rlovette

It's been a while since I posted. A compression test on the P-11 showed 30 pounds or less in each of the 6 cylinders. That explains a lot. However, it's going to have to wait. Also in the garage--and in need of attention--a '59 Mercedes 220S Convertible--which my parents brought back from West Germany in the late 60's. I'm finally getting a new top put on it--and some much needed work on the transmission--and getting it back on the road--after sitting for a long time.

Dad bought the '41 P-11 for $100 out of a North Carolina junkyard in 1970. He also bought a '50 Imperial for $200 from a preacher. It needed pistons--and the suspension was shot. So, he bought a '50 New Yorker for $11....and swapped front end parts.

The '41 P-11 has been in the family since 1970...so 39 years and counting.

No--my starter switch mounts on top of the starter--and is engaged by the lever (arm) from the floor mounted pedal. I did see one on AB's site for $35--for a 35-42 PLY. Also, there's one on e-bay right now--can't tell from the picture if it would be wide enough for my starter.

Fall is definitely here in Northeast Tennessee--temps in the upper 40's this morning--highs only in the lower to middle 60's today--and back in the 40's tonight. Some of the leaves in the higher elevations are starting to turn.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while (work has been pretty busy)---the starter switch (on top of the starter) from NAPA isn't quite wide enough for a '41---won't mount properly. I did give the old switch assembly a good cleaning--and the car is again cranking freely. I've also found a local mechanic (who has overhauled several flatheads)....who's going to look at the car--and start with a compression test.

Best wishes for successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Prayers are with you.

Quick update and info: NAPA does have the switch--local store didn't have one in stock--will be here Tuesday afternoon. Gave the contact a good cleaning. Hopefully, it'll at least be cranking again soon--and back to trying to get it started.

On buying a battery--NAPA has a 6-volt for about $75--bought one in late July. I'm also fairly young (almost 38)--and will be the first to admit that my learning curve is pretty steep on a lot of things. There is a local car club in my town (they have a cruise-in every Saturday evening downtown--April through October)--and while there are a lot of street rods and custom vehicles, there are some others that have been restored. Good advice on getting to know some of the folks in the clubs. Forums like this one are a great resource!! I've asked several questions, and while my car still isn't running, I'm learning some valuable troubleshooting tips.

Thanks for the link Tod--it's indeed the same. In fact, according to a master parts list I have covering 1936-42 Plymouths, the switches are all the same. I'll start there and do some cleaning as well.

Thanks Tim--will check again. It seemed to engage and release OK without anything electrical connected. It could stand a good cleaning.

John My deepest sympathies. I'm almost 38--not married (yet, at least)...and am still dealing with the unexpected death of my father in February. Every time I open the hood of the '41 P-11, I can see my father working on it. I would also echo other posters: enjoy each day you have with a spouse/parent/loved one. Richard

Thanks. I'm guessing it's the original (car only has 23-thousand miles--has done a lot of sitting--and things are starting to break down).

Another setback---the starter pedal engages the switch assembly on top of the starter---but it's not cranking--and the yoke (lever) is also not popping back all of the time. I can get it to pop back in the process of unhooking the negative battery cable. Could it be something as simple as a battery cable not making good contact? Or is it the switch assembly?

Here it's been a rainy week--had to mow one morning before work---wet--but was able to get it done--between the raindrops. Lots of people in the area for the NASCAR race at Bristol. Hopefully, I can find some time this weekend to tinker with the '41.