🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler Corporation (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, DeSoto, Imperial)

Model Year:

1959

Catalog Part Number:

D16886

Copyright Date:

September 1958

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, restorers, and mechanics of 1959 Mopar vehicles

Value Proposition:

Provides essential part identification and sourcing information, saving costs on dealer labor and rare part searches

Features:

Comprehensive coverage across multiple Chrysler brands, detailed illustrations, extensive indexing, and digital format benefits

Ease Of Use:

User-friendly PDF format with bookmarks for easy navigation and print-on-demand capability

📋 Manual Details

Brands Covered:

Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, DeSoto, Imperial

Specific Models Covered:

Chrysler: Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker (incl. wagons & convertibles); Dodge: Coronet, Royal, Custom Royal (incl. wagons & convertibles); Plymouth: Savoy, Belvedere, Fury, Sport Fury (incl. wagons & convertibles); DeSoto: Fireflite, Firesweep, Firedome (incl. convertibles); Imperial: Crown, LeBaron (incl. convertibles)

Special Versions Covered:

Police and Taxi models

Total Pages:

626+

Catalog Pages:

614

Type:

Master Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Chassis:

Comprehensive coverage of all chassis components

Body:

Comprehensive coverage of all body components

Accessories:

Extensive listing of factory-offered accessories

Part Identification:

Detailed illustrations and part numbers for component identification

Part Finding:

Alphabetical and numerical indexes to quickly locate parts

Restoration Support:

Essential for accurate part sourcing during restoration projects

Depth:

Detailed part numbers, exploded views, and assembly relationships

Organization:

Organized into 25 categories/groups for efficient navigation

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans, zoomable for detail

Searchability:

Keyword searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Fully printable, allowing for selective page printing

Suggested Binding:

Ideal for printing and organizing in a 3-ring binder

Durability Consideration:

Printable pages can be easily replaced if soiled during use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

Chrysler-era V8s (e.g., Chrysler's Red Ram, FireDome, Spitfire, Dodge's Red Ram, Polysphere, Plymouth's Hy-Fire, Golden Commando)

Displacement Range:

Common displacements ranged from 270 cu. in. to 392 cu. in. (e.g., Plymouth 230 Slant-6 was also available on some models)

Carburetion:

Primarily single or dual barrel carburetors; high-performance models featured multiple carburetors (e.g., dual 4-barrel setups)

🔧 Transmission

Types Available:

TorqueFlite A-904 (3-speed automatic), TorqueFlite A-727 (3-speed automatic, higher torque applications), and manual transmissions (e.g., 3-speed, 4-speed)

Variations:

Availability of column shift or floor-mounted shifters for automatics, and overdrive options on manual transmissions

Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon equivalent (historically ATF Type A)

📐 Dimensions

General Style:

Full-size American cars of the late 1950s, characterized by tailfins, chrome accents, and expansive interior space

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (1588 - 2041 kg) depending on model and body style

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Context:

Safety features were evolving; seat belts were often optional. The catalog would detail part numbers for any factory-installed safety equipment.

Braking System:

Drum brakes on all four wheels. Optional power brakes and front drum brakes with larger diameter for improved performance.

Seat Belts:

Parts catalog would list seat belt assemblies and mounting hardware if factory-offered.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM radio with push-button tuning; optional FM multiplex radios or dealer-installed additions.

Power Steering:

Optional power steering systems were available and widely adopted.

Air Conditioning:

Factory-installed or dealer-installed air conditioning systems, with specific part numbers for components like compressors, evaporators, and condensers.

🔧 Maintenance

General Guidelines:

While not a service manual, the parts catalog allows identification of service items like filters, spark plugs, and gaskets for regular maintenance.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher equivalent (historically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended, depending on climate and engine condition)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Brake components (drums, shoes, wheel cylinders), suspension bushings, exhaust systems, electrical contacts (especially for the infamous Mopar voltage regulators), and carburetor rebuilds.

Filters:

Part numbers for oil filters, fuel filters, and air filters are detailed for each engine variant.

📚 Vehicle History

Mopar Legacy:

Represents a pinnacle of American automotive design and engineering from Chrysler Corporation, known for innovation and performance.

Styling Trends:

Captures the distinctive tailfin era styling and the increasing integration of body and chassis components.

Manufacturing Era:

Produced by Chrysler Corporation plants in the United States.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Perception:

Vehicles from this era were often praised for their styling, comfort, and powerful V8 engines, contributing to Chrysler's market presence.