Replacement Parts

Part Numbers

In this parts database the original manufacturer's description and part number are considered definitive. For the United Motors Service section these are various manufacturers. For the bulk of this database the manufacturer is Chrysler.

Unknown Part Numbers

In some cases I have been unable to find the original part number and description in my references. In those cases I have created a number with a “?” prefix.

Non-existent Part Numbers

In some cases after market or reproduction manufacturers have created a new part that replaces several parts. For these there are no original numbers or descriptions. In those cases I have created a unique number prefixed with “x”.

Part Names

As with part numbers, the original Plymouth parts books are considered the definitive source for parts names. If Chrysler called it a signal lamp then that is what it is, even if everyone else calls it a tail light.

Groups and “Part Type Codes”

Chrysler used a number of variations on dividing parts in to “groups” and groups in to smaller subdivisions I call “sub-groups”. In general, this database is organized using the break down found in the 1928-33 Plymouth Master Parts List.

In later parts books the concept of a “part type code” was used. This allows a tabular listing of part numbers by model usage which makes it convenient to see what parts were used on multiple models. In a number of places the part type codes associated with the older group/sub-group listings is provided. In general, the part type codes from the 1936-48 Plymouth Parts Book are being used.

Nothing Is Consistent

Part groups changed over the years. For example:

• The 1928-33 Plymouth Master Parts List has separate groups starting at Group 23 for each body type while the later parts books put all body types into Group 23.
• The late 1930s separate standard parts book for Group 18 uses a totally different numeric “sub-group” break down than the 1928-33 Plymouth Master Parts List.
• Sometimes the part name in the later parts books are different from those in the earlier books.
• There are parts listed in the 1928-33 Plymouth Master Parts List for which no part type code appears to exist in the 1936-48 Plymouth Parts Book.

These inconsistencies have been dealt with on an ad hoc basis as seemed best when each inconsistency was discovered.

Interchange Information

Interchange information typically consists of one of the following:

• A cross reference to a large manufacturer's part that can be purchased at automotive or industrial suppliers.
• A cross reference to an aftermarket replacement part “of the era”. The manufacturer may no longer make this part or may be out of business but the cross reference could be of use when looking for parts at a swap meet, flea market or Internet auction site.
• A cross reference to a reproduction part vendor.

For reproduction parts, I have included links to vendor information. This is not an endorsement of the vendor. In many cases my dealings with the vendor have been limited to examining their catalog.

Subassembly Entries

When attempting to assemble a part or in creating a replacement part it is useful to know what size and type of nuts and bolts are required. Often the listing in the functional area will list something like a “cover screw”. It can take quite some time to scan through Group 18 (Standard Parts) to find the entry. Thankfully, often the part turns out to be a common item available at the hardware store. I have sometimes spent a couple of hours thumbing through the parts book to determine the exact nature of a few fasteners. Once I do it for an assembly, I'd rather not do it again. Thus, you will find some “sub assembly” entries. In the web version of this parts book you can click on the link to find out what the part really is. In the print version the Group 18 description is used rather than the functional description. (e.g. “10-24 x 1/2 Round Headed Screw” rather than “Cover Screw”)

Where Did/Does All This Information Come From?

For years, decades actually, I have made it a habit of noting cross reference information off of boxes of spare parts. Delving into catalogs has been another source. If you have information that extends this, please email it to me at I would love to include it in this database.