1959 CHRYSLER & IMPERIAL
Model Designations:
CHRYSLER:
Chrysler Windsor, Series MC1-L, 8 Cylinder
Chrysler Saratoga, Series MC2-M, 8 Cylinder
Chrysler New Yorker, Series MC3-H, 8 Cylinder
Chrysler 300E, Series MC3-H
IMPERIAL:
Custom, Series MY1-L, 8 Cylinder
Crown , Series MY1-M, 8 Cylinder
Lebaron, Series MY1-H, 8 Cylinder
Crown Imperial, 8 Cylinder
Body Styles & Prices:
Chrysler Windsor, 8 Cylinder
Windsor, 4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body#513
Base Price: $3,204; Shipping Weight: 3,800 Pounds;
Production Total: 19,910
Windsor, 2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #512
Base Price: $3,289; Shipping Weight: 3,735 Pounds:
Production Total: 6,775
Windsor, 4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #514
Base Price: $3,353; Shipping Weight: 3,830 Pounds:
Production Total: 6,084
Town & Country Station Wagon, 4 Door, 6 Passenger, Body #576
Base Price: $3,691; Shipping Weight: 4,045 Pounds
Production Total: 992
Town & Country Station Wagon, 4 Door, 9 Passenger, Body #577
Base Price: $3,878; Shipping Weight: 4,070 Pounds
Production Total: 751
Windsor, 2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #515
Base Price: $3,620; Shipping Weight: 3,950 Lbs
Production Total: 961
Chrysler Saratoga, 8 Cylinder
Saratoga, 4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #533
Base Price: $3,966; Shipping Weight: 4,010 Pounds;
Production Total: 8,783
Saratoga, 2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #532
Base Price: $4,026; Shipping Weight: 3,970 Pounds:
Production Total: 3,753
Saratoga, 4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #534
Base Price: $4,104; Shipping Weight: 4,035 Pounds:
Production Total: 4,943
Chrysler New Yorker, 8 Cylinder:
New Yorker, 4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger Body #553
Base Price: $4,424; Shipping Weight: 4,120 Pounds;
Production Total: 7,792
New Yorker 2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #552
Base Price: $4,476; Shipping Weight: 4,080 Pounds
Production Total: 2,435
New Yorker 4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #554
Base Price: $4,533; Shipping Weight: 4,165 Pounds
Production Total: 4,805
New Yorker, 2 Door Convertible, 6 Passenger, Body #555
Base Price: $4,890; Shipping Weight: 4,270 Pounds;
Production Total: 286
Town & Country Station Wagon, 4 Door, 6 Passenger, Body #578
Base Price: $4,997; Shipping Weight: 4,295 Pounds;
Production Total: 444
Town & Country Station Wagon, 4 Door, 9 Passenger, Body #579
Base Price: $5,212; Shipping Weight: 4,360 Pounds;
Production Total: 564
Chasis: Production Total: 2
Chrysler 300E, 8 Cylinder:
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #592
Base Price: $5,319; Shipping Weight: 4,290 Pounds
Production Total: 550
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #595
Base Price: $5,749; Shipping Weight: 4,350 Pounds
Production Total: 140
1959 CHRYSLER & IMPERIAL
Chasis:
Wheelbase:
Chrysler:
All Models except Windsor: 126"
Windsor, 122"
Imperial:
Imperial, Crown, & LeBaron: 129"
Crown Imperial: 149.5"
Tire Sizes:
Chrysler:
Windsor: 8.00 X 14"
Saratoga: 8.50 X 14"
New Yorker & 300E: 9.00 X 14"
Imperial:
All: 9.50 X 14"
Chrysler Windsor, General Engine Specifications:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.031" X 3.75"
Engine Displacement: 383 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.00
Horsepower: 305 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 410 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI
Chrysler Saratoga, General Engine Specifications:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.031" X 3.75"
Engine Displacement: 383 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.00
Horsepower: 325 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 425 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI
Chrysler New Yorker, All Series Imperial, & Crown Imperial, General Engine Specifications:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.188" X 3.75"
Engine Displacement: 413 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.13
Horsepower: 350 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 470 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI
Chrysler 300E General Engine Specifications:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.188" X 3.75"
Engine Displacement: 413 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.13
Horsepower: 380 @ 5,000 RPM
Torque: 450 Ft. Lbs. @ 3,600 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI
Tune Up Specifications:
Chrysler Windsor & Saratoga, 8 Cylinder, Tune Up Specifications:
Ground Polarity: Negative
Voltage: 12 Volts
Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite A-42
Spark Plug: Gap .035;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle: 27-32 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper
Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM
Cylinder Head Torque: 70 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)
Chrysler New Yorker & All Imperial Series, Tune Up Specifications:
Ground Polarity: Negative
Voltage: 12 Volts
Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite A-42
Spark Plug: Gap .035;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle:
Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees
Total Dwell Both Sets: 34 to 40 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC on Vibration Damper
Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM
Cylinder Head Torque: 70 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)
Chrysler 300, 8 Cylinder, Tune Up Specifications:
Ground Polarity: Negative
Voltage: 12 Volts
Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite A-32
Spark Plug: Gap .035;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle:
Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees
Total Dwell Both Sets: 34 to 40 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC on Vibration Damper
Engine Idle Speed: 700 RPM
Cylinder Head Torque: 70 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)
Valve Specifications:
Chrysler & Imperial, All Series Except 300E, 8 Cylinder Engines:
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake: Zero; Exhaust: Zero
Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees,
Intake Opens 22 Degrees BTDC
Exhaust Closes 15 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1.47 inches
Valve Lift, Zero Lash:
Intake: .390"
Exhaust: .390"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .001"-.003"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake; .370"
Exhaust: .370"
Chrysler 300E:
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot:
Intake: Zero
Exhaust: Zero
Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees,
Intake Opens 20 Degrees BTDC
Exhaust Closes 15 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1.47 inches
Valve Lift, Zero Lash:
Intake: .390"
Exhaust: .390"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .001"-.003"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake; .370"
Exhaust: .370"
Piston, Pin, Ring, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:
Chrysler & Imperial, All Series, 8 Cylinder Engines
Piston Fitting;
Shim to Use: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 12 :
Ring End Gap
Compression Ring: .013"
Oil Ring: .013"
Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.093"
Rod Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.374"-2.375"
Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"
Rod End Play: .009"-.017"
Rod Bolt Torque: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.
Main Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.749"-2.750"
Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"
Thrust: Center Bearing
Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.007"
Main Bolt Torque: 85 Ft. Lbs.
Capacities:
Windsor, 8 Cylinder, Capacities:
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 17 Quarts
With Heater: 18 Quarts
Radiator Cap Pressure: 14 PSI
Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*
Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints
Automatic Transmission: 10-1/2 Quarts
Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints
* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter.
Chrysler & Imperial, All Series Except Windsor, 8 Cylinder, Capacities
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 16 Quarts
With Heater: 17 Quarts
Radiator Cap Pressure: 14 PSI
Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*
Automatic Transmission; 10-1/2 Quarts
Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints
* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter.
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications
Generator # GGA-6003E, GGA-6001N, GGA-6007A
Generator Output: 40 Amperes @ 1,800 RPM
Brush Spring Tension: 34-41 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes
Regulator #VAT-6201A
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .032"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 40
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator # GJM-8001A, GJM-8002A
Generator Output: 35 Amperes @ 2,400 RPM
Brush Spring Tension: 18-36 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.6 to 1.7 Amperes
Regulator #VRX-6301A
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .032"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator # GHM-8005A
Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 1,800 RPM
Brush Spring Tension: 35-43 Ounces
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes
Regulator #VRX-6201A
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .032"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 30
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Starting Motor Specifications:
Part #MDT-6002
Rotation: Clockwise
Brush Spring Tension: 31-37 Ounces
No Load Test: 56 Amperes, 10.0 Volts @ 3,600 RPM
Torque Test: 350 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 8.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications-8 Cylinder:
Distributor #1BP-4006
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Cam Angle: 27-32 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 7.5 Degrees @ 2,350 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 8-1/8"
Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 16-1/8"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11 Degrees
Distributor #1BS-4010A
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Cam Angle:
Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees
Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 34 to 40 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 9.5 Degrees @ 2,300 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 6-3/8"
Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 18-1/8"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 Degrees
Distributor #1BS-4010
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Cam Angle:
Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees
Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 34 to 40 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 1,050 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 8-3/8"
Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 18-1/8"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 Degrees
Carter Carburetor Specifications-8 Cylinder:
Carburetor Model: BBD
Part # 2872S
Idle Screw Setting: 1 - 2 Turns
Fast Idle Speed: 1,400 RPM
Float Level: 5/46"
Pump Stroke: 1"
Choke Unloader Setting: 15/64"
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Carburetor Model: AFB
Part # 2797S
Idle Screw Setting: 2 Turns
Float Level:
Primary: 7/32"
Secondary: 7/32"
Float Drop:
Primary: 23/32"
Secondary: 23/32"
Pump Stroke: 7/16"
Unloader Setting: 1/4"
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:
Rear Axle & Brake Cylinder Specifications, All Series Chrysler & Imperial:
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006"-.008"
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .003"-.008"
Wheel Cylinder Bore:
Front: 1-1/8"
Rear: 1-1/8"
Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"
Wheel Alignment Specifications
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series Chrysler & Imperial, Except Windsor:
Caster:
Manual Steering: - 3/4 Degrees
Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees
Camber:
Left Side: + 3/8 Degrees
Right Side: 0 Degrees
Toe In: 1/8"
Toe-Out on Turns:
Outer Wheel: 18 Degrees, 26 Minutes
Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees
Kingpin Angle: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Camber
Wheel Alignment Specifications, Chrysler Windsor:
Caster:
Manual Steering: - 3/4 Degrees
Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees
Camber:
Left Side: + 3/8 Degrees
Right Side: 0 Degrees
Toe In: 1/8"
Toe-Out on Turns:
Outer Wheel: 18 Degrees, 46 Minutes
Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees
Kingpin Angle: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Camber
Popular Options, Chrysler:
Radio, Rear Seat Speaker, Power Antenna, Dual Rear Antennas, Heater, Air Conditioning, Power Steering (Windsor only, standard on other models), Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Seat, Torqueflite on Windsor, Non-Slip Differential, WheellCovers, White Sidewall Tires, Locking Gas Cap, Windshield Washer, Rear Window Defroster, Outside Rear View Mirrors, Remote Control Mirror, Parking Brake Warning Light, Tinted Glass.
Colors & Color Codes, Chrysler & Imperial:
Code Color
AAA Formal Black
BBB Normandy Blue
CCC Nocturne Blue
DDD Empress Blue
EEE Balad Green
FFF Highland Green
HHH Silverpine
III Tropic Turquoise
JJJ Aqua Mist
KKK Turquoise Gray
LLL Spanish Silver
MMM Storm Gray
MMM Oxford Gray (Imperial Only)
NNN Persian Pink
PPP Carousel Red
RRR Radiant Red
SSS Gray Rose
TTT Deep Ruby
UUU Sandstone
WWW Cameo Tan
XXX Ivory White
YYY Spun Yellow
YYY Yellow Mist (Imperial Only)
Promotional Model Cars Produced:
Plastic: New Yorker 4 Door Hardtop
1959 Chrysler Historical Data
The 1959 Chrysler Model Year Introduction date was October 24, 1958
Total 1959 Chrysler Production was 69,970.
1959 IMPERIAL
Model Designations:
Imperial, Series MY1-L, 8 Cylinder
Crown, Series MY1-M, 8 Cylinder
LeBaron, Series MY1-H, 8 Cylinder
Crown Imperial, 8 Cylinder
Body Styles & Prices:
Imperial Custom, 8 Cylinder
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #613
Base Price, $5,016; Shipping Weight: 4,735 Pounds;
Production Total: 2,071
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #614
Base Price: $5,016; Shipping Weight: 4,745 Pounds;
Production Total: 3,984
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #612
Base Price: $4,910; Shipping Weight: 4,675 Pounds;
Production Total: 1,743
Imperial Crown, 8 Cylinder
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #633
Base Price, $5,647; Shipping Weight: 4,830 Pounds;
Production Total: 1,335
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #634
Base Price: $5,647; Shipping Weight: 4,840 Pounds;
Production Total: 4,714
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #632
Base Price: $5,403; Shipping Weight: 4,810 Pounds;
Production Total: 1,728
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body #635
Base Price: $5,774; Shipping Weight: 4,850 Pounds
Production Total: 555
Imperial Lebaron, 8 Cylinder
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #653
Base Price, $6,103; Shipping Weight: 4,865 Pounds;
Production Total: 510
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body #654
Base Price: $6,103; Shipping Weight: 4,875 Pounds;
Production Total: 622
Crown Imperial, 8 Cylinder
4 Door Limousine, 8 Passenger,
Base Price: $16,000; Shipping Weight: 5,960 Pounds;
Production Total: 7
Imperial, All Series, General Engine Specifications:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.188" X 3.75"
Engine Displacement: 413 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.00:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.13
Horsepower: 350 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 470 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40-65 PSI
Imperial & Crown Imperial, 8 Cylinder, Tune Up Specifications
Ground Polarity: Negative
Voltage: 12 Volts
Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite A-42
Spark Plug: Gap .035;
Point Gap: .017
Distributor Cam Angle:
Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees
Total Dwell Both Sets: 34 to 40 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC on Vibration Damper
Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM
Cylinder Head Torque: 70 Ft Lbs
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)
Valve Data, Piston & Ring Data, Engine Bearing Data, Brake Data, Wheel Allignment Data, Rear Axle Data, Dash Gauge Manufacturer, & Paint Colors and Codes:
Refer to Data for Chrysler 8 Cylinder Models
Imperial, All Series, 8 Cylinder, Capacities:
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 16 Quarts
With Heater: 17 Quarts
Radiator Cap Pressure: 14 PSI
Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts *
Automatic Transmission: 10-1/2 Quarts
Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints
* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter.
Popular Options:
Electric Touch Radio, Power Windows, Power Seats, Air Conditioning, Power Door Locks, Auto-Pilot, White Sidewall Tires, Fog Lights, Automatic Headlight Beam Changer, Remote Control Side Mirror, Tinted Glass, Spotlight, Exhaust Deflector. Outside Rear View Mirror, Sure Grip Differential.
1959 Imperial & Crown Imperial Historical Data:
The 1959 Imperial Model Year Introduction date was October 24, 1958.
Total Series Production: 17,269.
Copyright 2000, Custom Solutions & Services