Most of those "freaky old Chrysler stories that can't be explained" can be
explained quite easily. Some previous owner changed things. The cars are
1957 models and it is now 2005 - 48 years later. Today many change the 9"
brakes on their 1960-72 Valiants/Darts to 1973-76 Dart/Valiant disc brakes.
This changes the bolt pattern plus they usually go to a 14" wheel.
If we can change things today, why do we doubt others have not done so in
the past?
Never assume what you see on a old car today that does not meet factory
specs or offerings was some special Chrysler parts bin factory assemble job.
In the case of the New Yorker with the trailer hitch, you probably have the
correct reason why some previous owner changed the wheels. The ventilated
wheels would definitely keep the brakes cooler, something very important
when towing a trailer.
As to why that size? Who knows what he found in the local yard at a good
price. Just like we do today. And besides, Chrysler did not offer
ventilated wheels in 4" bolt diameter.
Bill
Vancouver, BC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Miller" <TFM@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 8:25 PM
Subject: [FWDLK] '57 Chrysler Mystery
> OK ForwardLookers, here's a mystery I'm hoping the collective knowledge
here can help me solve!
>
> I've recently acquired not one, but TWO 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Town &
Country Station Wagons. These cars are nearly identical in many ways. Both
have N57xxxx serial numbers. Both have white exteriors, 392 single 4-bbl.
Hemi engines, power steering, brakes, windows, seats & the 8-button search
tune radio.
>
> Now, for the mystery. I have one car that has 14" x 4.5" bolt pattern
wheels ( and thus drums, axles etc.) on all four corners. The second car
has 15" x 5.5" bolt pattern Imperial style ventilated wheels all the way
around. This car does look as if it was someone's tow vehicle somewhere
along the way as it still has a trailer hitch and a very 50's / 60's period
looking external transmission cooler installed in front of the radiator.
>
> According to the '57 service manual, C-76 came with the 14 on 4.5 wheels,
and IM-1,2 &3 came with 14 on 5.5 wheels. So, I'll buy the fact that 15 on
5.5 wheels could have gotten swapped on to this car along the way. But, I'm
baffled as to why this car has 5.5" bolt pattern axles, drums etc.
>
> So, help me out here. Is it an option, a swap, a special order or just
another one of those freaky old Chrysler stories that can't be explained??!!
Thanks everybody.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Thomas F. Miller
> 1957 300C, 1957 New Yorker T&C Wagon(s)
>
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