Popular Post michael14 Posted October 23, 2024 Popular Post Posted October 23, 2024 I've recently inherited this 59 Dodge Kingsway from my father who has owned it from 1977. NZ New, 3 speed manual 251ci flat head six and wanting a place to document the restoration. Plan is to keep everything entirely original. Dad used it as a wedding car in 1997, overheated during a wedding and has been parked up ever since. Any resources for parts, general advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to discuss! 23 2 Quote
Popular Post michael14 Posted October 26, 2024 Author Popular Post Posted October 26, 2024 12 1 Quote
Popular Post michael14 Posted October 26, 2024 Author Popular Post Posted October 26, 2024 18 1 Quote
Popular Post michael14 Posted November 10, 2024 Author Popular Post Posted November 10, 2024 Update time! Pulled the engine out today, dad did most of the hard work getting the gearbox off, took Tony and I maybe 2 hours to get it out, the vast majority of which was an exhaust bolt and getting the crane to pull it out at the right angle. 25 year old engine oil is, interesting. Very sludgey and there was some water in there, head has come off (no photos sorry) and the gasket is blown, so hopefully that’s the only reason for water down there. Crack in the top radiator hose fitting a possible cause for originally over heating. Potentially need valves and pistons if anyone can put me in the right direction! 15 Quote
michael14 Posted November 11, 2024 Author Posted November 11, 2024 Unfortunately - a fair bit of wear from the pistons at some point, can be felt by finger nail on all 6 cylinders, some worse than others but didn’t get too many photos when with the engine tonight. if anyone can put me on to an engine rebuild kit for the 3 7/16 inch bore size, would be greatly appreciated! Can find a few for the smaller bore size but not sure I can for the larger just yet. Also note the wear to the valves - some missing some of the metal around the edges like the one top of picture 3 1 Quote
michael14 Posted November 19, 2024 Author Posted November 19, 2024 No pictures this time, but think we have figured out that what we have is a 251cid 3 7/16"bore, 4 1/2" stroke. My understanding was that these didn't come out of the factory with a 251, but plenty of other Chrysler cars did (mostly Australian made, I believe) so may have done? Any intel on that would be great! 6 Quote
Popular Post michael14 Posted February 4 Author Popular Post Posted February 4 Non picture update again, but think I've managed to source all the required parts for this engine to be running again from 3-4 suppliers worldwide (Australia actually appears to have very good stock holdings for the 251 via Auto Surplus and Jim Robinson, ex Dodge and Plymouth Parts Australia, now retired) List of parts sourced. Full gasket set (actually found one of these in stock at Silvester V8 in Christchurch) Carb rebuild kit (Carb restorations, Dunedin) - the carb in this appears to be the slant 6 carb NOS fuel pump - eBay Pistons and rings +.020 - Auto Surplus Piston bushes - Auto Surplus Timing chain and gears - Auto Surplus Water distribution tube - Auto Surplus Neoprene rear main seal - Auto Surplus Valve guides - Auto Surplus Valve springs - Auto Surplus Exhaust valves - Rock Auto Connecting rod bearings -.020 - Rock Auto Camshaft bearings Std - Rock Auto Oil pump - Rock Auto Main bearings -.040 - Jim Robinson Water pump - Jim Robinson Oil relief valve piston, spring & gasket - Jim Robinson Valve spring retainers - Jim Robinson Intake Valves - Jim Robinson Pistons being ordered into Auto Surplus, so probably a few weeks away from them getting them, then shipping to me. But hopefully some tangible progress in the coming months once parts arrive. 9 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.