1938 CHRYSLER
Model Designations:
Chrysler Royal, Series C-18, 6 Cylinder
Imperial and New York Special, Series C-19, 8 Cylinder
Custom Imperial, Series C-20, 8 Cylinder
Body Styles & Prices:
Chrysler Royal, Series C-18, 6 Cylinder
2 Door Business Coupe, 2 Passenger,
Base Price: $918; Shipping Weight: 3,090 Pounds; Production Total: 4,840
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 2/4 Passenger,
Base Price: $1,085; Shipping Weight: 3,250 Pounds; Production Total: 480
2 Door Rumble Seat Coupe, 2/4 Passenger,
Base Price: $963; Shipping Weight: 3,135 Pounds; Production Total: 363
2 Door Fastback Brougham, 5 Passenger,
Base Price: $963; Shipping Weight: 3,160 Pounds; Production Total: 88
2 Door Trunk Brougham, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $975; Shipping Weight: 3,165 Pounds; Production Total: 3,802
4 Door Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $1,425; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds; Production Total: 177
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger,
Base Price: $1,010; Shipping Weight: 3,180 Pounds; Production Total: 31,991
4 Door Fastback Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $998; Shipping Weight: 3,170 Pounds; Production Total: 112
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 7 Passenger, 136" Wheelbase
Base Price: $1,235; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds; Production Total: 722
4 Door Sedan Limousine, 7 Passenger, 136" Wheelbase
Base Price: $1,325; Shipping Weight: 3,545 Pounds; Production Total: 161
Chasis, 136" Wheelbase; Production Total: 564
Total Series Production: 43,300
Chrysler Royal, Series C-18, General Specifications:
Wheelbase: 119"
Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-1/2"
Engine Displacement: 241.5 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 6.50:1; Optional: 7.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.34
Horsepower: 95 @ 3,600 RPM; Optional: 102 @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: 180 Ft Lbs @ 1,200 RPM; Optional 190 @ 1,200 RPM
Carburetor: Carter 1V Model E6M1
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.10:1
Tire Size: 6.25 X 16", Pressures: 28 Front & Rear
Chrysler Royal, Series C-18, Tune Up Specifications
Spark Plug Type:
Cast Iron Head: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Aluminum Head: Champion H-10, H-11, or Equivalent
Spark Plug: Gap .025;
Point Gap: .020
Distributor Cam Angle: 38 degrees
Ignition Timing: TDC, Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 153624
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .008, Exhaust .010
Cylinder Head Torque: 65-70 Ft Lbs
Chrysler Royal, Series C-18, Capacities
Cooling System: 20 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 16 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 2-1/4 Pints (3-1/4 Pints with Overdrive)
Grade of Oil: Summer 140, Winter 90
With Overdrive: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Body Styles & Prices:
Imperial, Series C-19, 8 Cylinder
2 Door Business Coupe, 2 Passenger
Base Price: $1,123; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds; Production Total: 766
2 Door Rumble Seat Coupe, 2/4 Passenger
Base Price: $1,160; Shipping Weight: 3,515 Pounds; Production Total: 80
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 2/4 Passenger
Base Price: $1,275; Shipping Weight: 3,630 Pounds; Production Total: 189
2 Door Trunk Brougham, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $1,165; Shipping Weight: 3,560 Pounds; Production Total: 245
4 Door Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $1,595; Shipping Weight: 3,835 Pounds; Production Total: 113
4 Door Touring Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $1,198; Shipping Weight: 3,565 Pounds; Production Total: 8,554
Chasis: Production Total: 55
New York Special, Series C-19
2 Door Business Coupe, 2 Passenger
Base Price: $1,255; Shipping Weight: 3,475 Pounds; Production Total: None
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $1,370; Shipping Weight: 3,600 Pounds; Production Total: *
* Included with Imperial 8 Touring Sedan Total
Total Series Production: 10,002
Imperial &, Series C-19, 8 Cylinder, General Specifications:
Wheelbase: 125"
Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-1/4" X 4-1/2"
Engine Displacement: 298.6Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 6.20:1, Optional: 7.40:1
Taxable Horsepower: 33.80
Horsepower: 110 @ 3,400 RPM; Optional: 122 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 214 Ft Lbs @ 1,600 RPM; Optional 238 @ 1,600 RPM
Carburetor: Not Available
Rear Axle Ratio: 3.91:1
Tire Size: 6.50 X 16", Pressures: 28 Front & Rear
New York Special, Series C-19, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 125"
Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-1/4" X 4-1/2"
Engine Displacement: 298.6Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 6.50:1, Optional: 7.40:1
Taxable Horsepower: 33.80
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,400 RPM; Optional: 122 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 225 Ft Lbs @ 1,600 RPM; Optional 238 @ 1,600 RPM
Carburetor: Not Available
Rear Axle Ratio: 3.91:1
Tire Size: 6.50 X 16", Pressures: 28 Front & Rear
Imperial & New York Special, Series C-19, 8 Cylinder, Tune Up Specifications
Spark Plug Type:
Cast Iron Head: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Aluminum Head: Champion H-10, H-11, or Equivalent
Spark Plug: Gap .025;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle: 27 degrees
Ignition Timing: TDC, Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 16258374
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .006, Exhaust .010
Cylinder Head Torque: 65-70 Ft Lbs
Imperial & New York Special, Series C-19, 8 Cylinder, Capacities
Cooling System: 20 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 16 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/4 Pints (6-1/4 Pints with Overdrive)
Grade of Oil: Without Overdrive:Summer 140, Winter 90
With Overdrive: 70 Summer & 50 Winter
With Overdrive: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Custom Imperial, Series C-20
Factory Models:
4 Door Touring Sedan, 5 Passenger
Base Price: $2,295; Shipping Weight: 4,495 Pounds; Production Total: 252
4 Door Touring Sedan, 7 Passenger
Base Price: $2,295; Shipping Weight: 4,510 Pounds; Production Total: 122
4 Door Sedan Limousine, 7 Passenger
Base Price: $2,395; Shipping Weight: NA; Production Total: 145
Custom Models
2 Door Derham Convertible Victoria, 5 Passenger; Production Total: *
4 Door Derham Town Sedan, 5 Passenger; Production Total *
4 Door Derham Convertible Sedan, 5 Passenger; Production Total *
4 Door Derham Town Limousine, 7 Passenger, Production Total: *
* 11 Custom Chasis were built. No additional information is available.
Total Production of Factory Models: 519
Custom Imperial, Series C-20, 8 Cylinder, General Specifications:
Wheelbase: 144"
Engine Bore & Stroke: 3-1/4" X 4-1/2"
Engine Displacement: 298.6Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 6.50:1, Optional: 7.40:1
Taxable Horsepower: 33.80
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,400 RPM; Optional: 122 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 225 Ft Lbs @ 1,600 RPM; Optional 238 @ 1,600 RPM
Carburetor: Not Available
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.55:1
Tire Size: 7.50 X 16", Pressures: 28 Front & Rear
Custom Imperial, Series C-20, 8 Cylilnder, Capacities
Cooling System: 20 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 6-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 6-1/4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Custom Imperial, Series C-20, 8 Cylinder, Tune Up Specifications
Spark Plug Type:
Cast Iron Head: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Aluminum Head: Champion H-10, H-11, or Equivalent
Spark Plug: Gap .025;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle: 27 degrees
Ignition Timing: 3rd Line After TDC Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 16258374
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .006, Exhaust .010
Cylinder Head Torque: 65-70 Ft Lbs
1938 CHRYSLER
Valve Specifications
6 Cylinder Engines:
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .008; Exhaust .010
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .014; Exhaust: .014 Valve Timing:
Intake Opens At Top Dead Center
Exhaust Closes 8 degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 40 Lbs @ 1-3/4 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001-.003;
Exhaust .001-.003
8 Cylinder Engines:
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .006; Exhaust .010
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .011; Exhaust: .014 Valve Timing:
Intake Opens 2 Degrees BTDC
Exhaust Closes 4 degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 46 Lbs @ 2-1/32 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .001-.003;
Exhaust .003-.005
Piston & Ring Data
Both 6 & 8 Cylinder Engines
Piston Removal: From Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .022;
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0005"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 7
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .007
Oil Ring: .007
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Compression Ring: .0015-.003
Oil Control Ring: .0015-.003
Engine Bearing Data
6 Cylinder Engines
Camshaft End Play: .002-.006
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001-.003
Rod Journal Diameter: 2.124-2.125 Inches
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005-.0025 inches
Rod End Play: .006-.011 inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 45-50 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.499"-2.500"
Main Bearing Clearance: .001 -.002 inch
Crankshaft End Play: .003-.007 Inch
Main Bolt Tension: 75-80 Lbs. Ft.
8 Cylinder Engines
Camshaft End Play: .001-.008
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001-.003
Rod Journal Diameter: 2.1865-2.1875 Inches
Rod Bearing Clearance: .001-.003 inches
Rod End Play: .006-.011 inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 45-50 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.702"-2.703"
Main Bearing Clearance: .001 -.002 inch
Crankshaft End Play: .003-.007 Inch
Main Bolt Tension: 75-80 Lbs. Ft.
Beginning Engine Numbers:
Series C18: C18-1001
Series C19 C19-1001
Series C20: C20-1001
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Series C18: 7532801
Series C19: 6734001
Series C20: 7805501
Brake Specifications
Series C-18
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: Length, 19-7/16"
Width, 2",
Thickness, 3/16"
Pedal Free Play: 5/16"
Series C-19
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: Length, 25-1/8"
Width, 2",
Thickness, 1/4"
Pedal Free Play: 5/16"
Series C-20
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 29-5/16"
Width: 2"
Thickness: 1/4"
Pedal Free Play: 5/16"
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Series C-18 & C-19
Caster: +1-1/4 Degrees
Camber: +1/8 Degrees
Toe In: 1/16"
Kingpin Angle: 5-3/8 Degrees
Series C-20
Caster: +2 Degrees
Camber: +1/4 Degrees
Toe In: 1/16"
Kingpin Angle: 5-3/8 Degrees
Rear Axle Data, All Series
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006-.010 inch
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .003-.008 inch
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Model C18
Distributor #1GS-4010C-1
Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,750 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 6" Vacuum
Full Advance: 7 Degrees @ 12" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Model C19
Distributor #1GT-4001K-1
Cam Angle: 27 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 7-3/4" Vacuum
Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 16" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Model C19
Distributor #1GT-4001F-1
Cam Angle: 27 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 1,850 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 6-1/4" Vacuum
Full Advance: 6 Degrees @ 12" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications
Generator #GDA-4801A
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: None
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.66-1.84 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,195 RPM
Maximum Output: 22 Amperes; 8 Volts @ 2,025 RPM
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Part #VRB-4004B
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4-7.0
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5-3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 27-29 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage:
Before Serial #8R-000001: 7.65 Volts
Serial #8R-000001 & Later: 7.45 Volts
Cutout Relay Settings:
Armature Air Gap: .034"
Point Opening: .015"
Voltage Regulator Settings:
Armature Air Gap: .0595"
Point Opening: .010"
Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: (Early: 7.65); (Late: 7.45)
Current Unit Settings:
Armature Air Gap: .0595"
Point Opening: .010"
R1 Resistor: 30 Ohms
R2 Resistor: 7 Ohms
Starting Motor Specifications
Part #MAX-4020A
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 5,300 RPM
Lock Test: 880 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 25.0 Ft Lbs Torque
Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models
Part #MAX-4037
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 5,300 RPM
Lock Test: 880 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 25.0 Ft Lbs Torque
Starting Motor Specifications - Model C20
Part #MAX-4003A
Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces
No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 5,300 RPM
Lock Test: 880 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 25.0 Ft Lbs Torque
Carter Carburetor Specifications
Carburetor Model: BB
Part #E6P5
Casting # Stamped on Webbing of Bowl Cover or Attached Tag
Repair Kit # 1308A
Float Level: 5/64"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: None
Pump Travel: 26/64" (Medium Stroke)
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Model C18
Carburetor Model: BB
Part #E6M1
Casting # Stamped on Webbing of Bowl Cover or Attached Tag
Repair Kit # 1020B
Float Level: 5/64"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/4 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: None
Pump Travel: 27/64"
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - Model C19
Carburetor Model: AAV-2
Part #A-18782
Code # 4-76D
Repair Kit # RK-33
Fuel Level: At Bottom of Sight Hole with Engine Idling.
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: Controlled by Manifold Vacuum
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .040"
Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: .031"
Fast Idle Setting: 1/8
Choke Unloader Setting: 7/32
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models
Carburetor Model: AAV-2
Part #A-18792
Code # 4-77D
Repair Kit # RK-32
Fuel Level: At Bottom of Sight Hole with Engine Idling.
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: Controlled by Manifold Vacuum
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .040"
Throttle Valve Location for Vacuum Spark Control: .015"
Fast Idle Setting: 1/8
Choke Unloader Setting: 7/32
Fuel Pump Data:
Pump Type: B
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
Pump Type: D
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Pump Type: I
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Pump Type: AL
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
Pump Type: AN
Maximum Pressure: N/A
Pump Type: AT
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/4 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturer:
Gasoline: Moto Meter Neco
Temperature: Moto Meter Neco
Oil Pressure: Moto Meter Neco
Ammeter: Auto-Lite
Popular Options
Single Sidemount, Dual Sidemounts, Sidemount Covers, Fender Skirts, Radio, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, White Wall Tires, Outside Rear View Mirror, Spotlights Trippe Lights, Seat Covers, Bumper Guards, License Plate Frames.
1938 Chrysler Historical Data
Introduction of the 1938 Chrysler was in October 1937.
Total 1938 Chrysler Production was 41,496.
Copyright 1999, Custom Solutions & Services