stanleywindrush

Hi ukplymouth (Garry) It's good to understand there is a fellow enthusiast that (could be??) on the end of the 'phone. Helps to have someone who can keep your enthusiasm going.. The car hasn't an MOT so can't drive/ show it yet. Therefore probably won't make it across to any shows in the Uk this year. I had a quick look at the body work and all the chrome / stainless trim is a bit battered, and some of it pop riveted on - was it like this originally (i'm guessing not!) are parts available - also noticed there is no name on the bonnet - is this correct? Has anyone any sales pictures of the car so I can make a 'then and now' comparison? Yes battery is on the wrong way round - and I'm having a chap look at what has been fried by running the whole thing back to front - so here's fingers crossed things are ok.. I have a very poor gear shift lever knob - silly thing to start with, but would love to get a replacement - any ideas anyone - think there's a 49 one on ebay but quite expensive..34 dollars Also carpets a bit moth eaten - are they available? Haven't started looking underneath just yet - but hope there's no rot there.. but have seen bottom of doors bubbling - is there a good supplier of replacement parts in the US? Is there anyone breaking (taking apart) on of these vehicles? - would be good to get an air filter, spare carb, rear light clusters (mine are cracked) and perhaps even some trim parts. Last question! I need the felt/ rubber seals for the windows (that fit in the bottom of the door window aperture) where's best to get this from? Sorry lots of questions again! Stanley

Hi I have found the make of carb - it's a non original (Japanese?) one - and I'm quite sold on the sales pitch! "Nikki" is an English contraction/nick name of "The Nippon Carb. Co. Ltd", the oldest & biggest in Japan, established in 1932. Nikki scientists, knowing that one of the most important settings in any carburetter is the fuel level, decided to let you "see for yourself" and developed the famous Nikki float chamber window. Not only could you check the fuel level "at a glance", you could also check the fuel delivery, fuel pressure and possible fuel contamination, instantly. This is not possible with any other carburetter. The Nikki people then added their "secret weapon", an auxiliary butterfly in the secondary barrel, operated by the engine demand, effectively maintaining correct fuel/air ratio during all stages of operation. This is, in fact, a simple "variable venturi", which is why, to the bafflement of some so-called "carburetter specialists", we can fit our standard Nikki carburetter to nearly every car in the world, from 600cc Citroen to 2800cc Nissan Patrol. (jetted suitably, of course.) Our Nikki carburetters are all manual choke, they have no diaphragms, no solenoids, no vac. units, no auto choke, in fact, nothing to go wrong. Nothing is hidden from view, all moving parts can be clearly seen. This total lack of complication, coupled with the float chamber window, enables us to tell you and anyone else who will listen "THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A FAULTY NIKKI......IT JUST DOESN'T EXIST" . An idea for Classic Car owners is to use a Nikki carburetter for everyday running and refit the original carburetter for showing or sale. This would preserve the condition of the original carburetter, often an item becoming increasingly scarce.

Good evening chaps, (and possible chapesses!!) I only managed to have a quick look at the car today and took some pictures with my 'phone. It has an Australian tag on the bulkhead and a small tag above that which is hard to read. I also noticed the battery is connected the wrong way around?? (When it's running the ampmeter says its discharging) It does start and run - but what damage would this wrong connection of the battery have done?? The carb isn't stock I think as I found one in the boot that may be the original. - picture attached Is there somewhere I can buy a fully reconditioned carb? - I'd like to put back an original one. Also I think the fuel pump is lazy as it doesn't fuel up the carb - I have had to pour fuel directly down the carb and put on full choke to start it. I am about to buy a dual polarity 6v fuel pump to make sure I have a good prime - can't pour in fuel every time I want to start it.,, That's as far as I got today.. I will try to measure the block next time. Thoughts please! Stan

Thanks for your reply Sound advice... Can't wait to get into the garage and start problem solving.. ill post pictures when I get them. I have already ordered a manual from the US on the car - I think it's an Australian manufactured car badged as a Dodge, but will investigate. Is the gearshift normal with a clutch? - it won't be a fluid drive or anything?? Thanks PS will the positive battery cable attach directly to the engine block and the negative into the wiring loom?

I'm not sure what Carb it's meant to have on it - the one fitted has a square glass panel in the front so you can see the fuel - there also seems to be a pressure regulator and strainer that has been side lined on the bulkhead - picture is poor I know, apologies, I'll get some better ones soon. Is there somewhere I could get a rebuilt carb from? Also is the vehicle negative earth?? I'm not sure the battery is connected up the right way around?? The chap before had been using a 12v battery - I have now sourced a 6v, and (of course) the starter sound sluggish... I have had it running for a short while, but had to wind up the revs to keep it ticking over.. where's the timing marks on these? Lots of questions I know - but that's how I'm learning!! Stan

Good evening Gentlemen (well it is here where I'm writing from!) I'm Stanley and I have, in a moment of madnesss, bought a car from ebay when it failed to reach it's reserve, and I had no knowledge of the marque or anything about it mechanically. I have purchased, what I think to be, a 1950 Plymouth super deluxe. Its a runner (just about) and seems quite intact. I know nothing about the car - not even how the gearshift works as the previous owner is deceased and there is no paperwork. Im based here in Bristol in the UK and the car is right hand drive, but marked up as a Dodge. What would really help would be someone to tell me how to start it correctly (as it turns and doesn't catch, unless you put 'easy start ' down the throat of the carb), drive it - and what to look out for. Also a good source for spares would help, and if anyone knows a fellow owner her in the uk so I can call them and ask questions! Here's a couple of poor photos of when I collected it a couple of days ago.. Thanks for any help. Stanley Windrush There's only two things in life that involve no skill, laying down and spending money, everything else involves some sort of intelligence.