1949 Mopar More-door build

[bob w]

Looks like you are well on your way with the 5 speed installation.

Did you put an electronic module in your stock distributor?

 

[earthman]

Excellent upgrades. If will be fun to drive.

 

[falconvan]

Looks like you are well on your way with the 5 speed installation.

Did you put an electronic module in your stock distributor?

No, I bought a drop in HEI conversion from Langdon's Stovebolts. Very cool little unit based on a 2.8 V6 distributor and only $190.

 

[falconvan]

I found this on the local CL and couldnt say no; 51 Plymouth Cambridge with a great solid body and decent paint. It had been in a garage the last 15 years and preserved nicely. It needs some floor work and interior but overall it's in great shape. I think Im going to change directions on the 49 and swith all my parts over to this one. I had gathered up parts to do a 5-speed conversion and four wheel disc brakes so that'll all go on here.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Thats a good looking car, nice CL find for sure!

 

[falconvan]

Yeah, she's pretty solid. It'll make a nice driver once I put the two together.

 

[falconvan]

I havent updated this in a while so here's the condensed version. I welded in new floors, rockers, and some panels in the trunk, going with a 318, 5 speed, and an Explorer 8.8 with 3:73 limited slip, four wheel disc brakes, pedal assembly from a Jeep, hydraulic clutch, and narrowed a 54 Plymouth Savoy dash for the inside. A lot of the new parts I put on the 49 went on here; the 49 got sold for parts to finance this one. I should have the motor fired next week and hopefully be on the road by the end of December.

 

[Dirtyrat]

wow, thats a lot of progress!
So will the exterior of the car be red at some point I assume?

 

[falconvan]

wow, thats a lot of progress!
So will the exterior of the car be red at some point I assume?

Eventually it will. The plan is to leave it white and drive it this coming spring and summer, then chop it and paint to match next fall/winter.

 

[jfg455]

I like it! [P

 

[Bonehead]

You have been hard at it. I really like the color.

 

[Neverdone]

Eventually it will. The plan is to leave it white and drive it this coming spring and summer, then chop it and paint to match next fall/winter.

I would leave it white or something of that nature with the red under hood and stuff!!! Kinda like a hidden surprise!

 

[falconvan]

Thanks, guys. I let my 5 year old grandson pick the color; it's Chevy Hugger Orange. Im looking forward to a shakedown cruise. Im hoping to hit the Hot Rod Power Tour with it this coming summer.

 

[bob w]

Nice to see you back posting here on RRR. Was starting to worry about you. It will be a great addition to the Power Tour. I like to see more older cars on it.

 

[falconvan]

Im still around, Bob. Just hadnt posted in a while. Your REO project is looking killer!

 

[falconvan]

Lots done today; I finally got the fuel line run and the fuel pump on. Now just need to run from the pump to the carb and that's done. I wanted to use a GM alternator since the harness was already wired for it so I flipped the alternator bracket upside down and put it on the othe side of the water pump. I had to cut and lengthen the adjuster bracket and build a support bracket for the back but it worked out good. I started putting the front clip back on just to see what I was going to need to do with the inner fenders. Both had to get sliced and diced a bit but I've got some new pieces tacked in place so I can pull it back apart, finish welding and paint them before it goes together for good.

 

[falconvan]

Getting real close to firing this thing up. I finished all the engine wiring and fuel lines, put in an HEI distributor, plus finished the fender wells and got them and the fenders bolted on and adjusted. It was really nice out yesterday so I put the back wheels on and rolled it outside to see what the stance looks like. I used 2" blocks in the back and cut a coil in the front; I think it's about right where I want it. It was cool to be able to roll it out and clean the spot where it's been sitting for several months. It was a mess.

 

[bob w]

Those cars are so under rated but they make great drivers. Nice job on the engine install. A little massaging on the firewall for valve cover clearance on the passenger side?

 

[old man dave]

Cool car. I see Mopars of this era frequently and always wonder why nobody makes hot rods out of them. I might have to get one for a future project.

 

[falconvan]

I always thought the same, Dave. Fords and Chevys of this vintage will cost twice as much for a straight one but I think the Mopars look just as good.

Yeah, Bob. I had to do a little sledge therapy on the firewall to make it fit.