New here, a question.....

[Guest wanabgts]

I bought a 54 plymouth plaza wagon with my father in september, and he has since passed. I am really motivated to finish this car now but there is one question i can't really find a solid answer to ( i searched). Would this car be equipped with a 6v system still? I am worried about ruining alot of electrical items by using a 12v battery.

Probably a total newbie question but this is my first car this old, and i dont' want to cause myself more work than i need.

thanks in advance,

Zack

[Guest Nile Limbaugh]

Your system is 6 volt, positive ground. Plymouth changed to 12v neg in 1956

[martybose]

I would second the warning about checking what is actually there. When I bought my 47 it had no battery, but the bulbs were 6V, so I installed a 6V battery. I then spent a long time trying to figure out why on long drives it would start boiling the battery. Played around with adjusting the regulator, then gave up and installed a new one, all to no avail. Finally removed the generator to get it checked, and that was when I found the 12V tag. I guess someone started a 12V conversion, and forgot to mention it! I then installed a 6V alternator, and all was well!

Marty

[greg g]

Welcome aboard. Hope find this community of MOPAR nuts is to your liking. Be sure to click on the www.P14 D24.com link in the header. It will take you to a great deal of information regarding these models 46-49, and the mechanically similar flathead 6 equiped MOPAR cars and trucks, of the 30's through 1959.

If you determin that you have a 6 volt system, the next step is to assure it has correctly sized battery cables. Most folks over time have substituted skinny 12 V stuff which just does not have the current capacity for the needs of the 6V system. If you have skinny wires like on what ever current car you have in the drive way, get some new ones made of at least 1 gauge wire ( 0 is better, 00 is best), also check the one from the solenoid to the starter and make sure its a good thick one also. Then make sure the connections are clean and tight. Good luck with your project and again, Welcome!!!

[Guest wanabgts]

thanks for the info guys, i am working on getting the car moved to my garage right now. I have some o gauge wire at my work right now ( i work at a parts store) so i will likely just make new cables regardless because of the cars age. I don't think this car would have been converted as i bought it from the original owner and it has been stored for a long, long time.

I am hoping to aquire alot of knowledge here to help with my project, it is nice the have such quick replies.

Thanks again,

Zack

[greg g]

Cool Cars those 53/54 wagons, there are a couple folks here with them and acouple other 53/4 sedans/hardtops.

here is one, lives in Indiana;

[Guest wanabgts]

That is very nice, unfortunatly my car was painted at some point and the chrome side trim was removed. I like the look but it means i prolly won't go for a factory-looking restoration. I am thinking of going for more of a resto-rod look with maybe some rally wheels and things of that sort. But i will see how it pans out when i get going.

zack

[Guest rockabillybassman]

Welcome, and a word of warning! If your car has been sitting a long time, as had my '55, the insulation on the wiring may have gone brittle, and start crumbling. This will result in instant conflagration, regardless of your voltage! If you find crumbling insulation anywhere, you can pretty much bet the whole car will need a rewire.

[Guest wanabgts]

I actually planned on re-wiring the car right now because the headliner is gone. I figured it would be easier to do now while it is out that the wait untill i get into having the car upholstered. I have read some very informative articles already on the wiring problems of these years. There shouldn't be too much to tackle wiring wise though, just alittle time and patience.

zack

[Guest wanabgts]

Right on, my car has the hi-drive tranny.....which i am kinda scared about because of the complexity compared to a normal manual or auto. I have been reading alot about it, seems like i should be able to get it wroking.

Zack

[greg g]

Here is a link to some Hy drive info.

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/hydrive.html

[Guest wanabgts]

i have read that one, it was very helpfull. I pick up some tractor oil from my work tonight, should be working on getting the car home this thursday. I will keep you guys posted.

Zack

[BobT-47P15]

Hi Zack. Sounds as if you are studying up on the car, which is a good thing. If you don't have any shop or parts manual for the wagon, consider buying them. Available in original, reprint or CD most of the time on ebay "Dodge for sale" section. Where do you live?

I owned this 54 wagon back in the 1970s. It was in pretty good drivable condition then. Sold it to a fellow who just parked it and let it go to ruin over the next 25 or 30 years. It wound up at this oldies dealer in the area, then went north to the Kansas City area according to the seller. Hopefully someone will do something with it. It had the original flathead engine, and standard shift with overdrive.

[Guest wanabgts]

I think i actually saw that car on ebay just awhile back....pretty interesting. I have already bought a manual on the hi-drive transmission off of ebay....thought that would help even more when i try to get the thing up and going soon. I am finding there are plenty of parts available so far, working at a parts house helps. I have everything for a full tune-up, carb rebuild, line replacement, wiring, and have located some wheels and tires already.

I am hoping to have everything going and in drivable shape by my dads birthday next year.......we will see how it goes.

Zack

Oh and by the way, i am located near Portland Oregon.