Projects What to do with my -57 DeSoto

This concept! (yes it is a 57 Plymouth, but the same treatment would be kick ass on the DeSoto, and the side trim is already there) from Steve Stanford, via Rikster's priceless treasure trove of customs. I stared at this for hours as a kid, it made me a life long fan of chrome reverse!

http://public.fotki.com/rikster/custom_car_graphic_art/steve-stanford-artwork/stanford01.html

Thank you Rikster, I hadn't seen this in years!

 

Thanks for posting that, gave me a nice idea to work to on my '57 Plymouth.

 

I really lucked out on the Hemi. A fellow Hot Rodder scored this Hemi a few years ago and when he wanted to sell it a year later I checked the numbers and it is the correct motor for my car !!

 

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If this is the style of sidetrim Your car came with, I seriously think it needs to stay on. It´s a fairly slab-sided -kind of car, the trim and two-tone especially sure adds a nice spice to it. The stance on these two looks just about perfect, too. What classy cars! Similar to most of the Harley Earl-designed ´50s GM -cars, I think the Exner -era MoPars are extremely difficult to "improve" on stylistically, mainly because they´re just such well-thought-out, wholesome designs where each feature and detail just complements the next.
The Inman Chrysler has the most interesting roofline to it for sure, but I personally wouldn´t go as far as to all the hacking, esp. the tons of unseen -kind that would surely go into trying to replicate it properly, esp. when You´ve got a stock roofline like what you have to begin with. Besides, it´d be tough to top that original-style back window anyway, IMO.
Anyway, looks like You´ve got Yourself a good car to build, and all the hard parts on You already, which sure goes a long way when dealing with an Exner-era MoPar Good luck!

 

You know what the true beauty is of those era Mopars? To make it a totally bitchin' custom requires very little work, and a lot of restraint. The cars are almost perfect as they are. A little goes a long way, and detail is more important than the extent of the alterations.
Can I get a witness?

 

GMO,the tripple tail lites are the koolest part of the 57 Desoto(one of my favorite automobiles).It's your car though,build it the way you want.

 

'56 & '57 only. Most haven't heard of any that aren't a Chr!

 

Those single lights are a prize. I'd be keeping them without any second thought.

 

We will start down the custom path. Don’t think I make good restorer anyways. The other factor is the old budget and since I already have Chrysler tail lights installed, a fresh Chrysler dash and -59 power swivel seats it seems logical. Besides finned Mopar’s make bitchin looking customs, with (as some of you already pointed out) minimal changes.

 

Peter,
You better put some air bags or hydraulics under it if you want to get it up to Bonner lake!!!! Hey, I just checked in on that 59 Dodge, sorry man he just sold it last Friday! I'll keep my eye out for another, I'm sure there is another around here somewhere!
CJ

 

Thanks CJ. Let me know if you see any Mopar coupes out in the fields,I'm thinking pre-WWII taildragger. I might give you the old roadster as a finders fee

 

I'd sell it to me if I were you.

 

I know were there is a 5 window coupe, not sure if its a plymouth or a dodge. but I haven't had very good luck located the owner of the property. I'll keep trying, and if I do get it I'll take you up on your offer!

 

Funny thing, I just saw one of those on a trailer this weekend and told the wife "There goes a project headed for a new home and a pissed off wife" oh well she'll warm up to it. Cliff Inman...yes ...Hemi...a must. Just my 2 cents worth

 

drop in the Hemi, get it roadworthy, and drive the f-ing wheels off of it while you decide. The car will tell you what it wants. I know that sounds crazy, but try it and see.

 

You are right Sheep Dip, she did warm up to it.

 

Good ride ! If you're still "on the fence", one way or the other, about the headlights: those rims were MADE for quads ! Chrysler Corp., anticipated the '58 change-over by building the fenders so they would accept the dual-units.

Here's a pic of my '57 Dodge D-500...you can see that across the Chrysler Corp. line-up they were getting ready for '58. And a standard full-size unit like the ones in there now just look too big in that bezel. (More of my MoPar pix in my Album...even my Wagon with swivel seats & rectangular-see through, gold-metalflaked, steering wheel ! You need one of those !! )

Keep the taillights...no use tearing them out if they've been installed correctly.

Good luck...you've got a great start.

Jonnie King www.legends.thewwbc.net

 

Like the steering wheel, I might have to look for one like it, thnx for the input

 

'57-'58 Desoto and Chrysler are some my all time favorite cars ever and from me, that's saying alot. I'll definately be keeping up with this thread. Good luck and a big thumbs up.

 

Any updates?? Also if anyone has Two 2 door doors for a 57 Desoto for sale PM me!

 

A 57 DESOTO? Its already a custom stock! lower, wheels, paint, and your done! loved dem babies!

 

Have two extra doors, sent you PM

 

to many projects, maybe i should just sell it, any takers????

 

Too many projects, and the one you want to ditch is the '57 Mopar coupe that you already have all the parts for?


That's just crazy talk.

 

If you weren't so far away I'd be tempted to give her a good home.

 

Stock DeSoto build always. How many DeSoto's do you see on the road?

 

Man, I'd love to have a 57 DeSoto..

 

I have the doors you want. PM sent.

 

We have the next best thing A 56 Coronet $1000 in M