46Ply

I'm a little slow here, if I understand this you say that I'm most likely to have a 3.9, but what's "the hy-drive would be 3.73 as would be the 54"? I might get lucky and find a 230 engine!

Thanks Plymouthy, I'm beginning to feel better about this. As I said, I need to find out what I have. I also just found this old thread, which confirms what you guys are telling me also. http://p15-d24.com/topic/33275-rear-end-swap/

Now we're talkin'! I've been reading that anything over 80% of max rpms is asking for trouble. And that 55 is comfortable and anything over that is pushing the limits. Guess I'll wait til I get it on the road and see what it does. And before that I will definitely find out what rear ratio I have. One question I haven't asked yet is: What was the original ratio on the P15 and were there more than one? I haven't found a reference on that yet. When I get the title and serial number, I'll write to Chrysler and try to get the build sheet also. Most of my driving will be in the 55 and under range, but I'd like to know I can take a trip when and if I want to.

Thanks guys, This is the kind of stuff I'm looking for. I won't be doing this work myself. I'm too old and don't have the knowhow. So, I'll have to find someone to do this for me. And I do have some resources, but I don't know if they are familiar with this vehicle. Changing out the whole real axle would be my second choice. What I was really looking to find is what donor gear and pinion assemblies would interchange with my housing. Mainly, all I'm looking to accomplish is being able to drive the car at highway speeds, at least 65mph. And I don't know yet what rear gear ratio is in the car! But I will in a week or so. At least that's what I think I want. We're just starting on the build on this car and all ideas greatly appreciated. As you can probably tell by now, this is all new to me and I'm learning as much as I can going into this.

Thanks, I did see that. I also copied it and saved it. But on the P15 all it shows is the spring width and the track width. I'm sure I need more information.

Thanks Bob, Just spent a little time searching for references and specs on changing the rear end ratio. So far, no luck. But I did find one application where a 90 Dodge Dakota was used with a 3.55 final ratio. I need to get educated in order to properly search this forum and also to search elsewhere for possible candidates. Since the brakes have just recently been overhauled including all new brake lines, I would prefer to just change the ring and pinion and leave the original axle intact. (I think). Might have to revisit this idea before we get done. Still looking for thoughts on the previous post regarding the company that sells the woodgraining kit. This is something I would like to do myself. And this company gives some nice videos on how to do it, and also has the original pattern for my car.

Searching for rear axle possibilities for a P15. So far this is the best thread I've found. I understand somewhere here is a reference chart?? Bottom line, what rear axle swaps require the least modification. All I'm looking for right now is to increase highway cruising range.

I've been researching woodgraining ideas and ran across this site: http://woodgraining.com/ They have detailed information about how to re-do your trim. I'd like to try this method. Just wondering if anyone here has tried it, and are there other sources for buying the materials to do this. I like this company because they have most of the original patterns and colors from many of the early cars, including mine. Someone has attempted to re-do the trim on my car and has fairly well messed it up. I'm also wondering if it might be possible to get some of the goop off and find out what was left of the original? Ideas greatly appreciated. Here's my dash.

Searching for threads on woodgraining, I came across your Dodge. What a nice old car!

I would imagine that they most likely are interchangeable. Especially if the size and shape of the clock is the same.

Interior very nicely done. Who did the woodgraining on the window frames, etc.? Ie: looking for recommendations for mine.

Just read the entire thread. The speedometer jumping is nothing new. These cars always did this. I had a 47 Plymouth in 1958, and it was a regular routine to pull the cable out, oil it up and reinstall, to eliminate the needle jump. But, I've learned some things about the proper lubricants to use, here today.

Just found this thread. Love to see the progress you've made. Thanks for the pictures and videos.

Two heaters? Only time I ever saw this was on a Chrysler. In my search I've also notice two styles of heaters. One has a little oblong door at the bottom and the front is flat pretty much. Others I've seen has a round motor housing on the front. How come two styles, and which one is the best?

Being new here, I just found this thread. Love to see the progression. Gives me enthusiasm to start from scratch on mine. Great job on the upholstery! Very very nice.

Someone close by to bounce questions off would be great. I'm in East Central NC, just off I-95.

I'm mostly looking for a good daily or occasional driver. Will be basically stock for the most part. Any modifications would be only to improve driveability. Whatever changes I make will be as close to factory as i can get. My biggest concern now is if I'll be able to run it in the 65mph neighborhood without adding overdrive, which I understand is hard to come by. And I don't want to add OD anyway if I can avoid it. What is generally accepted as a safe running speed on these engines? 55 mph neighborhood? It obviously needs paint which will be the first priority. Then when I'm able to drive it, I'll decide what's next.

Thanks Bob, The car comes with everything that was originally on it, all the trim, rebuilt radio, all the paid bills for work done, etc. But since I haven't got the car yet, I'm not sure what else goes with it, I will order manuals asap, if there is none there. Oh, it comes with a spare engine and transmission too!

Thanks guys, From what I've seen from the pictures and what my brother told me, (who went to look at it for me), the body is pretty straight with hardly any rust. Unfortunately I think the worst part is where some one tried to eliminate the seam on the back fenders and started a little welding on the underside and applied some filler on the top. My brother tells me this is not major and can be easily repaired. The car also has 15" wheels that have been sandblasted and repainted. But being this car is a 47, they are most likely incorrect? What modification is required to run 15s? Speedometer gear? What else?

Just joined this group and this is my first post. I've been reading some of the threads and looks like this is the place to be. My first car in high school was a 47 4 door Plymouth. I paid $150 for it. Was a very nice Florida no rust car in airway gray, with NO heater. Drove it two years in Illinois that way. Had to keep the windows open so I could see through the windshield! Now, I have purchased my second 47 a coupe. Haven't taken delivery yet, but will post some more pictures when I do. The good, nice running rebuilt engine, and new brakes all around with new brake lines. That's about all the good!! The bad, needs everything else. The interior was redone but poorly. The dash was redone but poorly. At any rate, I'm looking forward to the project, and I imagine I'll have a ton of questions for you all. Dave