozier is modifying and assembling a 1956 DeSoto 330 V-8 which was to replace the six. but John Fowlie located a suitable, rebuildable 318. So the 330 will be used in the two door wagon. I have acquired some heavier duty torsion bars, an AAJ rear disk brake kit and will be ordering new rear springs, possibly from Eaton. I already possess the necessary perches for installing V-8 engine mounts and have a variety of rear axle ratios and three speed manual transmissions to match to the new powerplant, depending upon whether or not I install overdrive.

I have also posted some pix of my '59 Plymouth Suburban two door. It has a 318-stick. This black "beauty" needs some serious help, but should be a fine ride when it's done.

There are also some photos of the two "parts donor" cars. They were well picked over by the time I acquired them. They were both dismantled some time ago. I also posted some pix of my non-Forward Look vehicles.

During December, 2005, I acquired another four door wagon, a factory overdrive car. Initially, it appeared to be even more solid and much straighter than my blue wagon was when I first acquired that one. It turned out to have more rust issues than the blue one. Plus some lower body damage. I removed the engine , transmission and manual transmission unique parts. I then traded the vehicle to Big M for a 1974 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Sundance. So contact Big M if you are interested....thanks for looking.
Show Newest Photos First | Show Oldest Photos First183 Photos - Page : [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]


The aftermarket, mid 1980s side trim, with vinyl insert was bent beyond repair. No great loss, as I was planning to have the original trim restored for use after the next painting.


The tail light was destroyed, the tail fin cap crushed and the fin trim bent. Fortunately, I was able to locate a new old stock tail light. I could find only one. A pair would have been nice, but since the passenger side tail light bezel is virtually pit-free, I could get it replated so it matches the N.O.S. bezel.


Stuff happens. I took the wagon to my favorite driveline shop for a pinion seal. One of the employees struck the wagon and a Jeep with a forklift. The wagon rolled into another Jeep parked in front of it.


(2 Comments)
Since some people have asked, I decided to post a photo showing my other driver. Yes, it's a "Brand C", but it has both V-8 power and A/C, two items that are almost a necessity, given the aggressive Las Vegas traffic and our intense, brutal summer heat. Tinted glass is certainly in the future for the wagon, but there isn't enough power in that flat head six to drive uphill, against the wind with A/C on full blast. I have lost fifty six pounds over the last year (by order of my physician), but even that reduction off my fat bod still hasn't lightened the load enough to keep up with the maniacs in this town. And if you can't accelerate fast enough to suit them, they will pass you and cut right in front of you, even if you are slowing for a red light with just a couple car lengths of space in front of you. They apparently don't know nor care that they have just invaded your stopping distance and that they just might find your front bumper in their back seat! The AAJ brakes have helped immensely, but attaining the flow speed of traffic in short order usually keeps the impatient from trying the risky moves to get around this beast. I need to see how long it actually takes to get up to 45 mph, but even Neons and Tercels blow me into the weeds without trying very hard.


I have just about all I need to add overdrive to the blue wagon. But I need one of these cables and handles. If you have one you don't need or see one in a salvage yard, please let me know....


The engine compartment was intact. Note the disconnected heater core. There was a mouse nest between the distributor and the carburetor. The thoughtful critters built their home around the wiring harness and then used the harness as dental floss. There is also a wasp nest in the center of the generator pulley. At least all the hose clamps were the original style.


The driver's side rear quarter panel is solid, as is the tailgate. Also note that somebody installed the tailgate bumpers upside down.


It's interesting to see a vehicle with no radio and no lighter, sporting a clock. Then again, it's interesting to find a base line Suburban with Sportone trim and a 318. Note the dash-mounted "add-on ventilation system." The floor initially appeared to be solid, but sections of it lifted out with the floor mat when I started removing the interior. I also found a November 22, 1973 Dallas newspaper under the front seat. It featured an article commemorating the tenth anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination.


This view shows the rust in the lower rear quarter panel and the rocker panel. A dent in the upper section of the door skin is also evident. Note the Sportone trim.


A previous owner apparently started body work by sanding off the paint, exposing the bare metal and then abandoning the project. The front fenders were rusted far worse than the rest of the vehicle. As it turned out, this wagon may have been in a collision. The front fenders were originally green and the rust around the headlights was poorly patched. When you take into consideration that this wagon was last registered in 1974, it seems surprising that a more solid set of used fenders couldn't have been located.


This is how the two door wagon appeared before leaving Texas for Nevada. Needless to say, it wasn't driven here under its own power.


About four years ago, our daughter's Brownie troop did a '50s theme "sock hop." Tracie wanted to pose Karla with the wagon. I initially protested, explaining that the "poodle skirt" era was pretty much over by the time the '59s hit the street. I have to admit, however, Karla does look rather cute posing with the blue beast. Too bad we didn't have a '57 or '58 Plymouth handy for this shot...(there I go again....)
Show Newest Photos First | Show Oldest Photos First183 Photos - Page : [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]

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