fedoragent

Well, I hope he's had the chance to work on it. He's a one man shop. I've seen a tool like that in his shop and ironically a foot or two way from my car. And he definitely said it is -3 degrees on both wheels. I'll let you know what I find out today. FG.

Folks, As far as if the suspension has been rebuilt, I don't know. I called the 3rd owner and he said that he didn't have it done nor did he do it. He's out of contact with the 2nd owner and the 1st I figure has gone to the big Plymouth garage in the sky. I haven't been to see the alignment gent this morning yet. However, when I left him on Thursday evening, he said that he'd have to continue working on it. He did however, ask for the frame specifications/measurements. Where would I find that? FG.

Folks, Any other suggestion? Thanks, FG.

I never...wear open toed shoes. That was another one of his customers that had come by to drop off his Pontiac if memory serves right. FG.

Tim, Thanks for the great input. I'll give this to Tom this morning. Also, the tires do match per axle. FG.

Gents, Sorry, I've been working and just got back to this posting. I'll answer all the of the questions in the order received. I went to drive the car today and it wasn't as squirrelly as I thought it would be. I am not using bias ply tires, but radials. I was rather tired last night when I posted that and there were no bent tie rods. Rather some other front suspension pieces that were bent not due to an accident...but to a stupid tow truck driver. He put the chains on the control arms. Both of them were bent, but the gent I have working on my car has straightened them out. He does need the frame dimensions, and I'm looking into that now. Does anyone have the frame dimensions handy? I printed out exactly what is on this thread and he said that, yes it was both front wheels. I drove her today at 45mph and didn't notice too much of a problem keeping her straight. I drove her for a couple of blocks and everything seemed fine. After talking with him at length, he agrees that the variance should be -1 to 1. However, his goal is 0. He said that he'd have to play with it a bit to see what he could do. He's not quite done yet. He also said that the springs are quite old, perhaps stock and should at sometime be replaced. He used the suspension airbags to level out the car. He also said that with the caster at -3, the car wouldn't track right, and it would be trouble at higher speeds to control. If you gents would like to see the original bend, I can provide those pics: He also wrote some notes down for me to share with you in case you're curious. The camber is as follows -3/8 degrees on the R/F wheel and -7/8 degrees on the L/F wheel. The caster problem is on both wheels. He also said that he toe end is set to specs. One last thing, that I thought that I'd mention that he didn't think would be a problem was the tires being odd sizes. Enclosed are a couple of pictures taken throughout July so that you can see where we started with the front end. Any input you folks can provide would be helpful. Please be kind as I'm new to all of this. FG.

Perhaps I should take it to another shop...but this gent definitely knows what he is doing. I'll try that, but I'd also like to see what other folks think. Les Schwab is still in business where you live? I didn't know any of them still existed. Thank you for the tip. FG.

Folks, After a month of getting the emergency brake replaced, tie rods straightened, rear axle shaft rods the right length, pumpkin lubed and drums working again...another problem has reared it's fugly head. My brake and wheel guy, well past retirement has alas come up against a problem that he cannot solve. The front end is -3 degrees off and he can't get the front to align for the life of him. He said that he's not sure if it is the frame, or even if the car has been in an accident. He just knows that no matter what he tries, he can't get it to align. So my questions are thus: 1. Would -3 degrees be unsafe to drive the car? 2. Would the tires and non stock wheels be contributing factor? 3. What are factors I should consider in assessing how I should proceed? I'm toying with the idea of driving the car the way she is. I know the tires are going to wear to hell, and that she may drive a bit squirrely...but I want her back on the road. However, I don't want her back on the road only to wreck her AND me. I'd really like to get people's thoughts on this one. Please let me know your feedback because, frankly, I'm at a loss. Thanks, FG.

Ed, No I hadn't. And unfortunately, I don't have the garage space or the tools anymore to do it myself. Therefore, I'm going to call that Jim Rupp gentlemen (who I called and all I got was a repeated ringing...) Therefore, I'm thinking it might be easier for someone else. However, I'll hold onto it for alittle bit. Just received some probable bad news that my car may need to goto the frame shop. I'm praying it doesn't have to. FG.

Does anyone know where to get a new horn relay? I think mine is bad. I have converted to 12V, and only one of my horns work. I fear that the relay may be bofunct.

Ruth, Napa Auto has them. And here is the link! FG.

Folks, No pictures yet due the dark hour by which we got home. The 54 Dodge overdrive is now home and I have designs on it. However, I think I'm going to hold onto it for alittle bit and then eventually have it rebuilt. I will be placing a call into Jim Rupp when I have the chance though. Thank you very much for your help gentlemen. And for the person moving to Socal, I'd very much like to entertain rebuilding it myself even though I've never done it. Look me up when you get to the Southland. All my best folks, FG.

Thank you, this was most informative. FG.

David, Did you talk with the SM hotel and did they give you anymore information? Thanks, Jon

Awesome thank you sir! FG.

Actually Pete documented it in a blog. I don't have the garage or tools for that anymore... FG.

Of course it is going to need to be rebuilt. And converted for use with my car. However, it will be worth it in the end...now if I can just find someone in Southern California to rebuild and convert it. It came out of the 54 Dodge this gent had. Does anyone know of anyone? I had that long talk with George Asche. However I don't know how much he'd charge for a rebuild and PA is a LOOOONG way away from Los Angeles. I don't know any gearheads or hot rod shops that would do this down here. I only know the VW ones. FG.

Don, I thought about sending it over to George Asche to restore, who I spoke to today. He has one, but I've found one closer and will be picking it up this weekend. Oh, and btw, about the long conversation...you were right. LOOOOONG. I'll look at the website that Blueskies has. Thanks, FG.

It's good to see that there are so many natives here. My wife and I were surprised when we saw that. FG.

Fantastic car! I'm a native and I'm hoping that I'll get to meet you folks sometime. I have a 47 myself, but it's in an in between stage right now. Awesome car! FG.

What about a 54 Dodge...that should work right? Thanks, FG.

Don, I will call Mr. Asche tomorrow. I didn't have his contact information. Thanks, Jon

I did some research...the ad was bogus...doggone it. FG.

Folks, Found an overdrive that fits a 55-59 Plymouth V6. Would it work with my P15? FG.

That is wonderful! Congrats! FG.