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1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 9:24 PM (#232677)
Subject: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Hi, I own a 1958 two door h.t. Sportsman. It runs, starts, stops, etc. It is in pretty good shape for being in the high desert up here since 1971. Of coarse it needs restored....lol I am curious as to how many of these exact models still are in existense or if anyone even knows. I would also like to know how many were originally produced.

One more thing, will a 59 thru 61 swivel seat dimesnionally fit in her?, I know the seat isn't "correct" but I love them

Thanks!!

Edited by Ironman 2010-07-14 9:31 PM
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1960DesotoAdventurer
Posted 2010-07-14 9:27 PM (#232678 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 3588
20001000500252525
Location: Plymouth Spaceport		Hi,
Welcome to The Forward Look!
The 1958 DeSotos are beatiful cars,
Id love to see some photos of it if youd like to share some.
P.S. there were no swivel seats until 1959




Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-07-14 9:31 PM
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 9:30 PM (#232679 - in reply to #232678)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

I realize it wasn't available till 59, I just need to know if it will Fit inside the car as a bolt up ( are the mounting points thew same or near same) Is it dimensionally the same in size as a 58 bench seat. Thanks!
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1960DesotoAdventurer
Posted 2010-07-14 9:33 PM (#232681 - in reply to #232679)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 3588
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Location: Plymouth Spaceport
Ironman - 2010-07-14 9:30 PM

I realize it wasn't available till 59, I just need to know if it will Fit inside the car as a bolt up ( are the mounting points thew same or near same) Is it dimensionally the same in size as a 58 bench seat. Thanks! :)



Sorry,you asked if a "58-61 swivel seat" would fit.
Since there weren't swivels until '59,I was just letting you know,I didnt realize it was a typo,sorry!

Sounds like you have a nice car!...was it the one advertised on Craigslist a while back?

Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-07-14 9:44 PM
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B/G 61
Posted 2010-07-14 9:34 PM (#232682 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 2612
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Location: Parts Unknown
I don't know if the swivel seat will bolt up, but I do know I wanna see pics of yer car

Welcome aboard



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1960DesotoAdventurer
Posted 2010-07-14 9:36 PM (#232683 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 3588
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Location: Plymouth Spaceport		I have seen someone put them (59 swivel seats) in a '57 Dodge before,but I'm not sure if the mounted up without modification.
I know the 1960 swivels have a cable that activates them when the door opens so they might have a different mounting setup because of the mechanism underneath,but again I'm not sure.
I'm sure someone here will have the answer.

Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-07-14 9:51 PM
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 9:43 PM (#232684 - in reply to #232682)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

here's a few pics....I need D.S. door trim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bad.



(cr1_485.jpg)



(cr2_351.jpg)



(cr4_144.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments cr1_485.jpg (10KB - 119 downloads)
Attachments cr2_351.jpg (8KB - 106 downloads)
Attachments cr4_144.jpg (10KB - 112 downloads)
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1960DesotoAdventurer
Posted 2010-07-14 9:47 PM (#232685 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 3588
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Location: Plymouth Spaceport		"Ironman",
Great find,from the pictures it looks very solid!,I've always loved the 1957-1958 DeSoto's they have fantastic fins,and the tail light/bumper design with integrated exhaust ports are a work of art themselves.

You should ask John at "BigM" he might have the trim pieces you need,and he has great prices and service.

Does she have any unusual options?

Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-07-14 9:57 PM
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B/G 61
Posted 2010-07-14 9:51 PM (#232687 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 2612
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Location: Parts Unknown
Cool car - aside from the swivels, what else is part of your plan for this thing ?


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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 9:55 PM (#232688 - in reply to #232687)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

I am not sure at this point, I am fighting inside my self with keeping it and just doing enough for now to have fun with it.....or sell it. To someone whom can lavash the proper restoration this rare girl will eventually need.

I love that it's super rare...how rare is the question. I own predominently chevy's.....but prefer anything cool and even better rare and unusual and this fits that bill

Edited by Ironman 2010-07-14 9:56 PM
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1960DesotoAdventurer
Posted 2010-07-14 10:03 PM (#232691 - in reply to #232688)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Posts: 3588
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Location: Plymouth Spaceport		just 5,635 1958 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsmans were made.
I have no idea how many are left,but people usually guesstimate around 10 per cent of production,but again that just speculation.

Edited by 1960DesotoAdventurer 2010-07-14 10:08 PM
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 10:04 PM (#232692 - in reply to #232691)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Thank you
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2010-07-14 10:22 PM (#232696 - in reply to #232692)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Location: Parts Unknown		Sorry, .... late to the dinner table again !

The Firesweep was the lowest priced "DeSoto" offering for 57-58-59. It is largely a Dodge disguised in
DeSoto clothing. The entire car is Dodge beside the main body shell and interior. Just something you may
want to know for restoration and parts availability. In other words, they made more of them being a cheaper
car, AND a lot of parts are the same as the even more common Dodge ..... so you are at least a *few* steps
closer to Easy St. in locating "unobtanium".

Can't say how many survive, but relative to production, more of this model in each body style survive than
in the upper Firedome, Fireflite, and Adventurer models. They may seem rare in the overall car scene - hell,
they were pretty rare in 1958 !!!! - but amongst us Forward Look nutcases, we tend to know where these cars
are.

Anyway, ... welcome to the group. I have a 58 myself and am personally biased about them being about the
best that Mopar ever offered. Happy to answer technical questions.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2010-07-14 10:26 PM (#232698 - in reply to #232687)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Location: Parts Unknown		The swivels will fit a manual seat car without a problem. Can't remember if they require new holes for the pins.
The 57-58 power seat cars had dropped floors and the swivels will not drop in without some major shimming.
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-14 10:47 PM (#232700 - in reply to #232698)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Super helpful, thanks......and I will def. be hitting you up on info.....lol Do you know where I can get some door trim?????????? what is the biggest reasonable sized and reasonable looking tire i can fit into the front and the rear wheel wells?

Edited by Ironman 2010-07-14 10:51 PM
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Handygun
Posted 2010-07-15 12:56 AM (#232707 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???


Elite Veteran

Posts: 1119
1000100
Location: STL, MO		I have 275/60/15's on the rear of my 58 Ply w 15X8 w/4 1/4" bs, hang some plumb lines and its easy to figure out.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2010-07-15 1:07 AM (#232709 - in reply to #232707)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Location: Parts Unknown		A 7.60 x 15 BFG Silvertown w/ 2.5" whitewall fills that wheelwell without looking like you stuffed a
truck tire under it.

Just say "No!" to radials !
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2010-07-15 1:12 AM (#232710 - in reply to #232700)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Ironman - 2010-07-15 7:47 PM

Super helpful, thanks......and I will def. be hitting you up on info.....lol Do you know where I can get some door trim??????????


**********************************************************

I have a bunch of that stuff, but until my car is done, I am hanging on to the pile.

FYI - the bottom spear profile is common to a number of 57-58 cars - Plymouth, Dodge, AND Chrysler. Depending on
the model, the length may be identical, as the doors are the same to all (Plymouth uses different type door handles).
The top spear profile is unique to 58 DeSoto.
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1959Dodge
Posted 2010-07-15 1:52 PM (#232768 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Expert

Posts: 2244
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Location: Yorba Linda, Ca		Doesn't the 58 Soto have 14" tires, Doc?
He change size then Hubcaps won't work.
Nice Desoto, I luv the 57-58's and I had a 57 Sweep.

Gary
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tnlowrider
Posted 2010-07-15 2:47 PM (#232771 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 500
500
Location: Upper East Tennessee		Nice 'Sweep! I too have a '58 Firesweep 2dr hardtop and likewise have a swivel seat out of a '59 Saratoga I plan to install into it. I don't see why it wouldn't fit but I will find out at some point. My car needs much more work than yours!



(58 firesweep.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 58 firesweep.jpg (65KB - 108 downloads)
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Greg P.
Posted 2010-07-15 3:26 PM (#232782 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
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Location: Oley, PA		Nice car. A few years back I restored a 57 Firesweep Sportsman. I learned quite a bit about the car in the process.

A few things you may or may not know about the car. The Model is a Firesweep. The "Sportsman" name designates that it's a non-pillared hardtop.

As Dr. Desoto said, the Firesweeps were the low-priced model and were somewhat of a kluge of parts. The powertrain and chassis are 100% the same as Dodge, which does make it easier to source parts. From the cowl back, the body is the same as the Firedome and Fireflite. The front sheet metal is unique to the 58 Firesweep, even though it looks similar to the Dodge, it's not quite the same. It's worth noting that the Chryslers of that year also used the same body shell.

Your car should have the 350 cid B-block engine and was the first year for the wedge. I believe the 350 was only used in 1958, but most parts should interchange with other B-blocks (361, 383).

Finding your missing door trim should not be that difficult. The trim on the door is stainless, and as such, it seems to hold up pretty well even on junkyard cars. I'd suggest contacting John at Big M or any of the other people who deal in used parts. The trim from any 2-door '58 Desoto (Firesweep, Firedome, Fireflite, and even Adventurer) should fit your car just fine.

The difficult parts for this car are the big beautiful chrome tail light towers. They are pot metal, prone to deterioration, and hard to find in nice condition. What condition are yours in? I havent seen any repros done, but I do remember that some folks at the National Desoto Club were working on something.

Also, the front "eyebrow" trim is pot metal, unlike the Dodges which had stainless.

Good luck with your car and keep us posted.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2010-07-15 9:02 PM (#232852 - in reply to #232768)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
1959Dodge - 2010-07-16 10:52 AM

Doesn't the 58 Soto have 14" tires, Doc?
He change size then Hubcaps won't work.
Nice Desoto, I luv the 57-58's and I had a 57 Sweep.

Gary


****************************************

Yes, 14 is stock. It also looks undersized and you know me, if it doesn't have aesthetic
flow, it's time to go ! The wires are 15" and all I have run on my cars for 30 years. When
the time comes, I may have 15" wheels custom made to run my 58 spinners on (they fit
14" wheels). I like the wires, but original 58 DeSoto spinners are NEVER seen !
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big m
Posted 2010-07-16 2:14 PM (#232920 - in reply to #232677)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Location: Williams California		Power seat cars have a dip in the floors where the tracks mount, so a swivel seat will not bolt in without modifying the floorboards some. Non-power seat cars will accept the swivel seats easily, using four of the eight original bolts, IIRC.

---John
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-16 4:32 PM (#232939 - in reply to #232710)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

You , my sir are a huuuge help! thanks Dr. Desoto
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-16 4:37 PM (#232940 - in reply to #232771)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Hey Tnlowrider, there is a set of sheetmetal caps for repairing the tops of those fenders on yuior car on Ebay.
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-16 4:38 PM (#232941 - in reply to #232782)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Greg, my taillights are spotless...thank god but the chome that wraps around to the bottom is detereated at the bottoms.

Edited by Ironman 2010-07-16 4:42 PM
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-16 4:42 PM (#232942 - in reply to #232920)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Hi Big M ;), do you have that door trim?
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big m
Posted 2010-07-16 5:17 PM (#232952 - in reply to #232942)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Ironman - 2010-07-16 1:42 PM

Hi Big M ;), do you have that door trim?


I checked some doors I have, but unfortunately, the moldings are all missing.

---John
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Ironman
Posted 2010-07-18 8:12 PM (#233191 - in reply to #232952)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



Member

Posts: 13

Thanks for checkin John
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Gidman
Posted 2010-07-20 4:00 PM (#233449 - in reply to #233191)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Sportsman two door hard tops in existence???



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Location: Southern California		I'm counting eight as currently registered with the National Desoto club.
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