TIM BUCK II GARAGE
Reprinted from the 1999 Club News Volume 26 Number 1
Q: The backup light switches on
’55 and ’56 Powerflite transmissions do fail and
replacements are non existent. What to do?
A: Try a Carquest Auto parts
store. A SLS28 is a brake light switch that is 99% correct, but
the terminals are both male (original are male and female) and the
one wire end must be replaced with a female end. Works perfectly.
Q: The starter on my ’60
300F refuses to efficiently start the engine when the motor is
warm. It has been rebuilt but still acts the same. Why?
A: When the oil-lite bushing is
replaced on the nose of the starter, it should be reamed out by
.015” to allow for heat expansion of the shaft, because the
starter is in close proximity of the exhaust pipe and cross-over
pipe on the ram cars, and a lot of heat is transferred.
Q: When I am stopped at a red
light in my 300F with engine idling, smoke rises between the hood
and the right fender. The engine is in good condition and runs
well. Why does it “smoke?”
A: Non A/C cars had road draft
tubes that emit those fumes when stopped. A/C cars have PCV
systems that route fumes and smoke to the intake manifold balance
tube. Cars that were ordered from California had the PCV system
even if not A/C because of clean air act. Remove the balance tube
and weld in a 5/16” steel tube, remove road draft tube and
replace with a later model cap and valve and length of rubber fuel
line hose. Smoke is gone!
Q: I have heard that a “new”
300M for 2001 was shown at a California auto show. Supposedly it
was only for the show. Chrysler does not confirm or deny. Any
substance to its production?
A: It IS being built. The engine
now develops 300 hp, has 18” wheels, larger brakes, real
wood interior and other refinements.
Q: I had both front driveshaft
“joints” replaced but my car has a vibration at
certain speeds. The driveshaft was balanced but I still have the
vibration at about 60/65 MPH.
A: First, check engine mounts. If
OK, then check trans insulator. Mainly, the trans mount seems to
be the culprit. Remove the 2 bolts on either end of the insulator
to cross member and slightly jack up the transmission. Check to
see that both the top plate and bottom plate are firmly attached
to the rubber core. If not, remove the insulator assembly, clean
the plate or plates and degrease the rubber portion and remove all
grease and rust from the plates. Use a 2 part epoxy and leave
pressure on the assembly for at least 24 hours then reinstall.
This may correct the vibration. If not, other areas need
inspection.
Q: I have been trying to locate
15” wheels for my 300G. Junk yards tell me that Chrysler
used 14” wheels in 1961. Did someone put later model wheels
on my G?
A: Strange as it may seem, only
the 300G in 1961 had 15” wheels. All other 61s had 14”.
Wheels from 1962 through 1963 will be 15”. Also 1966 up with
disc brakes will be 15”. Later models (’69 up) will
have 15”. Centers are slightly different but can be used and
must have 6-1/2” wide rims.
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