🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mopar (Chrysler Corporation)

Models Covered:

Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Imperial

Year:

1959

Internal Catalog Code:

M' SERIES (Implied for Chrysler Corp. internal divisions)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Classic car enthusiasts, restorers, mechanics specializing in 1950s Mopar vehicles, parts suppliers.

Value Proposition:

Essential resource for accurate identification and sourcing of original parts for a wide range of Chrysler Corporation's 1959 models, critical for maintaining historical accuracy and vehicle integrity during restoration or repair.

Comprehensive Coverage:

Covers multiple distinct makes under the Chrysler umbrella, offering broad utility for owners of 1959 Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, and Imperial vehicles.

Pictorial Representation:

Likely includes detailed diagrams and illustrations for each component, aiding visual identification and assembly. (Standard for Mopar parts catalogs).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts catalog listing for passenger cars

Specific Systems:

Steering (Group 21), Transmission (Group 22), Wheels (Group 23), Body (Group 24), Air Conditioning (Group 25), Air Suspension (AL-1), Alphabetical Index (AL-1)

Group Listing Detail:

Parts are systematically organized into groups (e.g., Group 21 Steering, Group 22 Transmission) for ease of navigation and specific component lookup.

Total Pages:

619

Type:

Parts Catalog / Parts List

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (assumed from era and typical Mopar publications)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Components:

Engine components (implied by being a comprehensive parts catalog), Transmission components (specific group), Drivetrain components (implied)

Chassis Components:

Steering system parts, Suspension components (including Air Suspension), Wheel and tire related parts, Brake system parts (implied)

Body Components:

Body panels, trim, interior components, glass, hardware

Accessories:

Air Conditioning system parts

Electrical System Components:

Wiring harnesses, ignition system components (distributor, coil, spark plugs, wires), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), charging system (generator, voltage regulator), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior lights), switches, gauges, horns.

Cooling System Components:

Radiator, water pump, fan, fan belts, thermostat, hoses, heater core.

Identification Of Parts:

Part number referencing for ordering and replacement

Assembly Disassembly Diagrams:

Illustrated exploded views showing component relationships and part numbers (standard for this era's parts catalogs)

Interchangeability:

Likely includes cross-referencing for common part applications across models and potentially earlier years (common in comprehensive catalogs)

Depth:

Detailed component-level listing with specific part numbers and illustrations, crucial for correct part identification and procurement.

Diagram Detail:

Highly detailed exploded view diagrams showing the exact configuration and relationship of hundreds of individual parts, essential for correct assembly and identification.

Part Numbering System:

Includes the official Chrysler part numbering system for each listed component, crucial for ordering from dealerships or aftermarket suppliers.

Application Cross Referencing:

Indicates specific part numbers for different models, body styles, and optional equipment within the 1959 model year, ensuring correct application.

Fuel Delivery Components:

Fuel tanks, fuel sending units, fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel pumps (mechanical or electric, depending on model/engine).

Exhaust Components:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, hangers, and clamps.

Brake System Parts:

Master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake calipers (if applicable for front discs, though drums were common), brake drums, brake shoes, brake pads (if applicable), brake lines, hoses, parking brake assembly.

Steering Parts:

Steering box, steering shafts, tie rods, drag links, idler arms, ball joints, power steering pump and hoses (if equipped), steering wheels, steering columns.

Suspension Parts:

Front and rear springs (coil or leaf), shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bars and links, air suspension components (if specified).

Wheel Tire Parts:

Wheels (rims), hubcaps, lug nuts, wheel bearings, tire repair kits (if sold as parts).

Exterior Body Parts:

Fenders, hood, doors, roof panels, quarter panels, trunk lid, bumpers, grille, headlight bezels, taillight assemblies, side trim, emblems, door handles, window channels, weatherstripping.

Interior Trim And Accessories:

Dashboard panels, instrument cluster, steering wheel, column shrouds, seats, seat frames, upholstery, door panels, armrests, interior lights, headliner, carpeting, heater and defroster components, radio, speaker components, dashboard knobs and trim.

Ac Parts:

Compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, receiver-drier, hoses, controls, ducting, blower motor.

Air Suspension Parts:

Air springs, compressor, control valves, air lines, height sensors, accumulator.

Hardware And Fasteners:

Bolts, nuts, screws, clips, rivets, washers, specific body mounting hardware.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Notes:

While originally printed, if offered digitally, it would typically be in PDF format with scanned pages. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for searchable text would be a premium feature.

Print Quality:

Original printing would be typical for the era. High-quality reproductions would aim for clear line drawings and legibility.

Binding:

Likely a sturdy hardcover or perfect binding for a 619-page reference manual of this era.

Paper Type:

Typically a durable, coated paper stock for longevity and clear reproduction of illustrations.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options Covered:

The catalog would list parts for all engines offered across Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, and Imperial in 1959. This includes V8 engines such as the Plymouth V8 (Hy-Fire, later named 'Plymouth Golden Commando'), Dodge D-500 'Red Ram' V8, DeSoto Firedome/Fireflite V8s (e.g., 330, 341, 345 cu. in.), and Imperial V8s (e.g., 354, 383 cu. in.). Inline-6 engines may also be covered for lower trim levels of Plymouth and Dodge.

Horsepower Torque Notes:

While not providing performance specs directly, the catalog lists parts specific to various engine displacements and tuning levels (e.g., carburetor types, intake manifolds, camshafts) that contribute to performance differences.

Fuel System Components Covered:

Carburetor parts, fuel pumps, fuel lines, filters, intake manifolds, and exhaust system components would be detailed.

Engine Families Covered:

Covers various Chrysler V8 engine families used across the makes in 1959, including Plymouth's 'A' engine series (e.g., 230 cu in I6, 270, 318 cu in V8), Dodge's 'LA' and 'Polyspheric' V8s (e.g., 259, 315, 325, 350 cu in), DeSoto's 'Firedome' and 'Fireflite' engines (e.g., 330, 341, 345 cu in), and Imperial's larger V8s (e.g., 354, 383 cu in).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options Covered:

Parts for TorqueFlite (Push-button operated 3-speed automatic transmission) and potentially manual transmissions (e.g., A833, though TorqueFlite was dominant in higher trims) offered across the makes.

Optional Transmission Features:

Parts for specific variations or upgrades within the TorqueFlite line if applicable. Components for overdrive manual transmissions if factory options existed.

Transmission Parts Coverage:

Internal transmission components (gears, clutch packs, valve bodies), external components (linkages, shifters, bell housings), transmission mounts, and cooling lines.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles Covered:

Parts for various body styles including Sedans (2-door, 4-door), Hardtops, Convertibles, Station Wagons, and potentially Coupes and Limousines for higher-end models like Imperial and DeSoto.

Interior Components Coverage:

Dashboard parts, steering columns, seats, upholstery, door panels, interior trim, headliners, carpets, and HVAC components.

Cargo Area Components:

Trunk lids, latches, floor mats, spare tire wells, and related hardware.

Weight Related Parts:

Springs, shock absorbers, and chassis components that are affected by vehicle weight.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Coverage:

Parts related to safety systems of the era, such as brake components, steering linkage integrity, seat belt anchor points (though seat belts were often optional extras), and potentially parts for optional seat belt installations.

Active Safety Components:

Brake master cylinders, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, drums, brake lines, parking brake components, steering gears, tie rods, ball joints.

Passive Safety Components:

Body structure components (fenders, doors, roof pillars), bumpers, windshields, door glass, window regulators.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Components:

Parts for radios (AM, likely optional), antennas, speakers, and control knobs.

Driver Assistance Components Of Era:

Parts related to power steering systems, power brakes (master cylinder, booster components), and automatic transmission controls (e.g., TorqueFlite selector linkage).

Connectivity Features Of Era:

Antenna and wiring components for radio reception.

🔧 Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule Reference:

While this is a parts catalog, it implicitly supports maintenance by providing part numbers for wear items and service components, allowing owners to source what's needed for scheduled maintenance (e.g., filters, spark plugs, brake components).

Fluid References:

The catalog would list part numbers for specific fluids where they are sold as packaged items (e.g., brake fluid reservoirs, transmission filter kits). Actual fluid type and capacity would be in a service manual, but the parts catalog ensures the correct filter or component related to fluid systems is identified.

Parts Availability For Common Issues:

This catalog is invaluable for addressing common issues of the era: carburetor issues, ignition system components, brake system wear, suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), and body rust. It provides the specific part numbers needed for replacement.

Parts Interchange Notes:

A key utility is identifying interchangeable parts across the different brands or models, which can be crucial for sourcing rare components. For example, certain steering or brake components might be common to both Dodge and Plymouth.

📚 Vehicle History

Chrysler Corporation Legacy:

Chrysler Corporation was a major American automotive manufacturer known for innovation and a range of brands from economical (Plymouth) to luxury (Imperial). 1959 represented a peak era for American automotive styling and engineering.

Mopar Brand Identity:

Mopar (Motor Parts) is the parts division of Chrysler Corporation, signifying a comprehensive approach to vehicle servicing and parts supply for all its brands.

1959 Model Year Context:

The 1959 model year saw the culmination of 'Forward Look' styling introduced by Virgil Exner for Chrysler brands, characterized by tailfins, jet-age styling, and improved chassis engineering. Each brand had distinct styling cues and market positioning.

Production Era Significance:

1959 was a significant year for sales across all Chrysler Corporation makes, reflecting the post-war economic boom and consumer appetite for larger, more stylish vehicles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews 1959:

While this catalog is a parts reference, the vehicles it covers were subject to contemporary automotive press reviews. 1959 Mopar models were often lauded for their bold styling and performance, particularly the V8 engines and the advanced TorqueFlite transmission.

Consumer Report Mentions:

Consumer reports of the era might have noted reliability or performance aspects of the various Chrysler Corporation models. This catalog would help in sourcing parts to maintain those vehicles to original specifications.