louie the fly

I think it doesn't cover the flatheads though. Have a quick look here. http://www.amazon.com/Build-Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-Rods/dp/1878772171#reader_1878772171 Says it has something about hemis & slant 6's, but no flatties.

It's really clever how you got the dog to grab the engine mount and swing the thing around so you could take the picture.

FG, I've heard a bit about 2 barrel carbs versus 2x1's or 3x1's. Some say it's a better option as it's easier to get & keep the engine running sweet. Fairly generic really. You'd know what I mean if you've ever tried to keep a GTR-UX1 in good reliable tune! From what I've been able to find lately this forum is the best place to find info, be it a stocker or a hottie. Andy, you know, I've been in the metal trade for nearly 30 years and I've never lightened a flywheel. Have you had yours done? If so, did they just guts out the back and remove a heap of material then re-balance it? Mate, if I could get mine to 150+ HP I'd be happy. Louie

It was way too cold yesterday up here so I surfed the net, and watched sport on TV. 6°C at 1pm. This week I'm on holidays and I will do some on the car today, like strip all the engine accessories off and prep the engine, bellhousing & gearbox for new paint. For the rest of the week I might get an hour or so to do stuff because my son is playing in the state U15 football (AFL football that is) championships all this week. That's in the city, and we live 45 minutes out. In fact, I have about 25 hours of his football related activity this week. But it's fun. When he's rich he going to buy me a DeSoto with a hemi. Oh, also gonna buy some paint to restore my steering wheel. Louie

It's great for unsticking your fingers (or eyelids! Don't ask) when you've got super glue on them. I've used it to shiny up the black plastic exterior trim on my wagon, and it makes a great flame thrower for toasting big black spiders in the garage. Louie

My service manual for the 46-53 engine says that the pin should be a Thumb Push Fit at 70°F (21°C). from the book, verbatim. "Test piston pin fit in the connecting rod. This should be a tight thumb press fit at normal room temperature (70°F). Test piston pin fit in the piston. See figure 6 (which shows a bloke pushing a [in into a piston). This should be a tight double-thumb press fit at normal room temperature (70°F). If the pin cannot be installed in the piston pin hole with thumb pressure, enlarge the hole with a hone. Take only a light cut with the tool. Ream hole until pin can be pushed into the piston as explained above." I suppose if it's too loose in the piston it can float sideways and rub the skirt. But your marks look like they are 90° to the pin. If the pin is loose at room temperature, when the piston heats up (quicker than the pin, rod & bush coz it's made of Aluminium) it will get looser, yeah? Good luck. Louie

faucet47custom, I had a 37 Plymouth sedan that I went down the road of front end swap, 318/904, changed diff, chopped top, etc. Stereotypical street rod you could say (cept it wasn't a Ford). In my current "next life" I am going with the original engine - hotted up as much as I can with period style parts, original front end with a disc conversion (& maybe a nice rack), front end overhaul & shocker relocation, original box, & maybe change the diff to a later model leaf spring Chrysler product if I can be bothered. I figured I could do more in less time, get it driving and keep working on it, and I'm right into old school customs. Me, I'd stick with the flathead. Everyone has a V8 (& I have 2). Louie

Thanks everyone for the pictures. I think I'll leave it on the column but I'll fix all the pivot points so I can get more positive gear shifting. BTW, that was meant to say floor shift, not shoft. Louie

I think your Dodge looks pretty darn good just the way it is. But, I have Polyair springs in my OT coil sprung Toyota 4WD and they work great when we load up the rear. I'm sure there is something simiilar in the US of A. Also, in my OT Cross8 wagon is has self levelling rear suspension. When I hook my boat on it adjusts itself. Really cool. I still like your Dodge like that though. Louie

Just around the corner from home there is a paddock with a few locals. My inlaws have a few hanging around at their place as well. We had a big Koala at work a while ago as well. Mean suckers when they get cornered. Louie

Well, today was a nice sunny (but cool 12°C) day so I thought I'd spend it in the shed. Started off by loading the 230 / gearbox assembly onto the trailer and took it down for a wash. Well under 56 years of crud, & dirt that was as hard as concrete, WAS an engine & 3 speed gearbox. I doubt this thing has ever been out of the car before. Then back home, I removed the gearbox, clutch pan, bell housing, clutch & flywheel. Took a heap of photos so I can remember how things go back together. Things to do now are either machine the 201 flywheel or remove it's ring gear and put it on the 230 flywheel (prolly the best option), tart up a few little things, give some small parts a good kero bath, then final clean of block, bell housing & gearbox. Then it's paint the small bits, reassemble the engine/trans & paint it. Going to paint it red with accessories black & exhaust manifolds in a cast iron grey kind of colour. Two questions. On the 201 engine I have it had a cork gasket on the front & rear inlet ports, with all others being thick gasket card. Any reason? Secondly, how (if at all) does the oil filler tube come out of the 230 block? I just posted all this anyway so you guys can say "yay bloke, keep up the good work, you're doing great". I need the encouragement! Louie

How many of you on here have converted the column shift to the floor (for the 3 speed manual)? Was it worth it? Would you do it again? How did you do it? Just thinking that while my engine & gearbox is out it would be a good time to look at it. Louie

Well, I went up to my "south pole" of a shed tonight with my son (it is 3° outside). He was working on his pushie so I did a bit of digging around. Found that the starter of the 201 is probably a later model (and possibly 12V). It is an Autolite MAW-4011-A17-S000684. It has the starter relay on the starter. Any ideas what it's off? Maybe a Chrysler Royal AP1? The other starter I got with that 201 was for something else. Had a funny little oval badge with writing in it. Ford or something? Louie

Thanks everyone for the replies and suggestions. I've tried to deal with a few car importers here in the past with little joy. Olddaddy, PM sent. Cheers, Louie

Reg, that's kind of you to offer. I didn't want to ask as I thought it might be rude and imposing. We're looking at gasket sets, water pumps, maybe an engine rebuild kit (for the Hudson L6) and some suspension & other engine parts. It will probably end up being 20 kilograms or so, which is probably too heavy for the postie. We're kind of thinking box it up in a small carton or 2 and put it on a ship. There are guys here that import cars, and some will apparently do parts, but they rather do whole cars from what I understand. Joel, I too think it would be interesting as the purchaser would do all their own buying (or buying done for a small fee) and have the parts delivered to an address. I think there is a real niche market for this. Louie

My dad has a cousin in Baltimore but they're not car guys so I don't want to ask. Otherwise, no, I don't know anyone in the US. Know people in Germany though... Louie

My boss & I are planning on getting some parts shipped over from the states. He has a 37 Hudson & I have a 54 Aussie Dodge. Mainly smaller engine & suspension parts. Is there any places that will store items and then ship at your request? Our plan is to get parts (from all over the place most probably) and get them shipped to a central location, and then when everything has been purchased ship it to us. Louie

andyd, sorry, I think I've crossed some wires and maybe confused some. I'll explain (so I know what I'm talking about... My 54 Kingsway has a 230 and it is 12 volt. According to my 46-53 service manual 53 was the first year of 12V, and with + ground. My Owner's manual also confirms that it is a 230 with 12V (D49-2). Mine has been "converted" to - ground. The other flywheel I have is off a 201. The starter is also off the 201 but is 6V. I am just going to run the starter at 12V -G, as I was told by my autoelec rewinder friend that it will be OK because the 6V windings are a lot heavier than 12v windings. I have thought about joining the Chrysler club, but I wasn't sure how they feel about us hot rodder types. I was in a rod club before but lost interest because of the politics. Louie

Hey Tom, that wheel came up fantastic. Can you give us a rundown on the process you used. For example, did you have to widen the cracks or anything? What did you paint it with? This is yet another job on my list. Thanks Louie

Some years ago I went to look at an OT car to replace my other OT car. On the phone the guy said it mechanically A1 and the body was rust free and in VGC. I thought about it and made another call. Wah wah wah - long story short, we drove 1 1/2 hours to look at the car. Ended up being a POS with rust everywhere. Not a straight panel on it, and it blew smoke everywhere. People just need to be honest! Louie

I'm going to hit the shed again on Sunday and take a few measurements. Was going to go up tonight but it's too cold. I've got a starter & flywheel off a 201 that I was going to fit, and probably still will. andyd, it's 12 volt. BTW, I'm looking for a 52 - 56 parts car near Adelaide. If anyone knows of one please let me know. Louie

Andy, 1954 Dodge Kingsway Custom D49/2. Yes, definitely a 230. 23". Original engine in car (55k miles) & have the owner's handbook stating 230.2 cu in. Haven't spoken to JR about a starter at this stage as I thought I could use one of the old ones I have. Just was wondering if a more modern starter might fit. Louie

I have a friend that works for an auto electrical wholesale repairer. They do overhauls for the industry. Might have to go with one of the ones I've got by the sound of it as my original is basically beyond repair. Some parts are a bit hard to come by here & when you can find them, some people want the earth, and a couple other small planets, for them. I live in South Australia, 40 minutes from Adelaide. Bendigo is a good 8 or so hour drive. Nice place with lots of gold rush history. I've been there a few times. They also have Australia's biggest swap meet there (I think it's still the biggest anyway). Cheers Louie

I busted the end of my starter motor & stripped a heap of teeth off the ring gear so now I have to change it. Question is will a starter off a slant 6 / hemi 6 or LA V8 fit the flathead? I did a search on here and on the web and couldn't find anything. Thanks Louie

I was changing a water pump on a Bedford truck once. When I tipped the water out of the radiator a valve collet dropped out. How it got there, and when, is anyone's guess. Louie