Joe Flanagan Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 After more than 12 years, I'm almost ready to drive my 49 Plymouth. I just finished installing the window garnish that I woodgrained and it looks beautiful. I have to install the rear window, install the drive shaft, and then I'm ready to try and drive it. I also need a good car cover because I will have to park it out on the street, and a Virginia registration. Oh, yeah, and I have to install the rear fenders and tail lights, too. That I will have to do out on the street because there's not enough room in my tiny garage. The car is too wide with its rear fenders attached. I built my back fence with a Plymouth-sized section that will just lift out so I can get the car out of the yard when the time comes. Anyhow, the list of things I have to do keeps getting shorter. I wonder how the engine will do (the first one I have ever rebuilt). It runs really nicely just sitting there, but it will be interesting to get it out on the road and see how it responds. I also wonder if the overdrive I got from Neil Riddle will work. That's the drama that makes all this so much fun. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Yergin Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Joe, Exciting times. I will be anxious to read your updates. I am looking forward to your drive out to my place once you have the car sorted out. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darbone85737 Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 I'd love to see some pictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 I also am looking forward to your drive out near my place once you get it sorted out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Flanagan Posted June 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Jim, I was out your way yesterday in my Chevy. Took 211 out to Harrisonburg early in the AM. Beautiful trip. As I said earlier, your place will probably be my first long distance destination in the Plymouth. Don, aren't you in Indiana now? Or Tennessee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Haymond Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Exciting times for sure, after 12 years. You mentioned the drive shaft. Remember the parking brake only grabs the drum on the back of the transmission, it does not connect to the axle or wheels. I was under my P-15 on a slightly inclined driveway when I unhooked the drive line. The car slowly started drifting down hill and I had time to scoot out sideways, then watched as it drifted into the street where it stopped on its own. I just want to help you get to those first magic driving experiences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlemo Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Joe; have read your Posts for some time now; CONGRATULATIONS, hope the upcoming "Maiden Voyage" of your 49 is more than you could have wished for !!! Cass, alias littlemo... PS: I too want to see those pics !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T120 Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 (edited) Hey Joe, Good to read you're close to ready for the road test...also looking forward to the report on your experience, that said of course I'm hoping it will be an enjoyable one for you ..Ralph Edited June 30, 2014 by Ralph D25cpe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1940plymouth Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Joe good luck and your first outing, pictures would be nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Keep chuggin Joe. Long time coming, enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerseyHarold Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Have somebody video the maiden voyage..It's a memory you'll want to keep. After all your work, is there some alternative to leaving the car on the street? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Roberts Posted June 30, 2014 Report Share Posted June 30, 2014 Joe , Perhaps someone in your neighborhood has a garage for rent . Start with a very short test drive and increase distance as the test drives go on . You worked hard on this project . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertKB Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) Good luck on the maiden voyage when you take it. I agree, shame to leave it on the street. Edited July 1, 2014 by RobertKB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Flanagan Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 I don't like keeping it on the street but for the moment at least there's no other option. I will have a good car cover on it. I keep another vintage vehicle like that and while it isn't absolutely waterproof, it does keep out most of the water. I'm impressed by how well the cover works for that vehicle. We'll be moving in another year or so and if the new place doesn't have a garage, I will build one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted July 1, 2014 Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 I have been in Joes Garage and I understand the size thing. This photo was taken in 2008 when Rodney Bullock and I paid Joe a visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Flanagan Posted July 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2014 That was back before I decided to change the color scheme on the flathead. I can't wait to get that thing out in the open, though. Yesterday I realized that back when I assembled the tie rods and ball joints, I only finger-threaded the castle nuts on. Yesterday I tightened them up and installed the cotter pins. I realized I'd better take a close look at everything and make sure I didn't half-azz anything else. Famous last words: "Oh, I'll get that later." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.