Projects '51 Desoto Custom

Good job on that DeSoto it looks great! Where are you located at?

 

I used the HH squeeze plate on my Hemi but had to add a phenolic spacer due to vapor lock in Summer. How much did the steering wheel set you back?

 

I really like your body work it takes time and patience to do this level of work. I combination work for 50 years and was lucked to have apprenticed for a body man Russ who did body work during the Great Depression and WWII when there was no parts available except used. Thanks Russ and Ray who taught me how to paint.

 

About $800.

 

Northern California at the moment.

 

Wish I could take credit, but I won't! The metal work was done by a local guy who works for a large shop, but takes some side projects on at home.

My dad was a body man and painter early in his career before opening up his own operation. Now that he's retired he's helping me out and teaching me about painting on the DeSoto. I'm super grateful and lucky to learn from him.

 

Sealed. First time this car has seen any type of paint or primer in 4 years.

 

Looks better already! That blue will be sweet...

 

That rotisserie is bad ass . Nice car too .

 

Great Job! Love it all. Please tell us more about the Rotisserie.

 

Thanks! It’s a Roller Hoop setup. The front of the car isnt super rigid since the sheet metal is molded to the body. I wanted a rotisserie setup that got me as triangulated and rigid as possible so the roller fit the bill: http://www.rollerhoop.com/

 

Productive weekend sandblasting and sealing odds and ends that stacked up and need attention before reassembly. Hillbilly spray booth worked great.

Took the ‘48 out for a spin to knock off the dust before someone comes by this week to check it out. My chrome bill was eye watering so I need to free up some cash!

 

Started off paint by numbers and ended up bob rossing it by the end. Probably overkill with the Kilmat but I’m happy with it.

 

You won't regret the "excess" KilMat... it'll just be that much quieter on the road!

 

I'm sure that I never saw a DeSoto of this era taken to this level before. Really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

Appreciate it! I’m not big on naming cars but my girlfriend always asks if I had to name it what would it be? “Fools Errand” seems appropriate for how far I’ve taken it.

 

I sure like it, White Diamond on the top ?

Blue from belt line down ?

PLEASE refrain from putting spotlights on it .

 

DeSotos are overlooked but are pure class... I'll bet you've seen this one, but it could be a bit of inspiration?
I.M.O., you're taking yours to the next level!

 

Back when Bill Burnham was doing "Bills eye" column in the Goodguys Gazette he said if spots were OEM they'd be the 1st thing removed!

 

Called 'em "barbs". Just like most everything else, it depends on the vehicle, the era, the owner.

 

Nice work by all involved. This thing is going to be amazing! Well done!

 

Time and place for spots but not on this car. I’ve picked a new blue for the car. Engine bay will be white and the motor/car will be blue. Will probably spray the motor next week and will wheel it out in the sun for a preview.

 

Great work, following along for inspiration, just retired and finally have time to get back to my 50 Windsor

 

Nice work and vision @driprail...we're in for a treat...nice to have balance around here...Customs are cool...

 

Well we officially have some color. Doesn’t photograph as well out of the sun but I went with Porsche Horizon Blue Metallic. Body will get the same color.

 

love that color!!!

 

Oh yeah... that'll look sharp in the white engine bay.

 

Love the project and the color. Engine needs a Hilborn injection though. He he.

 

Ha I wish! Factory dual quad will have to do for now

 

Some shots in the sun after everything dried (in the booth).