My 74 Plymouth thread

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Sat Dec 13, 14 11:16 am

Has the back been lifted as it looks like I can see spring hangers?

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Sat Dec 13, 14 11:52 am

Probably to hold up worn springs if mines anything to go by. Those 74 cars have alone year spring only, not easy or cheap to find.

octanejunkie · Post by **octanejunkie** » Tue Dec 16, 14 9:34 pm

Thanks for the comments guys.
Does have aftermarket hangers, but is on the lowest setting right now. Almost too low. Might move it onto the next one up. I wouldn't fit them personally, but they're a 70's period mod, so will leave them in place.

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Tue Dec 16, 14 9:48 pm

I'm going for Add a Leaf on mine. £50 and should restore correct ride height.

octanejunkie · Post by **octanejunkie** » Fri Dec 19, 14 3:11 pm

Finally, some parts have arrived and the cars gone in the workshop.
I'll be going down Monday to start ripping things apart, and sorting out all the issues.
The clutch is good for up to 400hp apparently. Beautifully finished, shame it'll be covered up!

New weather stripping to stop it whistling. I've used Metro stuff on all my yank cars, and it fits really well.

And also THIS turned up.. not normally one to get excited about gear levers, but it sure is pretty!

There is still loads of bits and pieces still on the way, but at least i can make a start on it, and get it the way i want it. Looking forward to seeing the underside on a lift.

Post by **MattH** » Sun Dec 21, 14 4:07 pm

I used the Metro weather stripping on the Chally, really good stuff.

Captain Chaos · Post by **Captain Chaos** » Sun Dec 21, 14 7:55 pm

Looking good.

Those Slot Mags are the Bone.

octanejunkie · Post by **octanejunkie** » Tue Dec 23, 14 8:03 am

Car's been up on the ramp over the weekend and we got the gearbox out. Gave me a good chance to have a proper poke around underneath.
Well, its good news. All original under there with no signs of repairs or welding. No rot to be found anywhere. Trunk floor is all original, all chassis rails are mint. Very relieved. There are many tales of woe gracing the interweb about rotten B bodies.
Unfortunately the gearbox has to remain out for a bit, as the seals are all shot and it was leaking badly. A full seal kit has been ordered. We trial fitted the new clutch, and luckily i bought the right one. That gearbox is a seriously heavy old lump!
Think i'll be getting rid of the cherry bombs. Whilst making the car plenty loud, they give it a kind of "blat, blat" noise when you get on the gas which i don't like too much. Prefer something a bit more measured.
The exhaust blow that had been annoying me is not coming from the manifold as feared, but just from one of the down pipe gaskets, which will be easy to sort.
Happy to see that the engine is fully oil tight. Not a hint of a leak anywhere, which is nice.
The fuel tank is unusual. Its from a completely different car, and has been mounted longways under the car which looks a bit odd. However, its very solid and not corroded, plus the gauge works correctly, so i may just leave it.
Only other thing i found that i might like to change is the rear shocks. They're very soft, and something a little firmer is needed. Springs look good though.

I've put a picture up of the gearbox ID numbers. Can anyone decode them and tell me what car it might have come from and what year it is?

Looking forward to getting the car back to its best in the new year

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Tue Dec 23, 14 12:38 pm

Slot mags and cherry bombs...perfect!

Captain Chaos · Post by **Captain Chaos** » Wed Dec 24, 14 8:10 am

Carpet in the Workshop

better not show you mine

Scooby · Post by **Scooby** » Thu Dec 25, 14 8:47 pm

Body looks In great condition keep the wheels looks great.. Dunc will be along soon he's the gearbox king on here. Happy motoring
Rich

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Thu Dec 25, 14 10:16 pm

Ivor wrote:Slot mags and cherry bombs...perfect!

Mick70RR · Post by **Mick70RR** » Fri Dec 26, 14 12:59 pm

Fit an H pipe to the exhaust while you're at it and it'll get rid of that blat blat sound you don't like.

octanejunkie · Post by **octanejunkie** » Mon Dec 29, 14 9:08 pm

Fitted the new roof rail weather strips today. What an epic struggle that was!
When i got the car, none of the windows seemed to fit properly, and there were big gaps all over the place. Having the fixed rear rear quarter windows, all the trim had to come out. They needed a fair bit of adjustment to get fitted correctly. Then the door glass needed adjusting, so all the door cards and fittings had to come off. Then it was a case of adjust one bolt here, then another needs adjusting, then that throws something else out. Ended up taking me about six and a half hours to get it all set right, and get the trim back together.
Hopefully this means now i won't have any more whistling or leaks. Phew!

Sorry there's no pics to accompany, but i left my phone at home..

Mossy68 · Post by **Mossy68** » Mon Dec 29, 14 9:54 pm

Good to hear your getting stuck in. Well done.