RE: [Chrysler300] new member

["Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>]

Brett:

 

Welcome to the club.  As a six year owner of a C-300, I'll share some of
what I have learned, some of my philosophy and some of my opinions.

It is a good idea to replace weather stripping and the wiring harness.

It is not necessary or appropriate to switch to a 12-V system.  I believe
that all C-300's should remain s close to bone-stock as possible due to
their rarity.  The car can be made to start and run just fine on a 6-Volt
system.  I have added an electric fuel pump underneath by the tank.  It is
operated only to prime the carbs and via a push button.  This has solved the
occasional hard starting problem associated with mysterious disappearance of
fuel and is easily removed for any ultimate concours judging.  I added
simple, old-fashioned black seat belts and our judging does not deduct
points for these so long as they are period correct.

Many switch to radial tires-P225/P235/15's are available with 3" WSW from
several vendors and are an easily-reversed retrofit.  I find driving on an
old set of L78-15 bias ply Remingtons to be satisfactory, but you have to
stay awake and drive the car as it tends to want to drive itself from time
to time.

You may experience poor performance of your power brake system.  These have
a large internal diaphragm that can leak or rupture.  Various vendors can
rebuild these.  That's why these cars have 9" wide brake pedals-for both
feet!  

I'd forget about a/c for a C-300.  Several came so equipped from the factory
and every other '55 Chrysler sedan or coupe could be so equipped with the
rear-mounted unit.  Having lived in Houston five years, I do understand that
a/c makes life more enjoyable, so if you do add a/c, try to make it a
reversible modification.

 

I'd suggest you ponder these issues, move forward with the wiring, cosmetic
and mechanical maintenance and not move on to the 12-Volt conversion or
addition of /c until you have developed and refined your own philosophy for
being a great steward of this rare old brute.  It's your car and your call.
Thank for inviting comment and support.  These clubs are good at that.

 

C-300'ly,

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA

3N551198

 

,

  _____  

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of bhtharp
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 11:19 PM
To: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Chrysler300] new member

 

  

Hi, my name is Brett Tharp and I recently acquired C300 vin# 3N551484 
and joined your club. My car is mostly restored, needing only chrome work
and weatherstripping around the doors and windows to be cosmetically close
to perfect. Before that happens, though, I would like feedback on my
intended first project: having the entire wiring harness replaced,
conversion to a 12-volt system, and having "Vintage Air" a/c installed.
Since the power steering pump is mounted on the rear of the generator, would
it make more sense to simply have the stock generator converted to a 12-volt
generator, or have an alternator mounted and install an electric power
steering pump? How about changimg the pulley and mounting an alternator that
operates in conjunction with the generator? Do my power window motors and
seat motors need to be replaced (like my potential installer has told me),
or can resistors be installed so they will adapt? Any advice or opinions
would be most welcome. Thanks! 





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