1940 Dodge D-14

[Robert Smith]

Hello, I recently sold the P-15 locally and bought a '40 Dodge four door.

This car has a lot of potential, the suspension is great, the car sits as it should, glass is good, body is straight, interior is fair, motor runs smooth and powerful. The one thing I realize is I will need new wiring through out this car. At some point the wiring was converted from 6volt to 6/12. There are two 6v batteries under the seat to create 12v for the starter motor. The rest of the car runs on 6v. I believe I will convert to either 12v or 6v. I haven't decided exactly what direction I will go but, I'm looking for an affordable complete wiring harness for this car.

Anyone have a source for wiring harnesses I'll need to order one shortly so that I can get this fixed.

Thanks!

-=Rob

[1940_dodge]

Sorry, but I'm just starting my restoration. But welcome, it's nice to see another D14 owner here. Looks great!

[Mark D]

She's a beaut! Congrats and good luck with the harness replacement.

[40phil41]

Now that is a beauty. My '40 D14 engine compartment and head light wiring came from Rhode Island Wiring many years ago (still 6V). Great quality, perfect fit and it came with a very clear wiring diagram. The rest of the wiring is hand made. Note that the wiring to the rear runs inside of the headliner. If you are not replacing the headliner then you can just run it under the carpeting.

I am sure that you will really like this car.

Phil

[40Dodgesurvivor]

It looks great! Not a flaw to be seen. Enjoy!

Nice to see more 40 Dodges...

[BobT-47P15]

Looks good, Rob.

[Andydodge]

Really like your 1940 Dodge.........if you ever get tired of those headlight surrounds, fenders, hood or bumper........I know someone here in Oz that would be real interested............lol..........btw I was lucky when i got mine......it has the "nascar" options....lol.........V8, auto, disc brakes etc...........lol.........but am still partial to a nice stocker........regards, andyd

[desoto1939]

I have used rhode Island Wring for my harness. They do an excellant job and also braid the outer covering in the correct style and color.

Rich HArtung

desoto1939@aol.com

[Andydodge]

Robert, I noticed that your car doesn't have the chrome strip between the hood & front door on the passenger side.........do you have it?............are your strips made up of 4 ridges?........let me know I may have a spare..........andyd

[Robert Smith]

Now that is a beauty. My '40 D14 engine compartment and head light wiring came from Rhode Island Wiring many years ago (still 6V). Great quality, perfect fit and it came with a very clear wiring diagram. The rest of the wiring is hand made. Note that the wiring to the rear runs inside of the headliner. If you are not replacing the headliner then you can just run it under the carpeting.

I am sure that you will really like this car.

Phil

I am very sure I will really like this car... I've wanted a '40 Dodge since 2000. This is funny you mention the headliner, the previous owner took it out to replace it and never did... So, I need a new headliner! This is the only perk to having no headliner, makes the wiring easier to do. :-)

Robert, I noticed that your car doesn't have the chrome strip between the hood & front door on the passenger side.........do you have it?............are your strips made up of 4 ridges?........let me know I may have a spare..........andyd

I have not the stainless pieces, they are actually 3 ridges... and I've been on eBay looking for them... both are missing! If you have spares, let me know what you want for them! Also, need an interior rear view mirror, sun visors and a glove box latch. And, the small garnish detail on the window trim. I'm missing both on the rear doors. I do have the stainless for the windshield, however missing the center strip for it. :-( not sure if a later one would fit, or a Plymouth, DeSoto or Chrysler piece would fit. I think some of those pieces would be interchangeable.

:-)

Thanks guys, I'm really excited to own this car and can't wait to get it driving... I mean, it drives but I need to replace the wiring and rebuild the generator. I'm not sure if I'm going to go 6v or convert to 12v. Like I mentioned, it has two 6v batteries to give the starter motor a 12v kick. :-/ The electrician I've used in the past asked me this: Did you buy this car from Disneyland? Because your wiring is all Mickey Mouse! :-p

Edited March 7, 2012 by Robert Smith

[Robert Smith]

Really like your 1940 Dodge.........if you ever get tired of those headlight surrounds, fenders, hood or bumper........I know someone here in Oz that would be real interested............lol..........btw I was lucky when i got mine......it has the "nascar" options....lol.........V8, auto, disc brakes etc...........lol.........but am still partial to a nice stocker........regards, andyd

Well, many know me, I'm a sucker for a stock car, it has such a nice stance (imo) and I'm crazy, I really enjoy the "floating Power" and suspension which is in GREAT shape! :-)

I was noticing on the photo you posted of yours, it's a Canadian '40 Dodge... It has '40 Plymouth body and fenders.

Here's some other photos of the Car since I washed it and such:

[Roadkingcoupe]

Robert, I noticed that your car doesn't have the chrome strip between the hood & front door on the passenger side.........do you have it?............are your strips made up of 4 ridges?........let me know I may have a spare..........andyd

The moldings are different between these two models,

the amount of ridges and profile are not the same.

Might fit but will not match the rest of the vehicle's moldings.

1940 Dodge D14 Cowl Molding US Built vehicles

Part #849481 right

Part #849482 left

1940 Dodge D15 D16 Cowl Molding CDN and Export Built vehicles

Part #849479 right

Part #849480 left

[TodFitch]

Good looking car!

I don't know how the prices work out among the various wire harness vendors, but YnZ's is just down the road from you in Redlands and they make a very good product too. I guess having the headliner out is a bonus for you.

[Robert Smith]

Good looking car!

I don't know how the prices work out among the various wire harness vendors, but YnZ's is just down the road from you in Redlands and they make a very good product too. I guess having the headliner out is a bonus for you.

Just looked at their site and will contact them soon about a harness for the '40. They are about 60 miles from me but, I have a good friend near there who may be able to pick it up for me. :-)

Thanks!

[Andydodge]

Robert........I just went & checked........you'd think after owning my car since 1971 I'd know how many ridges are on the side moldings........lol..........my car has 3 ridges on the side moldings, NOT 4.......lol........the piece between the hood & front door is 6" long, I thought I did have some spare of these but no luck, I DO HAVE plenty of other lengths tho' enough that you could gently bent the ends up from pieces cut from longer strips.........if you want I can send some......no charge, am happy to help out..........also........wash that canuck stuff out........lol..........my car was built here in Oz, Adelaide South Australia by T J Richards the OZ body builders....have attached some more pics.......my car has had the 318 poly since 1973 .........but yep, the Oz cars were like the Canadian ones.........Plymouth body shell, fenders, hood, bumpers, headlights & tailights.....Dodge grille, dash, badges and moldings........btw send me your phone number....I talk better than I type.....regards, Andy Douglas

[Andydodge]

Robert.......the molding piece as mentioned is 6" long by 5/8th" wide, three pressed ridges.........all the pieces that i have from Oz 1940 Dodges appear to be made of chrome plated brass........let me know if you want some.....andyd

[Roadkingcoupe]

wash that canuck stuff out........lol..........my car was built here in Oz, Adelaide South Australia by T J Richards the OZ body builders...but yep, the Oz cars were like the Canadian ones

A great asset about this site is the wealth of information from around the world.

Just curious?

Wasn't your vehicle chassis shipped from Canada and bodied by T J Richards?

The same body manufacturer of the fantastic 1939 Plymouth utes and (possibly) the eye catching 3 Window 1939 Dodge Coupe?

[Robert Smith]

Ok, since I've posted the photos here and introduced this machine to the kind fellow '40 Dodge owners, I wanted to make a parts list for this thread and anyone with spares or info on who to contact would be greatly appreciated!

Parts list:

Center stainless windshield strip,

Shift knob,

lower driver side corner chromed dash molding,

left and right side cowl trim,

rear trunk molding garnish center (keystone) piece.

two window cranks,

radio speaker,

left and right side kick panels,

rear back seat rope and hardware,

back seat stirrup handles (between rear door window and quarter window pillar) and hardware,

Back seat ash tray,

dome light pillar switch,

dash throttle linkage and hardware,

trunk latch light socket, glass and inner hardware.

windshield wiper arms and wiper blades,

interior rear view mirror,

glove box door latch button,

two window garnish detail pieces (rectangular "deco" garnish)

And a radio antenna.

I think that's about it, that I can think of. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

-=R

[Andydodge]

Roadkingcoupe, yep from what I understand the chassis, engine,gearbox,diff,suspension parts came from Canada but T J Richards built the body shells and due to the small production numbers( my 1940 Dodge is # 475, a D15D), the exact number is not known but I'd be surprised if more than 1000 Dodges were built here due to the market size, and Oz being at war from Sept 1939.

Those 1939 3 window Dodge & Plymouth Coupes & Utes are a unique Oz car, in fact that 1st pic, the black Coupe I know personally, it was purchased by a friend of mine from the original owner in 1975, at that stage it was the original colour, a pale green. My mate Ian had it repainted and it was eventually sold to the guy who owned it when that pic was taken. I has been sold by him only in the past 2yrs, still black and very nice.

I had the remains of a 1939 Plymouth Roadster Ute, it was more accurately a roadster pickup as the carying part was a separate timber tray, not a continuation of the metal ute sides........it was parted out by its finder in the late 70's and I got the "body" bits, later selling them at a swap meet...........andyd.......btw that side on shot is my old 1940 Oz Dodge Coupe, now they are RARE.......lol........and finally a pic of a 1939 Oz Dodge 5 Window Coupe............very rare, it was built as a hotrod in the 60's, its now owned by a fellow hotrod club member and is getting a stock front end and 440 V8........andyd

[Robert Smith]

By the way, if anyone who has a stock engine bay, please post a few detailed photos... I'm looking to reverse some of the mistakes that were done on this... I'm also looking for the bracket that holds the plug wires off the block, seems someone figured rubber coated wires laying on a hot block was ok.

[B-Watson]

A few things to clarify -

The 1940 Dodge D14 was built in the US and Canada while the D17 was US only.

I have read emails stating cars were shipped from Canada or the US and converted to RHD. In reality, they were built at the factory as RHD and did not need to be converted.

From 1935 through 1941 the Plymouth-based Dodge came in two models, in 1940 D15 and D16. The lower numbered model in each year was built in both the US and Canada. This model was exported as well as sold in Canada.

The higher numbered model was built only in Canada and sold only in Canada.

I have a photocopy of an Australian publication, Auto Reference Book 1925-1961, which lists all makes and models imported into Australia. It lists the model numbers, model years, engine numbers, chassis serial numbers, RAC horsepower, wheelbase, and Australian body styles.

Both the D14 and the D15 were imported, but not from Canada - the chassis units were built in Detroit. The 1941 and 1946 to 1953 models were shipped from Canada, though. 1937 to 1940 models were sourced in the U.S., while earlier models were a mixture of American & Canadian.

[Andydodge]

Barry(?) whilst I don't doubt that the chassis and basic mechanicals came from the US or Canada as for being "built" RHD at the factory do you mean the chassis had the rhd steering box stamping, gearshift/clutch bracketry installed and or made..........but the actual bodies were built here in Oz, as TJ Richards had done so from the twenties for various US & european makes.

As for 2 models I have an Oz sales brochure for 1940 and it pictures 4 different 1940 Dodges(using artist drawn pictures) as follows......1st. the D14 Luxury Sedan which features correct US style fenders, headlight surrounds & chrome windscreen outer moldings on a 119" wheelbase. 2nd a 7 passenger sedan that also features the correct US fenders & headlights on a 139" wheelbase. 3rd a D15 De-Luxe Sedan which features US Plymouth fenders,hood, headlight surrounds but Dodge grille, moldings & badgework and 4th the D15 special sedan which appears to be also US Plymouth based but only has one wiper(maybe the poverty pack version, lol).

My 1940 Dodge is stamped into the firewall "D 15 D" which has been agreed upon by local Chrysler club members as a D15 De Luxe but had as original equipment the appointments of the D14 Luxury sedan, ie, 3 interior lights, centre rear armrest, adjustable front door armrests, leather seating and dual electrical wipers........so it appears that there must have been some cross pollination or option ticking at the dealers.......lol.andyd.

[Robert Smith]

Good news, I just won two auctions, one for a rear view mirror and another for the two strap handles that hang on the rear pillars by the quarter windows in the back seat! $25. for a pair of those and $25. for the mirror. I'm pretty sure they'll fit. :-)

[B-Watson]

RHD vehicles shipped from Detroit and Windsor were built on the assembly line as RHD using parts specific to RHD, including the chassis frame.

From the Canadian 1940 parts book for the chassis frame -

LHD - 117" wheelbase

American-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 854200

Canadian-built P9, P10, SP10, D15 and D16 - 855312

RHD - 117" wheelbase

American-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 856880

Canadian-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 856899

LHD Steering gear assembly -

American-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 854134

Canadian-built P9, P10, SP10, D15 and D16 - 855910

RHD - 117" wheelbase

American-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 855908

Canadian-built P9, P10, SP10 and D15 - 855909

Differences between the American and Canadian parts were due to the longer Canadian engine (25" vs the US 23" block).

Conversions cost money. By tooling frame bits for RHD the frame could be sent down the assembly line and the workers would attach RHD parts to a RHD frame and LHD parts to a LHD frame. No cutting and welding to remove or modify LHD frames to accept RHD parts.

As to the "poverty pack", in Canada the Plymouth P9 Roadking and Dodge D15 Kingsway came with one windshield wiper, one sun visor, one horn, a horn button and no horn ring, two taillights (the cheap Ford Special had only one taillight), no arm rests on the front doors, no ventipane in the front doors, and stationary quarter windows in the rear.

Next up was the Plymouth P10 DeLuxe and Dodge D16 Deluxe which added a second windshield wiper, as well as a sway eliminator, rear foot rest on sedans, windshield trim, ventipanes on the front doors and swing open rear quarter windows.

And the Plymouth P10S Custom and Dodge D16S Deluxe Special added a second sun visor and horn, as well as arm rests for the front door, chrome horn ring and cigar lighter.

The additional equipment, extra exterior trim and fancier trim resulted in higher prices for each level.

As for exterior trim on the D14, American-built models used 21/32" grooved moulding at beginning of the model year but switched to a 1" plain moulding sometime during the year. Canadian-built D14 models used the 21/32" grooved moulding for the whole year.

Chassis were shipped to Australia and Australian body firms would build bodies for the chassis. Which is how roadsters, tourers, sloper coupes and utes were available in Australia, models not available in North America. And that is why Australian Chrysler products used the 1939 body through to 1948 while in North America the 1939 body was a one year deal.

[Andydodge]

Barry,

....... in 40 odd yrs I have only ever seen 1 1940 Dodge here with the "correct" US fenders, hood & headlight surrounds and that car was stamped on the firewall "D14", it still had Plymouth tailights, front & rear bumpers.

I have wrecked 6 1940 Dodge sedans myself over the years for parts etc and all were the, what I called "normal"(lol) D15versions, based on Plymouths with the Plymouth fenders etc.

My 1940 Dodge has as indicated "D 15 D" stamped into the firewall together with a T J Richards 1"x2.5" embossed brass tag with words "Body No" 92255 stamped into the brass the number 475 which as it doesn't have any obvious correllation to the 92255 number it would be nice to know which is which.....lol.

This brass tag is NOT the triangular "Body By Richards" black enamelled chrome plated badge with the kangaroo........those triangulated badges were screwed onto the outside of the body on the cowl between the upper & lower Oz passenger side door hinges.anyway any info is gratefully rec'd......andyd