Long term lurker who has learned a lot from the HAMB. I have a '48 DeSoto S11 four door I picked up after years of driving past it. I've been slowly (very slowly) been building it as a very mild custom. Just looking forward to a good solid driver to enjoy and learning as I go. Have a question regarding the front shocks. The front end is stock with a Scarebird disc brake kit. Looking at the original shock set up, the shocks mounted to the upper and lower A arms. I'm no genius but seems the compression as the suspension cycled would be very limited and therefore limited dampening. I'm not against modifying shock mounting points if it would improve the handling. But I also don't want to over think it and fix something they had figured out just fine. Any input would be appreciated. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Perfect. Loads of help fellas. I was considering doing a relocation similar to the rusty hope ones but a little hesitant to start moving shock points around if the originals worked ok. Even though they seemed a poor design. Much appreciated. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
After owning my car since 1971 I decided to update the front shocks, the car, an Oz 1940 Dodge uses Moog cast steel 41-56 upper A arms, stock 1940 lower A arms, 1940 spindle, 1941-56 stub axle, original 1940 shape 1" thick sway bar and heim joints and relocated upper shock mount.......the upper mounts were made of 3/16th plate and bolt to the frame, shocks used were Munro with a 8.5" compressed length and 13" extended length with these numbers stamped into them, 1009 and PK14HA........the car also uses 1955/56 Ford coil springs with 1 coil removed.........the car has a 318 poly & Cast iron Torqueflite so has a little bit extra weight but the shock relocation seems to be o/k........apart from the shock relocation the front end has been like this since the mid 70's............I had these shocks and we, a mate & me decided to try and use them..............the commercially available shock kits use Chev pickup truck front shocks from what I understand as these kits locate the upper shock mount much higher than what we did.............I have attached a couple of pics to give you an idea of the setup.........if you want any more info let me know......Andy Douglas.
Chrysler had a different idea back then. Their Oiriflow shocks were state of the art, adjusted themselves for smooth or rough roads, and worked well to give a soft ride which is what they were after. The shocks work in and out much less than on conventional setups. Have seen TV commercials for DeSoto of about 1951 or 52 and you can see the front end slowly bouncing up and down like a baby buggy. If you want a more modern ride and handling relocate the upper mount to the frame and use modern gas shocks.
I relocated the front shocks on my 48 Dodge club coupe with the Rusty Hole kit and it was no big deal. Running a 318 in it. Also I have an all stock 41 Chrysler Windsor 4 dr sedan with all original suspension the only exception is it has radial tires. It drives beautifully. Don't know if I would bother to relocate again knowing difference in the two.
In need of another assist from Desoto guys out there. Finally got to the point of putting all the trim back together and remembered the one piece I'm missing. Here's hoping someone out there has a spare they will part with. It's the small piece of beltline stainless that spans the cowl from the door trim to the hood on the passenger side. I'll include photos of the drivers side piece I have. Much appreciated in advance. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
@Desototaildragger With a little patience you could form that missing molding. I made a windshield center divider trim molding from stainless sheet stock. Experimented with a piece or two (or three ?) sheet metal to get my bends spaced correctly, then onto the stainless. If you can get a another piece of side molding from a like car, it would greatly simplify duplicating what you have. Primarily shortening a piece and shaping the cut end(s) to match the original. Cool car! One of my earliest childhood old car memories was a DeSoto. It had to have been a ‘42 because I remember the headlights were covered. Ray
Appreciate it fellas. I have a spare rear fender spear trim that's beat up. Profile is a little different but I should be able to adjust it. Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Why dont you try koni special d or qa1 adjustable shocks? Would think they can adjust firm enough with original mounting.
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