Walter P. Chrysler
Product Restorers Club
Parts, manuals and
information!
Driving compartment
overview illustration
Need parts?
Part Locator
1949 Dodge Wayfarer,
SN# 37032385
Photographs from
ALL ANGLES
1949 Dodge Wayfarer
OWNERS MANUAL
DESIGN
Style, size,
exterior details,
interior details
MECHANICAL
Engine, carburator, transmission, brakes, wheels frame, shock absorbers
PRICES
Wayfarer, Coronet, Meadowbrook and models
CONTACT
1949 Dodge Wayfarer
TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
This instrument indicates the temperature of the cooling liquid in the cylinder head. Under normal driving conditions, the pointer will rest at about the center mark [160 degrees]. On long, hard drives or in slow-moving traffic during hot weather, it may register slightly to the right of the center mark. If a sudden rise in operating temperature [above 200 degrees] is noted, stop the engine and investigate. Check the supply of water and oil. Never add water to an overheated engine. Do not drive if the cooling system is frozen.
AMMETER
This meter indicates flow of electric current as "amps". Current going from the generator to the battery registers as a "charge". If more current is being consumed than is being received from the generator, the ammeter needle will show a "discharge". When the battery is fully charged, the ammeter will read nearly zero. Electric current input to the battery is controlled by a regulator located in the engine compartment.
OIL PRESSURE GUAGE
The oil pressure gauge should always show pressure while the engine is running. It should register a pressure of 30 to 35 lbs. at car speeds above 30 miles per hour after the engine has reached normal operating temperature. At speeds below 30 miles per hour the gauge will read proportionately lower. Some oil pressure should be indicated even at idling speeds. If the gauge shows no pressure, stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause.
FUEL GUAGE
The fuel gauge indicates the amount of fuel in the gasoline tank when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position [right] or to the "Accessory" position [left]. When the ignition swich is moved to the OFF position, the indicator will move to the EMPTY position. It is normal for the pointer to fluctuate slightly when travelling over rough roads or around sharp bends.
SPEEDOMETER
An easy-to-read dial and pointer makes it possible to keep a close check on car speed. The speedometer is equipped with a wick lubricant in the flange at the back of the instrument case. A continuous reading mileage indicator [odometer] is located just under the top of the speedometer dial.
HIGH BEAM LIGHT INDICATOR
A [red] indicating lamp is located on the right in the lower edge of the speedometer face between the "0" and "100" mph markings. When this lamp is lighted, the driver is reminded that the headlights are in the "high beam" position.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LIGHT
The second indicating lamp [amber], located to the left of the high beam light indicator, lights up when the directional signal lever is moved - either to the "up" [right turn] or "down" [left turn] position. When the lever is returned to the "off" or neutral position, the indicating light will go out.