JimW

Hi Harold. I also wondered if the car might be a '52, but the VIN fits within the range of id. numbers from the 51's built in L.A. Also, I read an article which listed some differences between the '51 and '52, such as for the '51 the name Plymouth on the glove box door vs. no name for the '52, and the hand brake handle in chrome for the '51 vs. plastic for the '52. All these things indicate that my car is in fact a '51. Perhaps, as you say, over the years someone retrofitted the car with the overdrive. Right now the car is at my mechanic's, but when I get it back I'll do some more checking. Thanks for offering to be a resource. No doubt I'll take you up on it. Feel free to contact me directly at jim108@comcast.net.

I recently bought a 1951 Cranbrook convertible. The car has overdrive, but in doing research I keep reading that overdrive was first offered in 1952.If it matters, the car may have been made for Canada. Was it possible to get overdrive in '51?

Thanks to all. I'll try the tips given.

It shifts OK, a little stiff. The main problem is I'm 6'2", and 1st and 3rd are just about staight down, hitting my knees.

Just bought a '51. Trans. lever positions are almost straight up and down vs. the 45 dgree angle I'm more used to. Is this typical?

Just bought 51 Plymouth Cranbrook. When in 1st and 3rd, gear lever is almost straight up and down, whereas I'm used to more of a 45 degree angle. Is this a problem, and if so, can it be corrected?

Hi Rusty. The car is an a.c. car but the compressor had been removed. I don't know how likely it is I can find an original, perhaps one needing to be rebuilt, or ,as you suggest, maybe I should just try a retofit with some other product.

Can anyone suggest where I can find an a.c compressor? What about modifying a different compressor to fit? Thanks. Jim