dudford

There are some serial numbers on both sides: Thanks for any info on these things and I'll be adding more to this thread as I go. Cheers!

I do have a few questions, first one is about the roof. Why oh why isn't the roof one solid sheet of steel? It's like the factory was preparing for a sunroof but threw in a piece of wood. Is this original? The coachwork/woodwork in it is the same style and age as the body so it must've been done in the Detroit plant?: I also have a mechanical question. When I was looking at the gearbox it struck me that it looks ridiculously tiny for the 1953 Plymouth 218 its hooked up to. Can anyone confirm that this gearbox is completely wrong? If so, is it the original 1930 Chrysler engined gearbox?

Hi, Some of you may have seen my introduction thread which i started last month: http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=31894 I'm now going to tie that off and start a true project thread as I felt that was like an extention of an introduction that had gone on long enough. I'll admit, I'm new to working on these iconic American cars so, as I work through this build I'll be posting my progress as well as various things I am sketchy on. I figure I might as well utilise the resource of all your knowledge as long as I'm welcome here. So far with the thanks of the people on this forum as well as the AACA and HAMB forums (especially Rusty O'Toole, hkestes, drillmastertommy, Desotodav) the car has been identified as a 1930 Chrysler CJ Coupe. How many of these are still around? Rare or not? Some say it is but its hard to find information over this side of the pond. Also, someone on the AACA forum suggested the CJ stood for "Chrysler Junior" but then others disagreed. Well with or without the history I've made a start. You will also note, the mopar heads in here, that this is running a 1953 Plymouth 218 straight 6 only currently missing a starter motor. However, HURRAH! I found a compatible starter motor in Kingsbury, California. Thats currently being shipped to me. As soon as I've got it, I'll turn her over and post a vid. In the meantime I've been assessing the rot and rust while having a closer look at the engine and running gear. These pics show the floor pan after I pulled the seats out: Yeah there's day light shining through in places but I expected that. I'm actually really suprised that its in such good condition. This car has not been sitting in a bone dry desert, its been sitting outside in a damp and drizzly UK. The main point for rot was where the winding rear window allowed water down behind the front seats. I have to say I love the winding rear window though, I've never seen this before so its a real novelty to me (see video link: Another funny moment from today was finding a lump of "filler" which in fact turned out to be a huge lump of cement! I reckon the guy who did it must've been repairing a wall at home and then thought he had some cement left over and needed to throw it somewhere:

Right got you, yes it does have the floor mounted lever/pedal but has been converted to a starter solenoid switch

Thats seriously clean! Very impressive work. That an original rad cap or repro? I keep scouring eBay in the hopes an original will turn up, i'd love a scuffed aged grubby one... does that sound wrong? I dont care!

excuse my abhorrent ignorance, i'm not proud, but what is positive start push? If you have a spare starter that would be compatible with mine going at any time soon I'll happily get down to Chichester whenever you give me the green light! Here's some pics from when I picked her up... OK, I'll confess, perhaps found in a field was a little exaggerated. I know for a fact it had been sitting outside for about 5 years under a tree next to field in Kent. My Dad has a 1943 GMC CCKW 353 parked up in a barn and this car was parked up outside and I'd see it and think, "I'd love that car...". The reason why its in fairly good condition is probably because the previous owner covered it in paint from the local DIY store thus keeping rot out (not exclusively mind!).

Hi Tommy, I'm in West Sussex, Crawley area. Dont suppose you'd know where to start looking for a starter motor for one of these in the UK? The US shipping prices are gonna crucify me! Any good rallys/shows down our way soon? Spot on, i think you're right. Obviously original would've ment that I'd take the car in one direction but seeing as essentially its already "rodded" (non-stock engine) I may as well not be so precious about the parts I source! Cheers

Yeah this has been butchered by someone. I'm currently running a 1953 P24. Hell I ain't complaining, I paid next to nothing for a seriously beautiful car! Compliments on that keen eye though, impressive! And I think its taking time but I am still learning US lingo. Found out today I have a "rumble seat" and I always thought it was a Dickie Seat!?! Therein lies the learning curve!

Hi all, I dont know how its done on this forum but i figure I'd introduce myself. I started out on another forum because I'd found a 1930 Chrysler CJ-6 in a field in the UK and really didn't know what I was dealing with. Subsequently I was referred by many to this forum because I hear it is the font of knowledge for all things mopar. I'm hoping to tap into that over the coming months as I research and rebuild the Chrysler. Cheers!