Finallly decided to post & get my feet wet. We've gone back to the time that people forgot, low-cost builds, maximum fun, horse trading, and undesirable cars that the elitest snub there noses at. We're building a 48 DeSoto S-11. My neighbor's grandfather bought it new and rarely drove it. This is what it looked like the day we brought it home (last July) Our plans are to keep it a low buck build. We picked up a 350 horse 440 MoPar & 727 Torqueflite, and an 8 3/4 sure grip rear out of a 68 New Yorker. The rear dropped right in. The front suspension had to go. We bought a IFS kit from Jim Weimer Hot Rod Shop, took a deep breath & did the unkindest cut: The end result is well worth the expense ($2,000 delivered) The ongoing dispute is with my wife who wants to talk about paint. I'd prefer that it be keep in the same 60 year old (naturally perfect patina) finish. We may end up with a repaint, and if so, it would be an OEM color, but with a flattening agent and some "sanded through" spots. She wants to try her hand at uhpolstering the interior & headliner in a 60 year old style. I want to try my hand at woodgraining the dash. The stock steering wheel will stay, as will the windshield visor and stock hubcaps. We are shooting for a goal of $6.500 to get it on the road (not counting on paint & interior) including the cost of the car & powertrain. No headers or performance goodies on the engine. No chrome or billet will be under the hood. I want the quietest mufflers available on a 2" exhaust system. When you stand next to the car, you'll swear the "flat motor" is still in it. We want it to look like your great grandfather is coming down the street in his car. We have no plans to enter car shows (been there, done that). We'll be too busy collecting stone chips to bother collecting trophies. Now if I could only figure out how to hide the second tailpipe. Here is to the hope this project finds acceptance on your site.
Nice project. Where in MI are you located? Shouldn't be too hard to hide a tailpipe in that beasty! My neighbor has a '48 DeSoto for sale in his barn. Maybe next year...
Just call me Michigan Ed in the Temple of rodents. The thumbnail version is I pulled the half skelatle remains of a mouse from the rocker panel of the 48 'more door' this afternoon. Given the car hasn't been driven since at least 1978, that it's been in a barn from 78 to 2005, then a field from 05 til 2007 when we bought it, there's no telling how long he's been there, but I (kinda') had to pry him out. Not very flexible. I did anticipate finding something when I pulled the back seat out during disassembly & found the cussions 3/4's gone. When I dropped the headliner for patterns, 30+ years of mouse *%&# rained down on me. What a great way to spend Christmas Eve! For a gearhead, it just doesn't get any better than this.
Welcome from the West Coast of Florida. Looks like you are on your way with your project. Nice Ride!!!!!!! Best of luck and keep on trucking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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