[Chas]

I am familier with this radio, I once owned a 54 Chrysler for several years as a teenager. Radio was similar two piece. I refurbished the radio and even found a way to install an eye-tube of the linear type behind the dial. The blue green glow was great as it often fluttered while receiving DX. Since the radio was not that old in the 60's the vibrator and caps were still in usable condition. I wish I had saved the radio when I scrapped the car it was remarkable DX set with great tone.

As for the electrolytics, FWIR there is ample chassis room to install axial electrolytics but disconnect to old ones in the can(s). Tack down any large new component to the chassis with a daub of electronic silicon cement. Road vibration will break the wire leads on large components with long leads.

If this radio is your fist vibrator powered auto radio refurbish, go slow and ask questions.

Expect this radio to use a LOT of current, When I would use my '54 on a "date" I could get only 4 hours and then the engine would crank ever so slowly on the depleted battery.

Tell Us....

Does your '51 use the Powerflite (two-speed) automatic transmission or one of the fluid clutch types? I also recall the power steering pump as part of the generator. There was also a Chrysler option of a strangely constructed disc brakes as opposed to the conventional drum brakes...

My '54 had a flat head "Spitfire" six, (four rings on each piston). I did have to have the head planed once, warped, blowing head gaskets. Later, I sheared the side of a piston when passing in kick-down mode I drove that 6 on five cylinders for several weeks before I pulled it and had it rebuilt as a short block. When the car was scrapped (accident buckled right "A" frame, plus a a lot of rust) since I rebuilt the engine the Spitfire was transferred to a Dodge oil delivery truck and lived on for several years.

Chas