Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021
I finally got back to reassemble my Plymouth’s horn ring and horn assembly. I found one of the original screws and used it; I had two brass ones that I bought at the hardware store — why I bought brass, I don’t know. I wish I bought steel, then my magnetic screwdriver would have been useful.
I also started removing the Oogah horn and replacing it with a dual horn system that was more like the original horn. The original horns were mounted individually, one on the right, one of the left. The eBay ones I bought are mounted on a single bracket with a relay. But brother, are they loud! I need to finish wiring the relay, which I hope to do tomorrow. In the future, I might separate the horns and move them back to their original locations. The replacements are about the same size as the original. One of the original horns is still mounted; I searched for an original to match it, but no go. I’ll keep the original one and maybe I’ll run across its mate at some point in the future.
MANIFOLD DESTINY? There’s a couple of interesting Plymouth Poly motor intakes on eBay right now … an original cast iron intake with original WCFB carbs; a weiand dual quad aluminum intake, and get this — a three deuce factory intake. I would give anything to have the dual quads on the car; it would be a much prettier system than the 2-barrel. I’m hoping to run across a single four-barrel intake.
I bought a second factory oil bath air filter for my 277; my plan is to cut down the top to remove the oil bath innards and then insert a couple of paper filters to replace the oil bath. I plan to keep the original intake, which is in really good condition. The second oil bath air cleaner is the same as the one on my 1956, only its yellow instead of red. I would like to modify it for paper filters and then repaint it red and add the factory decals.
As far as dressing up under the hood, I really need to refinish the valve covers. They originally were silver, ,and it wouldn’t be too tough to pull them and refinish them. I would like to refinish the intake and block too,, but not yet. Of course, all bets are off if I can get a 4-bbl intake, lol!
Chrysler power was offering custom made aluminum intakes and valve covers but their website says they’ve discontinued sales. Not sure what’s up with that. I would love to have aluminum valve covers, but frankly, I need to first spend the money on a modern driveshaft.
I looking at pics of factory original interiors on 1956 Belvederes, the fabric and patterns on the door panels are original. I’ve located materials I plan to use to redo the door panels.
SMOOTHER AT SPEED. Drove the Plymouth to the hardware store the other day and was cruising along at 60-65 mph. The driveshaft vibration seemed to lessen — or maybe it was less noticeable because of the increased driveshaft speed. The car rides nice and drives well at speed.
My daughter Katie arrives tomorrow for 4 days, her first time home in 2-1/2 years. I expect I’ll give her a ride in the Plymouth but first I need to get the horn wired and done.