Bought a 40 Plymouth Roadking a couple of months ago. It's been rodded out and is far from original condition . It's got a 318 and auto tranny. I'm dreaming of a baby hemi someday, but for now my goal is safe and reliable enough to haul the family around. I bought it running and barely driving and after a couple of joy/fear of fiery death rides around the block I decided to park it and start working on it. First up was the carb, it was extremely dirty and needed a rebuild. I decided to tackle it myself. I called the parts store and they had never heard of a Carter AFB.....and needed a part number to order a rebuild kit. They ended up with 3 different kits and one of them did the trick. I had to bring the carb in to see if the intake gasket matched. The guy behind the counter wrinkled his nose and complained about the smelly carb I brought it....sheesh. Anyway, I worked on it as my schedule permitted for a week. I learned the value of good fitting screwdrivers when dealing with brass fittings and vow never to use a screwdriver as a chisel again. Once I got the carb bolted back on I put the linkages on as best as I could remember and ended up loosing a linkage that engages the secondaries (I think), not too worried about that for now. Put every else back on including a new fuel filter and cranked on it and got her to running. VICTORY! It even idled decently. I am pumped! Next up is figuring out the linkage and adjustment to the tranny. Then it will be a few more block cruises and then.... My 8 year old shop assistant demands that I include that we did shoot a 4 foot flame out of the carb before the rebuild. We thought that was cool. Thanks for letting me share this. Charlie
Never heard of a Carter? They were original on many cars. Damn counter people don't know much anymore!
That is EXACTLY what hot rodding is all about! Sounds like a great project. Keep shopping around for a parts store that knows what an old time car part smells like. If you find a good counterman, he is going to save your ass lots of money and grief! Good luck and keep us posted...
It sounds like a true rodder has taken up the reins, and the car is better for it! For those of us still in the building stages, how's about some pics and specs?
You want a good one, my brother had a tie rod go bad on his suburban. We "Got In The Zone" and asked the degenerate behind the counter for one and provided him with all of the necessary information. He said, "Tie rod? What is that under?" I swear it would be less hassle and trouble to break into the place and get what I need myself! I've tried to gain employment there before but they never call. Chuxx, sounds like you have a MONSTER! Drive the wheels off of it! Brian