1953 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe 5.4l on 2040-cars

Hemi V-8 331 c.i. , 2bbl carb.  Fluid Torque Drive 4-speed semi-automatic transmission.   All original condition with 44,720 original miles.  This car is one of those “barn find” originals.  It was sold new to a Mrs. Smith in Buffalo, NY.  Her husband passed away sometime later and she continued to drive the car sparingly until 1971 when she surrendered the plates.  Oil change stickers on the Driver’s door show 37,116 miles on 6/17/69 and another 40,165 on July 13, ?(I would assume 1970).  I have a document from NY state showing the plates were voluntarily surrendered 2/22/71.    It  sat in storage for 37 years until it was sold at an estate auction in 2010.

      Since then, The brakes and wheel cylinders have been replaced, the gas tank cleaned with new lines installed.  The Master cylinder was rebuilt, brake lines installed, carburetor cleaned.  A full tuneup was done with new plugs and wires, dual-point distributor refurbished.  There is a NY state inspection sticker from 2013.  The car passed inspection as all lights, turn signals, speedometer, gauges, horn, wipers are functioning properly.  The original 6-volt system is intact.  All courtesy lights, and cigar lighters are working.  I have not been able to get the gas gauge or the AM radio working.  The radio appears to be complete and the speaker component has supposedly been re-built.  I believe a tube may need replacing to get it working as it does power up and the dial illuminates.  The car has new whitewall radial tires installed. 

     All glass in the car is original.  The windows glide up and down effortlessly.  The wing windows open and close perfectly.  The headliner is virtually as new.  The original door rubber seals are supple and near new in appearance.  The windlace around the doors and headliner is original but appears as new.  There is a small tear in the front bench seat on the passenger  side.  It was told to me that when the car came out of storage it had the plastic covering on the seats.   I have a replacement carpet but have not installed it.

       The 4-speed automatic transmission upshifts and downshifts perfectly.  It upshifts as it is supposed to when you lift on the accelerator above 20 MPH and it will downshift when the accelerator is depressed just as a modern car does.  I have a complete service manual that explains all the systems in the car. Chrysler was noted for its state of the art  engineering and it is quite impressive.  It has power steering and vacuum assisted brakes. 

     The Hemi engine starts reliably and runs smoothly.  The oil pressure gauge shows excellent readings.  I have not noticed any smoking or oil consumption.  The ammeter and generator work perfectly.  The paint on the car is original and shows a lovely patina.  There is evidence that some repair was done to the right rear quarter as the paint appears newer in that area.  The trim shows some pitting but is in good condition for its age.

     I had to install an exterior transmission oil cooler as I could not find a replacement for the engine block mounted heat exchanger which proved to be defective.  The original part is still in place but I have by-passed it.  The coolant lines are still the original ones so it could be put back to original very easily if the part could be located.

     The Fluid Torque Drive (torque converter) has a leak that can be remedied with replacing the seals.  I have the seal kit.  There are some small rust spots on the body.  I have replacement rocker panels that have yet to be installed.  Also, the heater core was by-passed when I got the car.  I have not attended to this as I live in Florida and don’t need a heater.