I'm trading my 1967 Galaxie for a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe.

[Eric T]

I have a few questions after reading all day yesterday about one wire positive ground alternators and overdrive.

1. The car has a charging issue and from what I've gathered so far. I need to make sure every connection is clean and the battery cables are 6v. Anything else?

2. I don't intend to make any long trips on the expressway but what is the top speed without overdrive? This is the very first car I have owned that was built in the 40's.

Thanks in advance

Edited November 17, 2014 by Eric T

[TodFitch]

Top speed on the expressway is dependent on condition of car. Assuming good condition, it should cruise at 65 MPH. Top speed is a bit of a guess on my part as you have a more streamlined body, more horsepower and taller axle ratio than my '33 which I've had up to 70 MPH.

 

Get yourself a service manual. It will have the procedure for checking out the electrical system including the generator and regulator.

 

6v systems typically need twice the current as 12v systems for any given item and are more sensitive to voltage drop so having good wires, connections and contacts is a must. A bad connection that causes a 1v drop on 12v (8% drop in voltage) will cause a 2v drop on a 6v system (33% drop in voltage) 

[Tones52]

I recently drove to a meet up with some other forum members which put me on two local freeways that are notoriously crowded but on Sunday both were wide open on the way there and back. It was a a 70 mile round trip which had me cruising at 50 to 55 mph in the slow lane all the way. If I needed a burst of speed I could have it 60/65 mph but only if needed.

 

This is on bias ply tires and a standard 3 speed with the 3:90 rear end and a tired (albeit non smoking) engine.

 

Tony

[Niel Hoback]

Mine seems happiest at 50-55 mph.  It will go quite a bit faster, but its kind of scary with the noise and all.

[RobertKB]

All three of the old Mopars I have run nicely up to 55. After that they tend to get "busy". Engines vary from and untouched original with very nearly 100,000 miles to a fairly recent rebuild. Gear ratios are 3.73 with the 100,000 miler, 3.9 with the middle of the road engine miles wise, and a 4.1 with the low mile rebuild. The oldies are just more noisy than we are used to with modern cars.

[greg g]

I drive mine 46 biz coupe, 56 230 engine, stock 3 speed, 4.11 rear, 215 75 15 tires on extended trips. I usually stay on state highways and drive at 65 on the speedo which is 62 on the GPS. When necessary I will jump on the divided roads and run at indicated 70. I have about 30K on the engine rebuild. Only failure has been a fan belt.

[Eric T]

Thanks for all the replies. I will take a look at the original manuals that luckily are coming with the car. I am looking forward to the car arriving possibly tomorrow.

[BobT-47P15]

Nice looking ride.   These cars don't run very fast,,,,,,,about 55 or so.   Radial tires will definitely improve their handling.  The Borg Warner

R10 overdrive trans will fit right into the drive train with no mods,  Or a later model rear end will help.