Robin (UK)

Guys, Now you have a choice of 2-door sedan, coupe or convertible. I've sent a few personalised versions out If anyone else wants their name/email/tel included just send me a message with details and I'll make the change for you.

I got the key fob....

Hi Ian, Would be great to hook up at the ROG. Likelihood is that I'll be cruising up with two other P15s - Andy (red bizzy coupe) and Dean (green 2-door sedan) so it'd be nice to get all our cars lined up together. Let me have your on-the-day phone number, so we can get in touch when we arrive. See ya there. Robin.

I just worked up another version (Bob, you may prefer this one). I've done it with my own contact details, but if anyone else wants a personalised version with their own details (name, email, tel no. etc) let me know and I'll add the text and send you the file. Specify convertible or sedan and which text you want.

Actually, I'd originally envisaged them as business cards, to keep in my wallet and in the glovebox of my Plymouth. But I guess they could also be produced as postcards to leave under windshield wipers if we want to be more aggressive with our promotion!!!

Guys, I've come up with this design for a card that I'm going to carry with me, to help recruit new enthusiasts to our very special part of the worldwide web. I've kept it simple, so it can be printed or photocopied cheaply. If any of you would like me to send a high-resolution copy, so you can have your own cards printed, just email me direct (Robin@RockTheJoint.com) and I'll send the file.

Garry McDonald has the silver 4-door, but I don't think there's a wagon over here. Maybe someone should donate one to me?!!!

Bob, My old coupe is also red - but that's a club coupe. It's now owned by my friend, Bryan. I hope to arrange to get the three red cars together, someday. I'm also trying to hook up with Ian Crombie and his black club coupe. Another friend, Dean, collected his 'new' 2-door sedan from the docks today - look out for him on the Forum, soon. We're getting together quite a few P15s over here... GREAT!!!

I went to a rockabilly festival last weekend and met Andy and his P15 business coupe. Our cars looked great together in the (rare) English sunshine. I will catch up with him and encourage him to join the Forum. His car's running a V8 motor, but he's keeping it vintage style.

Hi Guys, I'll be in Florida soon and am planning to attend the Old Town Cruise in Kissimmee on Saturday August 9th. Will any of you be there? If so, it would be great to meet for a coffee. Reply here, send a PM or email Robin@RockTheJoint.com It'll be my son's first trip to the States and he's really excited. If I'm honest, I'm just as excited as him!!!

Hi Frank, Thanks for your nice comments. Colette wasn't with me at that car meet, so she's not in the pictures. I've attached a picture of us with rock'n'roll legend, Lloyd Price. Plus a copy of our new business card - designed to look like the cover of Picturegoer magazine from the early 1950s. Best wishes. Robin.

I was pleasantly surprised to see my P15 in the UK edition of Custom Car magazine (July 2008 issue). Always a nice feeling to get the car into print.

Rob, Excellent news. Do make sure to re-torque the head bolts after a running-in period, otherwise you'll get the same problem down the line. Also, might be worth pointing out that you already have hardened valve seats in that old flathead. So it's a job you don't need to do. Great to know you're back in your P15. Robin.

Thanks Greg, Unfortunately, the UK supplied fuses are 5mm shorter. That's what I'd found from my research this morning. If Ed's NAPA contact comes up with the goods, I'll go with those. Otherwise, I'll buy Stateside (from someone) and ship 'em in. Big thanks to all you guys - this is exactly why the P15-D24 Forum is my favorite place on the web! By the way, I found that the wire to the center brake light had come out and shorted against the trunk lid. I've taped it off for now - I was running three brake lights, so can go without it until I have some time.

Looks to me like it must be an American size, as it's much longer than the fuses I can get in the UK. The one I need is 35mm long. Bob, Ed, anyone... if you can accept me sending you the money by Paypal, I'd really appreciate it if you could get me 10 fuses of the correct rating and size and send them in a bubble-wrapped package. (I'll hold the spares for the other Plym/Dodge guys I know, here.) Please let me know. Thanks. Robin. robin@rockthejoint.com

Hey guys, I need a fuse for my lighting circuit. The one I removed is a BUSS SFE 30. Searching the web, I can only find these in the States. Is there an alternative that I can look for? And, in case I do end up needing to import from the US, does anyone know a good supplier? Thanks. Robin. Got out of trouble last night by making a 'fuse' from a soda can!!!

In my experience, the joy of driving a great convertible is priceless, but here's the info I found on-line: The NADA guide prices for a 1950 Plymouth convertible are: Low Retail Average Retail High Retail $14,650 $25,200 $38,800 Low Retail Value This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim, and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Most usable "as-is". Some of the vehicles in this publication could be considered "Daily Drivers" and are not valued as a classic vehicle. When determining a value for a daily driver, it is recommended that the subscriber use the low retail value. Note: This value does not represent a "parts car". Average Retail Value This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A "20-footer". High Retail Value This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Note: This value does not represent a "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle *. * "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate-regulated facility. Hope this information helps. Good luck with the purchase. Robin.

Guys, I just did a quick calculation. Here is the latest on UK gas prices... Yesterday, I filled up with diesel which cost £1.339 per litre. That works out to $9.99 per US Gallon. Unleaded is (very) slightly cheaper. It's now costing about $140 to fill up. That's expensive. No... That's crazy!!!

Don, I don't know what the problem is exactly. He hasn't diagnosed it. He told me that he felt the trans wasn't right for a while and now he has lost reverse completely. He doesn't have the unit out of the car yet. But he had asked whether it would be possible to fit a manual trans, perhaps for more reliability. If I can get more info, I will let you know.

Guys, My friend has a 50 Dodge with a fluid drive that is giving some trouble. Is a manual trans a straight swap? What about gearshift linkages, driveshaft, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Robin.

I have my own Bo Diddley story.... London, 1982. I was 18 and went with my friend, and our two girls, to see Bo at a local club. It was a small place, with a low stage. We got there first, went to the front and stayed there to get the best view in the house. Bo was awesome. Afterwards, we waited at the stage door for about 2 hours in the rain to get our records signed. Eventually there was just us four and one other guy and the security guard told us Bo wanted to meet us. We went up to the dressing room, and had a coffee with the great man. He chatted to us and when my friend mentioned he was learning guitar, Bo said, 'try that one' and pointed to his famous square guitar in its case on the floor. I'll never forget the look on my friend's face as he held the hallowed instrument. Bo Diddley was a uniquely talented, down to earth guy. My memories of meeting him are precious.

Just found out that this car was photographed at Villa Rica, Georgia.

Hi Norm, Yes, the Waltons' truck was definitely a different colour - I think it was dark green and black. (I found this picture on a Google search.) Anyway, I'm not saying it's definitely the same truck with a re-paint, but the seller says it's quite likely - more research needed on that.

Guys, You'll like this... Someone I know just bought this 1928 Ford model AA truck. It's been in England for 15 years, but never registered for UK use. It is ex Warner Brothers and was used in the film 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'. Also it is reputedly the Waltons' truck in the famous TV series - but that's not yet confirmed. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm looking forward to the day. It's showing less than 40,000 miles and that could be genuine. An amazing vehicle.

I'm a happy man. A rebuilt starter (from George Asche) is now on my car. Fitted this morning. What a difference! The starter turns so much faster and the motor fires instantly. I'm sitting here with a huge grin!!! R.