[TheTeacher]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, KPS! Kudos to you for tracking down the Dodge and getting hold of it! Best wishes on the renovation. I'd like to see it some day when it's completed.

We had the same model Vanguard for a while when I was a child. There was also another "van" type Vanguard with twin doors that opened outdoors that we had. It was actually more of a station wagon. We also had a 1958 Plymouth Savoy for many years.

I understand the love of these great cars!

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by KPS

Sadly the convertible motor is missing, thought the rest of the parts are there
Attachment 1280065

KPS, I am sure that you would have done your research already

But just in case you haven't come accross the following which shows Top Convertble Motor & parts listed for 1954 as well

http://www.hydroe.com/Dodge-Coronet-...ARTS-p-47.html

The rot is definitely going to keep you busy.

Best Regards & Drive Safe

Ram

[KPS]

Originally Posted by r_nairtvm

KPS, I am sure that you would have done your research already

http://www.hydroe.com/Dodge-Coronet-...ARTS-p-47.html
The rot is definitely going to keep you busy.
Best Regards & Drive Safe
Ram

Hi Ram,

Thank you for taking so much interest. I have sourced this part from the same supplier

However the system in the Dodge and Plymouth are different. Dodge is hydraulic, whilst it is mechanical in the Plymouth. My car will have the Dodge system with a 12V motor

Originally Posted by TheTeacher

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, KPS! .......
I understand the love of these great cars!

Thanks TheTeacher. I am glad my story is able to rekindle memories for so many others. With the cars you had, I am sure are able to relate with this thread.

Cheers

KPS

[KPS]

The floor board was given priority. Keeping the body alignment in mind, one section at a time was attacked. Mandate to the tinker was that he must not hurry, but take his time.






Welding the new floor boards was completed and beautifully sealed


Particular attention was given to the door pillar. Strengthening this is crucial as it can impact the body alignment very easily






The boot section was next






The first part of the project is completed.


Cheers

KPS

[ringoism]

Originally Posted by KPS

The floor board was given priority. Keeping the body alignment in mind, one section at a time was attacked. Mandate to the tinker was that he must not hurry, but take his time.

Cheers

KPS

The metalwork looks first-class, and this is one of the beautiful things (nevermind the unique challenges) about undertaking this sort of project in India - where hand-forming metal is not yet a lost art, and capable craftsmen(metal, paint, mechanical, stitching) can still be hired at reasonable rates.

In the Dodge's homeland (where I also originate) I'd expect that a decent professional restoration of that car would cost at least 15-20lakhs. You're going to have a beautiful car put together there, for a minuscule fraction of that cost. So many great places to drive it in the South, too.

Thanks for sharing all the personal history. Most of our own family's old car photos (1926 Packard Six and even earlier Hupmobile, Reading Standard motorcycle (around 1910), among others) were forever lost a few years ago when my brother's basement flooded... :-(

-Eric

[autotranny]

What a wonderful thread. We could relive the good old days that your father would have spent in the beautiful tea estates.

Throughout my banking career, I have had the fortune of visiting most of the tea estates owned by Kannan Devan and Harrisons by virtue of funding their operations. Apart from the beauty of these estates, one thing that you notice is the almost royal life that the managers had. IMHO, presently, the Asst Managers are given Bullets and Managers are using Mahindra Thars. Not sure though.

Your thread encapsulated all these and even made a mention of their biggest issue, labour un-rests.

I can imagine how beautiful the final look of this car will be. I only wish that the work is completed at the earliest. Can't wait for the final look.

[KPS]

After we completed the floorboard and check all the important structural points in the body, we took the body off the chassis







With the body off we could easily work on the under body


Our tinker Lal, who is basically from Kolkata stands proudly in front of his work.


The Chassis is worked upon






Cheers

KPS

[wilkmanracing]

The repair garage for which I worked in the 1960s used to use late 1940s- early 1950s Chrysler products as loaner cars. One day a customer blew a piston in one of the six cylinder engines. Our fix was to remove the piston and connecting rod from the opposite cylinder and then run the car as a four cylinder. Definitely bulletproof cars.

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by KPS

After we completed the floorboard and check all the important structural points in the body, we took the body off the chassis

Attachment 1280758

I just couldn't help but comment on this.

The condition of the Chassis is a indeed a true tribute to the American QC of yore and to the state of excellence they have achieved in the science of metallurgy.

If you hadn't said about the car being not in use for over a decade, seeing the chassis no one would have guessed that.

Hats of to you for such a detailed restoration

Best Regards and Drive/Ride Safe

Ram

[Bulldogji]

Originally Posted by wilkmanracing

The repair garage for which I worked in the 1960s used to use late 1940s- early 1950s Chrysler products as loaner cars. One day a customer blew a piston in one of the six cylinder engines. Our fix was to remove the piston and connecting rod from the opposite cylinder and then run the car as a four cylinder. Definitely bulletproof cars.

Why would you do that??
Why not put a set of six new pistons and overhaul the engine?

[wilkmanracing]

I agree with you. Unfortunately, my boss basically treated these cars as expendable. I hated to see this, but had no say in the matter.

[Karumbaiah]

Great story Anya. Really enjoyed reading this thread. Good luck for your restoration.

-Karumbaiah

[car love]

Great thread KPS..eagerly following it...After JayD's recent restoration which was a treat for everyone now its yours..By the way is it being restored at Sripati's garage?

[KPS]

Once the body was mounted back on the Chassis, it was time to check alignment of the doors and panels



The consistent door gap is reflects the quality of the tinkering


The body line looks good





The boot is good fit


The floor






Once we were satisfied, we start to prepare the car for painting. We decided to retain the original silver colour. My Dad and wife are seen inspecting in the background, as we discuss on the actual shade of silver


Cheers

KPS

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by KPS

Once the body was mounted back on the Chassis, it was time to check alignment of the doors and panels

Can you please share details of the primering / painting process? Initially while working I can see regular red primer being used. What is the black coat on the underside? Black paint or a specific antirust?