Target Audience:
Owners, restorers, mechanics, and enthusiasts of 1955-1958 Mopar vehicles.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for accurate part identification, sourcing, and restoration of classic Chrysler Corporation vehicles, saving time and money compared to dealership inquiries.
Manual Type Advantage:
Master Parts Catalog provides specific part numbers, unlike general repair manuals which may focus more on procedures.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers a wide range of models and body styles across multiple brands from a pivotal era in automotive design.
Utility:
Designed for practical use in finding part numbers for repairs, replacements, and sourcing at swap meets or online.
Digital Convenience:
Instant download PDF format with searchability and bookmarking offers modern accessibility to historical data.
Brands Covered:
Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Imperial, DeSoto
Desoto Models:
Fireflite, Firesweep, Firedome, Adventurer (including convertibles)
Dodge Models:
Coronet, Royal, Custom Royal, Royal Lancer, D500 (including convertibles, Suburban, Sierra, Custom Sierra wagons)
Plymouth Models:
Savoy, Belvedere, Plaza, Fury (including Suburban Station Wagons and convertibles)
Chrysler Models:
300, 300D, Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker (including wagons and convertibles)
Imperial Models:
Crown, LeBaron (including convertibles)
Special Applications:
Police and Taxi models
Body Styles Covered:
All body styles including sedans, coupes, convertibles, station wagons
Type:
Master Parts Catalog
Scope:
Chassis, Body, and Accessories
Digital Format:
PDF (Instant Download)
Powertrain:
Engine components, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission components
Chassis:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical System:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring harnesses
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, hoods, trunk lids, bumpers, glass, weatherstripping, trim, interior panels, seating
Accessories:
Heater, radio, wipers, mirrors, decorative trim, optional equipment
Identification And Lookup:
Model identification, serial number and body number decoding, parts identification via illustrations and part numbers
Parts Ordering:
Detailed part numbers for all listed components, facilitating ordering from suppliers or finding at swap meets
Restoration Guidance:
Essential for identifying correct original parts for restoration projects
Maintenance Support:
Provides part numbers for wear items and maintenance components
Depth:
Comprehensive parts identification and listing, with detailed exploded view illustrations of assemblies and sub-assemblies.
Illustration Detail:
High-quality illustrations showing the relationship and order of assembly for various components.
Indexing:
Includes an alphabetical index and a numerical index, plus a category/group index with 25 distinct categories for efficient navigation.
Searchability:
Keyword searchable text within the PDF
Navigation:
Page bookmarks for easy browsing
Printability:
All pages are printable; allows for selective printing of pages or chapters.
Zoom Capability:
Zoom in/out of specific pages for detailed viewing
Suggested Binding:
Customers typically print and bind in a 3-ring binder for easy page replacement.
Recommended Usage:
Printable pages allow for dirty workshop use, with the ability to reprint pages if damaged.
Engine Options General:
V8 engines were prevalent across most models, with some inline-6 options potentially available on lower trims.
Engine Identification:
The manual will contain part numbers specific to engine displacements such as 270 cu in (FireDome/Firedome), 331 cu in (Hemi V8 found in various high-performance models), 354 cu in (Hemi V8), and potentially others depending on the specific model and year.
Horsepower Range:
Early to mid-200s horsepower for standard V8s, exceeding 300+ horsepower for performance-oriented models like the Chrysler 300 series and Dodge Adventurer.
Torque Range:
Significant torque figures, typical for V8 engines of this era, supporting strong acceleration.
Carburetion:
Primarily single or multiple downdraft carburetors (e.g., Carter, Holley). Performance models might feature dual or even triple carburetor setups.
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump, part numbers will be listed.
Transmission Types:
Manual transmissions (3-speed, potentially 4-speed) and advanced automatic transmissions like Chrysler's 'TorqueFlite' (A-727 or precursor) or PowerFlite.
Optional Transmissions:
Various automatic transmission options depending on the model and trim level. Overdrive units may also be listed.
Clutch Components:
Parts for manual clutch systems (clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, pilot bearing) will be cataloged.
Automatic Transmission Parts:
Internal and external components for automatic transmissions, including fluid, filters, and linkage.
General Styling:
Characterized by tailfins, chrome accents, wraparound windshields, and substantial size, reflecting mid-1950s American automotive design.
Wheelbase Range:
Varies by model and series, but generally in the 115-120 inch range for standard models, with longer wheelbases for Imperial and some Chrysler models.
Curb Weight Range:
Typically between 3,500 to 4,500 lbs, depending on body style and equipment.
Safety Era Consideration:
Safety standards were significantly different; this manual predates modern NHTSA ratings. Focus is on mechanical safety components.
Braking System:
Drum brakes on all four wheels. Part numbers for brake drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake lines, and hardware are included.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering, with potential for optional power steering. Components like steering linkage, ball joints, and steering box parts are covered.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction typical of the era, providing structural integrity.
Seat Belts:
Seat belts were largely optional or not universally standard in these years; if offered, parts would be cataloged.
Radio Options:
Optional AM radios, possibly with push-button tuning. Parts for radio receivers, antennas, speakers, and related wiring are covered.
Power Steering:
Optional power steering systems were becoming more common. Components like steering pumps, hoses, and control valves are cataloged.
Power Brakes:
Optional power brake assist systems were available. Parts for brake boosters and associated vacuum hoses are covered.
Cigarette Lighter:
Standard accessory for power outlets. Components like the lighter element and socket are cataloged.
General Guidance:
While this is a parts catalog, it implicitly supports maintenance by providing part numbers for consumables and wear items. Original service intervals would typically involve oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, chassis lubrication every 1,000 miles, and more extensive checks at higher mileages.
Engine Oil:
API Service Classification SC, SD or SE (equivalent for the era) multi-viscosity oil, e.g., SAE 10W-30 or SAE 20W-50 depending on climate. Specific grades for transmission and differential fluids would be detailed in separate service manuals.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with water. Specification for additives and concentration would be in service manuals.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, kingpins, tie rod ends, brake components (shoes, drums, wheel cylinders), exhaust systems, engine mounts, and fuel system components (carburetors, fuel pumps).
Electrical Aging:
Aging wiring harnesses, generators/alternators, voltage regulators, and ignition components are common due to age. All these part numbers are available.
Chrysler Corporation Era:
These models represent Chrysler Corporation's significant output during the booming post-war automotive era, known for innovation and styling leadership.
Styling Trends:
The years 1955-1958 were characterized by escalating tailfin designs, abundant chrome, and increasingly powerful engines, culminating in the iconic Virgil Exner 'Forward Look' styling.
Performance Focus:
The Chrysler 300 letter series and Dodge D500/Adventurer models highlight a focus on performance and luxury, often featuring the potent Hemi V8 engines.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in the United States at various Chrysler Corporation assembly plants.
Design Awards Era:
While specific awards for individual models are not listed in parts catalogs, the 'Forward Look' styling pioneered by Virgil Exner for Chrysler Corporation during this period was highly influential and widely acclaimed for its futuristic and dynamic appearance.
Performance Recognition:
The Chrysler 300 'letter cars' of this era, particularly the 300B (1956) and 300D (1957), were recognized as 'America's Most Powerful Cars' due to their Hemi V8 engines, establishing a performance benchmark.
