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1951 dodge Business Mans Coupe


Grizzly

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I have started the process of putting my car in shape to drive. I've completely., rebuilt the engine (D54 251 cu. in.) I am having lots of trouble finding an exhaust manifold, as I was not aware the engine had been replaced only re-sleeved and bored out from the 231. Frustrating because every one I have purchased is too small. The full number on the side of the block is D54  21505C. I have a Fenton Dual single barrel BB Carter carbs, balanced and blue printed, large valves, etc. 

I am looking for floor pans and any other parts, The Coupe is a Regal model full chrome, visor etc.

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Several points need clarification before you proceed.   

 

D 54 is the engineering code for a 55 model built in Canada  which was powered by a 251  6 cylinder engine.

 

There is no such engine as a 231  but you need to know that cars built in Canada used an engine which was 2 inches longer than their US cousins.

There was no model called the Regal, however in Canada there was a mid line model called the Regent.

 

Dodge , in Canada used a 228 cu inch engine and later a 251.  In the USA, a 230 cubic inch engine was used through 1959.  Its cylinder head measured 23 inches compared to the Canadian's 25.

 

You have not identified your coupe by its engineering code, which is likely D39.  Maybe, given this information, forum members will be able to help.

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Thank you, I made a mistake, it is a Regent. The D54  is on the engine block and it is the longer 25 inch, my engine re-builder has completely done the engine for me. It is a Business Man"s  Coupe, no mother in-law seating. All I can think of is a previous owner put the larger engine in to the car. finding an exhaust manifold is proving difficult. It is a registered 1951, and I am looking for parts to rebuild the floor and or any others , like tail light lens etc. Thanks again for your response.' 

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All right, it is a 51 Dodge.   Business coupes were 3 passenger cars without a back seat.   They were marketed under the  Kingsway name.  

 

The Regent was a mid line model , above the Crusader and offered a club coupe but  no business coupe so perhaps your car has had its front fenders ( where this name plate is located) changed too.

The Regent  carried the engineering code D40-2 while the Crusader was D 40 -1.    

The manifold you are seeking also fits all six cylinder  Chrysler and Desoto models built in the USA and all six cylinder DPCD products marketed in Canada (except the convertible Plymouth and Dodge)  1949 until 1959 including trucks   . Earlier manifolds will fit but come too close to the firewall to be a good choice.   You have not said where you are located but given the broad application of this part, it should not be hard to find..... at least in North America.    Elsewhere on this forum is a thread which features a D 39 business coupe .

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Thank you once again, I am located in Ashcroft,BC. I purchased the car some 12 years ago and finally started this past fall. I am very keen to build this car, it is a real challenge as it is a first project of this magnitude for me. I have searched on the web diligently looking for anything that will help me and you are the first person that has given me some true information. I look forward to any and all that is provided to me, thanks again Bruce.

PS, I have tried to down load some pictures on here with no success.

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I am on Vancouver Island.  I have friends in Vernon who may be able to help you with a manifold.  Send me a PM and I will supply an email address or phone number.

 

What you must understand about your Dodge is that it was not manufactured in the USA except for export and the ones manufactured in Canada use the longer engine.

Much of the body is derived from the Plymouth but even then there are many differences between Canadian production and USA.  

 I hope you were not too badly affected by the fires last summer.   Also :

 Look on this site for the other postings on D39  Business coupes.  Robert KB is in Lethbridge and is finishing up a restoration.  another is posted under Love at first sight and features a car which is for sale in Victoria BC.  These are very rare cars nowadays as less than 500 were built.

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Welcome to the club Grizzly. I'm 45 mins away in Kamloops. If you need help posting any pics we can help get you set up.

This one I know of in Victoria. Very nice cars.

 

b0rVusCIeYk8I30HepIVQOxsTCh9c3iBPukLHBPl

 

 

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10 hours ago, keithb7 said:

Welcome to the club Grizzly. I'm 45 mins away in Kamloops. If you need help posting any pics we can help get you set up.

This one I know of in Victoria. Very nice cars.

 

b0rVusCIeYk8I30HepIVQOxsTCh9c3iBPukLHBPl

 

 

 

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