New Plymouth Owner

[49 special Deluxe]

Thanks will do

[RC Drown]

Good luck with your new project.  I would keep the extra tranny and dizzy for the time being.  The POC also has a facebook page, you might want to check out and post your need for a front seat for an early 1949 Plymouth and that you are in Ohio, you might be able to find one going that route.  Also Like Tod mentioned the P15-D24 forum is a great fountain of knowledge

[49 special Deluxe]

I do have a manual specifically for the early 49 and a parts book from Roberts Motor Parts some of the parts are high priced but I did find the wheel bolts from there that I had a problem finding anywhere else with the left and right handed thread. For the most part the front suspension is still good but that is on the list to replace just not at the top since it is still in working condition. I live in Ohio so I will have plenty of time during the winter months to complete some of the different things that I want to do to the car. It is primered black right now which is ok for the time being as that is how I purchased it but I think the original color was black and I think I am going to have it painted almost a satin black to keep the low gloss look of the era. The interior is gone it has new carpet but nothing else no headliner the back seat is just the frame and springs so that is a project I want to work on after I find the front bench seat that should be in the car which I might have a lead on. It had a second transmission in the trunk as well as distributor not sure what I am going to do with those I thought I would put them up for sale to help collect some money towards the project but haven't decided yet. Mopar Nationals are coming up in my area next month and I am hoping to drive it to that for the day. I am excited about this car mainly because I haven't seen any like it around town at any of the car shows.

[TodFitch]

Sounds like you have a good start for a fun project.

First thing I'd get if I was you would be a copy of the original service manual and a copy of at least one parts book that covers your car. Your steering box adjustment question will be answered there.

You may also want to look at the forums over at http://www.p15-d24.com/ While the original focus was on 1946-48 Plymouth and Dodge vehicles, it has expanded to cover pretty much any L-head (flathead) 6 cylinder Chrysler products from the 30s through the 50s.

Back to your steering issue: Given the age and history of the car you may have multiple components in the front suspension and steering that need attention. With the front end jacked up, how much play is there in the king pins, tie rods, etc. Also, if I recall correctly, that era may have had a rubber isolator between the steering box and the frame. If so, check its condition and verify the steering box tightly connected to the frame.

[49 special Deluxe]

I purchased my first classic car last year. I am 41 yrs old and needed something to have fun with. The car I purchased is an Early 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe that looks like a 48. This vehicle is all original except for the front seat. The previous owner was attempting to turn the car into a rat rod from the looks of it he put bucket seats in the front, tried to bondo the seams between the fenders and removed the brake light and license plate bracket from the trunk lid and bondoed the wholes as well as put afermarket wheels on it that looked horrible on the car but lucky me he had the original wheels and 2 center caps. He tried to install a 12 volt battery negative ground which has created a problem electrical for me that I have been working on. I removed the bondo from the trunk lid and replaced the brake light and license plate installed a brake switch and wire which was removed and put a new 6 volt battery positive ground as well as rebuilt generator and new voltage regulator just by doing this and adjusting the carb I was able to drive the vehicle and noticed that it was getting hot so my next step is to flush the coolant system replace the thermostat and possibly the water pump. My head lights do not work at this time which I think is a wire issue the rear springs need resprung and my steering is left to be desired. I am looking for some technical assistance adjusting the steering box to help take out some of the play it currently has almost a half turn before it begins to steer any help with this would be greatly appreciated as I am wanting to cruise in this car even though it doesn't look great it still looks nice driving down the road. Long road ahead but taking it one mile marker at a time.