'59 Plymouth Forum

Hi and greetings from Finland!
I have a -59 belvedere 2d ht and my starter just failed on me. I took the old starter out and it was a mdu-7001 starter.
Question is whats the difference between a mdt-6001 and mdu-7001 starters. I could have a new mdt-6001 starter so would it be ok? In pics both starters look the same. both have 9 tooth.

And here is one pic of my car. Not driven in winter.

Don't know the answer on your starter question, but will start looking at the Factory manuals to see, If you do go to another MDU starter make sure the starter bolt flanges are "Clocked the sameway" as far as its bolt pattern goes.

NICE BELVEDERE! I would love to see more pics of your car interior and engine compartment.


John Q.

I can't answer your question directly, as I believe I'd need a Delco Book to decode the part numbers.
According to the '59 Mopar Parts Book, the MDU series was used in 6-cyl and 318's, while the MDT series was used in the Sport Fury and the D-500 Dodges.
In 1959, the offerings were MDU- 6003, and MDT-6001. You have the 7001, which probably is newer than 1959.
My guess is the only difference is the cranking power. Judging by application, the MDT appears to be the higher-rated.

My Parts Book was printed in February 1960.
Spectacular looking car, BTW!

Thanks!

I heard from elsewhere that the only difference is cranking power, so your guess was right. We check first if the old starter can be fixed. The new one is pretty expensive.

Btw here is more pictures of the car.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2273