Taylormade

One thing you have to deal with on the earlier cars is the original Floating Power setup. Makes things a bit more difficult than the later cars. Not impossible, but takes a major rework of mounts, pedals and frame.

I'm in somewhat the same boat. I just watched my 48 P15 four-door and my 50 Dodge Wayfarer Convertible roll off down the driveway and into the sunset over the last three weeks. I hated to sell them, but my priority is my "new" 1932 Dodge Sedan - the first car I ever owned, found again after 45 years. She needs - and is getting - a total restoration to be ready for the Dodge 100th anniversary in Alburn Hills Michigan in 2014. I hope the fact that it's Mopar, even if it's a little early for this forum, will allow me to still ask questions and occasionally offer advice.

I have one from a 1950 Dodge. I don't know if it's exactly the same, but it has to be close. You can have it if you pay the shipping. RT

Also note that the inner rockers are a separate structure. On my 50 Wayfarer they were heavy guage steel boxes that ran along the side of the frame from the cowl to the rear wheel well. Any repairs that simply welded metal over rusted out sections is a recipe for disaster. All the rusted out sections must be removed and replaced to prevent further deterioration. This is especially critical with a convertible.

I would check the condition of your inner rockers. If new floorpanels were simply laid over the old rusted floor, I suspect you have some major structural problems deeper within the body of your car. This is causing the center of the body to sag and causing the door alignment problem. Convertibles have no solid top to support the body and depend on reinforced frames and larger, thicker inner rocker panels to stiffen the body. If those inner rockers are shot, you get the exact situation you are describing. I had the same problem with a 50 dodge Wayfarer I used to own.

Thanks Bob, that really helps.

Thanks guys, now I do remember that the heads were smaller than normal. I guess I could turn down a regular screw on my lathe if worse came to worse.

Does anyone know what size screws hold on the inner windshiled frame on a P15? Seems to me I remember they were some sort of special screw and now, naturally, I can't find mine as I get ready to install the frame. What else is new?

As far as I can determine, they are no longer in business. The owner passed away and his wife tried to keep it going, but I think they went under. You might try mailto:butch@butchscoolstuff.com or his website at http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/ as he has many similar items.

Just like the old AMT 3-in-One kits, make your Dodge Wayfarer business coupe into a convertible with this simple kit! Well, not so simple, really, but a decent metal man could do it this winter and have it ready for the Spring. Seriously, I have all the parts from a 49 Wayfarer convertible to turn a business coupe into a ragtop. Check the classifieds for pictures. Everything is there including all the hard to find hardware parts, the X-frame and the top mechanisim. I figured this would sell fast, and, as usual, I was wrong. I'd really like to see these parts go to a forum member and don't want to list them on Ebay, but I may be forced into that dreaded solution if the total lack of interest continues. No threats implied, just resigned to reality. Contact me if you need more information or have questions. The front cowl and the doors are basically bolt on. The rear convertible section would have to be grafted onto the coupe body and this is the only area where some metal working skills would come in handy. All parts fit into the back of a pickup. Buy yourself a Business coupe - there are several online for under 2 grand at the moment - and have yourself the cheapest convertible in town. Threatening to put them on Ebay is as low as I'll go - they won't be going to the crusher.

Gene, Since I sold you the motor, I'm glad the original heads are going to work for you. Keep us updated on the rebuild, I'd love to see how it turns out.

Looks great. Since I visited you, my Wayfarer project got sidetracked. I found the first car I ever owned, a 1932 Dodge still owned by the guy I sold it to and I bought it back. The Wayfarer is on its way to a new owner in North Carolina. Thanks for all the tips and information - even though I won't be able to use them now. Looks like it will be a fun summer driving your Plymouth. RT

Gene, I wish I'd had the chance to put that little Hemi in my Wayfarer convert, but now both are gone and I'm working on my 32 Dodge. I'm glad the Red Ram went to a good home.

Is there a search function somewhere?

My dad worked as an executive for General Motors most of his life. He got a new Buick every year as his company car from 1954 to 1959, then he switched to Cadillacs with a promotion. Every car we got, Dad would have the dealer paint the rims red. They were happy to do it. It was quite popular to have it done at the time. I would bet that the owner had the dealership paint them. But again, this is Chrysler, not GM, and I might be wrong.