Here' my latest project.... '52 Desoto Firedome 4 door. Has bags and c-notched frame in the rear, cut coils in the front. Has 318 and 904TF that needs hooking up. Interior totally functional as-is. I'm going to replace original PS system with a rack setup, different column and adding floor shifter. This car evidently was known as the "gold tooth" car in SoCal area a few years ago, probably with Hemi in it. If anyone knows any history on it or original builder let me know.
Is everyone allergic to De-So-Lows or what?? I was hoping to hear some inspiring words from you guys. Winter's almost here and the wife says I'll be shacking up with it unless I get on the road soon.....
I am really pondering trading another HAMBer righ tnow for a really straight '51 desoto. I have a soft spot in my heart for them!
Desoto's are cool, got a 38 Desoto split rear window in my 49 Plymouth. I agree, send some bigger pics so we can see it better. Bud
I am! I am! I have 48 DeSoto 4 doe, 392 Hemi, 727TF, 8 3/4 open rear. If you build a DeSoto, build it to keep and drive, cause you ain't gonna find a huge following if you ever decide to sell. Jack
I was wondering when someone would buy it. I'd seen it on Craigs. The baby hemi motors are a little harder to find parts for than say a flathead or sbc, but they're pretty cool. And Merc guys love to offer to buy your grille. Here's my 53
That is definitely a very cool Desoto. Can you explain your reasons behind putting in a rack and different column? How is it setup now? Keep us updated, and more/bigger pics would be cool, too.
i Love desotos, could you post more pics of the 318 and engine bay area i'm thinking of doing that swap in my 54 plymouth.
Pictures of my 48. The 392 fit pretty good. I had to remove the entire front end, grille, fenders, etc. Had to do very little trim on bottom of inner fender wells. You would never notice it if it wasn't pointed out. Got adapter for SB 727TF tranny and engine mounts from Hot Heads. Jack
The main reason I was converting over to R&P was that the original power steering box has got to be the biggest thing I ever saw! It's so big that it hits the starter on the 318 and I cannot square up the motor in the frame to build a mount for the tranny. I have been talking to a HAMBer near Portland that has installed a nice low-buck R&P set-up in his Plymouth using OEM parts and a couple of Borgeson joints And I can do it all w/o removing the motor. As far as a column goes, I'm planning on going with something old school that will let me still utilize the ignition switch in the dash and use my floor shifter to keep the shift linkage simple. The original column is set up for a 3 on the tree plus it bolts directly to the steering box.
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