What To Do Next/Opinions

[55 Fargo]

Hey all, now this thread is about any of us who are on a shoe string budget, or those who have gone there before me.

Now if money and expenses, are no big deal, as some folks who are not in this league then this thread may not be of interest to some.

Anyway, I have been pondering, and wondering what I should do next on the 47, there are many items that need to be completed or corrected, replaced etc, there is however only so much expenditure for the old car fiscal year.

I need to do the following;

Mechanical Items,

-new tires

-pinion seal leaks

-tiny hole in muffler

-steering box leaks

-some engine oil leaks

-oil hose at filter fitting

-t/stat is suspect

Body Items;

-wind shield rubber

-re-chrome bumpers

-buy some new body trim, that should be replaced

Interior Items;

-order and install headliner

-order and install door win lace

-epoxy repair and paint steering wheel

-make and install new cardboard partition for behind rear seat

-have radio repaired

Okay so there are the regular seasonal maintenance items like oil and brake adjustment too, but this is my list of to-do, but I am not sure how I might be proceeding yet. How would some of you approach this, and what might you undertake to completion........Fred

[RobertKB]

1. If you really need tires, they are a first priority.

2. Change thermostat. If suspect you don't want to fry your engine and it's an easy job.

3. Oil hose at filter fitting. Don't want to ruin your engine due to lack of oil. Cheap and inexpensive fix.

4. Windshield rubber before headliner so no leaks on new headliner

5. New headliner. It will make your car feel so much more comfy to drive

Then what ever tickles your fancy. Chroming the bumpers would be last on my list. I went 30+ years on my '48 Dodge before getting good bumpers.

My two cents worth and they are worth more than the US 2 cents right now.http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Amount=1&From=CAD&To=USD&image.x=50&image.y=8

Edited March 2, 2011 by RobertKB

[Greenbomb]

RobertKB's list is a good one. Do the stuff that could possibly leave you sitting along side the road saying " I shoulda, woulda, coulda....". Those are also the things you want to be over with so you can sorta just putter on the rest at a leisurely, fun pace. When (if?) the sun shines again and you could work on it, but instead would rather drive it, you'll be able to if the mechanicals are all up to snuff. My .02 also. And if that's not worth the same as your .02, don't worry- we'll just make more!!!! Nyuk, nyuk!

[maurice wade]

Sounds like you need to get off the computer, and go to work on the thing. The time spent on the pc could have been used repairing your steering wheel. Just kidding!

[randroid]

Fred,

I agree by-and-large with the list RobertKB put together with just a few exceptions, and my opinion is based in part upon having to deal with most of the same things when I first got Pigiron on the road. I have a guideline that states that if what I want to do involves giving somebody else a lot of money I should hold off on it until I have a lot of money to give somebody else.

You take your '47 out now and then with some or all of the family on occasion so I must assume your tires are safe for the local driving you do. Keep an eye on them and spend the money elsewhere for now because though I've not met you personally your writing strongly suggests you're not an idiot.

I put off replacing the window rubber until I painted the car, and I waited so long to paint the car because window rubber (all windows) was going to cost me over $1000 in 1992. Thing is, windshield rubber and wind-lace fall into a category of their own because they're so close to your head and too visible to not be annoying, and none of us want an annoying reason to not drive our cars. Those two items are also cheaper today and your car is already painted.

A hole in a muffler is just the tip of the iceberg because mufflers rust from the inside out and patching one is what you do the day before you sell the car.

I recently removed my headliner because it's ugly, dirty, and doesn't hang well. I plan on adding sound deadener after I refinish the inside of the roof and that will help kill road noise. Let the kids draw on it with crayons and in thirty years you'll think it's 'precious'.

Oil leaks rub me the wrong way and I stop them with a vengeance! I don't care how well your engine runs or how clean you have it, one oil leak spoils it not only for you but for everyone who sees it, especially if it's at the highest point in the engine compartment.

Get the body trim when you find it, not when you think you need it.

I know zilch about steering pinions but they sound expensive to replace. Are they as much of a pain to repack as I've read the steering box is? Do you have any hard plans for next winter? Got a good stock of grease for the meantime?

I'm approaching this from a different angle than RobertKB simply for a different point of view. You wouldn't go wrong with his itinerary.

-Randy

[55 Fargo]

Thanx Guys for your suggestions.

The tires are not in bad shape, but the DOM is 1997, well past it's prime.

As far as engine oil leaks, not a whole lot, have replaced most gaskets, have not heard of too many flathead 6s that don't leak a little.

Every winter for years I worked on my car, this is the 1st January and February, where not much was done, it has been super cold, and I have not felt like heating up the garage to do some of the work, this month I get back into action. I did install,prep and Paint my fulton visor in early December, as well as install some new used items I purchased....

[Young Ed]

Fred the other lists are good. Mix in some DIY projects like the steering wheel and the partition behind the seat. You can make it out of hardboard from the lumberyard for cheap. I get a 4x8 sheet for about $5.

[1940plymouth]

Fred,

Over the course of the past 22 plus years, I raised four boys, worked a full time job and had bills to pay, just like everyone our ages with old cars. I tried for the most part to set money aside for the "Wayback Machine's" needs then when the amount was reached would get the parts to keep the old thing road worthy and presentable. My son painted the car eleven years ago this May while I was in South Dakota for a week visiting another son. The paint is now showing its age, but I don't plan on having it repainted as I like the "Driveable Dream" look. The headliner I bought six or seven years ago with income tax refund, it sat in its box until three years ago this Novemember when we installed it. I drove the old Plymouth without a headliner for a number of years, didn't bother me a bit, but I must admit once it was in, the old thing looked much better and was much quieter without the road noise

Now I basically just do what needs to be done to keep the car safe to be on the road, it does have its oil leaks, but after growing up on a farm with old machinery that leaked, it really doesn't bother me.

Sounds to me as if you are doing the right thing also,

My thoughts on the matter,

Bob

[Robert Horne]

I have always had more than 1 project going, so have to work with a budget for each one.

Tires, nothing wrong with using tires that are not new, that are in good shape, close to the correct size, not putting alot of miles on them anyway.

Headliner, I used a new Walmart Blanket, about $20. It is already sewn for the bows every few inchs. Easy to install, looks as good, if not better than most headliners. Walmart.Com list a "micromink", I would like to see, and if nicer than what I have, I will install another headliner.

Muffler, I bought a $70 pipe bender, , about $60 for new straight pipes, and bent my pipes myself. Have a small mig welder. Have plenty of mufflers lying around from cars I have junked, and a couple of new mufflers new in t he box I bought at flea markets, but am running no muffler for awhile, just straight pipe...

If I was wealthy, I would still deal with my old cars on a budget, as I like the challenge. If I was wealthy, I would still would rather have my old Plymouths/Dodge than a $50,000 show rod. Our oldies have "character", as the people on this site. God Bless all of you guys..

[55 Fargo]

I have always had more than 1 project going, so have to work with a budget for each one.

Tires, nothing wrong with using tires that are not new, that are in good shape, close to the correct size, not putting alot of miles on them anyway.

Headliner, I used a new Walmart Blanket, about $20. It is already sewn for the bows every few inchs. Easy to install, looks as good, if not better than most headliners. Walmart.Com list a "micromink", I would like to see, and if nicer than what I have, I will install another headliner.

Muffler, I bought a $70 pipe bender, , about $60 for new straight pipes, and bent my pipes myself. Have a small mig welder. Have plenty of mufflers lying around from cars I have junked, and a couple of new mufflers new in t he box I bought at flea markets, but am running no muffler for awhile, just straight pipe...

If I was wealthy, I would still deal with my old cars on a budget, as I like the challenge. If I was wealthy, I would still would rather have my old Plymouths/Dodge than a $50,000 show rod. Our oldies have "character", as the people on this site. God Bless all of you guys..

Thanx Robert, I would really like to see pics of your headliner, I do recall you mentioning how you did this ina prior thread. Could you, you explain how it was fitted and installed.

I should have qualified my exhaust system, brand new front to back 4 years ago, my Smithy muffler has a tiny rust through hole from, dummy me, starting the car too many times in the past, and not letting it get up to operating temp, thus trapping moisture in the muffler.

My tries are 1997 Good Years, in not bad shape, but are they trustworthy, that is the ?

[Robert Horne]

Headliner, I can not find the headliner photos on my Photobucket account or this newer computer. I will have to get into the old computer for the photos. The blanket headliner was very easy, with the stitching already there. I used alot of clothspins to stretch and clamp over a few days time to let it stretch.

I think on my next headliner install, I will lay the material on the top of the roof, attach some small weights, and let the material stretch for a few days, before the install. Maybe use a few bungee cords also....

Some newer vehicles have a small hole in the muffler to let out the moisture of the exhaust system. May be a good idea to drill a small hole in a new muffler, to let the moisture weep out.

I noticed, there are no photos of my 49 Plymouth on Photobucket anymore.

[55 Fargo]

Headliner, I can not find the headliner photos on my Photobucket account or this newer computer. I will have to get into the old computer for the photos. The blanket headliner was very easy, with the stitching already there. I used alot of clothspins to stretch and clamp over a few days time to let it stretch.

I think on my next headliner install, I will lay the material on the top of the roof, attach some small weights, and let the material stretch for a few days, before the install. Maybe use a few bungee cords also....

Some newer vehicles have a small hole in the muffler to let out the moisture of the exhaust system. May be a good idea to drill a small hole in a new muffler, to let the moisture weep out.

I noticed, there are no photos of my 49 Plymouth on Photobucket anymore.

Hey Robert, on the blankets you bought, you mention all the stitching, what type of blanket did you buy?

I am trying to picture what exactly you did, so it becomes clear to my mind.

I am not sure if Smithys have a drain hole or not, it is a very tiny hole at the bottom side of the muffler....

[oldodge41]

Boy do I know about doing this stuff on a budget. I look at that list and think I should make one but it would probably overwhelm me. From your list I would do the oil line and t-stat first. Monitor the tires and run them as long as I felt safe on them. If in doubt I would change them. I think sometimes it is important to do something you can easily see makes an improvement so slide in some trim or interior as cash allows to keep the interest peaked. My priorities right now are. Safety, reliability, visual appeal and comfort. In that order............Tim

[Don Coatney]

May be a good idea to drill a small hole in a new muffler, to let the moisture weep out.

(

Poor mans flame thrower. I recall a guy who had a 57 Plymouth with a 318 that he ran on the local drag strip when I was in high school. He drilled a couple holes in his mufflers not to let moisture out but to let air in. That way when ever he was decelerating and unburned gas got in the tailpipe he could shoot some pretty good flames as soon as the fresh oxygen entered the exhaust system through the small hole.

[knighthawk]

why not remake your list with the dollar amount next to item, then you can decide if you want to do the most expensive first or last .....Little things like the steering wheel can be done anytime..... the pinion seal is cheap, but you just have to retourque the nut to keep the same preload on the pinion bearings. Tires..... there been thousands of opinions on the tires.......mainly , if they're good, they'er good. muffler, a small patch with some putty will get you by for a while.....never done a steering box........better yet, a shop manual would be good idea, I've got one for just about every car......I almost forgot, IF , you change the pinion seal, make sure you mark the U joint to the yoke, yoke to the shaft , (center punch works good ) it must go back in the same yoke ! or it WILL vibrate .

Edited March 2, 2011 by knighthawk

[windsor8]

My list list of cosmetic things to do turned into a "domino effect"of replacing more parts.

[55 Fargo]

My list list of cosmetic things to do turned into a "domino effect"of replacing more parts.

Yup, this part of this sport....LOL

Pics of my interior at the moment, the roof has the flexifoil sound deadener /insulation, this made the interior much quieter, as did new door weatherstrip.

Edited March 3, 2011 by Rockwood

[RobertKB]

Yup, this part of this sport....LOL

Pics of my interior at the moment, the roof has the flexifoil sound deadener /insulation, this made the interior much quieter, as did new door weatherstrip.

Looks good but DOUBLE fuzzy dice??

[Don Coatney]

Looks good but DOUBLE fuzzy dice??

Made me puke twice:eek:

[power_hungry]

I had a '72 cheby station wagon with pink fuzzy dice, but the 5 1/2 foot wide Texas longhorns on the hood toned them down!

[Don Coatney]

I had a '72 cheby station wagon with pink fuzzy dice, but the 5 1/2 foot wide Texas longhorns on the hood toned them down!

Like these?

[JIPJOBXX]

-new tires-Check out local use tire shops or junk yards

-pinion seal leaks

-tiny hole in muffler-have muffler install new one

-steering box leaks

-some engine oil leaks-just keep adding oil

-oil hose at filter fitting-install new hose

-t/stat is suspect

Body Items;

-wind shield rubber-Get a professional to do this

-re-chrome bumpers-Check out car swap meets

-buy some new body trim, that should be replaced-Watch e-bay or ask on this site for anybody that might have some spare trim

Interior Items;

-order and install headliner-Go to local Junior College and check out there auto department

-order and install door win lace

-epoxy repair and paint steering wheel

-make and install new cardboard partition for behind rear seat

-have radio repaired-Watch e-bay for new one

Okay so there are the regular seasonal maintenance items like oil and brake adjustment too, but this is my list of to-do, but I am not sure how I might be proceeding yet. How would some of you approach this, and what might you undertake to completion........Fred

Just take your time and remember you may be like the proverbial turtle but he always win over the rabbit.

[55 Fargo]

Made me puke twice:eek:

Don,don't be shy;)tell us what you really think:rolleyes:,puked twice :confused:Hope it wasn't because you had a hang over:p...........

[55 Fargo]

Looks good but DOUBLE fuzzy dice??

Gifts from the "wee ones", had to have them both in the car, or 1 of them would be upset, they were very young when I got those from my Boy and Girl....

[55 Fargo]

-new tires-Check out local use tire shops or junk yards

-pinion seal leaks

-tiny hole in muffler-have muffler install new one

-steering box leaks

-some engine oil leaks-just keep adding oil

-oil hose at filter fitting-install new hose

-t/stat is suspect

Body Items;

-wind shield rubber-Get a professional to do this

-re-chrome bumpers-Check out car swap meets

-buy some new body trim, that should be replaced-Watch e-bay or ask on this site for anybody that might have some spare trim

Interior Items;

-order and install headliner-Go to local Junior College and check out there auto department

-order and install door win lace

-epoxy repair and paint steering wheel

-make and install new cardboard partition for behind rear seat

-have radio repaired-Watch e-bay for new one

Okay so there are the regular seasonal maintenance items like oil and brake adjustment too, but this is my list of to-do, but I am not sure how I might be proceeding yet. How would some of you approach this, and what might you undertake to completion........Fred

Just take your time and remember you may be like the proverbial turtle but he always win over the rabbit.

Thanx Jon, there is no race, my main priority as you other have mentioned is the mechanical and safety items.

The tires, are old, , they are not in too bad of shape, but should be replaced, and I have a local Good Year dealer nearby, that sells used tires, and 1 of the guys is gonna save me a decent set of 4, might take a little while. There is always walmart tires too, about $75.00 each.

The steering box is filled with grease at the moment, and is doing fine with it.

The rear diff and pinion leaks are a 31 priority, and will tackel most likely this month.

The whole family has just had the flu, not fun, especially for the little ones... PS my radio is in great shape, new dial face, new capcitors, needs a vibrator, it may work with just that...