Thread: P15 Plymouth Sedan Build

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Here is my 48 Plymouth that I am budget building. The car is a 48 Plymouth 2-door sedan with a 291 Desoto Hemi and clutchflite tranny. Since budget is a concern here is my plan:
1. Remount the engine properly
2. Install rack and pinion steering
3. Replace/repair the firewall and floors boards
4. Airbag the suspension for stance and comfort
5. install disc brakes on all 4 corners
6. Replace the stock rear with a 8-3/4 Mopar limited slip
7. Inspect and clean up hemi, keeping it stock
8. install new wiring harness
9. Interior and body/paint work. Thinking black with flames (old school)
10. Add some white wall tires and painted steel rims with chrome caps.

The pictures show what I am starting with. I have found out photography is not one of my gifts

Andy

I started by removing the front clip and getting the motor remounted. The pictures show the mounts that were there (now cut out) and the new ones I have made up and welded in. Then it is on to the firewall and floors. After measuring up the room the motor will need I made a template and created a new recessed firewall. Removed the old firewall and welded in the new one. After I welded in the new one I found out my angles were off and had to cut and reposition the recessed area .

Just before the ice storm struck and we lost power for a few days I managed to get the front floor fabricated and temporarily installed. I took some advice from the good people of this forum and made my own panels. I think they came out good. All is going well, until my electric shears broke a blade.
With warmer temperatures I hope to get back to work on the rest of the floor.

Question for you all - how should I protect these bare metal panels until I am ready to paint?

Thanks, Andy

Cool! We're like brothers or something now. Great job so far; it's gonna be B.A. with the early Hemi.

Hey brother I hope my craftsmanship is at least equal to yours.
Andy

Very cool project indeed! I love the Desoto Hemi. I have a 291 siting under my work bench for just such a project some day so I am tuned in. Keep the pics coming.

Last year I tried to buy a 54 Plymouth from a guy. Could not get him down on his price so we parted ways with no deal being struck. Finally at Christmas (8 months later) he emailed me and said he would take my offer. By then I had bought the 46 Ford from dad so I could not do it.

I love these little Plymouths. Check out this months Street Rodder. There is a cool little black Plymouth in there with new hemi power. These cars are great and good luck! Don Jr.

Effingham is not that far from me, Andy. I may have to drop in and check this beast out sometime.

Don jr,
I have a 56 Plymouth also, I think you have a better deal with the Ford.

Falconvan,
Where about are you at in MO? My door is always open.

Andy

30 miles south of St Louis, Andy. My door is always open, too.

Now that the weather has let up I have started back on the Plymouth. I managed to get the floors installed. They just need finished (grinding out & paint). I ended up just fabricating the panels and am satisfied with how they came out. Rocker panels were fabricated and installed also - a true experience for me. I took a measurement from one spot and ended up having to cut the fabricated panel apart and welding them piece by piece in place. I assumed that front to back would be the same.
On another note; I tore down the hemi and it needs to be bored out; an expense I did not want, but the cylinders were about .005 tapered .

I am restoring a 48 Ply groundup. I have finished the frame and have the body back on and the engine installed. What I need to do next is the firewall. I like your fabrication. Could or would you call me. I would like to get some of your measurements. Thanks. Rod Vandiver 480-291-3828 San Tan Valley

Originally Posted by Rod Vandiver

I am restoring a 48 Ply groundup. I have finished the frame and have the body back on and the engine installed. What I need to do next is the firewall. I like your fabrication. Could or would you call me. I would like to get some of your measurements. Thanks. Rod Vandiver 480-291-3828 San Tan Valley

Rod, the guy's last post was in April, haven't seen him on here lately... If you click on his name you will go to his profile and there is a deal there that you can email him with your questions...,. You might be waiting a long time for him to see your post on here.l....