Driving golden era cars in the modern era

[FountainPenGirl]

Spring is fun

I just got the 1952 Pontiac Catalina out of winter storage today. It sure feels good after all winter. I pretty much use this car for daily transportation in the non snowing months.

 

[Talbot]

I just got the 1952 Pontiac Catalina out of winter storage today. It sure feels good after all winter. I pretty much use this car for daily transportation in the non snowing months.

52 Poncho - nice. What engine are you running?

T

 

[p51]

My '44 Ford GPW jeep had a crank hole and handle. All wartime jeeps did, to my knowledge. I had a jeep specialist in Kent demonstrate it for me and then I tried it myself so I would know how to do it if it proved necessary over in Normandy. Those low-compression engines are quite easy to crank, and if the engine is otherwise healthy, it starts in about half a rev. Fortunately, it never proved necessary.

My 1944 Willys MB also has the hole. Original hand cranks are impossible to find and even the reproduction ones are tough to get as they never stay in stock for long. I’ve yet to find one, original or not. And forget finding the brackets for one. I’ve seen a Jeep cranked up with one and I’ve always wanted to try it.
As for what’s going on with my Jeep, I ran it a few times over the winter, which I have failed to do in past years as it rains practically every day here in the Pacific Northwest from November to April. We had stretches of downright awesome weather this winter, so I ran it a few times, and finally appeared to have fixed a small leak in my fuel line from when I replaced the fuel filter and pump last spring. My plan this weekend is to do the normal spring lube check, to make sure I have plenty of gear oil in the transmission, transfer case and rear differential.

 

[StraightEight]

I just got the 1952 Pontiac Catalina out of winter storage today. It sure feels good after all winter. I pretty much use this car for daily transportation in the non snowing months.

Way to go! Post some pics.

As for what’s going on with my Jeep, I ran it a few times over the winter, which I have failed to do in past years as it rains practically every day here in the Pacific Northwest from November to April.

Very cool. A rolling monument. I miss our jeep. Like the GIs, we had to leave it in Europe. It now belongs to a fellow in Arnhem who reenacts as a British Red Devil.

After major cylinder head surgery the Buick has just turned its first miles since last September. I was very happy when it started on the first crank after reassembly--means I actually installed the cam and distributor correctly, for once! It's now idling at a dead smooth 450rpm but the valves are still making a lot of noise though I have set/checked the clearances about six times static. Lo and behold, I have learned from my Buick guru that when the manual says you have to set them hot, they mean "running." Never done a dynamic valve adjustment before. Should be interesting. Hoping to not lose a finger...

 

[Talbot]

Don't wear a shirt you care about. Don't ask....

 

[FountainPenGirl]

Hi, Tried to get this in yesterday but the website was tied up as you most likely know. This was a reply to Talbot's question.

It is the Pontiac Flathead Straight Eight. I forget the CID. '52 was the first year for the Dual-Range Hydra-Matic so these models had a high compression head which was new this year. It even had raised letters cast onto the head stating "High Compression". The stick shifts had the regular head. Also '52 Hydra-Matic cars had the 3:08 rear alxe ratio for the first time. These have excellent road speed. If you didn't guess I'm a '52 fanatic. I grew up around '52 Pontiacs. Dad and Granpa both had them. Grandpa's was a 4 door and Dad's a Catalina hardtop. This particular one is a twin to Dad's and we've had it for about 35 years now.

Just happened to think of, Talbot is the family name of the owners of the local International Harvester and Buick Dealer going back generations. All sold out and retired now.

 

[Talbot]

Just happened to think of, Talbot is the family name of the owners of the local International Harvester and Buick Dealer going back generations. All sold out and retired now.

Probably distant relatives. Talbot, my first name, was my mothers maiden name. I scored the name before they knew whether I was a boy or a girl!

Love the split front window on the 52, and that Pontiac belt line trim, esp. around the back window is much sought after by Chevy guys

 

[Big Man]

My new ride ...

Check out my "new" ride - a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe. I bought this car yesterday (and think I got it for a very good price). I wasn't really looking for an "old car", but this one kind of found me and I just couldn't say no. My Dad drove a 1942 Plymouth till he was drafted in early 1943. After he returned from the war, he drove the car about a year before wrecking it on the way back from a ball game (in late '46 or early '47). From what little bit I know about old cars, the '42 and the '48 are practically the same in looks. So, this was a way for me to have an old car almost like my Dad's.

The old car is in great shape, with what I believe is the original paint and most of the interior. The guy that sold it to me had it for the past four years and bought it with the intent to "cut it down and make a hot rod". He got tired of messing with it and decided to sell it. I'm glad he did, because I'd hate to see such a nice old car that was this much original be cut up.

The car starts good and runs very nice and smooth. The gears shift good and the motor does not smoke. There is very little rust (even under the car). I've put about 50 miles on it since I got it yesterday and have not experienced any problems. There are, of course, some things that will need work (temp gauge is out and the speedometer doesn't work), but most of the "problems" appear to be rather minor considering it is a 62 year old car.

 

[Big Man]

Then and now ...

Here is a picture of my Dad's 1942 Plymouth taken at the house in Nebo by my Mother. She sent this photo to my Dad while he was in the service. On the back is written "side view of old faithful".

And here is a picture of my '48 taken today from just about the same spot. I think I'll name this car "Old Faithful II".

 

[David Conwill]

Wow, that is a great car, Big Man, and purchased for the exact same reasons I’d like to someday own a ‘38 Chevy coupe. My grandfather had one before the war, my grandmother drove it through the war, and my father came home from the hospital in it in ‘46.

I think it was traded in on a new ‘52 Buick once the seller’s market had cooled down.

I love your Plymouth, and suggest you immediately join P15-D24.com’s forum. Those guys know everything there is to know about those postwar, low-priced MoPars. I see the previous owner had already gone about the de rigeur “rat rod” route with red wheels. Repainting the wheels black and adding a set of wide whites (or keeping the blackwalls) would really make for a classy look.

And then the hot rodder in me is saying “Tell him how he can swap in a giant, late-fifties Dodge truck engine and it will still look stock...”, but I doubt you want to mess with her that way.

-Dave

 

[Mr. 'H']

Big Man, that is an absolutely fantastic post! Welcome to the club. Now that's a car that really suits you.

I am really impressed by the last two pictures and the way you emulated the original picture.

:eusa_clap

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

How's the headroom in that '48, Big Man? I've ridden in Forgotten Man's '46 several times, and I think I could wear 3 or 4 hats stacked on my head in that car and still have room.

As a fairly big man myself, I love the passenger room in the P-15.

 

[Big Man]

... suggest you immediately join P15-D24.com’s forum. Those guys know everything there is to know about those postwar, low-priced MoPars. I see the previous owner had already gone about the de rigeur “rat rod” route with red wheels. Repainting the wheels black and adding a set of wide whites (or keeping the blackwalls) would really make for a classy look ...

Thanks for the info on the link. I'll go there for sure. I know just about nothing about old cars. I did drive a 1952 Dodge school bus when in high school, but that was close to 40 years ago. I have a '65 Ford, which by most standards is an "old car", but I remember when my aunt bought it new and I've been driving it myself on a regular basis since 1983 - so it doesn't seem "old" to me. This '48 is another story. I'll have to learn as I go.

Yep, those red wheels have to go! The same with the dark purple tinting he put on the windows. Those chrome "beauty rings" need to go as well.

So much to do and so little money to do it with ...

 

[Big Man]

Big Man, that is an absolutely fantastic post! Welcome to the club. Now that's a car that really suits you.

I am really impressed by the last two pictures and the way you emulated the original picture.

:eusa_clap

Thanks.

When I saw the '48 for sale on the side of the road I couldn't believe it was (just about) the same as the one my Dad drove back in '42. When I got it home I just had to set it up for that shot. The only thing that has changed is the corn (it's planted but not up), and the fact that there is a huge walnut tree occupying the exact spot where the photographer must have been standing 60 + years ago.

 

[Big Man]

How's the headroom in that '48, Big Man? I've ridden in Forgotten Man's '46 several times, and I think I could wear 3 or 4 hats stacked on my head in that car and still have room.

As a fairly big man myself, I love the passenger room in the P-15.

I'm 6' 6" tall and weigh 360 lbs. I have enough head room to wear a hat like Hoss Cartwright and still have room to spare. The distance from the bottom of the steering wheel to me could be a bit better, but I can still drive with ease (I just don't need to gain any weight). The only "problem" I have is getting out of the car. I have long legs and big feet (size 14 EEE), and I have to be extra careful not to catch my feet on the front bottom of the door opening (and snag the upholstery on the kick panel. The distance from the front of the bottom of the seat to the front of the door opening isn't that great. I don't know if the seat could be set back 6 or 7 inches, but if it could it would help a great deal.

Now the back seat is another story. There's enough room in the back for an entire squad of cheerleaders. My oh my, what I could have done with a car like that back in 1971.

 

[Forgotten Man]

Swell P-15 Big Man! You'll love the hell out of that car!

Looks as though your interior is an older restoration... it's very close to being correct, the seats would have been stripped but, other than that, it's pretty darn close. It appears as well that the guy had the windows tinted... My self I'm not a fan of window tint on antique cars... that's just me.

You can find rubber for your inner running boards on ebay or maybe try asking around on p-15d-24.com... the guys there will steer you in the right direction.

looks like a good solid car, enjoy it!

PS: Here's a front shot of a '42 Plymouth P-14... the grill and smaller details are really the only difference between the '42s and the '46 early '49s.

 

[Big Man]

... It appears as well that the guy had the windows tinted... My self I'm not a fan of window tint on antique cars... that's just me ...

Yeah, I don't like the tinted windows myself. They will be the first thing to go. The glass under the dark purple film tint is a beautiful amber color tint, which I understand was an option on the Special Deluxe. Also, those wheels will soon be black (not that fire engine red).

 

[davestlouis]

Beautiful car Big Man...congrats. I'm really partial to your Galaxie though, I could see myself driving that one.

 

[Big Man]

Beautiful car Big Man...congrats. I'm really partial to your Galaxie though, I could see myself driving that one.

Thanks, but my "Galaxie" is a Custom 500 (basically the same car, but with less chrome than the Galaxie). The '65 Ford is a nice car, and has served me well as a daily driver (my primary car from 1983 to 2002). I like the '48 Plymouth, but the '65 Ford will always be my favorite. I grew up with that Ford.

 

[Talbot]

Check out my "new" ride - a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe. I bought this car yesterday (and think I got it for a very good price). I wasn't really looking for an "old car", but this one kind of found me and I just couldn't say no. My Dad drove a 1942 Plymouth till he was drafted in early 1943. After he returned from the war, he drove the car about a year before wrecking it on the way back from a ball game (in late '46 or early '47). From what little bit I know about old cars, the '42 and the '48 are practically the same in looks. So, this was a way for me to have an old car almost like my Dad's.
QUOTE]

Much as I love era correct hot rods, I love survivors even more.

Thanks for saving this beauty.