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Why own a Series P15 or D24 ?
If you are looking to get started in owning and restoring old cars you have literally thousand of choices. However, the hobby has for many, turned into a speculative business venture, driving prices up so high ownership is well outside the range of the average collector. The P15 and D24 Series have a lot to offer, including reasonable prices. They have the features found on more "modern" cars, including synchronized transmissions, four wheel hydraulic brakes, reliable electrical systems and body styles that still make people turn their heads for a look ! These features translate into a car that is safe, easy to repair and fun to drive. Reliability is high, so you can use them as a daily driver. Mechanical parts are readily available, and trim parts can be found with some digging. Don’t think they are totally immune to high prices. Just check Hemmings for the asking price for a Dodge convertible or Plymouth woody. However, you can pickup a sedan or coupe usually in the $1,000 - $2,000 dollar range and get started in a great hobby. If you are anticipating selling your car for a big profit after fixing it up, you are considering the wrong series of cars. With the exception of convertible or woody, these rarely draw $10,000 in mint condition. So why do people own them ? Because they are fun to drive and fun to work on. Remember it’s a hobby, not a business venture.
How available are mechanical parts ?
To our benefit today, Chrysler believed in long production runs. For example, the basic flat head six was in production from the mid-thirties until the early sixties when it was replaced by the slant six. Basic parts for major systems like brakes, engine and transmission components are available from multiple suppliers. Many can be purchased over the counter at local chains such as NAPA. Because interchangeability of parts between the different Chrysler marques (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler) is very high, the search is also easier.
How about trim and sheet metal parts ?
Trim parts in most cases are marque specific. Body components such as hoods and fenders, are usually shared by different models in a series. These components were used on many different Chrysler products and generally fit with little or no modification. Post WWII demand for new cars was insatiable. Chrysler sold as many of these products as they could manufacture. As a result many quality parts are sitting in junkyards waiting to get your car back on the road. A Hollanders Interchange manual is a worthy purchase.
Where do I find one ?
Probably the best source is Hemming Motor News. Every month you will find at least one or two cars advertised. Other sources include local papers and weekly car guides. Subscribe to the Plymouth Owners Club and Walter P. Chrysler Club (WPC). Internet newsgroups such as rec.autos.antique also yield occasional leads. They are also good for posting "Cars Wanted" messages. Lastly, this site carries free ads for P15s and D24s.
What are common problem areas to check when buying a P15 or D24 ?
Rust, wiring and brakes. Rust outs in the floor, quarters, trunk pan and trunk lid are common. Directly beneath the tail lights and rear quarter panels are also problem areas. These cars do not have the benefit of modern rust fighting technology, so finding a rust free car is the exception. Also, cars from states where road salt is used usually have substantially more rust damage than southern and western cars. Currently no one manufactures replacement panels for these cars so if you are looking a vehicle with this damage understand you will have to have metal fabricated for repairs.
The original wiring insulation is rubber, covered with cloth. Again, it is the exception to find a car where the wiring has not deteriorated. Fifty plus years of seasons takes its toll on any material ! If the rubber insulation easily cracks when you flex it, be prepared to add replacing the wiring harness to your list of tasks. Original, show quality wiring harnesses are available from multiple suppliers, and the installation is straightforward. I personally feel this is not area to go lowest bid on. Be advised, the only electrical system protection is a single fuse for the headlight circuit. Most circuits do not have any fuses. A new harness is not cheap, but an electrical short in an old harness could result in your entire project going up in smoke in a matter of minutes.
I have never talked to a P15 or D24 owner how didn’t have his share of stories about the brakes. Leaking wheel cylinders are a common problem. Again, parts for complete rebuilds are readily available from multiple suppliers. For safety’s sake, after you buy a car be prepared to do a complete brake job including wheel cylinders (they use 6 !), master cylinder, shoes and drums. If everything looks original I would carefully inspect steel brake lines, replacing any questionable sections. Check our Techtip section for more brake suggestions. And don’t forget to repair the parking brake, which is mounted on the rear of the transmission !
Can they be used as daily drivers ?
Yes. From my personal experience a well maintained P15 or D24 easily handles the requirements of being a reliable daily driver. Performance is adequate for acceleration onto freeways and they cruise at 60. Keep the brakes and electrical system in good shape and add seat belts for your safety. Those big plush seats make for a really comfortable daily driver. Gas mileage is reasonable for a 3,200 pound car. Add a clock and original Mopar 802 pushbutton radio and you will be traveling in style.
Why so many names, like Deluxe, Special Deluxe and Custom ?
Each series provides a low cost, base level model and a more expensive step up model. In the Plymouth series you could purchase a base Deluxe or the Special Deluxe with more options. Also, these trim options were limited to certain body styles. For example a Special Deluxe was not available in a 2 door Sedan Body style. On the Dodge D24 you could choose between the base Custom or plush Deluxe. Check the Reference and Spotters Guide pages for complete listing of the models, including production numbers.
I’m interested, where do I start ?
Start by joining the Plymouth Owners Club (POC) and (WPC). They have great reference info and their publications are a good source for leads in finding a car. You may find fellow collectors in your local area who will help you on your project when you get started. Also pick up a copy of Hemmings, the Bible of the car collector. Check your local car trader publications and the various online sites with classic cars for sale. Don’t forget to check this site’s want ads for cars and parts. Also, pick up a copy of the Standard Guide to Automotive Restoration, by Matt Joseph. It is a good reference on planning your project. Most important, don’t forget to have fun. |