pontiacguy

Talk to Newport wipers. They are doing the motor for my 54 right now. They don't actually build one but they looked at some pics and said hold my beer. Newport stuff has the advantage of being 2 speed as well. They offer the correct switch to take my wiper knob, it will probably be correct for yours too. For the record, I am incredibly fussy. My car will be a nothing newer than 63 style build. I had to swallow hard to use their stuff because it doesn't fit into the spirit of my build but it's the best option hands down. They aren't cheap, but if money was the overriding factor, Id be in a Kia. That's my 2 cents.

On the subject of 12V wiper motors, I have converted my 54 to 12V and haven't been able to find a source for a 12V motor. I've called some shops to ask about rewinding. No joy there. I'd rather not build a voltage divider since I am looking to have a early to mid 60s period build. It has been mentioned in this thread that a 12V 2 speed replacement is available. Can you point me to it?

I use Standard Transmission in Ft Worth, TX. They have had all the obscure parts I have ever needed and they know their stuff.

Pm sent

The A833 trans used in later model Mopars (60s-80s) came as a 3 spd w/OD (4spd). Its tough as nails and also made it into some GM products (trucks) as late as the 80s and early 90s. Good aftermarket support at a trans supply house. I plan to use it in my build behind my Hemi. I am pretty sure the input shaft is the right length too. The T5 was very prolific starting in the mid 80s and carried into the early 2000s. Also good aftermarket support and a wide variety of gear ratios. The T56 is a 6 spd (2 ODs). Too expensive IMO, big and ratios are all geared toward V8 cars. The T3650 from late mustangs is a 5 spd. Came in V6 and V8 versions. There are some others out there but they are pricey and geared toward v8s as well. I use T5s in all my cars. I have built several. Ill be glad to answer any questions that I can.

You may also want to put an anaerobic sealer on the studs before you screw them back into the block. My car is affectionately(not) know as the sprinkler due to its propensity to leak passed the myriad bolts that go into the water jackets. That was my lesson learned when I did my motor.

I saw you have the same car. I'll probably pester you for info periodically if that's ok. My car is all original, but having an alternate info source is a real benefit

It turns out my 54 Plaza wagon has the wrong gas tank. It also turns out that its not exactly common. It should have a big divot in in to fit around the spare tire well. I have seen some other tanks for sale online like late 60's belvedere and some darts as well that look like this. Is there anyone who can point me to a close enough or exactly the same as? Or maybe a salvage yard/repop supplier who may have the correct tank. I have exhausted all the leads I have. I have called all the repop shops and called everyone they recommended. Any help would be appreciated.

I just converted my car (54 Plymouth) to 12V as well. I am working through the conversion too. As was stated, the motor is indifferent to the swap from positive to negative ground. The motor will ground through the case by way of a jumper strap that circumvents the rubber mount. The first thing you should be watching for is the motor speed. how fast is it going on 6 volts? How fast on 12V. It should run twice as fast at 12V than the 6. So first get it to work w/o the resistor. If it runs fine like that but not on the resistor then likely your resistor is knocking your power down to far to start your motor. Electrical power is current*voltage (P=IV) so your resistor may be burning off too much.

Thanks all!! I have never had a car w/o at least a drivers mirror. I have no intention of mounting one. I just thought it was really strange to not have it. Personally the fact it was optional (and not opted for) just makes me like the car more. I love unique.

My 54 Plaza wagon only has a rearview mirror on the windshield. There are no holes, mounts etc on the drivers door, and no MIRROR. Did Plymouth really make that mirror an option? My car is very original (and no options), but obviously its possible someone removed it and competently filled the holes to a point where I cannot find any evidence of it.

pretty car, and yet you came back to the MOPAR camp. Love the tri power set up. Those cars look really good in that color. Ill check the tunnel. Thanks for the heads up, I never expected it to be offset.

ive been worried about the fit too. I don't want to clip the car. I went through your build post, saw you set it over an inch, that's got me worried too. I want the car to be a period correct hot rod. I also don't want to alter it. I don't plan to keep it forever and I want the next owner to have the option of putting it back to stock. So no modifying anything that isnt readily available or bolt on. I am a machininst and engineer so I planned to design all my mounts to look like the factory hemi mounts on the Chryslers if possible. I know I am setting the bar pretty high for myself, a normal person would just clip it or go gasser on move on. Im into Pontiacs, so I aint right in the head anyway. The real time to be determining this was while the car was apart. But as I said, I aint right. Im going to keep an eye on your build thread, and keep doing my home work. Im not in a rush to start this as I just got the car together this month. Ill start collecting parts, taking pictures of other cars and driving it with the flatty. Every part on this car is worn out anyway, its is all original. I have plenty to do on it, as well as my other cars

Thanks for the pics. You did a really nice job finishing out the inners. I absolutely love multiple carb set ups. I keep getting told to stay with a single 4, but I don't like the look. What intake is that? I see you are using the SBC water pump. Was that a space consideration? How are you to the rad now?

I need to revive this thread. Anyone have a source for the correct springs for the 54 clutch? I am going to rig something up for teh time being, but those springs are long gone. Id like all the correct linkage anti rattle clips and spring if possible. Thanks Chris

Yep, thats what it should look like. My freeze plug came in a freeze plug kit. I got it from Bernbaum. It was pretty reasonable. It installs with a ball peen hammer. I am pretty sure the procedure is outlined here on the forum. The service manual or a period Motors Manual will also have the installation procedure.

HI Adam, thank for the feedback. Do you have a rough Width of your engine compartment SO I could compare to mine? Is it possible the dimensions are basically the same 47-54? I Sort of expected having to ditch the wheel wells and go to fender well hedders on the car. Its actually good news I can rework the inners to fit the Hemi. I am running a 6 PSI cap on the car. Probably contributed to the sprinkler syndrome. I like the added margin the pressure adds. Especially here in TX.

How do you guys keep track of all that?

I was looking for a noob area, couldn't find one. I figures this would be the best place to ask a basic question and not clog up the technically inclined forums with a question like this. Basically, I have a 54 Plaza Wagon. Known as a P25 to the cool kids. This is my first Chrysler product. Some of you may recognize me from the tech forum when I was dealing with the timing issue. I have been to Allpar and looked through here and think I understand the designations. So please correct me where I may be wrong. P stands fro Plymouth, 25 if for any Plymouth model in 54. D would be dodge C Chrysler etc. basically you just memorize the years associated with the number designation? Are all cars of the same year just trim levels of the other. So my Plaza is a base model. Add some options its a Savoy. Add some more and its a Belevedere? This is true of all the divisions?

Thanks for the advice on the plugs. I had the AC's sitting in a box that's why I used them. I am running a 195 Thermostat. All in all the motor seems pretty happy. Of course now the stupid generator isn't charging . I will be driving this car next week if I have to carry a spare battery with me. Its still a 6 volt car. If the generator is shot I will change the fields and regulator and go to 12 V. I don't like the alternator look on a 50's car. It looks wrong. Also, I have a 354 Hemi lined up for the car. Time to start shopping parts for the next build. I am a bit concerned it may not fit in the engine compartment. THe 230 barely does. They had to recess the firewall to make room for it. So, time to search the forum for all the info I can find on this type of swap. I'll be talking to you guys lots more!!

Well, here is the official update. The car is named The Sprinkler" due to its annoying habit of leaking out every stinking bolt hole (yes I'm going to fix it). Thanks Dodge Brothers. I pulled the oil pump, moved it the one tooth, put the distributor back in and timed it. set it at about 2 degrees. ill let the chain stretch and let the car find its happy zone. Thing runs like a sewing machine, has a little vibration at idle in the car, but the engine is smooth as silk. the body is probably amplifying the vibrations. The reality is it runs just like when I got it (before I burned it up). I am running AC Delco R45S plugs, but they tend to miss a bit. They are probably fouled to death. I always heavily top lube my engines when I build them. This one especially. It sat on the pallet I built for it for a year before I put it in. I was just too busy to finish the car. I have a few odds and ends to wrap up and I will be driving it. I will post some pics in a gallery for all to see. Its pretty neat. Plaza Wagon. I have a thing for Wagons, convertibles, and manual transmissions. This car has 2 of the 3. I also have a soft spot for orphan cars and junk food. So I am going to drive my orphan, manual, wagon while eating candy bars and singing to myself (it has no radio remember!!). I am a bad singer. Thanks all! Chris

that's so hard to believe. I know its true, but man look at todays car. They warm your butt even and just heating the cabin was an option. It really crazy if you go back a few more years oil filters were optional on cars.

I give you MOPAR guys credit, I am learning to hate this motor. when it warms up the block expands enough to let coolant out passed all the stupid bolts that go into the water jackets. To seal the ones on the front of the motor I have to pull the radiator and the front motor mount. To move the distributor 1 tooth I have to pull the oil pump and the distributor and scratch up my nice paint job. Of course I am the idiot that got it a tooth off, but still its easier to be mad at the motor. The distributor is definitely a tooth off. I pulled the plug over #6 piston and brought it around to TDC and it lined up with what I belive was the DC marking on the pulley so That hasn't slipped. The rotor loos like it is lined up where I put #1, but the its way retarded. So, I advanced the dist as far as it could go, and I my just make it to TDC. I tried hopping all the wires 1 location on the cap, but then it was too far advanced and I had to go all the way retarded to get to about 2 deg advanced. Looks like I have to pull the pump. I don't like things that aren't right.