Newb from Minnesota! Options

[52flathead]

Hello, just like to introduce myself. My name is John, and just picked up the 52 Plymouth Cranbrook. I have lots of plans for it, but also have alot of learning to do, as this is my first pre-1960 car and first flathead. Right now im a full time student, and have very little time so any help in finding parts is greatly appreciated. Im getting alot of clutch chatter in 1st gear, and there is also a leak which I think might be from the rear engine seal, not sure though. Cant wait til the spring when its a little warmer so I can put some wrench time in! I got this car by trading. I first traded the VW beetle I built for a Passat, realized I hate newer cars so went on the search for something old. This worked perfect for me because I have always wanted a 40-50's car. I miss my bug, but great times hall be had with the 52! I am currently looking for the parts necessary to replace my clutch. If there are any kits out there, or you have any leads, please let me know! Thanks!

[jd52cranbrook]

Welcome John,,,, The car looks complete and intack. Very nice.

http://kanter.com/

Is a good place to start for all your needs. There are several out there that I am sure others will post for you.

Good luck, enjoy, My name is John, and I also have a 52.

[52flathead]

Welcome John,,,, The car looks complete and intack. Very nice.

http://kanter.com/

Is a good place to start for all your needs. There are several out there that I am sure others will post for you.

Good luck, enjoy, My name is John, and I also have a 52.

Thanks for the welcome and the link John! From the looks of your avatar, your 52 looks awesome!

[jd52cranbrook]

Thanks a lot. You should find many willing people to help you out here.



BRRRRRRRR ,, looks cold there.

Let us know if you need anything.

JD

[Kevin Cuffe]

That is one great original-looking 52 Plymouth! Wheels not included of course. Those things must give a teeth-rattling ride! The car appears better than just 'intact,' it's complete and dang-near pristine ... at least the upper and outer works. The interior's cherry too ... very lucky find you have there! Good job with the photos too ... good size and very viewable.

You'll find lots of info on, and guidance from members of this site. There are stories of overhauls and problems encountered and how they were overcome. Links aplenty too! Like for instance that missing sunvisor ... try e-bay, I've seen them there.

I haven't done diddly to my old gal. I'm not a mechanic myself, I have involved work done by one, but many of the owners and members of this site have taken their cars apart down to the last clip and washer and rebuilt them again into better-than-new pieces of good ol' American Iron. Your car doesn't look like it requires that unless you want to do a 'frame off' restoration or rebuild. I like driving mine as-is! She ain't pretty, but neither am I ... we're perfect together.

Have a blast! These cars are great fun, durable, and easy to maintain.

[JIMS 50 DELUXE]

Welcome John,

As Kevin and John have told you your car is really nice. Her condition will make a further restoration a lot of fun. I just completed mine as you can see on this site under
JIMS 50 DELUXE. Well at least I thought I was complete. My temp gauge quit so I decided to redo the entire dash. So out it came this week. Here are sites that I used during my restore.

http://collectorsautosupply.com/

http://oldmoparts.com/

http://secure.steelerubber.com/

http://restorationspecialties.com/

http://proantiqueauto.com/

And of course Ebay changes every day. If you can't find something right away be patient it will come along. Also if you tear her down mark everything. Put your screws and bolts and pieces in bags and mark where they came from. Draw diagrams if possible. Take pictures before you tear it down. Makes it a lot easier when it comes time to put her back together. Also ask here on this site for parts. There are a lot available for the asking. I have bought many parts from members. Good luck and enjoy the ride.

Jim
Punta Gorda, Fl

[52flathead]

Thanks for the welcome Kevin and Jim! It is in very good condition, I really lucked out! The body is very solid except the drivers side rear fender which something must have fell on because its dented really good.
As far as simple things go, I was curious about a few things. What kind of oil do these flathead 6's prefer, and what clutch fluid? Is there a good repair manual out there?

And for clutch parts, this site seems to have some good prices:
http://www.oldmoparts.com/h.htm

But how do I know what parts I need . . . like what "H" number. And what is the chasis code for a 52 cranbrook, P-something?
Thanks!

[jd52cranbrook]

You have a P-23, and no clutch fluid, its manual.

Your best buy would be a good manual. I use Faxon the quality of the paper and ink is better then I have seen on EBay.

http://www.faxonautoliterature.com/product...277%26yr%3D1952

I use 5-30 oil, but my engine has been re-done two years ago.

I would anything around 30 would work fine.

[jd52cranbrook]

You should have a three speed transmission with the shifter on the column. Do you have a another handle by the Emergency Brake, only smaller handle? That would be the overdrive if you have it, but most did not come with them.

[52flathead]

Thanks for the info. So you dont add gear oil at all (sorry, realized I worded it wrong)? That is good to know! Thanks, that manual looks good with a great price tag!

Have the three speed, but no over drive I dont think (cant see another handle). Is 89 octane unleaded fine and what is the size of the flathead six in these? Thanks

[JIMS 50 DELUXE]

As you can see the answers will come at you fast. I agree with the oil at 5-30 as your pictures display you are in a colder environment. As far as the gasoline I use regular gas with no problem at all.

Jim
Punta Gorda, Fl

[52flathead]

Awesome, thanks!

[Rich1967]

Awesome, thanks!

John,
Like you Iam new. Just got a 51 beginning of Feb. This site is awsome and these guys are great.
Rich

[52flathead]

Thanks for the welcome Rich, i am very glad to see that there is a forum with regular lurkers and posters for old Plymouths, it always makes it easier for us newbs and the internet is a great way to pass on knowledge of classic cars to newer generations, as well as all others interested.

[52flathead]

Hello, I have a very very dumb question haha. So I was doing some cleaning today and checking fluid levels, etc, and I couldnt find where to ass oil. If anybody has a picture or could explain it, I would greatly appreciate it.

[jd52cranbrook]

I guess you mean add oil? There is a filler tube to the left of the distributor. Pull the large top off and there you go..

[52flathead]

Thanks, found it! I thought it was that, but I couldnt get the breather off at first!

[52flathead]

Can anyone tell me where the brake fluid reservoir is?

[jd52cranbrook]

on my 52,, pull up the front carpet or whatever you have on the floor board, drivers side between the pedals and seat, there is about a six inch diameter plate you will see. Take it out and there it is.

[52flathead]

Found it! Thanks John, it seems I am losing fluid somewhere, another thing to do this summer!