Thread: '39 Dodge D11 disc brake conversion

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I also have a Kanters catalog. I have nothing against them but I wanted to support Plydo because they're the little guy and without them us Mopar rodders would be SOL. Yeah, they sell the Fatman kits and some other stuff that they get from somewhere else but they are the ONLY place for specialized brackets, mounts, etc. I'd rather pay a few extra bucks than not support them and wish they were still in business a year from now. Their customer service is excellent and I get their parts within 48 hours to my door.

As for the flathead vs V8 power, the gas prices and intended use should be considered. If our rod was just for me and my wife, I'd have kept the flathead and hopped it up. The car actually is a father - son priject with my 17 y/o so he has a preference for V8 power. flat black rat rod style, etc.

Parts are surprising easy to get for the 218 flathead. Stock horsepower of about 85 can be doubled with some reasonable and available mods: Petronix ignition and 12V conversion, split exhaust (3 into 1), dual carbs and higher compression, custom cam grind. This will give you a torquey efficient motor perfect for the street and with very good fuel economy. I'd probably swap the rear for a higher rear like 3.73 instead of the 4.10 that is stock.

All you need to worry about is what YOU want. As for me, I prefer a small block mopar, and would love a 4 speed. I want a fun driver. I am not worried about air conditioning and big stereos right now. I just want something different and fun to drive that the whole family can enjoy.

Trent P. and Shaggy's Dad-

Thanks for the input. I noticed a link to "RustyHope", has anyone dealt with them. He's giving me some ideas on a master cylinder/power booster that will work with my stock pedals; both the brake and clutch. If it works, that would let me update to discs and worry about whether I keep the flathead or move up to a small block later. Right now I'd just like to update the brakes, get some dropped spindles, shorter coil springs and maybe just put some 3-inch blocks in the rear with my stock differential. It seems like that might keep me busy enough for the winter...

I'm new to the forum, but glad I found you guys! Just bought a '39 Dodge Business Coupe in what appears to be pretty amazing shape. I'm wanting to do some of the things you all have been talking about (disc brakes, dropped, V8). Since these posts are 7 months old I'm wondering how the projects are going?
Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated; I haven't picked up a cutting tool.......yet! Thanks in advance.

Progress? We bought a new house and my son is getting ready to go across the country to attend college. The Dodge has been sitting on two tires and a mover's dolly for six of those months. This is a father- son project that is supposed to be 50- 50 rather than 90 - 10 like the last one. I have the new FatMan dropped uprights installed with NOS upper and lower control arm links. I bought the wrong year cavalier Rack and Pinion-- 89 to 94 works, 98 does not. The frame is prepped for the motor and tranny mounts but I didn't want to place them until I have the car on all fours so I can level the motor with the new front rake. I have a GM 10 bolt rear 3.08 (can you say $3 a gallon?) and the GM front discs. I'll adapt the GM to the stock rear springs with Plydo's spring pad. I bought 4 Camaro IROC 15" rims for $160 at the boneyard. Once I glass bead them and clear coat them they'll be mounted on 265/75 15 Yoko Avid SUV all-season tires (whites in of course) for the rear and 225/70 15 Conti tires for the front. Anything wider won't fit. We have black leather Cadillac Deville seats with the seat belts in the seat. That solved a big problem since the door post is too flimsy to mount a serious belt anchor. The only thing I don't have is time to work on it. I'm thinking it will still be here when my son graduates from college in four years!