I should know better at my age!!! Hahahaha!!!!
(Click on the picture)
There it was, sitting in a field rotting. Once I figured what it was, I had to have it. I just couldn't get it out of my head. The fender was halfway under the car, and the hood was half full of dirt, with weeds growing out of it.
Turns out it was an old Telephone repair service person's vehicle.
Back yard time!!
(3/06/04) Yeah, I know, what a pile. This I when I just picked it up. Big plans ahead. And for what I want to do with it, its better to start with what someone else would use as a parts car. Found doors off a two-door to modify to fit. Pulled the body off. Got to plan the brakes, suspension, etc. Drop in a healthy Mopar big block, Torqueflite, and some 4.56 gears in an 8 3/4. I'm hoping to get it down to 2000lbs with the big block. Fix the rust and modify the body as needed when dropping it back onto the frame. Then drive the crap out of it.
4-16-04
Splitting the body from the frame, it's GASSER time!!
Well here we go, fucking the frame all up...
Not bad looking after I fabbed those front body mounts!
3.2.05
IT LIVES!!
3-31-05
Ugly as sin, at least she runs and drives now. I need to get the brake/tail lights hot and wire the alternator in. I've ran the starter, coil and headlight wiring. I need to get glass cut for it, as the windshield gasket JUST came in! Then build some kind of muffler set up, or find a header insert that quiets this pile down. I'm fabbing up a firewall now, next maybe floors and seat brackets? Such luxuries!
4-10-05
The Business Coupe doesn't look like crap anymore. I found my glass, just got to order it Monday. Figured out the tail lights, too.
5.21.05
Back on the road, and with a more work, it will be car again!
12-29-05
One week later, I pulled the engine out of it. I needed to run it in the Model A, so the Business coupe needs new running gear. I'd like to run another bigb block Chrysler and Torqueflite. I already have everything else worked out, but I definately need to fix the floors and buy real Business Coupe doors. Anyone got a pair? Email me!!
----- My Crazy Notes
Plymouth Business coupe
wheelbase 111.0
weight 2,825
price $1,371
produced 15,715
The business coupe was made for traveling salesmen who needed storage space for boxes and luggage so there was no back seat-just a flat platform.
1951
The 180 horsepower, 331 cubic-inch Firepower Hemi V-8 engine in the 1951 Chrysler (right) marks the beginning of 'the Horsepower Race.' A Plymouth business coupe costs only $1,537 - less than 53 cents per pound.
1959
Original Ramchargers debut with High & Mighty Hemi powered C/ Altered Class '49 Plymouth to win NHRA Nationals
(Some guys re-creating the Ramcharger's first car, a '49 Plymouth Business Coupe)
1959 also saw the Hemi engines replaced by Chrysler's new Golden Lion wedge-head V8 at 413 cubic inches displacement. Power output remained about the same.
HOLLEY carburetors from 1903 to current
Edelbrock Manifolds produced from 1938 to current
DANA POWER LOCK differentials produced from 1962 until 1969