joey4420 Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 So I drove north of Dayton Ohio today and just couldn't pass up buying this car. I have never owned a Flathead yet, but I have owned several older cars. I even have a '63 Mercury Comet in the garage that my son drives and as soon as I put the carb and floorboard back in it... the Dodge is stealing the garage. After making the deal (okay I spent like 3 or 4 days reading every post I could on this site) I bought it and drove it home and about an hour later I pulled into my driveway. The only issues is the gas gauge shows full when it still took 9 gallon to fill it up. The Voltmeter bounces more than the seat and the right front wheel clunks just a little going over bumps. But I will not complain for a car that has less than 51k miles on it. I will have to admit I love the fluid drive I do have at least one question though... what in the world is the lever under the dash in the last picture? Thanks in advance for any help. I am sure I will have more questions as I do things with it.... and of course a name must be figured out. 1 Quote
casper50 Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 It opens the cowl vent. In front of the windshield. congrats nice car Quote
joey4420 Posted February 8, 2015 Author Report Posted February 8, 2015 Wow Casper50, thanks for the fast response.... and thanks... it drove amazing down the back roads and when that turned into interstate I just kept going. All I can say is where has this been my whole life. Quote
casper50 Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 I just got my rebuilt engine back and am in the process of putting it in the frame and just about to start it for the first time. Waiting on an oil filter, (the one I need is rare in Alaska). then on to body work. Quote
Don Coatney Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 Nice find! There are a couple of forum members in your area. Check out the members map on the above tool bar. Frank Blackstone in in the Dayton area and Tony Urwin lives in Cincinnati. There are also others. Where north of Dayton did you find the car? What are your plans for the car? Quote
joey4420 Posted February 8, 2015 Author Report Posted February 8, 2015 I found it in St Paris, my plans are to drive it and enjoy it. I have one window seal in the drivers side back that needs replaced and I just notice some fluids are leaking under the engine/trans area so not sure if the engine or the fluid drive (I hope not) or the trans I will crawl under later and check. I also notice I have electric wipers and they work. Sadly I don't think the radio works but then again I have never been a fan of AM radio. Quote
Don Coatney Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 I graduated from HS in Van Wert and now live in Fort Wayne so I am not far from you. Oil leaks are common and to be expected. Nothing to worry about unless excessive. Fluid drive units are pretty bullet proof. Quote
W.F. Brown- III Posted February 8, 2015 Report Posted February 8, 2015 Great looking car. I hope you will enjoy it for a long time. 1 Quote
Tones52 Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 What a beauty you got there Joey4420. It's easy to see why it was "love at first sight." Enjoy and let us know what the name is when that time comes Quote
pflaming Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 I realize it is trite but it is a Black Beauty! It must have been fun to drive that home. Quote
White Spyder Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 That car is in great shape! Welcome to the afflicted By room in the garage do you need to move one of those in the background??? Those look good as well and I wish I had that kind of space for cars. Quote
joey4420 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Report Posted February 9, 2015 White Spyder, I could only wish to have that garage here as well... Mine is a three car, the garage in the picture is where I bought the car. Quote
John Reddie Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Hello and welcome to the forum. Great car you have. Back in 1959, I bought a 1948 Dodge black 4 door sedan that was pretty much identical to yours. The dash color and interior was the same and like you said, I loved the fluid drive. I found mine at a Plymouth/Dodge dealer and the price, $80.00. These are fun cars and I am sure that you will enjoy it. John R Quote
Niel Hoback Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 That really is a nice looking car. Welcome to the fun of driving a real car instead of a jelly bean. Quote
Uncle-Pekka Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Congratulations Joey! Quite a catch to find such well survived original car these days. I am almost jealous for the mint factory woodgraining on the dash, original door panels, correct original carpets and even the windshield wiper knob in place! Like a top of a cherry! Only one issue I feel I need to warn you before it's too late: You mentioned the ampere meter bouncing wild? Acc. to my experience (in my similar car) the amp meter bounces back & forth the full scale when there's a short circuit somewhere the system. First time I saw that my interior light switch melted and headliner was so close to caugh fire. Thus I recommend you to check the wiring harness for weak insulation, there may be wires with cracked insulation touching each other time by time. Also get a main switch to your battery cable to be able to release it quickly. I keep mine disconnected always when I park and leave the car. Once again, my intention is not spoil your joy, but give a friendly advise on a minor issue, which you will be able to correct quite easily. Enjoy your handsome car and welcome (back) to the forum fellowship! Cheers from snowy Finland, Pekka 2 Quote
_shel_ny Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Welcome aboard. A look at the generator brushes may be needed for the bouncing needle. Quote
50fordtruck Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 My amp meter was bouncing a few years back , it was the voltage regulator I change it and no more problem. Nice car. Quote
joey4420 Posted February 9, 2015 Author Report Posted February 9, 2015 Thanks for the kind words and for the possible issues to look for with the jumping amp meter. I plan to give it a complete tune up first since after I posted this yesterday I went to try and start it again and it just cranked for what seemed forever even tried the cold start method I seen on here and that didn't help. Finally got it running drive the kids around the neighborhood and then it stalled at the stop sign and almost didn't start again. I figure it needs a tune up bad. I found the last insurance paperwork in the glove box at it was for 2005, so not sure it has been driven in a while or tuned up. Just glad I made it home yesterday since it was an Hour and a half drive. I must be a little crazy. Oh and just to say, it road amazing down the interstate at 60 MPH, I could even let go of the wheel it drove so straight. Quote
Frank Elder Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Joey, what an awesome car! Your wiring is nearing is approaching 70 years in age....I say you do what I didn't do......put in a new harness before it tries to burn down on you. I had cracked insulation falling of every where and shorts so bad I couldn't keep a battery charged! finally replaced my harnesses with a new set from YNZ and it performs flawlessly. Also very simple to make your own, good Luck! Quote
DJ194950 Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Well if you going to be crazy-- just let it be Mopar crazy and and at least on this forum you will be gladly accepted! DJ Quote
Niel Hoback Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 It's called "Dodge Dependabilty", enjoy it. Quote
Jerry Roberts Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 You might also look for a loose wire on the back of your amp meter . Welcome to the club . Quote
windsor8 Posted February 9, 2015 Report Posted February 9, 2015 Welcome from another D24 owner in Middletown. Looks like you got a sweet old Dodge. Quote
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