my 50 dodge

[Guest bucket73]

just got a 50 dodge meadowbrook i want to put a small block in it can anybody give me some pointer thanks

[keiser31]

Perhaps I can point you to the H.A.M.B. website for your sort of interest. We restore to original here when possible. Thanks for asking, though.

[jazzer3]

I can't condone what you do but if you are close enough to Pennsylvania I might be interested in the running gear. I believe most of these projects turn out to be disasters rather than masterpieces, good luck. I've driven post-war Chysler cars since I was 17, that was 1971 and you will lose the character of a nice driving well engineered automobile put your money in a Brookville body and aftermarket chassis and you can really build what you want.

Thank you,

Jay

[Rusty_OToole]

The engine your car came with is fine for all practical purposes. When it was new your car had a top speed of 85 or 90 MPH and was capable of cruising at speeds of 60 to 70 all day long.

If you get it running right, you should lose all desire for a newer engine. Usually it is not too hard to put one of those old sixes back in commission. Even if it needs to be completely rebuilt, it is one of the simplest engines to rebuild and all parts are available at reasonable cost. In other words, it would be easier and cheaper to rebuild the engine than to replace it. Unless the rod is sticking through the block.

There are a number of posters on this board who own Plymouth Dodge DeSoto and Chrysler cars of similar age, with similar flathead six and straight eight engines. They can testify to the good performance and reliable service those old engines provide.

Now if you insist on an engine swap for reasons of your own, I can only advise you to buy a newer car. The 1950 was made for a six cylinder engine only and nothing else will fit without major hassles. The steering and gear shifting mechanism are in the road for a start. The engine compartment is quite short making it hard to find room for a radiator as well as a bigger engine. You pretty well have to replace transmission and all BUT if you do, you have to replace the rear axle as well because the handbrake is on the transmission and you will have no hand brake.

All in all it is much better, easier and cheaper to keep the original engine. Or, sell it and buy a 1955 or newer model that came with a V8 or at least, was made with enough room under the hood for one.

This may not be what you want to hear but I hope it will save you a lot of grief.

Edited March 20, 2011 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)

[Dave Mellor NJ]

I wish more street rodders would read Rusty's columns before they light up their torches.

[Guest bucket73]

thanks for the info .this is the first time i have bought any cars older than a 66 i would like to keep as stock as i can . can anybody give a website or tell me of books on dodge flatheads and fluid drive trans . thanks

[keiser31]

Try this place. It works for me.

WPC Home - the World's Largest Chrysler Products Club !

Also scroll down to the Dodge and Dodge Brothers forum here.

[Rusty_OToole]

I wish more street rodders would read Rusty's columns before they light up their torches.

That is where I got the idea. A lot of hot rodders today are keeping the old flathead sixes, rebuilding and hopping them up.

This comes from the so called rat rod movement which may not be what you think.

One old time hot rodder put it this way.

" I built a beautiful 32 Ford roadster with fibreglass body and big block motor, and it just wore me slick with expenses. So I bought a 51 Chevy coupe, rebuilt the stock six and added twin carbs and Holly wood mufflers, lowered it, painted it flat black with Mexican blanket seat covers, and now I can drive it all I want and never worry about getting it scratched or dirty, and I have more fun than I had with any other car".

[Rusty_OToole]

thanks for the info .this is the first time i have bought any cars older than a 66 i would like to keep as stock as i can . can anybody give a website or tell me of books on dodge flatheads and fluid drive trans . thanks

There are online dealers in old MoPar parts such as Roberts Motor Parts and Vintage Power Wagons but most of what you need, you can get at the local auto parts store. If there is a dusty old store where the farmers shop, with old bald headed or gray haired parts men, that is the one you want. NAPA is usually good.

A good web site specialising in cars like yours, is P15D24. Here is a link

www.P15-D24.com - Powered by vBulletin

You should do a search on this board, on the Chrysler and Dodge boards, for Fluid Drive. About 2 years ago there were some threads laying out everything you need to know about the maintenance and operation of these transmissions.

There are also some good guides at the Chrysler Imperial web site, reprints of original factory literature.

No doubt there are others if you look around but these should get you started.

O ya here is my favorite, a DeSoto that is like your Dodge but bigger. Written by the original owner, describing his experiences driving and servicing his car over 24 years. I always get a kick out of his description of how the motor smooths out like a turbine at 70, in the mountains. In a 6000 pound limousine with 4:11 gears. Pulling a trailer.

1951 DeSoto Suburban cars - long term report / car review with trailer towing