Rodney Bullock Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 I went on a day trip to clear my head. i went up to inwood WV to a Studebaker guy. This is the samre man I got the 61 hawk from, when I got there I looked at a number of cars he had and one stood out. He has a 1939 Chrysler Saratoga. This car is very unique, it was designed by R. Detrick. I have been looking at them on the internet and they look great streetrodded. I may take the plunge:) If I can find a nice motor , trans and rear comination. The car is missing it's running gear so I would not feel bad rodding it. I think if I put the car away for a couple of years I would be ready to tackle it in 2011. I could start collecting parts. does anyone here have a 1939 or know the history of the 39 Saratoga? Quote
P15Mike Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 Rodney , Shoulda stopped by while you where in the area, woulda gave you the grand tour of the garage .....Also i just might have a nice flatty for ya to drop in that thing ! Mike Quote
Joe Flanagan Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 What are we gonna do with you, Rodney? You're like the person who can't go in the dog pound because he wants to adopt them all. Actually, I'm that way, too. If I had enough space and time, I'd be snatching up all kinds of future projects. Is the front clip there? It was a nice day to take that drive. You had good weather. What car did you go in? Quote
Norm's Coupe Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 Rodney, You must have way too much time on your hands if you can take a ride and look at old cars during the day, during the week. You might also want to look into wearing blinders as you are driving down the road. That way all these project cars won't tempt you. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Posted March 25, 2009 What are we gonna do with you, Rodney? You're like the person who can't go in the dog pound because he wants to adopt them all. Actually, I'm that way, too. If I had enough space and time, I'd be snatching up all kinds of future projects. Is the front clip there? It was a nice day to take that drive. You had good weather. What car did you go in? He does have the front clip however it is in peices, what I am hoping is he has all the trim that goes with it. This car is very solid the floors are in tact. I have been looking at street rods of the same year and they look great no to mention there are no 1939 chyslers around here:) Hey Joe I was riding with Kaiser, he has one of those Harley/Daidson F-100 trucks with the turbo. You have to meet this guy, he is putting together a 1941 Studebaker coupe. I took him down the country and gave him most of my spare 1941 parts. He is a master welder and has a boss 1950 ford club coupe. We have been going on the junkyard tours. He has blast cabinets and all kinds of stuff in his garage. He group does there own painting and repairing. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Posted March 25, 2009 Rodney , Shoulda stopped by while you where in the area, woulda gave you the grand tour of the garage .....Also i just might have a nice flatty for ya to drop in that thing ! Mike Mike I am gonna put a v8 in that thang. I have enough 6 cly. Mike we get up that why on occation I would love to have the grand tour. The Studebaker club is going on a spring tour to Blackwater falls and we are meeting in hagerstown maybe I can meet you then. Quote
Don Coatney Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 does anyone here have a 1939 or know the history of the 39 The Chrysler automobile company started making 1939 Chrysler automobiles in 1939. They continued producing these 1939 Chrysler automobiles until the 1940 models came out. At this time they did not make any more 1939 Chrysler automobiles. This pretty much sums up the history of 1939 Chrysler automobiles. Quote
Joe Flanagan Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 Don, very funny. I bet you could flesh that out a little more, though. One thing you forgot to mention is that the 1939 calendar year ran from January 1939 until December 1939, after which it was no longer 1939 and 1940 began. Quote
55 Fargo Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 These are very cool cars Rodney, Robert KB has one all doone up. What abut a Hemi running gear, something out of a late model Chrsyler 300 car wreck. Actually a nice 318, or a 340 would be nice too...........Fred ps slant 6,nah just funnin Quote
55 Fargo Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 The Chrysler automobile company started making 1939 Chrysler automobiles in 1939. They continued producing these 1939 Chrysler automobiles until the 1940 models came out. At this time they did not make any more 1939 Chrysler automobiles. This pretty much sums up the history of 1939 Chrysler automobiles. Don, I feel more edumucated as a result of reading this historical account of the 1939 Chrysler, Walter P, would be proud..................LOL Quote
55 Fargo Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 Don, very funny. I bet you could flesh that out a little more, though. One thing you forgot to mention is that the 1939 calendar year ran from January 1939 until December 1939, after which it was no longer 1939 and 1940 began. Production years are different Joe, but did enjoy the Coatney's historical account of the 1939 Chrysler Production Year..........LOL Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Posted March 25, 2009 The Chrysler automobile company started making 1939 Chrysler automobiles in 1939. They continued producing these 1939 Chrysler automobiles until the 1940 models came out. At this time they did not make any more 1939 Chrysler automobiles. This pretty much sums up the history of 1939 Chrysler automobiles. Oh Don, I wanted a little more detail then that. The 1939 Chrysler Saratoga was a different edition then say the royal or the Imperial. It is on the same wheel base as the New yorker. They bought in a designer named Richard Deitrick to give it a more art deco look. The inside of this car has some very unique features like window cranks knobs that fold down for easy use, clock in the glove box. The seats are cover with a pattern I have never seen before nicely placed buttons. Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Posted March 25, 2009 These are very cool cars Rodney, Robert KB has one all doone up.What abut a Hemi running gear, something out of a late model Chrsyler 300 car wreck. Actually a nice 318, or a 340 would be nice too...........Fred ps slant 6,nah just funnin Fred, have you seen his car? I would like to talk to him about t. Does he have a v8? Quote
Cpt.Fred Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 this looks great! any photos of finished cars or original old ones...? Quote
55 Fargo Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 Fred, have you seen his car? I would like to talk to him about t. Does he have a v8? It's a beautiful all original type, I have only seen pics as he lives 800 miles west of me.... Quote
BobT-47P15 Posted March 25, 2009 Report Posted March 25, 2009 1939-1942 The Saratoga nameplate first appeared in 1939 and was applied to Chrysler's least expensive full-size eight cylinder models, below that of the New Yorker Special and the Imperial. In 1940, Chrysler assigned the Saratoga to its Series 26 eight-cylinder models, along with the Traveler and New Yorker models. For 1940, the car was available only as a four-door sedan, and in two interior configurations, sport and formal. In 1941, the Saratoga was assigned to Chrysler's Series 30, and in 1942 to Series C-36; again in both years, the car was available only with an eight cylinder engine. For both model years, the Saratoga was available in a wider array of body styles than in 1939 and 1940. 1946-1953 The Saratoga nameplate returned for 1946, positioned as Chrysler’s least expensive eight-cylinder model, in a full array of body styles. Annual styling changes were almost non-existent between 1946 and the "First Series" 1949 Chryslers. Because of government restrictions on manufacturer source goods, Chrysler offered white steel "beauty rings" on its car wheels to give the appearance of wide white wall tires. White wall tires as an option returned in 1947. When the fully redesigned 1949 "Second Series" Chryslers bowed in mid-season, the Saratoga was once again regulated to two body styles, the four-door sedan and two-door Club Coupe, and rode the Chrysler Windsor's shorter wheelbase. From 1950 through the 1953 model year, annual changes the Saratoga followed in lock step with Chrysler other models, the biggest exception was the 1951 introduction of Chrysler’s famed Hemi V8. When the engine was dropped into the lighter short wheelbase Saratogas, performance results were exceptional. An eight passenger limousine was offered as a special order body style for 1951 only. Chrysler dropped the Saratoga nameplate for 1954, instead preferring to rely on its Windsor and V8-powered New Yorker and Imperial models from 1954 to 1956. 1957-1960 Chrysler reused the Saratoga nameplate in 1957 as part of its "Forward Look" styling by Virgil Exner. Again, the Saratoga was based on the base Windsor model, but received trim upgrades and better appointments inside the passenger compartment. The base V8 in the Saratoga was a cast-iron block V8; Chrysler’s highly praised Hemi was available as an option. Early 1957 models featured dual headlights, with quad-headlights as an option; by the model year's end all Saratogas were outfitted with quad headlights. For 1958, all Windsors were shifted to the Dodge chassis, and used a modified front end design based in part on Dodge's front clip - this was especially evident around the Windsor's headlights. Sratogas continued to be based on the shorter wheelbase, but used the traditional Chrysler front clip and was available in three body styles – four-door sedan, four-door hardtop, and two door hardtop coupe. In 1959, the Saratoga was based on the longer Chrysler wheelbase (126in (3,200mm)), but used the Windsor body (aft of the firewall) with the longer New Yorker front clip. In its final year, the 1960 Chrysler Saratoga was based wholly on the New Yorker body shell, less New Yorker trimmings, and again offered in three body styles – four-door sedan, four-door hardtop, and two-door hardtop coupe. In 1961, Chrysler decided to release a new low-price entry-level model called the Chrysler Newport, a name which in 1961 was commonly associated with Chrysler’s expensive hardtops in the early and mid 1950s. While the Newport took the place of the Windsor in the lineup, the company cancelled the mid-range Saratoga, and elevated the Windsor name to the mid-level position. In its final year, approximately 15,525 1960 Chrysler Saratogas rolled off the assembly line. 1989-1995 The Saratoga name was revived in 1989 when Chrysler rebadged its Dodge Spirit sedan for export to Europe. Marketing of this Saratoga was officially discontinued in 1993, but the Saratoga continued being built and exported, and parts unique to it continued being catalogued through the 1995 end of A-body production. These export-market Saratogas were not simply Dodge Spirits with different nameplates. Differing vehicle safety regulations in the rest of the world versus North America required the Saratoga to have different headlamps and front, side, and rear lights and reflectors, glass, mirrors, seat belts, instrument clusters and radios. All Saratogas featured front bucket seats, the front split-bench seat that was an available option in the US for the Spirit and its derivates has never been offered on European markets. Popular Saratoga combinations were the base models with a 2.5L TBI I4 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Starting in 1993, the Saratoga was available with leather seats and other luxury touches not provided in the North American market. Most 1993 and later Saratogas were eqipped with the 3.0L MPI Mitsubishi-built V6 and the A604 "Ultradrive" 4-speed automatic transmission. A small number of models equipped with the turbocharged version of the 2.5L engine were also sold. All Saratogas were equipped with the highest-specification suspension and brake systems made by Chrysler for the A-body. The last Saratogas, sold in small numbers in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium in 1994 and 1995, were actually based on the US-market Chrysler LeBaron Sedan. They can be identified by additional fender chrome and an "LE" badge on the trunklid. These models were all equipped with the 3.0 liter Mitsubishi V6, the A604 automatic transmission, leather seats and A/C. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Quote
Jerry Roberts Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rodney , I have seen some of the early Chrysler window crank knobs that were real chunky looking and folded down for use . These knobs (or handles) were made to represent the Chrysler building . Quote
steveplym Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rodney you are right that would make a neat street rod. I don't think I've ever seen one like it street rodded. Looks like the body is in good shape. How are the floors? Quote
Rodney Bullock Posted March 26, 2009 Author Report Posted March 26, 2009 This is why I am so interested in the car, the floors are perfect. There is not a hole in it. The whole car is very solid. Steveplym I think they were trying to do as much as they could to represent Chrysler because Walter P. was so sick at the time, he died in 1940. If you go to www.carnut.com you will see what that car looks like street rodded. In fact if you go there you can see what any car would look like street rodded. The couple that had the car was going to restore it they took the front clip off and removed the motor. The next wee they were lost at sea. The car lay in state until this guy picked it up. Another couple wanted the car as they had a motor and trans already to go into the car, two week later their house blew away in a tornado. My wife hates the car so we should be OK:) Quote
Joe Flanagan Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rodney, From what I can see in the pictures, it looks pretty solid. That seat is in amazing condition for its age. Looks like only surface rust on the outside and no serious dents. Quote
gnoub1948 Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rodney: If you need help picking up that thing, let me know. I have an open trailer ("Little Harry") with a winch. I've pulled a few Roadmasters with this one so that little 'ole Saratoga shouldn't be a problem! Gary Quote
desoto1939 Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rodney. I have the sister car a 1939 Desoto S6 4 door Sedan. The 39 Dodge, Desoto and Chrysler do share some parts such as glass and doors and trunk lid and trans. As you may know the motor inthe 39 Desoto will fit into the chrysler. The ply and Dodge are the smaller engines. The hood od the Dodges willnot fit on the Des or Chrylsr because they are smaller in length. I have been going to Hershey for the past 25 years and the parts for these cars are getting harder to find almost impossible. Ebay is a good place to look. You can get the engine parts at a NAPA store. There is a guy on Ebay that is now repoing the interior dash buttons and window crank buttons. This isa great touring car. If you get the car I will try to help you with what ever I can. Please contact me. Send me you internet address and I will send you some pictures of my 39 Desoto. rich HArtung desoto1939@aol.com 484-431-8157 I live near valley Forge PA. Quote
Brendan D25 Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Rich, welcome to the forum, your DeSoto looks like a nice car. Thanks for posting, Brendan. Quote
desoto1939 Posted March 26, 2009 Report Posted March 26, 2009 Brendan: The car stillhas the factory interior for the seats and door panels. I had to replace the headliner. Still has the factory radio and heater and also the facotry clock in the glovebox lid. The 39 Chrysler had a lot of plactic pats on the dash that would get distorted because of the oil in the plastic parts. Mine still has the factory woodgraining. I installed the dodge fender lamps to use as turnsignals. The desoto used these on their export cars to Euorpe. I have had the car or 21 years. Still has the original runningboards and original rubber on the boards. Thinking of trying to get this HPOF certified at the AACA show that is being held in Gettysburg this may. Not to sure if it will get past the judges. I have the following options onthe car, Mopar Heater, radio, rear gravel stone shield, fog lights. I did have the factory fender skirts. Galss has been replaced and was able to get the correct etched factory info for the safety glass and also in the correct placement. This is a very period correct car for anyone that is looking for pictures an info. I have rewired the car with modern wire and still need to use the appropriate cloth covered wire wit the strikers onthe wire but not to concerned at this point. Will to help anyone with any 39 MoPar questions rich Hartung Quote
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