Working on my 1949 Ply P18 2 Dr sedan

[JamesF]

Several years ago I bought a 49 ply sedan that had been been painted and had a new interior installed.  I knew when I bought it that it would need some engine / drive train work.  I picked up an engine a couple of years ago here on P15-D24 that had been re built.  Then life got in the way.  I finally started chasing parts pulled the old engine out and so on.  I’m installing front disk brakes, new clutch, water pump, overdrive, radiator, etc.   the drive shaft along with the universal joints look pretty bad.  Oldmoparts sells a complete kit for the universal joints for $200.00.  Takes one for each end or $400.00.  Or i can get a new drive shaft made up that uses regular U-joints for about the same price. That is about the last big decision I’ll have to make. I hope.  Anyone have any suggestions?  I do love that old flathead six.  Oh.  I bought some split Exhaust manifolds from Langton stove bolt 6.

ought to sound great too.  

Several of the guys here have given me a hard time abought not putting in a V-8 in it but the car was designed around the 4 and then the 6. And as I said, I love it.  I should be able to drive at 65 on the road with the OD. I’m thinking.

well, guide me guys.  Let me know what you think.

james

 

 

[Doug&Deb]

I drive my 52 Coronet as a daily driver most of the year. It’s completely stock except for an aluminum radiator. You’ll have no problems with the 6. Remember your car was someone’s daily driver once.

[Andydodge]

James, welcome aboard from Oz............as for what engine to use, even tho' I'm a hotrodder I'd suggest getting the car on the road as simply and cheaply as possible then decide whether you want to hotrod it or not after enjoying the car for what it is.....the disc brakes, maybe lower it a bit, swap the exhaust to the dual setup, and other basically straightforward mods will still allow you to enjoy the car while making up your mind how you want it...........and note that you do not have to frame swap mopars to get a good handling and steering car,  but its your car so enjoy it...........got any pics?.......we all like pics here.............lol.......oh.....and I'd go for regular U joints, I've never been a fan of those ball & trunion setups........lol....regards, Andy Douglas

[Young Ed]

Unless you are dead set on originality get the modern u joints. 

[mrwrstory]

You're definitely on the right track!  I second the idea of modern U-joints.  A lot less costly as well.  A friend has the same set-up in a 49 Woody and he cruises all day @ 70mph.

Yeah, pictures???? No pics means it doesn't exist ! ?

[DJ194950]

12 hours ago, JamesF said:

 Or i can get a new drive shaft made up that uses regular U-joints for about the same price.

 I believe even in Calif. you can get a brand new driveshaft made for around $400, which is my first choice.

 

With the rebuilt 6 and OD trans. you can cruise to 75 mph easily if traffic and brakes are in good condition.

 

Enjoy it when put together, love it!

 

DJ