1954 Plymouth Savoy TLC, Brakes, and More - NNKH

[@shootingwithmitch5921]

My dad was a mechanic, he did an apprenticeship at rolls Royce in the early sixties, and finished up building their D series engines. After that he ran his own garage up till the nineties, man was a mechanical genius watching you at work, it's so like how he did things, methodical problem solving and hard work and genuine enjoyment of the puzzles that old cars present. If he were still with us, your channel would have another subscriber for sure!

[@donaldjordan8989]

It blows my mind every time you need a replacement part you just open a drawer and you've got dozens of them, no matter what it is. I think you've got more stock than pep boys. I would have no problem buying a refurbished car from you, I know it would be done right. Your workmanship and honesty tells it all. A permanent subscriber.

[@Newtruck99]

I was thinking that too. And so organized... makes life so much easier

[@randallsmerna384]

@@Newtruck99 organized... I know I hate him for that. 😂😂😂

[@zaharc4122]

Recycle/Re-use

[@farmerbrown3768]

As an old mechanic, I was watching you working on that old Plymouth I was hollering at you about the brakes, charging system and starter! I was thinking that you was going to have that old gem all messed up, but your tenacity to detail is admirable! That is how you learn, good job young man!

[@davidfore4015]

Love this car! When I turned 16 in 1961 my Dad gave me a 1953 Plymouth Cranberry Sedan. Flathead 6, but it would run easy at 70mph. No smoke-outs of course! All the issues you had I had, plus some! Tough old bird, took a lot of abuse, and taught me a lot. Laughed about lug nuts being Left hand threads on drivers side, first time I changed a tire I about busted a gut trying to loosen the lug nuts. I like your Jen, she gets right into the battle. My Jen (deceased) was a lot like that, and she put up with my 'crazies' for 50 years!! Keep the series going, please. (Loved that you met Derek from VGG)

[@BPantherPink]

That was touching ❤

[@Cougracer67]

As I remember, that Bendix gear will not retract until the engine fires and speeds up the starter shaft so that centrifugal force retracts those pins and the gear spins back into retracted position. The reason for the locking feature is to prevent the gear from retracting if the engine should just fire once or twice, then quit. Without the locking feature the starter will disengage and free wheel. With the little locking pins you can keep cranking until the engine stays running.

[@patsatterfield8412]

It's nice to see a guy as passionate about cars and all things mechanical as much as I am. I look forward to you posting a video everyday, especially the longer ones. Thank you for that and all of the hard work I'm sure it takes to putting these together. As a semi retired mechanic, watching your videos is very entertaining.

[@NwaHp3]

I could watch you strip these old cars and rebuild all day long! Your vids are better than films!

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

We need people like you to document old school mechanic work like this , I had to reschedule an appointment because I was enjoying this vid so much. Keep up the common sense approach I am sure a boatload of people are learning from watching you. Preciate ya!

[@Grasshoppa65]

Please keep this beautiful vehicle. It deserves to live with someone that will love it.

[@Mikecom32]

Chilling on the couch with the wife, watching a new NNKH. Great way to spend a cold Saturday night here in Pittsburgh 👍

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

My man! Thanks for watching

[@VINNY43098]

Im from pgh" west mifflin pa. How bout you?

[@edog4011]

❤ buy THETA and IRIS cryptos ❤

[@VINNY43098]

@@edog4011 i have know idea what that means. Lol

[@danieldoherty6475]

i admire your persistance along with your ability to think things through, the signs of a true mechanic

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

I always enjoy watching Gus run around.

[@dillonshipley8779]

Low key, main reason I watch the channel…

[@rk22cc]

Too much dog time for me

[@duncanmacrae6384]

I admire your persistance and willingness to admit when you don't know something. Even though old cars are simpler, they can still be a challenge as far as info and parts go.

[@gccooley]

My vote is for you to keep this one and continue making your excellent and entertaining videos about the journey. Also I doubt anyone who likes your channel was bored watching and learning as you work your way through all the issues.

[@winnerscreed6767]

Agree, I love the content Chris puts on here. This car is special and deserves his TLC

[@caltrask130]

@@winnerscreed6767 This is not a car I would have hardly given a second glance at. Between the early 50's style to the color and of course four doors. But man, after you cleaned it and drove it, wow! It really is a beautiful car! It drove smoothly, was clean and the wide whitewalls just make it pop! A real nice car to cruise around town in. Seems like a good candidate for being in movies too. Nice find.

[@thedeerhunter4407]

true

[@ollimatik]

Great video Chris - I think you have the right balance between keeping things moving, but also showing the detail of what you do - love it!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Thanks man and I appreciate the feedback

[@alfredearlydmin4395]

You made me proud while working on that 54 car like my father used to own. With work you put into making the car road worthy $6000 is a fair price.

[@unclerick8224]

I always enjoy watching you rebuild instead of replace parts.

[@richardlibbey8493]

I have been working on cars and trucks all my life (76 Y.O.) and I'm really impressed with your maticulous attention to detail.

[@stevenpollard5171]

This is great goings! I reupholstered my 8-yr-old, ‘53 Plymouth when in high school, pulling out all the seats, etc, but not the floor re-do. Takes me back! I added a radio, dash trim, new door panels, etc. I wish I was young enough to still do this kind of stuff.

[@deanfryers1407]

Hello from Hertfordshire 🇬🇧. Found your channel over the Christmas Break ,great videos without the over excited nonsense, what a great knowledge you have for a young chap, keep up the good work Brilliant stuff.

[@jstoney6471]

Thank You! Took me back to childhood! Plymouth Savoy was my Mom's 1st car and she drove it until 1965!

[@marvinpurdy8284]

I remember as a youngster riding in my Dad's DeSoto in the late 50's to early 60s to visit my Mom's family living in Lithonia, Ga. (my dad worked in Marietta for Lockheed). Sitting in the back of that car playing car games with my two brothers, stopping at a general store neat where my grandma and grandpa lived to get a pack of gum or some candy. You brought back those memories and thank you.

[@jayholewinski]

Ahhh THANK YOU. I have recently been disturbed with youtube. Seeing nothing but crap. I always appreciate an episode from you ! Thank bro.

[@steveridgley1386]

Try a spray product called Pooph. It is safe for Animals and if you watch the Commercial the guy sprays it in his mouth. We use this product as we take care of 10 Feral cats and it eliminates the smells wonderfully. May help you with some of the old cars. Love the Channel

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check that out

[@frittibreezedancer]

Absolutely amazing! Recent subscriber here from the Netherlands, and heck, I would daily the heck out of that gorgeous little old Plymouth! It just has so much character, and you can tell it has been very well taken care of, too. Plus I love the longer videos, with all the step by step in-depth info on how components are put together and how they work (and how they fail). Keep up the awesome work!

[@louk231]

The guy down the street with the old rebuilt generators and starters is a priceless resource .. I love this hobby...and your channel..

[@ahilltodieons]

I sometimes forget about this channel for a few days, then just get glued to an episode like a fly to paper. You have inspired so many "don't pay $170 an hour for the mechanic" adventures, most a success so far. Thank you 🙏

[@gregharrison5737]

Not bored, love the old cars and the mechanics of them.

[@michaelhinde]

I can't belive you guys in the states seem to be able to get new or used parts so easily. There is no way our parts stores can do that in Aus. love your vids dude.

[@alan6832]

Think that government is interfering somehow? like Cash for Clunkers? or is it just a cultural thing to trash or ignore old parts? I think Cash for Clunkers was an intentional effort to divide DIY folks from greens when repair is perfectly green, this car predating the worst of the gas hogs, whose big engines can be put into green commuter buses and "church" vans for carpooling, unless the government orders them melted.

[@troy9616]

I absolutely love working on old cars. It’s a true pleasure to watch your troubleshooting techniques.

[@AnthonyRBlacker]

35:33 Since last episode I thought to myself .. He's going to fall in love with this beauty once he gets her back in shape.. I can't wait to see what you decide to do with her.. : ) Great video so far!!

[@TimTurner115]

Thank you sir. It's fun to watch someone work on a car that I grew up working on at my dad's used car lot.

[@jfink1]

Thanks for the video! You are great about doing work and showing work, and not burning a bunch of time standing next to the car telling us what you are going to do. I love the fast-forward as well, instead of just cutting to when it's done.

[@Popeyes66]

Thanks for helping to save these beauties Chris & great laborious editing .

[@tacey01]

My birth year car! I’m looking to buy a ‘54 Plymouth so KZbin brought me here. A fun hour that reminded me of working on my ‘64 Nova in ‘70! Great video. Subbed.

[@bmwpete65s55]

Your knowledge of all mechanical and electrical systems is remarkable.

[@corse-bm4gz]

Hello Chris, stumbled over your video with the Gran Torino, since them i am hooked and cant awaite the next one. Learned a bunch of tricks from your videos an use them at wrenching on my old Mercedes. Greets from over the great pond Vienna Austria. Sorry for my rustie english, which i use very rare

[@IT_Dinosaur]

Great to see the old girl getting some love. Always enjoy your posts Chris.

[@jamesdavis-vc9ww]

I love seeing your dachshund , I had 4 of them at once, now I only have one left, they are great little dogs, the last one I just lost a month ago, was 17 years old.

[@stephenholland5930]

That's a sweet ol' Plymouth. Great job on fixing her up.

[@brucevallee5623]

Glad to see you bonding with the old Plymouth. That car was made for you. I hope you keep it. We really enjoy the variety you provide on your channel 😀

[@reijerlincoln]

Such a cool & cute car. It seems to be well taken care of.

[@junkman7426]

One thing I love about your videos is how you actually try to root cause things rather than just throwing parts at everything. There's def some stuff (brakes) that are easier and not much more expensive to just replace. People forget that on older cars parts can be repaired and not just thrown away and replaced. If you plan to rebuild the fuel pump, let us know what you do for the pivot pin. The new ones don't come with a C clip, and staking won't hold them in place TRUST ME. haha

[@randybourdon2791]

Great video, really brought back memories of my mother’s 54 Dodge Royal. Mom’s was an automatic. Black exterior with a new reupholstered interior. My father bought it from a retired doctor in 1960 and we had it for about 10 years. Very similar to your Savoy. Thanks for sharing.

[@that_dude_with_the_torino1171]

It is so funny seeing this car on your channel! Im from the bridgeport area where this car came from and id pass it everytime I went out for some spirited driving. Glad to see it going! Hadnt moved in the years I knew it!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

That's awesome!

[@davidfarmer1666]

Suggest putting a mouse trap in the car after you spent all the time cleaning it up. Mice will stay in the car in their hiding place while you clean. The headliner is a popular spot for them to hide. It doesn't hurt anything to leave the trap in there for a couple weeks. I had one in my company truck that lived in the dash for some time. When I took it in for service the mechanic had to get into the dashboard and found a bunch of my paper towels in the dash. The mouse thought he was okay in his nest until the mechanic grabbed the nest. Scared the heck out of the mechanic when it jumped out of his hand.

[@billholemo2518]

You're problem solving amazes me!! And I've worked extensively on everything from tugboats to commercial airliners!! Keep it coming.

[@mwilliamshs]

"You're problem solving"? You are problem.

[@billholemo2518]

@@mwilliamshs what?

[@Sir.Fisher]

@@billholemo2518 he's critising your use of english ... ignore the troll, we know what you meant

[@mwilliamshs]

@@billholemo2518 You're means you are. Your means you own something. Your problem solving means the ability you have to solve problems. You're problem solving (what you said) means you are problem solving.

[@trevskiok8295]

Seriously

[@79antigua]

Chris your the best mechanic on KZbin and your videos are great you explain everything and film it nicely done.

[@pgrens]

I'm so glad you kept going with this one. I feel the same, if someone offered me a '54 Savoy, I'd be like, eh, I don't know. But it's so fascinating to see how these things tick and how you solve the issues. The drum brake adjustments are really clever! And I've never dealt with a generator charging system, so this is all super informative. Also, and I know you aren't a paint/polish guy, but I think it might be fun to get a random orbital and some mild compound and bring that single stage back to life. I say keep going with her as long as it is feasible. Cheers from Chicago!

[@andremarccharbonneau2993]

Absolutely never boring, thank's for the entertainment and all the NoNonsenseKnowHow. Cheers !!!

[@kennethsonier1766]

It's been so long since I've worked on a vehicle with a generator. It's good to get a refresher course. The old Plymouth is in remarkably good shape. Great jobs in keeping history alive. Keep the great videos coming 👍✌️🇺🇲

[@williamutsman579]

I really love your videos. I am 74 and remember riding in alot of these old cars.

[@jasonspringett5367]

You never get boring when you are figuring out issues and trying different things to get it right, so never think ur videos get boring cause they dont. It's fun watching you figure it out and get it to work right instead of good enough.. great job chris cant wait for the next video.

[@stevehenri4719]

My brother had a 1955 Belvedere that he loved ! I sent your video to him he enjoyed it too!

[@TheAdamBeevers]

Hi Chris, great video. Must admit love seeing the more in depth videos (I noticed you said towards the end people are probably getting bored so thought I’d give feedback). Seeing the ‘proper’ repairs is good, some of the others can be a bit ‘bear minimum’ although I can understand why in some cases! Anyway, great video and keep it up! Thanks for the many hours entertainment you’ve given me watching through all your videos! Peace, Adam (UK)

[@lizandbrucemccormick2329]

Thoroghly enjoyed watching this.A great old car you have there. From New Zealand.

[@VINNY43098]

You are the man!!! Hey i watched part 2 of the clapper. The whole vid. No skimping!! It was great!!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Thanks so much for that Vinny! Watching the whole video helps out so much with the channel as well! Thank you and awesome to hear that you enjoyed it

[@scottschenk5456]

I have a 1950 Desoto with similar problems: title, electrical, body rot, and charging issues. I keep it because it is a Carryall which was a unique model. Everything is there but in sad shape. Your Savoy is in as new condition and worthy of keeping, but it is apparent that you have real estate issues and can't keep them all. Nice Doxie!

[@mikereinhardt4807]

It always impresses me how well these older cars come back with just common tools and a little elbow grease. Great job to the three of you (can't forget Gus's contribution)...

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

I appreciate the fact you know the right direction to use a pipe wrench and channel locks. You would be amazed at the people that use them backwards.

[@ovlov245]

Love it! Testament to Leatherman , they need you as their POSTER BOY!!!!!

[@edlittle781]

I know bills come first but if I was you, I'd hold onto that beauty for a minute. You just don't see these older ones running around much anymore. Besides she deserves your TLC. You and Jen have yet to cruise to a local summertime graffiti night hangout. I'll bet you turn some heads with it and maybe get a better offer than what you've gotten so far. Anyways, just my opinion. Love your simple problem-solving approach. Keep'em coming. Thanks! Ed

[@Camdg2010]

i love seeing it! i just bought my first vintage vehicle. a 1953 chevy 4400. had a 235 and sm420. ended up putting my cab on a 2010 3500 chassis. just the feel of driving something that old feels amazing!! and they really turn heads!

[@dgb56bgd]

SWEET RIDE! Nice restoration.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Thanks!

[@charlesroberts6965]

Awesome content..always amazing to see you diagnose and repair no matter what..you have an amazing skill set and truly a rockstar. Appreciate you taking us along on the adventures.😊🔧🇺🇸👍

[@stevenmartin3044]

Will have to say, it was a pleasure to watch you work on the Plymouth. Great Job.

[@hotrod1984s10]

Best automotive content channel on youtube. Nice job Chris, keep them coming!

[@larryg.9187]

... Wow, I delayed watching this because of the length... But on my laptop at the library, and watching... Very helpful and knowledgeable insight ... Went to my phone, and found I was already half way through watching... So I saved to watch later and scrolled down to see your other postings... ... BTW, about two months ago, I bought a nice 1953 Dodge Regent four door...Flathead 230-6, 3 speed manual, Original Grey, nearly flawless exterior & interior, as well as no rust nor holes in the floors, Firestone wide whitewalls, four wing vents... Made in Windsor, Ontario... Traded a Jeep CJ with a broken transfer case for this cool classic... ... I guess I'd better post some clips as well, so there's more related content on YT to watch ... Best regards from the mountains of central California ...

[@caaaabot]

Edit: I see that you mention this later in the video. My first guess on those magnets that are getting excited is that they rely on residual magnetism to get going at first, and because it's been sitting the residual magnetism has dissipated. This is a situation that occurs with some old electric motors.

[@Barracuda-r7s]

It’s always a pleasure to see your videos, Gus man is the bonus for sure. Every time I watch I either learn something new or confirm that I am correct on auto fixes or just cool stuff that is shared. I remember running out of fuel, and knowing that I had a problem with crude in the fuel tank. So I had to go back home retrieved about 10 feet of fuel line, 5 gallon gas can hooked into the fuel pump and was able to run it back to my house. Just was reminded about that watching your video. Thanks Chris. P.S. I know it’s not safe to do that, but was just careful and careless at same time. Cheers 🎉

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

I had an old timer give me a tennis ball with a slit cut in it. He asked me if I knew what it was for? I hadn't a clue. He told me to put it on any hood latch if you are working under the hood. It will protect you head if you make contact with said latch. I received it 33 years ago, and have never done work on a car since unless I have one with me.

[@geraldlafleur7776]

That is the most pristine 54 Savoy I have ever seen, especially for a northern car.

[@ericknoblauch9195]

It has that durable and reliable flat head six. Those engines ran forever, and were the predecessor to the famous 225 slant six. Many old Chrysler flat head sixes were still going in the 1980's. I still see them running today.

[@alan6832]

They would have been halfway ready for the energy crisis if they had just kept making the 170.

[@alan6832]

Turbo flatheads seem to me like a simple way to get reasonable power, perhaps to drive as many as 15 passenger church vans if going green.

[@prieten49]

When I saw the time on this vid, I thought no way am I watching that long. I watched that long. One of the most entertaining videos I've seen in a long time. That Plymouth is beautiful.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Have a brand new 6 Volt generator still in the box that will fit the flathead. May have a starter not 100% . Tons of 12 volt . Nice job 👍

[@clemsonscout]

I appreciate your work. Always fun to watch. You and vice grip are my boys favorites to watch during bed time.

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnsmith7676]

Charging voltage on the old electro-mechanical voltage regulators is adjusted by bending the lower tang the relay moveable-contact spring mounts to, while monitoring output at the battery with a good voltmeter. They work very well when properly adjusted. Most also have built-in fusible link wires that will blow in the case of overcurrent/overload conditions. This is nice because you can replace these fusible links very easily, and have a perfectly good regulator again (after resolving the offending overcurrent issue, of course), instead of having to buy another regulator as in the case of blown electronic regulators. Blown fusible links are very often the cause of no-charge conditions with these.

[@davidbruin4381]

When you cleaned out the seam around the trunk, it's reminded me of doing that to a car my Father had brought home to do a full repair and repaint job on it. He had me do some cleaning of it to see everywhere it might need rust and rot repair. He actually yelled at me for doing what you did, but then saw how badly the seal was around the trunk lid and calmed down. The car was a big Cadillac and parts were never cheap on those, and that one was no exception. I remember because just that one rotted seal cost just under $200 for a 1972 trunk seal in 1978. Like I said, not cheap.

[@rogerbamatutz1927]

I'm really impressed by your talents of finding issues and fixing them.

[@Fixiturself]

I enjoy watching your videos, and you certainly appreciate taking your time fixing and replacing parts on these classic cars.

[@richardthomas1743]

Nice car , the Engine sounds quiet and smooth and no smoke! Yes definitely a good idea to have replaced all of the brake parts on that brake system. I used to work for a used car dealer a very long time ago. We used to set a couple of pans of Ammonia on the floor inside the car with the windows up for a a day or two to adsorb odors. Probably there is a commercial product for that now. If it was me I would sell the Torino and keep the Plymouth ! But I know that you do not have the space to keep everything. You should be able to easily sell the Plymouth , I think that $6,500.00 is cheap.

[@Frenchy101]

yeah but the Torino is Jen's car..

[@squathi]

I appreciate that you let the vehicles go to another home once you are done with them. I hate seeing them just sitting and rusting away.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

I wouldn't be surprised if the gear oil you drained out of the rear axle was original. That's about how the gear oil that came out of my 64 galaxie was. Didn't smell like gear oil anymore, black as can be and it was like a lacquer varnish to anything it got on. Check to make sure the axle vent is not plugged up causing pressure in the axle and pushing it out past the pinion seal. Looks like a fun car to drive around!

[@gregorycoogle7621]

Chris, You’re very entertaining. I’m amazed just watching you’re video… you’re a great humanitarian! It’s people like you that give me hope for the human race.

[@gman9035]

This cat has mad skills

[@jackman6256]

I rode in car like that when I was kid in late 50s It's hard to forget the whine of old Plymouth in winter they went like tanks ha ha it was battle ship haze gray With bone color inside dash big old White steering wheel

[@oldgeezer3269]

Great job on the Plymouth Really enjoyed this one 👍

[@morewithles]

Gotta say if ever could afford a classic I would buy it from you! You make all things right! Awesome! 💪👍👊🙏

[@rickylaporte6750]

What a beautiful car thank y'all for a awesome video.

[@RitzyTrailerII]

I totally enjoyed watching this progress today! I'm actually loving this old Plymouth!

[@NoNonsenseKnowHow]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rustedjunkgarage3316]

Nice job, made me smile when you were explaining the 3 on the tree shift pattern, two of my Hotrods are 3 on tree. There are a lot of millennials that can’t drive a stick let alone a column shift. 🤪

[@Dino.808]

Watching this from UK London. This car is excellent. I watched from start to finish. Please keep this car.

[@dougpark1025]

The brake design was quite interesting. I had never seen that design before. I also found the generator/regulator issues interesting as well. This car needs someone to restore it and keep it well maintained.

[@scottjays360s.johnson2]

Didn't think you were going to clean up that backing plate on the rear drum. All I can say is good job for not letting that slide by. I get it that not every thing gets cleaned up but this car definitely deserves the second or third chance. This was worth watching and kept me entertained.

[@stephenkrzanowski]

Great work. I would be really interested in seeing more of the 10-block neighbor with the LaSalle & ElDorado!

[@talonhamand3904]

The best part about your job is you never have to get bored. You can always find a new home and start something new. That is the ultimate dream as a hobbyist.

[@jamesb3511]

I really enjoyed this. In 1960 my Dad bought a 53. About 3 months into it he had to overhaul it out in the driveway. Car finally became a race car at local track.

[@richardthomas1743]

I really like the old Plymouth!

[@chrisunderwood7560]

New subscriber getting caught up on videos and I have to say, I love how you show the parts failures and what went wrong etc. So cool!

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

They cut down on the grease zerks when they realized it made cars last too long.