Our Lost & Found Classic - 1954 Dodge Convertible

[KPS]

Originally Posted by FordDodo

Awesome work Dear KPS. Painter Murthy has done fantastic work.

So when are the trial runs?

Thanks. My Dad informs me that the paint has come out well. It was expected to turnout well, as I had instructed Murthy to take his time and do it on a best effort basis. He has put his soul into this paint job.

The chrome is getting delayed due to power problems. We hope to take the car out by Sunday for an initial drive. After that, we will do the wheel alignment with the old wheels before we fit the new tyres after painting the rims.

We are about 10 days behind schedule. We will do some long runs on the 23rd & 24th holidays. Hope to do about 1000 kms before the 1st Nov.

These cars are normally very good runners, hence I am hopeful that every thing will workout well.

Cheers

KPS

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by KPS

Here is the first glimpse of the car post painting. The light blue looks good and the chrome shows well.

Originally Posted by KPS

Thanks. My Dad informs me that the paint has come out well.

Hi KPS,

I am breathing easy now that it turned out nice and both of you liked it. Will be in town next week. Will tray and catch-up

Best Regards & Drive Safe

Ram

[KPS]

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

Hi KPS,
I am breathing easy now that it turned out nice and both of you liked it. Will be in town next week. Will tray and catch-up
Best Regards & Drive Safe
Ram

Thanks Ram. Most welcome to catch up.

Finally got to see the car, here are the pictures

We have fitted a fan on the radiator to aid the cooling on our runs


The car is looking good. We have fitted Lucas lights as against the American sealed beam lights.


Work has started on the convertible motor. This is actually a hydraulic system adopted in Dodge cars. Originally this should have the mechanical system, as seen in the Plymouth's. The hydraulic system will be silent and more efficient.




The rear bumper and fender fins have been fitted


The single colour scheme enhances the side trims


Cheers

KPS

[wilkmanracing]

Fantastic progress on the Dodge convertible. Having worked with auto glass, I know how nerve wracking it can be!

You've inspired me to get back to work on my in-progress projects, including a 1947 Austin A40 Dorset and a 1951 Austin A40 Sports. BTW, if anyone knows of the whereabouts of door and quarter panel trim for a Dorset, please contact me.

Bill Wilkman
USA

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by KPS

Finally got to see the car, here are the pictures

The car is looking good. We have fitted Lucas lights as against the American sealed beam lights.
Attachment 1300278

Looks great. Maybe its just difficult to tell in the photo, but I think the front bumper guards are interchanged - doubt they should point so far outwards.

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Looks great. Maybe its just difficult to tell in the photo, but I think the front bumper guards are interchanged - doubt they should point so far outwards.

Karl, you really have an eye for detail.

Now that you have pointed it out, I feel so too. I even think that it got interchanged with the rear set. See how the rear is alos pointing away from vertcal on a straight base.

KPS, please see if this is the case

Best Regards & Drive Safe

Ram

[Bulldogji]

The rear bumper guards have in built lights for the number plate, so they are correct.

maybe the angle of the photograph makes the front ones look odd?

I think they are all correct, subject to correction by the experts..

The front right guard seems to be at an incorrect angle though, or is it an optical illusion?

[KPS]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Looks great. Maybe its just difficult to tell in the photo, but I think the front bumper guards are interchanged - doubt they should point so far outwards.

Spot on Karl . Great eye for detail. Yes, they are wrongly fixed and will be redone tomorrow.

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

We fitted the size 6.70 -15 tyres


The rims were painted red. Thanks to Kasli for the feed back on the need to paint the rims red.




Once you put the hubcaps you get a beautiful red ring. This hubcap is what came with the car. I have sourced a new set of hubcaps which comes in the Dodge.


Completed the wheel alignment and emission test today. The car is certainly a good runner.




The rains in Bangalore is delaying our schedule. We we supposed to complete most parts of the hood today but the rains just would not let up.


Cheers

KPS

[Drkannant]

Originally Posted by KPS

Once you put the hubcaps you get a beautiful red ring. This hubcap is what came with the car. I have sourced a new set of hubcaps which comes in the Dodge.
Attachment 1302529

Wow Mr. KPS,

The white wall Tyres looks stunning. How did you manage to get these new Tyres? Did you import them?

[KPS]

Originally Posted by Drkannant

Wow Mr. KPS,
The white wall Tyres looks stunning. How did you manage to get these new Tyres? Did you import them?

Yes they are imported. During the restoration we had fit the Amby 575-15 tyres. These tyres are 670-15 and makes an big difference to the overall look.

Cheers

KPS

[howler]

Stunning outcome!! Doesn't look over restored like some cars come out. The rear seems to be a wee bit high, I am assuming that this will settle down with use/ suspension bedding in?

[KPS]

Originally Posted by howler

Stunning outcome!! Doesn't look over restored like some cars come out. The rear seems to be a wee bit high, I am assuming that this will settle down with use/ suspension bedding in?

Thank you Howler, I also like the outcome. Glad I opted to go with light blue than the silver.

The suspension hope fully will settle after the "Southern Road Drive"(SRD). The SRD is private drive by enthusiast driving to the South of India from Mumbai. It starts on 1st Nov from Coimbatore onwards to Coonoor, followed by Suntikoppa/Madikeri in Coorg, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Sholapur, Pune and ends in Mumbai, on the 11th. I will be part of this drive in the Dodge from Coonoor through to Hyderabad, about 2000 kms.

Howler, we are having a display of the cars in this drive on 4th Nov, 4 pm at North Coorg Club. In case you happen to be in there, please drop in. KVCCC is also hosting a meal in Bangalore for the SRT participants, in appreciation of this drive.

The "Southern Road Trail" has been meticulously planned by our friends in Mumbai, over the past 10 months. The Badge of this road trip is reflection of the meticulous planning done by this Group.









I feel blessed to be part of this drive and cannot thank the Mumbai Group enough.

Cheers

KPS

[howler]

Originally Posted by KPS

Howler, we are having a display of the cars in this drive on 4th Nov, 4 pm at North Coorg Club. In case you happen to be in there, please drop in. KVCCC is also hosting a meal in Bangalore for the SRT participants, in appreciation of this drive.


Cheers

KPS

Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately I will be heading home only by mid Nov so I will sadly miss this event. I will be passing through b'lore on my way there though and would love to catch up with you and see the car if you have the time

[james]

I've been a silent follower of this threat so far. Loved the story behind the car, how you'll rescued her and the restoration process. Shows the love and sentimental as well as emotional value your dad has for her.
However, I’m kind of sad you couldn’t retain the original number.
Kudos to your team for a brilliant restoration.

Originally Posted by KPS

Attachment 1302531