Getting to Know my 1962 Chrysler 300

[Jim Harris]

I was able work on the 300 (Sport) a little yesterday. I pulled the distributor to set a new pair of points on my friend's machine. It's obvious that the engine is not original, but is a 426. It has mechanical valve gear. Whats curious to me, with my very limited Chrysler acumen, is that the body tag doesn't seem to have the engine option listed. The only options I find on the tag are C=3, H=2, Q=3, T=2. I thought that even in 1962 the AB options were for the engine type?
Also, I found this curious tag in the glove compartment - any ideas? It seems to be plastic.

20200806_110102 by Jim Harris, on Flickr

I am heading up the Washington today driving my 1966 Plymouth Valiant. Planning to stop over in Olympia to see my friend and tune up the distributor.

20200806_105719 by Jim Harris, on Flickr

20200806_104920 by Jim Harris, on Flickr

20200806_105740 by Jim Harris, on Flickr

20200806_121604 by Jim Harris, on Flickr

Oh, BTW, the head casting number is 2402286, 1962 413 Max Wedge?

Any way, I won't be getting back to the car for a couple of weeks. It's a 200 mile round trip from my house just to work on it.

 

[69monaco]

2402286 413/426 Max Wedge 1962-63

And they used the 426 street wedge valve covers IIAC.

 

[68 4spd Fury]

I agree, an HP engine, and max wedge, (I think they used the 4 bolt valve covers). Sorry I can't answer your questions. The tag, (my guess), looks like it came off a distributor.

 

[Big_John]

Also, I found this curious tag in the glove compartment - any ideas? It seems to be plastic.

I looked up the number and couldn't find it. I think it's a tag from the seat springs.

 

[gyknot]

Probably my favorite car ever. Nice!

 

[Davea Lux]

The '62 max wedge had bolt on pedestals for the rockers, '63 they were half moon cap type that appeared on later engines. Mopar built 214 super stock Dodge 413 in '62 and 298 '62 Plymouth max wedge 413 engines, these had the tandem carb mounts typically found on max wedge cars. '62 Chryslers were running 413 engines with inline dual 4BBL carbs such as shown above. Chrysler offered this as the standard engine on letter series cars for '62 and as an option on other models. Chryslers were not offered with the 426 wedge so someone has replaced the 413 short block and probably got a boost in performance.. Photo for comparative purposes is below:

Dave

 

[413]

Short version?

The block is a 1964 426 street wedge. $

The heads are max wedge early version with 4 bolt valve covers and no rocker stands. $$$

 

[furious70]

What exhaust manifold is on that car, it's not the soldier upswept max wedge ones

 

[Davea Lux]

If memory serves me correctly, the 380hp Chrysler 413 with in line carbs for '62 used the Stage 1 heads but not the same exhaust manifolds as the 413 Plymouth and Dodge stage motors. Those got the upward arch manifolds and split H exhaust and were rated at 410 or 425 horses. The Chrysler engine was a street capable engine whereas the 410/425 hp engines were primarily a track engine. Particularily the 425hp variant at a 13.5 comp ratio, it would not run on pump gas. The 11.5 comp ratio for the 410hp variant was marginal on premium fuel.

Dave

 

[Jim Harris]

The exhaust manifolds appear to have the attach points for the heat stoves for the long tube ram. If there's anything I would change about the engine bay it would probably be to get some proper exhaust manifolds. I am tempted to keep the car but we could use the money to help with refurbishing the house. Technically, the car belongs to my niece but I have been getting all my late brother's cars running and moved off the property. The 300 is number 5. I have kept his 1966 Valiant and just drove it 1,100 miles from so. CA to WA.

 

[Davea Lux]

The exhaust manifolds appear to have the attach points for the heat stoves for the long tube ram. If there's anything I would change about the engine bay it would probably be to get some proper exhaust manifolds. I am tempted to keep the car but we could use the money to help with refurbishing the house. Technically, the car belongs to my niece but I have been getting all my late brother's cars running and moved off the property. The 300 is number 5. I have kept his 1966 Valiant and just drove it 1,100 miles from so. CA to WA.

The part numbers for the '62 380 hp exhaust manifolds are 2768250 for the right and 1739600 for the left, those numbers are usually the casting number for the manifold, so check to see what you have.

Dave

 

[saforwardlook]

Probably my favorite car ever. Nice!

I appreciate the 62 300s quite a bit as well and owned and restored two of them. I let the black one go a few years ago but still have the letter 300H:

The 62 model 300 was also viewed by some 270 million people in this well known video in which it was a centerpiece:

 

[Jim Harris]

Cool. Beautiful cars.

 

[Jim Harris]

The part numbers for the '62 380 hp exhaust manifolds are 2768250 for the right and 1739600 for the left, those numbers are usually the casting number for the manifold, so check to see what you have.

Dave

I will record the numbers but it will be a couple of weeks before I can get back down there.

 

[Jim Harris]

Which master cylinder should I use? I have done some internet searches and cannot determine what master cylinder or rebuild kit to use for this 1962 300 Sport with manual brakes?

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Which master cylinder should I use? I have done some internet searches and cannot determine what master cylinder or rebuild kit to use for this 1962 300 Sport with manual brakes?

Bendix Brake Applications Catalogue 1979 -1960 shows no listing for a 1962 300 Manual M/C. Shows 11X2 1/2 and 12X2 1/2 rear brakes Bendix # 11036(pb only) 1 1/8" MC. It would appear by the MC #R11138 that you're running a 11x3" Manual MC for 1963-'64 300 and it's a 1" Master Cylinder. BTW, Re-man is not available at all for that 300 unit. Now we all know. Your welcome and glad I could help, Jer

 

[Jim Harris]

It would appear by the MC #R11138 that you're running a 11x3" Manual MC for 1963-'64 300 and it's a 1" Master Cylinder.

Jer, you recognize the MC from the photo? I had hoped to have a replacement on-hand when I next travel down to the car. No rebuild kits either?

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

Az I said Jim. I'm going from the Bendix Catalogue (supplied to the distributing dealers from 1960 thru' 1979). You have the wrong MC on your fire wall. based on the catalogue. There iz no difference visually in any of the single reservoir MCs of those years based on my research and you need the 1 1/8" MC. plain and simple. And yes, There was never ah re-man unit for your '62 300. Go forth and getter done man, Jer

 

[patrick66]

Reference your tag pic - that is indeed a seat spring tag. 9-61 is the date; and since your car fender tag shows 11-16 as the SPD, your springs are likely the originals to the car.

RSC is the spring manufacturer (Roberts Spring Company, IIRC) in Chicago, and the p/n 2270268.

 

[Jim Harris]

Thanks Patrick
That's a good piece of detective work.

Jim