53 Dodge build thread

[53dodgekustom]

So, two years later I'm just now finishing up the drivetrain and suspension rebuild.

Haven't drove it to much since my wedding day. With the driveline vibration and some braking problems it got shoved in the corner for awhile.

I did move to a new shop and fully restored my white BMW motorcycle that I have so I have been busy just not on the 53.

The BMW after restoration.

[53dodgekustom]

I had it out a couple times....it usually sat in the corner of the new shop though.

[53dodgekustom]

I also bought this beast! 78 Plymouth Trail Duster. Fully removable hardtop, 400 big block, 727 auto, full time 4wd. This will be the next project after the Meadowbrook is back on the road.

[53dodgekustom]

First things first, it's time to upgrade from the stock rear and get rid of the vibration.

Old rear out.

Went with a Ranger 8.8 rear. The Explorer is a better rear with disc brakes but my master cylinder is already set up for disc/drum and I wanted the inch narrower track of the Ranger to help with tire removal.

Cleaned up ready to go in.

New spring pads.

Had to take the axles out to turn down the center hubs because my 53 Ford wheels wouldn't fit over them.

Also had to buy a different end for my already custom driveshaft to fit the Ford flange.

All in!

[53dodgekustom]

My clutch always had a chattering problem so I decided to replace it. And my throughout bearing was shot big time.

Ordered one from Roberts Motor parts. It looked fine when I set it up next to my old one. However, when I went to put the bolts in the holes were to small. So naturally I just drilled them out a little bit. Perfect!!!

Then I went to put it on the flywheel and the bolts don't line up!

I'm guessing my new clutch is for a 218 Plymouth flywheel? I know the 218 and the 230's have a different crankshaft bolt patterns.

Roberts was surprised that my car didn't have fluid drive since most Dodges do. He did ask me if it was a 9.25 clutch which it is.

I'm going to call him tomorrow and hopefully figure something out.

Maybe a clutch from a truck 230 will be the same as my car?

New clutch.

Edited February 14, 2016 by 53dodgekustom

[53dodgekustom]

Well I figured out that I have a 10 inch pressure plate and clutch but someone put a 9.25 disc in there at some point!!! No wonder it chattered!

I sent Roberts my old 10inch pressure plate to be rebuilt and he's going to send a new disc back with it.

[1947plymouthrodder]

How much and how long did it take for Fatman to bend and machine your steering rods?

Well as of today I have a completed front suspension, steering and brakes on my car. It took a little bit of figuring. Here's what it all entailed.

Firstly, Mike from Scarebird had told me that I will probably have to space my caliper brackets out because the measurements I had given him from my hub were offset from 49-52 cars. He supplied washers for this.

I also had the predicament of having to use the special countersunk bolts that Fatman supplies for the steering arms so everything has clearance when your turn the wheel at full lock. Fatman suggest to drill and tap your spindle for the larger bolts so they bolt in through your steering arms on the backside of the spindle. But this left me with no way to bolt my caliper bracket on!!

So I machined up some spacers and threaded them for the fatman bolt and welded them to the caliper bracket. Then drilled out the spindle and bolted the whole thing together.

Mocking things up in the beginning. Just trying to figure out my caliper spacing so the rotor was centered. You can see the scarebird suplied washers and bolts.

My spacers I made for the bottom two fatman bolts. I just made a spacer with a clearance hole for the top bolt.

I then drilled out my spindles just enough to clear the bolts and did the same to the caliper brackets. Then bolted the spacers to the bracket so I could weld them.

Here's the steering arms after they came back from fatman for modifications. As you can see they milled and countersunk them for the special bolts and bent them for me.

Everything bolted together. Don't mind my ugly welds! I was worried that the bolts would be to short but they were perfect.

[53dodgekustom]

How much and how long did it take for Fatman to bend and machine your steering rods?

Not long, maybe a week? Don't remember what they charged. $75 maybe? If you call them they'll know what your talking about.