jcmiller

I got my 1942 Plymouth home this weekend and found an aluminum tag tucked beyond an oval plate on the firewall. It reads: For Parts Specify Model 220 See Replacement Engine Parts List for Explanation of Model. I googled Plymouth Model 220 and found the Plymouth judging standards. They read: Factory replacement engines can be identified by the lack of a serial number stamped on the engine number pad of the block. They can also be identified by a tag reading “For Parts Specify Model 220”. Although Chrysler did build other replacement engines, only replacement coded 220 is correct for any Plymouth passenger car from 1935 through 1949, including all Plymouth PT commercial models. So I can't be sure because the tag was not affixed to the engine, but it looks like there is a decent chance the motor is a factory replacement.

Even if you can fool the DMV with an old title (which I doubt), what would be the point of having a title with a VIN or other identifier that does not match the car? Also, as much as we all hate needless bureaucracy, and the fact that dealing with the DMV can be painful and time-consuming, there is a reason behind giving careful scrutiny to title issues. I would not want someone to be able to hotwire one of my old cars, drive it down to DMV, and easily get a new title. (Although it would be great if someone actually could hotwire my cars and drive them. )

Do you know who is recorded as the owner by DMV and is that person available to you? It looks like the registered owner can easily get a replacement title in Wisconsin. Then they could transfer it to you.

This article may be helpful: http://www.1944gpw.com/c-93-G503_WWII_Jeep_6_volt_Autolite_Generator_Rebuild_Restore.aspx

I have a 1937 Parts List, issued February 25, 1937. It looks like a reproduction, rather than an original copy, but is in great shape. I would like to trade it for the 1942 equivalent. Anyone interested?

This from the website: Vehicle Title History Copies of all title transactions dating back to when the vehicle was first titled in Oregon or to the extent DMV has kept such records. http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/records/available.shtml#VRecs

I talked to a guy at the DMV today and he had no knowledge of it. He tried searching for the code in his records and found nothing. He also searched generically for DSP with a wild card and found nothing. A vehicle history report is available from the DMV for $25 so I might buy that when I get the title switched to my name. I also have an inquiry in with the state police but they have not replied.

Thanks. Maybe I'll give it a try on a test patch.

What is the consistency of the material when you remove it this way? I ask because one of my cars has asbestos in the undercoating and it needs to come off in order to fix up the car. This sounds like a method that might keep fibers contained in the matrix, unlike grinding, sanding, blasting, etc. Thanks.

I had the exact same experience. I wrote back asking why I was rejected and then got an email saying I was accepted. I thought they might have a glitch in their system. I've found that forum to be helpful although far less active than this one. The actual functionality of this forum is much more user-friendly too.

This car is in Portland now but reportedly came from eastern Oregon. So maybe the Department of State Police theory is correct? I'll check with Oregon DMV to see if they have any knowledge about it.

Thanks again Neil. Rusty O'Toole concurs with your opinion so I think that has to be the leading theory. He also pointed out, like Ed, that 34's don't have the full water jacket so that theory is DOA.

Tim - I'm not sure what you mean about not liking the AACA answers. My only goal is to learn as much about this car as I can. I don't like your insinuation to the contrary. I posted the photo there last night and here this morning. I posted here too because this is a very active forum and is focused on Plymouth and Dodge. Regarding AACA, I thought it said D3P at first because that is what it looked like the first day I saw it before I put some steel wool to it. The P13 you mention was given to me by the owner and he mistakenly took that number off the head. Keiser asked for a photo and it took me three weeks to get it. Now I have it and the code is pretty darn clear. What's it mean? I don't really know and have no agenda other than to figure it out. To Andy and Ed - Until Andy suggested otherwise, I did think all blocks had codes. And I do know what the proper code is for a 1942, but that's not the point. I want to know, if possible, where this engine came from. If it came from a 1934 Special, for instance, it might have some value to someone with that car. Neil - Thanks for your input and for not taking my follow-up question as an insult. It certainly was not intended to be one.

Yes, I was disappointed not to find P14, but I'm not sure I buy your explanation. Is that a common practice? It seems very strange to me that someone would take the time to grind off the original stamp and put their own stamp on it. What would be the purpose? No one but the rebuilder would know what it meant.

The code on my block is DSP 35205. What does this mean? I have a book that says that the DS block is from a 1934 Dodge Special. The book does not mention a "P" but I suppose that could just be the second letter in "special." This engine is in my 1942 Plymouth. Picture attached. Thanks.

Does this help? It is from the 1946 manual for the 802 radio.

I think I speak for all of us, just the model and general location will suffice.

Yeah, the wing was a rare factory option. I had to pay extra for that. Unfortunately, the "scoop" under the front bumper is missing from this car. I don't know what the factory color was yet. The seller thought it was cream colored with some red but I've not decoded it yet.

Yes, the Traveler has the 250 six. My new 1942 is a Plymouth (picture attached), but it may have a Dodge engine in it. I'm not sure I have the engine code correct yet, but it appears to start with D3P which apparently could be from a 1936 Dodge export. Once I clear the garage I can get the Plymouth in there and get a better look.

Hi Folks, I just bought a 1942 2-dr Special Deluxe and need to get rid of a 1948 Traveler so I can bring it home. Let me know if interested. I'm asking $2,300 but taking offers. Details at http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2312126962.html Thanks, Jeff