It Runs.....not for long but......it runs!

[RobertKB]

Got the '51 Dodge D39 Kingsway business coupe to run today. I had taken out the distributor and rebuilt it with new points, condensor, rotor, and cap, and checked all wires. Changed oil and filter and turned it over with the plugs out until oil pressure built. Used the old coil and spark plug wires and put a little gas down the carb. Starter turned it over really well and she fired after not running for the last 25+ years. However, the old fuel pump will not suck gas from my container that I hooked to it. I did not want to suck from the tank. Looks like a new fuel pump is in order. I have some old ones sitting around but not sure how good they are. I am going to do this car so might as well get a new one as that is something to replace anyway. Still not sure of the condition of the motor but I at least have something to start with. I will get the car in my garage before the winter and start the tear down then but it was fun today to hear it run for the first time in my ownership. I will update when I have the new fuel pump and get the old girl running for a while.

Surprisingly, most things I looked at have had work or been replaced. Radiator holds fluid with no leaks and appears good. Shocks have been replaced. Very little play in the steering. This car was someone's project 25 years ago and I am beginning to think they did a fair bit to it before letting it sit outside for so long. I was after this car for over 15 years and the floors were good then but now look like Swiss cheese. Should be a fun project though!

Edited June 12, 2012 by RobertKB

[1941Rick]

Love it when a plan comes together

[TodFitch]

Sounds like you have a great project there.

By the way, I'd be looking into a rebuild kit for that fuel pump rather than a new one. Seems like lots of people have had issues with new ones losing their pivot pins. Rebuild it yourself and that should not be an issue. Might actually be a little less expensive too.

[1941coupe]

Looks like a fun adventure coming your way Robert. What are your plans for the car exactly?

Carlos

[RobertKB]

Looks like a fun adventure coming your way Robert. What are your plans for the car exactly?

Carlos

Going to keep it pretty much stock; there are enough hot rods around. It has the original D39 engine so will keep that and rebuild if necessary. Colour will be the Sea Mist Green on the driver's front fender. I would like to be able to take this on fairly long road trips but it will be 5 to 7 years before that happens. Won't need to get motels as the trunk is big enough to sleep in.

[moparbenny]

Got the '51 Dodge D39 Kingsway business coupe to run today. I had taken out the distributor and rebuilt it with new points, condensor, rotor, and cap, and checked all wires. Changed oil and filter and turned it over with the plugs out until oil pressure built. Used the old coil and spark plug wires and put a little gas down the carb. Starter turned it over really well and she fired after not running for the last 25+ years. However, the old fuel pump will not suck gas from my container that I hooked to it. I did not want to suck from the tank. Looks like a new fuel pump is in order. I have some old ones sitting around but not sure how good they are. I am going to do this car so might as well get a new one as that is something to replace anyway. Still not sure of the condition of the motor but I at least have something to start with. I will get the car in my garage before the winter and start the tear down then but it was fun today to hear it run for the first time in my ownership. I will update when I have the new fuel pump and get the old girl running for a while.

Surprisingly, most things I looked at have had work or been replaced. Radiator holds fluid with no leaks and appears good. Shocks have been replaced. Very little play in the steering. This car was someone's project 25 years ago and I am beginning to think they did a fair bit to it before letting it sit outside for so long. I was after this car for over 15 years and the floors were good then but now look like Swiss cheese. Should be a fun project though!

neat! if you come across a spare trunk will you let me know?:Dthanks benny:)

[stan's52]

Glad you had success getting your car running. I am also glad to see someone with the same body style car I have, except mine is a plymouth concord. I just don't see many of these business coupes. Mostly the same body style. I am a long way from having mine running, just to much going on. Stan

[RobertKB]

neat! if you come across a spare trunk will you let me know?:Dthanks benny:)

I will if I ever see one but this is the only business coupe I know of in the area that has not already been done and not even many of those.

Glad you had success getting your car running. I am also glad to see someone with the same body style car I have, except mine is a plymouth concord. I just don't see many of these business coupes. Mostly the same body style. I am a long way from having mine running, just to much going on. Stan

My car is the Canadian Dodge Kingsway which is based on the Plymouth Concord which is the car you have. It is really a Plymouth with Dodge trim as can be seen in the picture taken where the car sat for 20+ years. It does have the longer 25" engine which all Canadian made cars had. Only 345 of these '51 Dodge Kingsways were made. I believe '51 was the last year for this body style and none were made in '52, either Plymouths or Dodges.

Good luck with your project.

[stan's52]

Plymouth made one more year as mine is a 52.Don't know about the dodges. I need the rear fender molding if you ever run across a part car. Stan

[55 Fargo]

Great news Rob, glad she runs, hope to hear a video of it real soon.

That will be 1 great looking coupe.........