The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> Members RidesMessage format
 
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-08 8:16 PM (#549996)
Subject: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
I'm happy to say that I was finally able to purchase a car this weekend that I've been wanting for years. It's a really solid (for my area) 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman coupe with 83,000 miles on the odometer. I've known about the car for 17 years and have maintained a good relationship with the owner. He's currently 82 and purchased the car in 1963 from the original owner. I've always told him that I'd like to buy the car if he ever decided to sell it, and two weeks ago he gave me my shot! It's been stored in the shed I pulled it from since 1971 and was only parked because of brake issues. The rocker panels need replacing, the front fender tops above the headlights need the typical repair, there's a few small pin holes to patch in the trunk and floor pan, and there's some surface rust on the deck lid. Other than that it's in amazing condition. The 361 4-V turns freely and after installing a battery it seems that most lights and accessories work. I plan to restore the car and repaint it in it's original blue and white. It's been painted once a few shades darker than the original paint. The original paint is a medium blue metallic and looks almost like the late 60's Mopar color B7. I couldn't find this shade of blue on the '58 Desoto paint chip sheet I have, so I looked at the paint code on the data tag. To my surprise I found a 999 paint code. Isn't this the code for special order paint? I'm sure I can find a formula to match. I'm just happy to have the car and I'm excited to start working on it.

Jim



(136.2.jpg)



(137.2.jpg)



(150.2.jpg)



(151.2.jpg)



(152.2.jpg)



(153.2.jpg)



(154.2.jpg)



(155.2.jpg)



(156.2.jpg)



(157.2.jpg)



(160.2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 136.2.jpg (457KB - 420 downloads)
Attachments 137.2.jpg (448KB - 287 downloads)
Attachments 150.2.jpg (204KB - 293 downloads)
Attachments 151.2.jpg (228KB - 399 downloads)
Attachments 152.2.jpg (234KB - 286 downloads)
Attachments 153.2.jpg (248KB - 287 downloads)
Attachments 154.2.jpg (248KB - 281 downloads)
Attachments 155.2.jpg (242KB - 288 downloads)
Attachments 156.2.jpg (226KB - 313 downloads)
Attachments 157.2.jpg (197KB - 322 downloads)
Attachments 160.2.jpg (212KB - 309 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lancer Mike
Posted 2017-10-08 8:22 PM (#549997 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



5000200020005001002525
Location: The Mile High City
Congrats, Jim! Let's see some pictures. 999 is indeed the special order paint. Your Fireflite Sportsman coupe must have been a taxicab at some point. It really sounds cool. What options does it have? Sometimes, those Fireflites were really loaded. I imagine if someone took the trouble to order special paint, they may have really gone all out.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-08 8:41 PM (#549998 - in reply to #549997)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
It's actually not that heavily optioned (for a Fireflite). There's no AC and no power windows, but it does have power brakes and power steering. It also has the twin rear antennas and dash clock, but maybe those were standard on the Fireflites...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2017-10-08 9:06 PM (#550000 - in reply to #549998)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Expert

Posts: 4034
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

Car has a searchtune radio. Pretty rare in a 58 Desoto.

Great score ! Glad that the engine turns freely.

How are the quarters, especially lowest areas behind the wheel wells ?

Ron



Edited by ronbo97 2017-10-08 9:09 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
rtmike
Posted 2017-10-08 9:55 PM (#550002 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Member

Posts: 29
25
Location: Roseburg Oregon
Great find! Nice to know they are still out there. Looks complete.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-08 9:57 PM (#550003 - in reply to #550000)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
The lower rear quarters have a few small perforations, but nothing that a one inch wide patch panel wouldn't cover.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-08 10:46 PM (#550004 - in reply to #550003)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Here's the data plate.



(147.2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 147.2.jpg (367KB - 286 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2017-10-08 10:58 PM (#550005 - in reply to #550004)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9854
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
PNT =999 certainly isn't what I would have expected based on this:

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2017-10-09 12:27 AM (#550009 - in reply to #550005)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
999 means special order. In other words, the owner would have to get
the build record from CHS to know what that special order was.

Nice find ! These pop up all the time, right ?

Interesting that it has clear glass.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
miquelonbrad
Posted 2017-10-09 12:16 PM (#550031 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Expert

Posts: 1737
100050010010025
Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada
Congrats! It looks like a great car!

Question to ponder: lets say you were ordering the car in '58. If the paint colours you chose were standard production choices, but the two-tone combination you chose wasn't offered, would the "999" paint code be used?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2017-10-09 1:38 PM (#550037 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
pretty great starting point. Car will be beautiful when done...

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lancer Mike
Posted 2017-10-09 4:37 PM (#550046 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



5000200020005001002525
Location: The Mile High City
Great looking car, Jim! I was surprised it does not have the bumper guards! Something in my head said Fireflites had them standard. Wrong!
The search-tune radio and rear speaker are wonderful options. The car appears to be very solid, all things considered. For the interior, I really like that the previous owner just had the fabric replaced.
You can get new fabric now, but the heat-sealed vinyl is tougher to replicate. All sorts of potential for this one!

Edited by Lancer Mike 2017-10-09 4:40 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bbrasse1
Posted 2017-10-09 4:57 PM (#550049 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Extreme Veteran

Posts: 537
50025
Location: Upstate NY
Really nice car! Can't wait to see the progress.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2017-10-09 7:33 PM (#550062 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
'58 DeSotos are really neat cars. Mine is my wife's favorite of all.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tnlowrider
Posted 2017-10-11 2:52 PM (#550155 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 500
500
Location: Upper East Tennessee
NICE FIND!...especially for this area where Ford and Chevy ruled back then. I noticed that it has a front fender antenna as well as the dual rear antennas. Interesting!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2017-10-11 4:45 PM (#550160 - in reply to #550002)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000

rtmike - 2017-10-08 9:55 PM Great find! Nice to know they are still out there. Looks complete.

 

not really out there anymore... he had to stalk this old guy for 17 years to get one a project like this one...

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-11 9:04 PM (#550183 - in reply to #550160)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Well, I wouldn't call it stalking. More like frequent, friendly reminders...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lancer Mike
Posted 2017-10-11 10:26 PM (#550188 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



5000200020005001002525
Location: The Mile High City
What's the VIN on this one, Jim? I wonder if this is early production?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-10-11 10:51 PM (#550193 - in reply to #550188)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
'58 Fireflite VIN's ran from LS3-1001 to LS3-13552, so I'd say this one is a fairly early production model.



(148.2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 148.2.jpg (139KB - 290 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SaratogaFan
Posted 2017-12-03 8:14 PM (#553633 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Veteran

Posts: 149
10025
Location: Iowa
Very nice car! It looks like its all there. All those chrome pieces are hard to find.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2017-12-03 11:53 PM (#553652 - in reply to #553633)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Thanks! I'm very lucky to have 1) just had the opportunity to purchase this car, and 2) to have found one both this solid AND this complete.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
34 Airflow
Posted 2017-12-04 12:57 AM (#553654 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Veteran

Posts: 217
100100
Location: Echuca
Congratulations, I'm glad to see your persistence has paid off! I am looking forward to seeing this project progress.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrispy
Posted 2017-12-31 3:22 PM (#555317 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 520
500
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Get the interior nice, get it mechanically straight and drive it just like that. The derilict look is really in right now. Seriously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vwcbTr8Oxc

Edited by Chrispy 2017-12-31 3:26 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2018-01-02 8:48 AM (#555430 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
I think that the older (pre-'55) cars look better with the patina look than the '55-up cars do. I'll admit that the true "survivor" cars usually catch my attention at shows more than the restored ones, but I think this car deserves to be brought back to it's former glory. I do plan on getting it running and road worthy before I start on the body or interior though, so I guess it will be running around a bit "derelict" for awhile...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2018-01-02 1:09 PM (#555448 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
I like that plan. That's the way I prefer to work on these. Once you tear it completely apart, it will be many years before it will see the light of day again.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrispy
Posted 2018-01-02 3:27 PM (#555461 - in reply to #555430)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 520
500
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
jpmopar - 2018-01-02 6:48 AM

I think that the older (pre-'55) cars look better with the patina look than the '55-up cars do. I'll admit that the true "survivor" cars usually catch my attention at shows more than the restored ones, but I think this car deserves to be brought back to it's former glory. I do plan on getting it running and road worthy before I start on the body or interior though, so I guess it will be running around a bit "derelict" for awhile...


Its a fad so its not the worst idea to have a plan to make it nice again. I'm just saying ride the wave and enjoy it for a bit, I like your plan as well, gets it moving again!

That cars going to be popular everywhere it goes.

Edited by Chrispy 2018-01-02 3:29 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
oldwood
Posted 2018-01-03 4:21 PM (#555545 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Expert

Posts: 2905
2000500100100100100
Location: little rock, AR
The Snowfackes and Cupcakes are going to be offended by your Derelict comments. Where is my Safe Space??? lol You give us all hope from your purchase which proves that there still out there to be un earthed.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2018-01-03 7:26 PM (#555559 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
the elections over man... let it go..
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Leadfoot1000
Posted 2018-01-04 9:10 PM (#555637 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Veteran

Posts: 241
10010025
Location: Southern CA
What a great car, it’s Delovely!

Edited by Leadfoot1000 2018-01-04 9:11 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2018-01-04 10:35 PM (#555638 - in reply to #555637)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Leadfoot1000 - 2018-01-04 9:10 PM

What a great car, it’s Delovely!



Thanks!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2018-03-20 8:47 PM (#560218 - in reply to #555638)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
I just received my letter from FCA Historical Services with a copy of my '58 Fireflite's build card enclosed. They informed me that they weren't able to decode the build card due to "projects and limited staff within the archives". The only thing they did tell me was that the original selling dealer was Leo Adler, Inc., located in Detroit, MI. So, after a six week wait I'm pretty disappointed. I was hoping that they would at least let me know the correct name/color of my "999" special order paint code. (On a positive note, they did return my check uncashed, so it didn't cost me nuthin')... I'll post a copy of my build card in the Fender/VIN Tag and Broadcast Sheet Decoding section.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
fc7_plumcrazy
Posted 2019-03-13 3:00 PM (#579293 - in reply to #550188)
Subject: RE: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase


Veteran

Posts: 127
10025
Hi,

great car.
Any updates yet?

Best regards

Carsten
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2019-04-19 1:34 PM (#581151 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Thanks! No major updates as of yet. I'm still finishing other projects so I can make room for and devote my full attention to the Fireflite. I have ordered OEM vinyl and fabric for the seats, and I've purchased new front fender top repair panels and new rocker panels . If everything goes by plan, I should be starting on the restoration sometime this summer. I'll make sure to start a thread on my progress.

Jim
Top of the page Bottom of the page
The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2019-04-20 10:16 PM (#581193 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Expert

Posts: 1384
1000100100100252525
Location: Ocala, Florida
Did it have an SPL designation on the P/T plate? I had a FireDome with that and could never figure out what it designated, special order for paint perhaps? Great find by the way!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jpmopar
Posted 2019-04-21 2:53 AM (#581198 - in reply to #549996)
Subject: Re: 1958 Desoto Fireflite Sportsman Barn Purchase



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 466
1001001001002525
Location: Southwest VA
Here's the link to the thread discussing the Desoto's build card. Chrysler Historical couldn't help with the meaning of the "Special Order" code or what the original mix of paint was on the car. As is discussed, the build card shows a dealer destination of 00000 which was crossed out manually and replaced with dealer code 36777 which was Leo Adler Plymouth/Desoto of Detroit MI. So, not really sure what the special order "1094" stands for.


http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=68218&...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)