Don Jordan

I may feel silly asking this but here goes. For those of you who don't know - IT'S COLD OUT THERE. I would normally wait until the block freezes out the freeze plug before I put in antifreeze but I figure this time why wait till the last minute? Here's a question: my Plymouth in the garage has no carburetors so it doesn't run. If I drain the radiator and fill it with antifreeze all that's going to happen is the radiator won't freeze. Without being able to start the car how do I get the antifreeze into the block? The other car runs (at times) so I can drain the radiator and run antifreeze through the motor. In the past I've never worried about antifreeze, and while some of you may not think it cold, it's been below 32° which I consider KOLD. That's it!

One of the things I did - though this is not universally accepted - I got an electric fuel pump. Plug that puppy in, disconnect the fuel line to the carb, and turn it on. If the lines are clear, no obstructions, you should have a steady stream of gas. Before that you should get a spray bottle with gas in it and spray it down the throat of the carb and try to start it. If it doesn't run then gas is not your problem. If it only runs while you're spraying gas into the carb then it's the delivery system. that's always worked for me. d-

When I was a kid we would take roller skates and nail one to a 2 x 4 and sit on it and go down the street. The older boys had Flexies (flexible flyers) Which was a sled with wheels. That was radical back then - this guy has taken radical to a whole new level. And I thought base jumping was over the top (so to speak). One nice thing about getting older is I am less adventurous.

But you don't know the real inner Norm.

Be careful with clocks - one that actually runs should go for $300 to $500. I bought some on the bay that didn't work but I've heard of some guy that fixes them by putting different works in them. I got mine to just fill up the hole. Also you need to be careful. I bought a clock the guy said was for a 47 Plymouth. It turned out (after I bought it) it was out of a DeSoto. if you're not sure don't do it. They are expensive. If you keep looking you'll find it.

Another thing I found interesting is I have a 47 2 door and a 48 4 door. I called Hagerty and they asked how much I wanted to insure the cars for. Then they had me e-mail pix of both. The 47 is all together but I valued it at about $5,000 - but I don't know if that amount is to replace it or fix it. I don't remember how much it was (under $100). But my 48 has been restored and I wanted to insure it for $20,000. They didn't have a problem with it but were going to charge over $200. I think I insured it for $10,000. I don't have the information in front of me but I pay about $150 for both cars. (they also have towing)

Thank you, gentlemen, all. I got so many replies and offers which is very gratifying. I don't care what you guys say about Norm he came through. However it might be a good idea if I pick up a beater carb just in case. As I was looking through my garage I notice I have almost 2 of everything else. Again thanks for the interest and offers. I would hope that someday I could reply in kind. Happy holidays d-

If anyone has one (ball) I would be more than happy to trade for the ball or even do it the old fashioned way with cash. The carbs are all boiled out and ready to go back together. I would appreciate any help here. tanks

I guess I'll check e-bay. I'd hate to buy a new carb for a silly little ball. I do have another car but I hate to start picking it apart. this is a conundrum. thanks

I am rebuilding my Carter B&B. I've taken it apart and noticed when I took the plug (part 14-37-11) there was no ball inside. Ball (14-37-30). How important is this ball and where do I get one? They don't come in the rebuild kit. Nothing is ever easy. I also saw that the air mixture screw which is a needle valve had the head broken off. I took a hacksaw and cut a slot in it so I could adjust it but I guess I would like to replace it. Are they available or am I going to have to buy another carburetor to cannibalize? I would appreciate any help - I need to get it running. thanks, d- Edit/Delete Message

This is a little off topic and I probably should have begun a new thread but here goes. I am rebuilding my Carter B&B. I've taken it apart and noticed when I took the plug (part 14-37-11) there was no ball inside. Ball (14-37-30). How important is this ball and where do I get one? They don't come in the rebuild kit. Nothing is ever easy. I also saw that the air mixture screw which is a needle valve had the head broken off. I took a hacksaw and cut a slot in it but I guess I would like to replace it. Are they available or am I going to have to buy another carburetor to cannibalize? I would appreciate any help - I need to get it running. thanks, d-

I am third generation San Francisco. My grandmother was in the 1906 earthquake. After the service I left the area looking for work and now I live in the high desert. Acton, California about 50 miles north of Los Angeles. I love the fact that we have no sidewalks, no street lights, and people stay out of other people's business.

I don't know - I gotta tell you that yours is a lot further along than mine.

I guess the key words here "are you PLANNING" a frame off... the problem is I wasn't planning on any of it. I just wanted to paint it but that lead to sand blasting. I didn't plan on taking the car apart. Just one thing lead to another and before you know it - bam I'm in debt. but the car looks great.

Okay that might not be the best title but how often do you get to say that? here's the deal: in the parts book the hood bumper is listed as 15-09-4 but then there is a foot note saying the part number is 902174. I'm not sure where that part is. Okay I see the picture in the parts book but I'm looking at the Restoration Specialties catalog and I'm not sure which one to order. There is one listed as 'Chrys-General Purpose'. It doesn't look like the one in the parts book - does anyone know if it will work? thanks

How very sad. I couldn't finish watching it. It's sort of like the rain forest. People are cutting it down at an alarming rate. When it's gone - it's gone. We're going to hell. very sad.

Very cool. thank you. yet another project.

Two questions: My hood bows in the middle. Should there be a brace to keep it up. I was going to put down the felt strip and the hood hits it. second question: what do you use to stick the felt strip to the car? Brads? Screws? I recall seeing a nail type of thing with a thread on it. I can't remember what it's called. Right now I've got to figure out how to get the hood raised in the middle.

"I wouldn't take a million dollars for what I've done. I wouldn't do it again for a million dollars." anon

Is there a color code, or a name for the red? I know that some computer screens can play with the hue. Some I've seen almost look orange. I'm getting ready to do mine and there are some good ideas here. I'm just stuck on the color.

One of the things people are discussing is the price of YOM plates. First they have to clear with DMV so beware when buying plates. The other thing in California is that they used the plates for 3 years. So not only are you working with all the cars in 46, 47, 48 but you're also competing with all the other brands. These plates have been restored - the guy was asking $350 - I was able to trade other plates for them. The whole business is tricking. In California I don't think there are any restrictions on YOM - I pay I think about $30 above the regular fee. Here's another thing - frames. They are also hard to find. Swap meets! I did get a frame for mine - long story.

Just thought I'd jump in here with my 2 cents. (even 2 cents doesn't buy much anymore) When I was 18 I bought a 1950 Buick Special for $25. Straight 8. I did not think twice about driving from Utah to California across Nevada. I just knew it would make it. No doubt. (and it did) Think about the really stupid things done as a kid that would seem crazy as an old coot. (what is a coot?) When I got back from Viet Nam in 69 I bought a 36 Chevy pick up for $200. It was my daily driver and I drove it from San Francisco to Orange County at 50 mph without a thought of it ever not making it. Now I'm worried about taking my Plymouth (with a rebuilt engine and trans) over 50 miles. Of course I don't parachute or bungee jump any more either. I guess it has to do with priorities. Now you got me thinking about all the really stupid things I did in my younger days. I still regret getting rid of both the Buick and the Chevy.

Just a passing note from Norm's post. He referred to "young guys" about 35 - 40. Scary. I remember when you "couldn't trust anyone over 30" and now they're young.

I was cleaning my garage Sunday. 6 hours. I uncovered many new things (including the floor). 2 radios, buttons and knobs, stainless strips. One thing I found was a piece that says 'lighter' on it. Problem is I don't think it's off a P15. It has sort of a T shape (it looks more 50s). Send me a picture of what you want. I found all sort of rubber pieces, windshield wipers and arms. Stuff that just piles up. I found a hand full of left handed lug nuts. I should have a garage sale. tail light lenses and frames, headlight covers, door handles. The stuff just piles up when you're not paying attention. Now that the car is finished I don't know what to do with some of the stuff. I don't know what some of the stuff is.

I'm just trying to get all the little things done in the next week while I can. It's just a little trickle tender - I figure it can't hurt anything. And it's going to start getting cold soon so this way the batteries are in the garage. I'm guessing summer is over. Thanks for all the input.