LrudyD

The stock engine was a C38, 250.6ci - the PO said he blew the original and then put a D24 230ci in its place (2” shorter, so he set the radiator back also). The trans is the original fluid drive. I’d like to get it back to the original engine size. My leaf springs are flat, so I’m replacing them, and since I have the leafs off, I figured maybe get a new rear end with disc brakes.

No, it’s the 5 on 4-1/2.

Excellent! Thank you Zen Master! ?

I read somewhere, not sure on this forum or another, that an Explorer or Ranger rear end will retrofit on my ‘48 Windsor. Of course I can’t find the thread! Anyway, I’m thinking of going disc brakes, so thought I could swap out the whole rear end. Any experience in this? Your thoughts/recommendations?

After removing the wheels and gas tank, I want to go ahead and remove the leaf springs to get them re-tempered, or get a new set. What are your thought between the two? Also, do you have any connections for new ones?

So jealous!!! Let’s see a pic!

That felt does look like 90# roof felt with granules in it! I was definitely surprised to see this! I’m thinking of taking it all off and coating the area. A while later: So, took the felt off and it was definitely 90# roofing felt! Someone must have repaired the trunk at one time, from the top! A large area was cut out of the original trunk and what looks like a metal sign was installed, then coated with some type of tar stuff, then the carpet was glued down to everything - most likely to hide this crap job! From under I measured the location of the hole where you can connect the fuel sending unit, went to the top, cut the carpet and ripped out the rusted out cap and now I have access! I also used an awl sent through the strap bolt into the trunk bottom to locate where the hole is supposed to be, so I’ll go to the top again and drill out a 1” hole to pull the bolt up and re-seat it on a better piece of metal! Here’s some pics:

So I finally had the time to take the gas tank out - my new one arrived Friday! A couple things I encountered: As was suggested, I cut the carpet in the trunk to get to the bolts; found the one on the passenger side, nothing on the drivers side. Looking from underneath, the bolt was under, not on top! I’ll put some pics up. Once I got the bolts off, the tank came down easily, but the wires from the sending unit were severed! There didn’t seem to be any way to disconnect these before taking the tank down - I halfway expected some length on the wires, but there was none. The sending unit looks good, cleaning it up, and it will bolt right into the new tank. Question: what to do about the wiring on the sending unit? Can I splice extra line into it? I did notice a round hole from underneath that I suppose I could cut out from the trunk and reach the connection from there - not sure though!

Since the tank is a throw away, at $40 should I just get a new sending unit as well?

Thanks a bunch for all the info! ?

I’ll need to purchase a new gas tank for my ‘48 Windsor. I’ve seen several online for upper 200’s to 400. That’s a big difference! If I can pick one up for $300, it’s beats taking my existing one in for repair, cleaning and coating. Any suggestions where to go?

I guess I’m answering myself here! ? I found these on EBay. What’s your opinion - get them all?

HI all, after reading quite a bit on this forum, I realize I need to purchase manuals for my ‘48 Chrysler Windsor. What’s best? I’ve read, “Get the printed version”, several times. Is the printed more useful than PDF or CD? Also, which manuals are necessary? Where to get them?

Since I have a leak in my gas tank, my options are to repair, clean out and line verses buying a new one. I can get a new one online for under $300.00. Can you veterans give me options? Get a new one or get it repaired? Prices for each?

My trunk carpet is completely adhered. So, my only option is to rip it out? That would be a bummer because it’s in really good shape! ?

So, I’ve got my car on blocks and have emptied the gas tank. Looks like everything is leaking - gas tank has a small leak, differential is leaking, trans is leaking. Not a problem, I figure I’ll be pulling the engine anyway. Is it cheaper to clean, coat and repair the gas tank or just get a new one? I’ve seen some on EBay for under $300.00, seems reasonable. Also, to remove the tank, Will I need to rip the trunk carpet to get to the bolts? Or, does it come off from underneath, I just couldn’t see how to do it from under. I’ll apologize ahead of time, since you’ve all probably heard this a billion times! ?

Honestly, as a newbie here I’m not sure what specific color this is. The po said that he repainted it the original color - wish I new what it was! There is no metal flake in it.

So what company did you get the tank from please?

I’ve got family in Seattle, go there often! Always wanted to do a road trip - May be worth it now!

I agree, if the engine is iffie to go for the original! Thanks for your advice. Also, yes I was aware of the fluid drive, but had no idea how to operate it, so thanks for the instruction!

Thanks a bunch for the info 48! Btw, I lived in Blaine for a couple years back in ‘99 to ‘01 - loved it! Plus, I’ve always been a big Vikes fan, so cherry on top!

Sniper, the number on the block is D24-56690I. I’m guessing this is referring to a Dodge engine, not the Plymouth that I was told replaced the original Chrysler! What can you tell me about it?

What size and type of socket is it to drain the tank - I’m trying to drain mine as well. It looks like a huge torx, but I don’t think they made torx till a decade or so later.

So, found out a little more about this car: I noticed the radiator is sitting back a couple inches, and not in its original place. I talked to my friend about it, and he said he blew the original several years back and dropped a Plymouth flathead 6 in it, which is a couple inches shorter! I’m going to post several pics for you all - good, bad, and ugly! As soon as I get it started (hoping tomorrow!) and tested, I’ll see what needs to happen. Please let me know if you see anything strange, out of the ordinary, etc. On some of the pics I’ll show you what needs to be replaced, repaired, addressed... Hopefully, you can lead me to where I can locate these! This shows the radiator displaced toward the rear a couple inches: Here’s the engine, from both sides: The rest of the pics are random, though several have my problem areas! Along with a possible engine rebuild/replacement, I’ll need to paint entire engine/hood area, paint wheel wells, re-ark the leaf springs, and the rest are miscellaneous things like glass replacement, driver rear tail light glass replacement, glovebox replacement, steering wheel fix or replacement, and a few other things!

Hi all! Until recently I really had no reason to look for forums like this, because I had no vintage vehicle, but mainly because it would just make me extremely jealous of all you who have some amazing oldies! When I was a teenager I had a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport - my most fun car ever! My dad taught me how to make my own repairs, so I learned quite a bit. One evening back then, my cousin took my car for a joyride (without asking) and totaled it! Since then, I’ve always wanted to do a restoration. Well, finally after all these years, I had a 1948 Chrysler Windsor dropped in my lap - well, my garage from a close friend who was paying me back for some money I lent him. I did not expect this! But, it’s a great surprise. And, from what I understand, a good car to start with, because there is still a lot of parts out there for it. It’s in relatively decent shape. The body and interior are great, but my friend says it runs slow - not much power. It’s been sitting in a container for the last couple years without running, so I’ll be cleaning out the gas tank and spark plugs, and see if I can get it going. Then take it to a mechanic friend who will do some tests on it to see the extent of work that may be needed to the engine. Anyway, there’s a lot more I can say, but some of you are already asleep, so thanks so much for this forum and site! I’ve been looking around for a couple days now and I know you all will be invaluable in my process! Here’s my new’48!