Paul Falabella

Noticed a few pics online of the Heat/Def slider plates(in lower dash,rt. between ign. and glove box) that are chrome. Mine are painted, as are most others. They are chrome under the paint. Which, or are either correct? Chrome would look pretty cool. Thanks

Back of my garage. And this is NYC. Boston? Fugettaboutit!

I moved the radio brackets and removed the L brackets at the ends. If that doesn't work, I will try the steering column adjustment.

According to the shop manual, the steering column can be mechanically adjusted for height. Can't seem find how in the book. This may buy me enough room to more easily fit the lower dash. Anyone know how to do this adjustment? Thanks.

I am in the process of returning the interior painted panels to the original color as can be seen on lower inst. panel. R&R of the lower instrument panel is not covered in the '54 body book. I removed it with some difficulty. Before I paint and make pretty, I tried to refit it. As I see the only way is to manhandle it which will scratch any new paint especially the steering column. Anyone have any experience with reinstalling this part, newly painted with a newly painted steering column in place? Could have painted it in place but thought removal would allow for a better finish, now I'm wondering. Thanks.

OK got it Thanks

How is the Wiper/Washer switch removed from the dash? Thanks

Looks like you may have to take out the rear seat and remove the side trim panel, maybe the vent reveal trim as well. Unless you have access inside the trunk. Like the color combo btw. More pics when get a chance.

All glass is either JX or KX which would be April and May of 1955. So using Seans numbers, there were 17000 odd more cars made in Atlanta after mine. I'd venture an educated guess late May or June 55 with glass and radio dates. Don't know what other dated components I'll come across but May 55 is the latest so far.

Thanks Sean, I got it narrowed down to the last couple of months of production.

That would be cool. Numbers are: B6053563 Body #BA-3023

Before desludging the pan and pickup, the oil pressure guage would read a bit above "N" normal, till the car warmed up. Warm engine, slow idle was between Low and Normal. Driving the needle went to Normal. Started the car today, let it run about 20 mins in the garage, needle stayed half way between N and H. Very little fluctuation between idle and revving. Normal I'm assuming? Also valvetrain noise was noticeably less.

Took dash out to paint and removed speedometer to clean. Speedo is the newest component I have found on car. Unit is marked "May 4 1955". Always thought the car was a late production car but can't get exact build date. Also while taking the dash off I found out why I could never find Morgan Buick(dealer plate riveted to trunk says"Morgan Bros. Selma"). Found a pencil in a defroster duct for "Morgan Bros. Desoto-Plymouth Selma". So someone traded in a Roady for a Desoto!

If you are talking about the engine turned pieces on the dash, a fellow named Doug Seybold in Ohio does them. He always has an ad in Hemmings.

That car is gorgeous !

That's a matter of opinion. I don't think tan and medium blue looks so bad.

Actually it does match the valve covers, intake manifold, valley cover, water pump and thermostat housing, spark plug covers and a few other bits. Pretty close to original nailhead green.

Paint is rattle can from CARS. Other than the sludge inside and thick covering of oil/ATF/PS Fluid/Road Grime outside, pan was in pretty good nick. So even if you have good oil pressure, it pays to look in that pan if you're not sure it was ever done! Happy New Year!

Like an OK Used car. Those front bolts under the crossmember are PITA. First thing I buy when I hit Powerball is a Lift!!

Oil pressure was always good, even though the pickup screen was pretty sludged up. Soaked it in kerosene, then Simple Green, Then blew it out with Brake Cleaner. Pretty clean now. Gonna replace the heater hoses while I'm under here. Will post cleaned up pics in a bit.

That did the trick,Thanks Willie Won't be torching the pan, clean enough with degreasers. As we say around here; 100% better.

What's the trick getting the pickup screen to come out? Trying not to be to aggressive with a screwdriver blade in order to not bend the screen frame.

Thanks, will get that off and try a Kerosene soak and then a Simple Green soak. The pan bolts came clean after an over night soak. Similar looking schmutz. The nastiest stuff is at the very bottom of the pan. Very thick greyish sludge.

Love the color,looks very similar to Medium Steel Blue Metallic on the 2005 T-Bird.

The pan is off and while not the worst I've seen, still plenty of sludge. Probably 1/2 to 3/4" layer. My question; is the pickup removed by the two screws circled? Or maybe just submerge it in a pan of Simple Green on a trolley jack? Thanks, Happy Holiday