Other fuel pump options for '57 Dodge 325 Poly

[70DartMike]

Has anyone figured out another fuel pump option for a '57 Dodge 325 Poly? I'm only asking because I'm planning a long trip in the car for June, and the fuel pump really is my only concern. Not that it's failing, but if it does, I know I won't be buying one off the shelf at the parts store.
I realize I can put in an electric pump in a pinch, but curious if anyone has discovered another mechanical fuel pump that works in that application? Or has uses an adapter plate, or something?

 

[413]

Good to think of this now.

If no answer here try the forward look page. Many folks over there smart on the 50's cars. Might be an off the shelf solution.

Home of The Forward Look

 

[70DartMike]

Thanks. Actually, in searching I found there's a 318 LA fuel pump adapter that HotHeads sells. It's intended for Chrysler Hemi's but will work with the Dodge engine, with some modifications to the fuel pump mating surface.

 

[413]

Well there is your answer. Do that modification and new pump before you leave town. Modify 2 pumps and keep the spare in the trunk!

I have bought from hot heads, a good place to have around for these cars.

 

[58Belvedere]

1957-1958 Dodge, 1957-1958 Chrysler, 1957 DeSoto Adventurer, Firesweep Fuel Pump | Kanter Auto1957-1958 Dodge, 1957-1958 Chrysler, 1957 DeSoto Adventurer, Firesweep Fuel Pump | Kanter Auto Picture may be wrong.

 

[Toolmanmike]

If I was that concerned, I would buy a pump, install it weeks before your trip and drive the car to make sure it's ok. Keep the old known good pump as a back up. Or you could install a pump like these and not use it unless the mechanical pump fails. Double check but they are a vein pump and fuel will flow through them when they aren't running. You can use these little pumps to prime the system when the fuel has evaporated out of the carb after a long drive or setting for a length of time. Electric priming pump for fuel evaporation issues.

 

[Big_John]

If I was that concerned, I would buy a pump, install it weeks before your trip and drive the car to make sure it's ok. Keep the old known good pump as a back up. Or you could install a pump like these and not use it unless the mechanical pump fails. Double check but they are a vein pump and fuel will flow through them when they aren't running. You can use these little pumps to prime the system when the fuel has evaporated out of the carb after a long drive or setting for a length of time. Electric priming pump for fuel evaporation issues.

I have one like that in my '70 300. It's there to prime the carb, but in a pinch, it's the backup.

 

[Blusmbl]

I’m not sure if my uncle just got a bad one, but he has that modified pump on a ‘58 300D with a 392 that we just got running recently and when the engine warms up I hear a tapping noise that clearly is from the fuel pump where it’s contacting the eccentric.

 

[Jakter]

Fuel-Pump Kits | Product categories | Then and Now Automotive

I've used their kits for years, never had a problem and after many miles never had to re-rebuild them.
The also offer rebuilding service.

 

[70DartMike]

I ended up buying the adapter and putting in an LA 318 pump. I am doing some other work on the car so I haven't fired it up yet, but the arms side by side line up from new pump to my old one. The old one still works, and yes I'm going to keep it as a spare, but I like mechanical things. Electric pumps don't interest me, and I drive my cars long distance so I want to be sure that if it breaks down and I'm on the side of the road, I have a way to get back up and running on my own. A tow to a nearby shop that probably won't know what they're looking at doesn't interest me.