Mister B

Recent health problems have resulted in my left lag being amputated. Was wondering if there was a possible auto trans swap that could be done to my 48 Dodge D24, that now has a 230 engine and fluid drive trans. Have the option of buying a 2 speed trans from a 55 Plymouth that had a 230, but not sure about setting up a shift mechanism as the 55 was shocked by a lever on the dash. Have also thought of doing 318 V8 with auto trans, but not sure about the cost involved. How cheaply can this swap be done. Either way, I will have to have the work performed by someone else.

I have a chance to buy one of two engines and would like your opinions. The one is from a 1955 Plymouth, which is a 230 like I currently have in my 48 Dodge. The other is from 48 Chrysler, its a 250 spitfire and has the fluid drive trans like my Dodge has now. The 230 was pulled a few years ago and the Chrysler was pulled a couple months ago for a v8 swap. Both were said to running when pulled. The downside to the Plymouth is that it has the powerflite auto trans. My question is, what is the easier swap into my 48 Dodge? Is Chrysler's fluid the same as my Dodge? I'm aware that it's a 25" block versus my 23" block in my Dodge. My concern is, what is easier to install and what would yield the better results in terms of compression, hp, etc. I can get either combo for no more than $400 and they are only an hours drive from me. I plan to buy one or the other before the week is out, so chime with your thoughts so I don't go off half cocked!

My 48 four door is the exact same color. Did you guys run the off!

The problem with my fluid drive is that I can,t get it to go into reverse. Plus, when it idles in neutral, there is a clunking noise that comes and goes. It sounds like something is loose inside the bell housing, but it's not a constant noise. Could the reverse issue be just a matter of linkage adjustment? Also, if you use the 2 speed auto, how would you address the shifting since the 55 shifted from the dash? By the way, thanks for your service! I too am a veteran and also a North Carolina resident.

Was the 55 Plymouth a fairly simple swap into your car? I'm going to buy an engine from the same year Plymouth for my 48 Dodge D24 but it has a 2 speed automatic behind it. Starting to have trouble out of the fluid drive that is in it now and wondered how difficult the swap may be.

Been offered a chance to buy a 230 flat head 6 and 2 speed auto trans from a 1955 Plymouth Savoy for $300. Would this be a good combo to buy, if it's in good order? My idea is to get it as a possible replacement for the 230 currently in my 48 Dodge, should I happen to need it. Will the automatic trans make it a problem to do the swap? My 48 is equipped with a fluid drive trans. Will the 55 model offer any advantages over my current 48 model, (horsepower, etc)? Plan to go check it out this weekend. Engine and trans are both out of the car. Anything in particular I should look for to help determine it's condition? I owned a 55 Plymouth with this same combo years ago and it would cruise 65 all day long! I guess if I were to do a swap, a rear end change would also be needed as my 48 has 3:9:1 gears. Not dead set on doing it, just seeking opinions as the asking price seems reasonable and it's local to me. Figure I could use the exhaust manifold for parts to do a split set up and carb for duals if it matches my 48 carb.

Went out today and found that my 48 Dodge D24 will not go into reverse. Worked fine yesterday. I always shift to neutral before going to reverse. What should I check? I was told the the trans is an M3. Car has 3 speed fluid drive. HELP!!

How difficult is the process of drilling the pin locator hole? I have access to a set of later model 15x6, 5 on 4.5 rims, but obviously, the don't have the locator holes in them. Considering running 215/75/15 tires. Is there a certain way to determine the measurement for where the locator is? Also, would knocking or grinding the pin off cause any issues?

Thanks for all the info. It has been very helpful. If I were to find a later model rim, (let's say a 15x6}, and ran a 225/75/15, do you see this being a problem? Does knocking off the wheel locator pins to use a later wheel cause a real problem?

Yes it does! Would 225/70/15 fit or would a 225/75/15 be better?

I plan to switch to radial tires since my old bias ones are dry rotted on my 48 Dodge 4 door. For those who have done this, my question is, what combination worked for you, (rim width, tire size. etc). Are there radials that will fit my 15x5 stock wheels, is so, what is a good size? I would like to use my stock full hubcaps on the car. Been looking for 15x6 Mopar or Ford steel wheels, but not having any luck in my area.

Thanks to you all for the comments. Gonna get some new tires on the old girl so I can safely get her out on the road and see how she does. I do like the fact that the flat 6 would stand out amongst a sea of V8s! However, it's all about condition, condition, condition!

As stated in my new member intro, I just purchased a 1948 Dodge D24 sedan. Have not had a chance to really give a good run since the old bias tires are shot. Plan to buy new ones soon and give it good shake down run, to evaluate the overall shape of the engine,trans and rear axle, steering etc. Gonna do fluid check or changes as needed before doing so. Now on that note, what if the flat 6 is well worn and in need of a rebuild? This the first flat head equipped vehicle I have ever owned, so I know little to nothing about them. Best case scenario, all systems are a go, needing only slight maintenance, which I hope is the case! But one never knows what to expect from a 70+ year old ride. Now onto the "not so bright side". The engine needs a complete rebuild, trans wont shift as it should, rear end is noisy, etc! Now on to why I'm actually asking this! I see options for installing a 318 and other engines and trans into these cars. Even Chevy 350s have been mentioned. I have yet to see the mention of using a small block Ford as an option. Just wondering why that is! Is the Ford swap a no no in a Mopar? I just happen to have a 70 model 302, (fully rebuilt), and C4 trans that I kept when I sold a project vehicle, because buyer was going to use a big block. Not to upset the Mopar purist, but I don't see the Ford being any different or difficult than A Chevy if going to a V8 swap. Fab work for engine and trans mounts will be needed either way, right? Plus, a Granada or Maverick rear axle will have the same bolt pattern. I'm a firm believer in using what you have on hand instead of spending cash to but something else. Just wanted some feed back from you all on this, in the event I needed, or decided, to do a swap to a V8. F1 shock mounts, Aerostar springs, Explorer rear ends seem to be acceptable, (also from Ford), so why not the Ford drive train? Please reply with your thoughts and no offense will be taken, as none was intended!

Where the heck are those grand kids when you need them! Still having trouble with the photo resizing, but I "WILL" get it sorted out soon. I have been looking through the forums just to see what mods can and have been done to cars like I have. I have seen topics ranging from front shock relocation, adding disc brakes, rack and pinion steering and V8 swaps. I'm in no way opposed to upgrades that will improve the performance or handling of my car, but want to do them in sensible manner. In fact, my bias ply tires are somewhat dry rotted and worn, giving a death wobble effect over 40 mph, so I plan to start there. What's a good replacement radial size that some of you are running? Like the idea of the shock relocation since it is said to improve the ride and handling. Not real good at extensive fabrication, due to limited welding skills. The F1 shock mount method seems pretty simple to do though. As far as lowering, I favor the swap to Aerostar springs over cutting 70 plus year stockers. I've only has the car a week or so and plan to give it a good looking over to see what condition all the systems are in before touching a thing to it. Almost forgot! Should my flat 6 turn out to be worn out, how involved is a V8 swap? Would a SBF 302 and C4 be a good choice? I know that most like to keep it all Mopar, but it makes since to me to use what you on hand! Not worried about hurting the resale value as I don't intend to sell it. ANY and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated!

Thank you all for the welcomes. I'm very glad to be here! Sure there is a wealth of knowledge floating around to be shared. Gonna work on resizing of the photos. I love my new purchase and want share it's natural beauty with all of you before I begin any work. I'm nearly 70 and not the most computer savvy guy, but I'll get one of the grand kids on it shortly!

Just joined up and purchased a 48 Dodge D24 4 door a week ago. Decided I would get connected to a group that has knowledge of these vehicles as I am out of my element. Not new to older cars and repairing them, just never owned Mopars other than my 03 Dakota daily driver. The 48 just called to me and said, take me home and show me some love! Here's a few pics of it. Let me know what you all think. Sure I will be seeking advice from you more experienced fans later! Right now I'm too busy smiling over the fact that I have it! Sorry, but it seems my photos exceed the max allowed and have to figure how to resize them, (any help on how to do so is appreciated).