Projects 1951 Plymouth Update - Been a While

wow fellas, its been a while since I posted my project on here. but lots has happened since. So here are some pics and a little info.

I think my last post left off somewhere on installed the engine with aftermarket mounts that I welded onto the frame and I was trying to overcome the hurdle of placing the rack and pinion. I left the whole suspension / frame as original as possible so no Fatman or mustang II front end or anything. I had to custom-make some mounts for the rack which I also welded onto the frame. After I overcame that hurdle, everything else was pretty "Easy". When I test fitted the engine, I noticed that the power steering pump for the typical SBC wouldn't fit (bottom drivers side) because the frame is just too darn close. So I went with an electrical motor (hydraulic) power steering pump which came off of a Volvo. SO now I have power steering with the key on as opposed to with the engine running. I don't have pics of that just yet, but I'll add some this weekend. I pretty much painted everything as best as I could. I really like the way it came out.

Drivetrain Specs:
SBC 350 - Loppy Cam /cast heads / forged crank
TH350 w/ B&M shift kit / 2500 stall converter
8.8 Ford rear end w/ 4.10 Posi

As for the interior, I had bucket seats in there at one point, but after much deliberation I decided to go back to the factory bench seat. I also ordered a super nice kit from Gennie Shifters for the bench seat stick. I highly recommend Gennie as opposed to Loki. just my opinion. The sound deadening is on and the seats still need to be upholstered but for now, it will do. I still have the wiring to do and I may just buy a new carb for it. But im ALMOST there guys. I started this project is May of 2019. It has been given new floors and new drivetrain. I hope to drive this car most days of the week. Thanks for your time and if you guys have any questions, lets talk shop!!

 

Did you do a rebuild on the front suspension. If so did you post up any pictures. The reason I am asking is a friend has a 51 Plymouth Concord and the front suspension needs to refurb.

 

Looks great! Glad to see progress!

 

What’s the front brake set up you’re running? A buddy has a '48 Plymouth and wants to put discs on the stock suspension

 

I bought the setup from Scarebird back when they had it, I checked a couple months ago and didn't see it on their website anymore. It was a great deal. Hub and caliper mount for $350-ish. They also provided a list of parts with part numbers of brake rotors, brake pads, calipers and brake lines that would work from a variety of different vehicles.

If I remember correctly, im using ford probe rotors, S10 brake pads, Cadillac brake lines and Camaro calipers. Pretty frankenstiened but IT WORKS!

 

unfortunately no, its not rebuilt. the control arm bushing are old and wasted on mine, I just masked it with nice and pretty paint. There is a kit I was looking at on EBAY that comes with the control arm shafts and bushing for about $400.00, might be worth it. but in all honesty, even with my control arm bushings being old. the ride is very nice and comfortable.

 

^ Thank you for the reply. Will have to make a note of this in case my friend decides to go disc brake setup.

If I remember correctly, im using ford probe rotors, S10 brake pads, Cadillac brake lines and Camaro calipers. Pretty frankenstiened but IT WORKS![/QUOTE]

 

Is it possible to source a steering rack with more travel?

 

Getting into the steering rack will get this thread closed. The powers that be consider rack & pinion steering off topic and will delete the thread quickly. Its happened several times before.

You can't even go into the archives and bring up old posts that covered the subject, they get deleted as well. Use them as a reading experience. In the archives I would have been 50dodge4x4.

You can PM me, I may be able to help, I've done it before years ago, but no longer have pictures.

 

Thanks!

 

Please don't take this the wrong way; I know this will sound critical but it can't be helped. That steering setup scares the shit out of me. It looks like an accident waiting to happen. And, yes, I am a mechanical engineer.

 

Agreed , gusset it at 30 degree angles from rack bracket to center link btacket and add a top plate effectively creating a channeled member...

 

This is a picture is of what "andydodge" is saying about moving the steering arms forward.

 

Thanks Brading...............I couldn't find that pic I had of the steering arm change........thanks.......andyd

 

If you draw a line through the pivot points of the lower A arms that intersects the rack tie rod mounting point that is where the tie rods should mount. Doing that minimizes bump steer. Also it looks like if you are only running one fan belt you do not have enough wrap on the water pump pulley. Plus your mount for the tie rods to the rack looks bent to start with. Not safe.

 

I am so glad, that im not only one to think that steering contraption isnt safe.

 

I have to agree the rack mount looks weak due to the length and welds are in single shear with no gussets. My ‘51 with stock steering and a 318 steers very light due to the Scarebird brake setup I used as it moved the steering arms the thickness of the caliper mounts and changed the geometry. That kit used all MoPar parts and the discs are very close to the mount bolts. All Scarebird kits were not the same.

 

Wow didnt think id get more responses. Im sorry to hear some of you dont like or agree with how it looks. For me, its trial and error, as i havent done anything like this before. Your input is appreciated!

 

IIchilell.........don't get me wrong, I'm really pleased to see another mopar getting attention, my suggestions are purely in line with your safety...........regards from Oz........andyd

 

Moriarity..........I appreciate what you have indicated, do you have any information or technical help that would assist the original poster and his build.........I look forward to your positive advice.............thanks.......Andy Douglas