Does It Cost More to Repair an Old Car?
Discover if restoring vintage Mopar vehicles with classic Mopar parts is more cost-effective than modern alternatives. Learn how vintage Dodge mirrors and other parts affect the budget.
How to Determine If a Vintage Car Part Fits Another Model
How to Determine If a Vintage Car Part Fits Another Model
Discover how to find interchangeable vintage Dodge auto parts and classic Chrysler car parts to streamline your Mopar restoration projects.
Restored Classic Cars vs. Project Car Restoration: Which is Right for You?
Restored Classic Cars vs. Project Car Restoration: Which is Right for You?
Should you buy a restored classic car or restore a project car yourself? Explore the pros, cons, and insights into sourcing parts like vintage Dodge components and Plymouth Fury brake kits to help you decide.
Engineering Innovations Pioneered by Walter P. Chrysler and His Chrysler Corporation Cars
Engineering Innovations Pioneered by Walter P. Chrysler and His Chrysler Corporation Cars
Walter P. Chrysler’s Vision for Innovation
Walter P. Chrysler, a visionary industrialist and the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, left a significant mark on the automotive industry through his pursuit of engineering excellence. He is known for the iconic brands under the Chrysler umbrella—Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, and Chrysler—and for introducing groundbreaking engineering advancements that revolutionized the automotive landscape.Read More
Semi Automatic Transmissions
Semi Automatic Transmissions
Introduction to Chrysler’s Semi-Automatic Transmissions
The history of Chrysler Corporation’s semi-automatic transmissions began in the late 1930s with the introduction of the Vaca Matic transmissions. Chrysler initially used these transmissions in DeSoto and Chrysler cars, marking an early innovation in automotive technology. Because of their semi-automatic operation, drivers found the Vaca Matic transmissions notable, offering a smoother and more convenient driving experience compared to traditional manual transmissions.Read More
Chrysler Flathead 6 Cylinder Engines 1935-1959 Part 2
Chrysler Flathead 6 Cylinder Engines 1935-1959 Part 2
Previously, we touched on a few variations in design, but there are plenty more. (Read it here)
Almost all flathead engines had aluminum pistons with a 4 ring design; the top two being compression and the bottom two oil control. From 1935 through 1940 both compression rings were 1/8 inch thick (.125”) and the oil control rings were 5/32 of an inch (.15625”). In 1941, the top compression ring was changed to 3/32 of an inch (.09375”). In 1942, both compression rings were changed to 3/32. This configuration was used through 1959 in the US. Foreign built cars had some exceptions to this. When you want to order rings alone for your prewar carRead More