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$64million question..."Do I need another D24?!!?"


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Posted

Hi all, had a really interesting day today... During a small Halloween car run I got some information about a Dodge project for sale in a small town up north of Cairns. Managed to convince the wife that it wouldn't hurt to investigate further...so today the family piled in the car and went for a look.

Well...it beggars belief that I've found another D24C in Far North Queensland, Australia! AND, I think its a 1947 too!! The guy selling it is a sugar cane farmer who had quite grand plans to restore her, and he's done all the hard stuff, but has come to a 'wall' and wants to shift her to someone with more motivation.

I got the serial number - 9840885. In my book this indicates a Canadian built 1947 D24C? Can anyone advise differently? BTW - "Dorothy's" serial number is 9839314 - so there's only 1571 cars between them!!!!

The information the seller has is that this has been a local car for a long time, but was apparently imported from New Zealand too, as was mine.

From what I could see - its identical to Dorothy, though I do understand that the models didn't alter from year to year '46-'48 - and thats why its the serial number that tells all...

He reckons he's sunk more than $10,000 into is so far, basically all of that on body work and chassis. It's had the body off and its been stripped, but unfortunately there is now surface rust all over it again. Not too bad, but enough that it will need some attention sooner rather than later to prevent it getting worse. Rockers have been repaired, as has the boot area.

He's asking around $5000 - $6000 for it.... but I'm aware its been sitting for a while now.

The question is.....do I need a project like this and would I be capable of it?....

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Posted

I think you're definitely capable. Do you have a place to put it? The surface rust doesn't look that bad but it is extensive and if it were me, I'd have it blasted. Looks like he's got high-build primer on it and the rust is coming up through it. I'd go from bare metal to epoxy primer, and then high-build and keep it out of the weather. The parts of my car I treated that way have stayed rust-free for nearly a decade now.

I love the grille. But it makes me think of the price of rechroming nowadays, another thing to think about.

Other than that, the body's nice and straight and it looks like the toughest parts have already been done. Can you afford it and what does the wife say?

Posted (edited)

Asking people on this forum if you need another D24 is like asking a drunk if he wants another drink. Of course you should buy it and you certainly need it. It looks really solid and I don't think it needs to be blasted. Just take it back to bare metal by sanding or rotary disc and prime well. dssSome good advice has been given as well like do you have somewhere to keep it and time and money to work on it as well as your other D24? Does your wife approve as it is always nice to stay married.:P But to truly answer your question.........yes of course you need it!:) Also, get it for the best price you can negotiate and in a year or two if you decide against it, you can likely move it on for a profit.

Edited by RobertKB
Posted
I think you're definitely capable. Do you have a place to put it? The surface rust doesn't look that bad but it is extensive and if it were me, I'd have it blasted. Looks like he's got high-build primer on it and the rust is coming up through it. I'd go from bare metal to epoxy primer, and then high-build and keep it out of the weather. The parts of my car I treated that way have stayed rust-free for nearly a decade now.

I love the grille. But it makes me think of the price of rechroming nowadays, another thing to think about.

Other than that, the body's nice and straight and it looks like the toughest parts have already been done. Can you afford it and what does the wife say?

The grille is stainless Joe:)

Posted

The grille on my Canadian D25 is chromed pot metal and if this D24 was built in Canada, and a few thousand were, the grille is likely pot metal also. I am not positive but I don't think stainless would look like that.

Posted
Hi all, had a really interesting day today... During a small Halloween car run I got some information about a Dodge project for sale in a small town up north of Cairns. Managed to convince the wife that it wouldn't hurt to investigate further...so today the family piled in the car and went for a look.

Well...it beggars belief that I've found another D24C in Far North Queensland, Australia! AND, I think its a 1947 too!! The guy selling it is a sugar cane farmer who had quite grand plans to restore her, and he's done all the hard stuff, but has come to a 'wall' and wants to shift her to someone with more motivation.

I got the serial number - 9840885. In my book this indicates a Canadian built 1947 D24C? Can anyone advise differently? BTW - "Dorothy's" serial number is 9839314 - so there's only 1571 cars between them!!!!

The information the seller has is that this has been a local car for a long time, but was apparently imported from New Zealand too, as was mine.

From what I could see - its identical to Dorothy, though I do understand that the models didn't alter from year to year '46-'48 - and thats why its the serial number that tells all...

He reckons he's sunk more than $10,000 into is so far, basically all of that on body work and chassis. It's had the body off and its been stripped, but unfortunately there is now surface rust all over it again. Not too bad, but enough that it will need some attention sooner rather than later to prevent it getting worse. Rockers have been repaired, as has the boot area.

He's asking around $5000 - $6000 for it.... but I'm aware its been sitting for a while now.

The question is.....do I need a project like this and would I be capable of it?....

Canadian D24 serial numbers were -

1946 : 9 836 991 to 9 837 702 (712)

1947 : 9 837 703 to 9 842 105 (4,403)

1948 : 9 842 106 to 9 844 990 (2,885)

That makes a total of 8,000 - all club coupes, 4-door sedans and LWB sedans.

9840885 - 1947

9839314 - 1947

In Canada, the 1946-48 models stopped production in late December, 1948, meaning Chrysler of Canada did not have a 1st series 1949 model year.

However, Chrysler of Australia did, due to the time to get the chassis units or CKD units from Canada to Australia. I do know the last of the smaller D25 models, built on Canadian chassis with T.J.Richards (updated 1939) bodies were sold as 1949 models.

I have seen photos of "Dorothy" - one gorgeous looking car! So, yes, you can do it. Besides, "Dorothy" is probably lonely in her senior years. Would approciate some company. :)

Bill

Vancouver, BC

Posted
The grille on my Canadian D25 is chromed pot metal and if this D24 was built in Canada, and a few thousand were, the grille is likely pot metal also. I am not positive but I don't think stainless would look like that.

Thank you Robert, I was not aware that any d24s were built outside the US.

Posted
Thank you Robert, I was not aware that any d24s were built outside the US.

Frankie, I never realized that until a couple of years ago. I always thought any D24 in Canada came out of the good ole USA. I believe it was Bill Watson that mentioned that a few thousand were built in Canada and has indicated that again in this thread. You always learn something new on this forum.

Posted

the appearance of the grill is very misleading for sure...the D24 should not be cast metal but I do not know this for certain..(even so should not rust anyway) the D25 Plymouth's in sheeps clothing is for sure cast and for sure smaller in physical size to the D24...the stainless of the D24 is compromised here and I am wondering IF in the event of the "body work" that has been mentioned if the car has suffered fallout of metal shaving etc and has rusted onto the surface of the stainless...I saw this a number of times along trim and such when mounting aftermarket antennas where metal hole saw shaving fell along the fender chrome, was left, rusted and caused major concern for owners and lots of yelling at mechanics from service managers..

Posted
the appearance of the grill is very misleading for sure...the D24 should not be cast metal but I do not know this for certain..(even so should not rust anyway) the D25 Plymouth's in sheeps clothing is for sure cast and for sure smaller in physical size to the D24...the stainless of the D24 is compromised here and I am wondering IF in the event of the "body work" that has been mentioned if the car has suffered fallout of metal shaving etc and has rusted onto the surface of the stainless...I saw this a number of times along trim and such when mounting aftermarket antennas where metal hole saw shaving fell along the fender chrome, was left, rusted and caused major concern for owners and lots of yelling at mechanics from service managers..

Tim, that is a definite possibilty and a good point which would explain the rust like appearance on possible stainless steel.

Service managers yelling at mechanics??:P

Posted

Hey Boxer!

You really "do need that" other D-24!

There cant be that many of em left here!

You could corner the market and push the prices up, LOL!

I keep thinking after i finish my D-25,

that i "really do need" a nice 46 bussy coupe to keep her company!

Thats my plan,so if its acheivable, go for it!

Posted
Hey Rob!!!

This one used to be about the same color as Dorothy....don't you feel lucky!:eek::eek::eek::D

Hooooly... now THAT is a project that I KNOW would be waaaaaaay beyond me. In comparison, the one I'm looking at is almost 'showroom'!!:D

Canadian D24 serial numbers were -

1946 : 9 836 991 to 9 837 702 (712)

1947 : 9 837 703 to 9 842 105 (4,403)

1948 : 9 842 106 to 9 844 990 (2,885)

That makes a total of 8,000 - all club coupes, 4-door sedans and LWB sedans.

9840885 - 1947

9839314 - 1947

...snip..

I have seen photos of "Dorothy" - one gorgeous looking car! So, yes, you can do it. Besides, "Dorothy" is probably lonely in her senior years. Would approciate some company. :)

Bill

Vancouver, BC

Bill - amazing information as always from you. Thanks for the kind words about "Dorothy" too

GET IT! i am lookin at my 5th plymouth tomorrow..you only live once.

you can always sell it later, if you change your mind..nothing lost.

claybill

5??!!!!!!!!!:eek: Is there a clinical name for what bug you got???

Posted

Here's a couple more photos I have of this 'other' D24...

Interior (note the paint buckets in place for when the current owner takes his grandchildren for a slow run around the farm yard...!lol

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Body

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Suspension & chassis (photo taken through headlight hole) - all done (apparently...)

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INterior - floor has been done & painted. You can also see the rocker panels where they've been redone.

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Posted

You gotta buy it!!! With that much work done and a decent price, how can you even think twice? As claybill says, you only live once. I have three old Chrysler products and two old Fords:eek:. I have a big garage I keep three in and rent a double for the the others. I drive them all lots and they provide great pleasure. Go for it. Please keep us updated.

Posted

Don, you've probably put straight the minds of many members here who just can't quite fathom the idea of a car with the wheel on the wrong side!! Nice one...

I'm still mulling this car over...haven't been back to the owner as yet, but I might follow up this week. I'll be sure to let y'all know.

Just as a broad question, any members use their cars for weddings etc on a 'hire' basis at any time? Not so much for as a 'once off' family affair thing, but more as a regular gig?

Rob.

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