Messages

I would like to at least keep my drive line all Mopar, but it makes sense to have my pieces compatible with items available from the aftermarket.  So for things like the steering column, if I were to look for a mopar donor car, I should look for a pre 1988 vehicle, right?
The whole wiring thing is kinda scary to me...I'm not sure I have the skills to take a harness off an existing vehicle and use adapt it to mine.  I was thinking of probably going with an aftermarket arrangement where I would have some instructions to follow.

My idea of the Jeep donor came because I saw one in running condition sell recently for $1000.  I thought that might be pretty reasonable for all of the parts I should be able to take from it.

I'm trying to work up a plan for the new Plymouth...is this a good or bad idea?
I'm thinking about buying a slightly older used/wrecked Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The idea would be to rob the interior seats and possibly the steering column.  This way, I have nice cushy, power seats.  Then, I will take the rearend so I have a modern rear axle (ideally with disc brakes, and a decent gear ratio).  Finally, I will have a modern, fuel injected engine to install.  
Obviously, I will still have to do something about a transmission, but I'm working on that.  Maybe some type of overdrive unit from a 2 wheel drive pickup?

Well, I finally made the decision and sprung for it.  The 72 Demon is gone and has been replaced by a 40 Plymouth Coupe.  Now the work begins!

My rear wheel cylinders are leaking badly.  Is there an inexpensive fix for this?  I have found replacement cylinders at PlyDo, but they are listed in my OLD catalog at $55 each.  My intention is to eventually upgrade to a modern rearend, so I don't really want to spend $110 on something that I'm not going to use in another year or so.  Along those lines, can anybody tell me what rearend I may be able to bolt in to my coupe?  For the money, maybe I should just swap a new rearend in now.  I would prefer to stick with an all Mopar driveline.  I was thinking of probably an A-body 8 3/4 rear or possibly something out of a Volare or similar vehicle.  Any suggestions?

I just wanted to post a reply to thank you all for the great advice and insight.  It is truly appreciated.  I am looking for some of the books that you suggested, and I am starting to ask around about some clubs in my area.  Most of the guys around here have muscle cars, but I do see some street rods from time to time.  I'm gonna keep eavesdropping on your posts to pick as many pointers as I can.  My goal with this car is to enjoy it the way it is right now (stock with a nice paint job and chrome wheels), and gather some parts to put a modern suspension and drive train in it.  I would really like to have something that I could take on some trips.  So I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.  Again...Thank You!

Folks,
I have a chance to purchase a 40 Plymouth Coupe in pretty nice condition.  I am looking for information on how to modify this car, and just how to construct a street rod in general.  I have some experience with muscle cars, but that seems to be a little different than a street rod.  My first step was obviously to start watching your forums here and reading your tech articles to pick up some hints.  Can you tell me any other places I should look for information?  Any magazines I should subscribe to?  Any books I should read?  Any other websites I should look at?  Possibly any organizations I should think about joining?

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance!

40PlymouthCoupe