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big m

Posted 2008-07-02 6:49 PM (#136307 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I picked up this rather rusty '59 DeSoto 4-door HT from an ad on Craislist for $400, and the old guy that had it said it was driven from Missouri, and then parked. The 56,000 miles on the clock was said to be original, so I figured it may be a good donor for the Dodge.

When Moe picked the car up for me, he spotted the original swivel seats out in a rubbish pile, apparently the owner had replaced them with '70's Lincoln buckets. Luckily, the seat was in good condition, other than the upholstery.

The carburetor was apart in a box in the trunk, along with a rebuild kit. The car was sold because he went to rebuild the carb, and dropped the wrong size check ball into the accelerator pump discharge hole, where it stuck solid. I was able to take the MIG welder and weld a nail on the checkball, and remove it with vicegrips. After reinstalling the carb, I got the engine fired up on fresh fuel, and it ran good with no smoke or knocking.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-02 6:52 PM (#136308 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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It was getting late by the time I got the engine/trans combo pulled from the car, and had just enough daylight to give it a degreasing. ---John

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big m

Posted 2008-07-02 6:59 PM (#136311 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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The engine turned out to be a 383 rather than the 361 I was expecting.

I freshened the engine up a bit by replacing the timing chain and gears, the old one didn't actually look too bad though. I replaced other gaskets on the engine as well as the front pump seal on the transmission. I decided to go with the DeSoto transmission, as it went right into both forward and reverse, and it's fluid was still bright red. The trans was still in the Dodge, minus the torque converter, but I'll bet it was full of grit from the media blaster.

Re-assembled, painted, and just about ready to go into the Dodge's engine bay. ---John

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FinFan

Posted 2008-07-02 7:55 PM (#136312 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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That transmission is longer than the engine itself

Now I know why some journalists complained about transmission humps in front.

d500neil

Posted 2008-07-02 8:09 PM (#136315 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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On this side of the 'hill' (Sierra Nevada mountain range, to the uninitiated) the impound yards get $50.00/day in storage fees, in addition to any towing charges that they incur, in bringing a vehicle to their lot.

There is NO state over-sight on impound yards, altho the local CHP office can regulate towing company rates, and rotation-order, between yards.----having a truck & a fenced yard is almost like printing your own money, around here, anyway.

John, what engine number does that motor have, and what was its casting date (should be visible behind the intake manifold)?

Edited by d500neil 2008-07-02 8:11 PM

big m

Posted 2008-07-02 8:13 PM (#136318 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Neil, I'll take a look at those #s when I go home this evening. ---John

fast59desoto

Posted 2008-07-02 8:16 PM (#136319 - in reply to #136318)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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hey john
what do you want for the drivers side bumper insert outta that desoto?
jeff

RoyalGate

Posted 2008-07-03 12:43 AM (#136336 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John, could you post a couple of good close-up pictures of the power steering
pump and bracket that's on that engine. The bracket I got from you won't work on
the pump that's on my 326 and I'd like to see what type of pump I'm going to need
to try and find. Thanks

MOPAR-TO-YA

Posted 2008-07-03 1:20 AM (#136339 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: RE: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John, your project is really coming along nicely You are a blessed person! LOL ----I think if you and Safety Mike would get together, you could build a FL car in one week!! That would make a much more interesting TV show than the others that are on now!............... Enjoy your posts...................MO

deloverly

Posted 2008-07-03 12:39 PM (#136356 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John pulled the old transmission last night and settled the engine into the bay. That old tranny didn't want to come out, fought him at evey turn. M'Lisa

big m

Posted 2008-07-06 2:35 PM (#136562 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Before I dropped the Desoto engine into the Dodge, there was a repair I wanted to make to the sway bar bracket on the passenger side frame horn. The brackets must have broken off at one time, and the person that did the repair work used overkill as their method. The driver side also had a piece of plate welded to the frame, but a much better job was done there.

Not a pretty job!

In order to correct this, I had to cut a section from the frame and remove the botched prior work.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-06 2:39 PM (#136563 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I found a piece of steel plate the same gauge as the frame in the scrap bin, and cut a piece out to fit the hole I had left in the frame. I then welded the piece into the hole, making sure that there was good penetration.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-06 2:44 PM (#136566 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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The final step here was to cut a good sway bar bracket from another frame section, as the one I had cut off was pretty much destroyed by the booger welding.

Here is the finished repair with the sway bar bracket squared up and welded on. ---John

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catman

Posted 2008-07-06 5:43 PM (#136595 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Nice work John.
You're a pro.

d500neil

Posted 2008-07-08 7:58 PM (#136860 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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You make that work look too easy, just like those guys, on the Tube, who never get their hands, or the shop
floor, dirty.

BTW, CHRY/IMP/Soto sway bars can be retrofitted to DOD/PLY applications, if the sway bar brakets are slightly re-located, and then, the brackets, themselves, are inverted, so that they attach to the sway bar 'connectors' at the TOP of the frame rail, instead of at the bottom-level of the frame rails (such as occurs in the Dodge frames-----57+ PLY's never had sway bars; not even on the Furys or on the wagons).

Edited by d500neil 2008-07-08 7:59 PM

big m

Posted 2008-07-10 2:23 PM (#137081 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Made a bit more progress on the wagon, the engine and transmission is all bolted in, with the driveline installed.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-10 2:31 PM (#137084 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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The 4-barrel AFB carburetor took 3 cans of cleaner to remove most of the buildup on the outside, and the inside had a large amount of sediment. Fortunately, the throttle shaft was still good and tight. I disassembled and cleaned the carb, and found a blockage in the idle circuit, and also an accelerator pump discharge nozzle. These I cleaned out with a fine piece of brass wire. The secondaries were also frozen, but a little bit of penetrant and tapping was able to free them up. Reassembled the carb with a new kit, and made any necessary preliminary adjustments. ---John

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big m

Posted 2008-07-10 2:39 PM (#137085 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Movin' on to every Mopar lover's favorite, the center-plane brakes. I got lucky on the fronts, as someone had already installed new linings, hoses, and wheel cylinders. I repacked the wheel bearings as they didn't do such a good job there. The rear brakes were another story-it looked like they had given up once they tried to remove the rear drums, as the axle nuts were backed off, and the cotter pins were gone. The rear wheel cylinders were pitted as well.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-10 2:52 PM (#137086 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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The right rear axle seal had failed, leaving oil soaked linings. There was plenty of material left on the linings, so I cleaned them with lacquer thinner and brake clean, and sanded the surface afterwards. You can sometimes salvage brake shoes in this manner, and they did clean up well, as shown in the pics. After removing the backing plate, I tried everything in order to remove the axle, but it just would not budge.

The thermometer in my barn was reading 115 degrees, and I didn't really feel like fighting this. I then noticed that the thread pitch and diameter of the axle shaft was exactly the same as on my slide hammer adaptor, so I took two axle nuts, welded them together, and threaded them onto the axle and also the slide hammer, and after three good whacks, the axle popped out. The bearing appeared to be in good condition too. ---John

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big m

Posted 2008-07-10 3:01 PM (#137090 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Now, the easy part. The inner axle seal came right out with the slide hammer, and after cleaning the axle housing out, I was ready to install the new one. I used a homemade seal installer for this task, then I did the outer seal [in the backing plate] as well. Re- assembled everything along with the two new wheel cylinders that came with the car, and replaced the rear brake hose. Adjusted the brakes on all four wheels, and all that's left brake wise, is to install the master cylinder and bleed the brakes. I want to paint the firewall before installing any more items there. ---John

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d500neil

Posted 2008-07-10 6:26 PM (#137124 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John, it might be too late, now, but some discussion was had, around-here, recently, about super-cleaning contamina- ted brake shoes, and two other solutions were BURNING the lining with lighter-fluid/brake-cleaner, so as to oxidize any residual film-contamination (with the heat of that burning being considerably less than the heat-rating of emergency- braked linings), or, for the shoes/linings to be BOILED, in a double-burner pot, to acheive the same results.

I personally like the (outside!) burning protocol, but have not yet tried Bar-B-Queing my brake shoes!!!!

Edited by d500neil 2008-07-10 6:27 PM

big m

Posted 2008-07-10 7:15 PM (#137138 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I've had about a 50/50 success rate with cleaning them this way, so I figured I'd give it a try. Worst case scenario is that I'll end up having to replace them with new linings, although it appears they cleaned up well.

I've also heard about folks using a cleaning agent and then lighting them, although, I've never tried it myself. ---John

Mike P

Posted 2008-07-10 7:50 PM (#137147 - in reply to #137138)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John you're doing some OUTSTANDING work

58Donnie

Posted 2008-07-10 11:30 PM (#137179 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I love to see this mans type of old school work. One would be hard pressed to find many modern mechanics or body men that know where to start on these cars let alone do it right.
Good on ye John keep us posted.

MOPAR-TO-YA

Posted 2008-07-11 12:06 AM (#137186 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: RE: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I pulled my axels exactly the way John did. Only I used two correct thread nuts from the hardware store. This method is very easy and doesn't risk damage, Keep the two welded nuts in your toolbox for the next time...................................MO

Bart_59_Dodge

Posted 2008-07-11 12:57 PM (#137223 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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These posts are "Gems". I wish that there was an easy way to take selected parts of a post, copy and repost to the appropriate section, i.e. wheel and axle, and make it a sticky. Same goes for Sven (Wizzards ) fine work on the power window regulator rebuild, and the interior work he has done.

A little planning and administration would go a long way to create a nicely organized resource area. The search engine is rather clunky for that.

Outstanding job of documentation John, both in your narrative and the posted pictures. It's an invaluable service.

big m

Posted 2008-07-11 1:27 PM (#137228 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Thanks, all. I've always liked watching car builds in progress, you can always learn something new by watching someone else work.

I installed a rebuilt master cylinder that I bought off of E-bay yesterday evening, only to find that the unit was defective and bypassing fluid. Well, you win some and you lose some. Now, off to see if the seller wants to do anything about this. ---John

mangodart

Posted 2008-07-12 3:51 AM (#137285 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Very impressive job !!! Fortunatly it was easier on my Plymouth to replace the rear brakes, even if it was needed a special tool to retire the drums !! Your engine is very clean !!!

big m

Posted 2008-07-16 2:21 PM (#137830 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Had a break from mechanical work, due to some incorrect parts sent, and defective items, so I decided to tackle some door alignment issues. As any of you know that have done body work on these cars, nothing ever fit well right from the factory. A full day's work later, I was able to get the doors to fit fairly well. I'll still have the hood and tailgate to look forward to later. ---John

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big m

Posted 2008-07-16 2:27 PM (#137832 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I installed the radiator, carburetor, road draft tube, fan and a few other items, starting to look a bit more complete beneath the hood.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-16 2:32 PM (#137834 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Went to remove the heater control valve, but some moron had installed it with wood screws, and used locking nuts on the reverse side. To add insult to injury, the slots in the screws were stripped out. I tried everything to get these loose, but to no avail. I ended up using a cutting torch to cut the heads off the screws. I managed to do so without harming the tin retaining bracket, but it did scorck the firewall paint a bit.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-16 2:40 PM (#137835 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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I scraped any loose paint and crud from the firewall, and treated some surface rust that had formed near the cowl drains and master cylinder, and then used coarse Scotch Brite pads to scuff the surface. Lacquer thinner was used to remove any oil residue. Aluminum foil was then used to mask the wiring harness, and other cables where they came through the firewall, as well as for any bolts protruding from the firewall.

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big m

Posted 2008-07-16 2:44 PM (#137836 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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With the engine covered to protect it from overspray, I then mixed the paint and sprayed it on. The covers and masking were then removed, the firewall is now ready for it's completion! ---John

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jsrail

Posted 2008-07-16 3:05 PM (#137840 - in reply to #137836)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Looking very nice John! Thanks for the pics.

d500neil

Posted 2008-07-16 3:28 PM (#137849 - in reply to #137840)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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Hmmmm; I hadn't ever considered masking wiring looms, and the such, with aluminum foil....quick, easy, and effective.

Any invading overspray can be wiped off with laquer thinner, or enamel reducer.

As long as paint is at least still tacky, enamel reducer will not streak/smudge the paint, like laquer thinner will do, but,
it will appear as if the e.r. is EVAPORATING the mis-applied paint, with no residue left over. Amazing stuff.

catman

Posted 2008-07-16 3:37 PM (#137861 - in reply to #137223)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Bart_59_Dodge - 2008-07-11 12:57 PM

These posts are "Gems". I wish that there was an easy way to take selected parts of a post, copy and repost to the appropriate section, i.e. wheel and axle, and make it a sticky. Same goes for Sven (Wizzards ) fine work on the power window regulator rebuild, and the interior work he has done.

A little planning and administration would go a long way to create a nicely organized resource area. The search engine is rather clunky for that.

Outstanding job of documentation John, both in your narrative and the posted pictures. It's an invaluable service.

I'm right with you Bart.
I could use such information for later resto jobs. And it would be easy to find too.

John, outstanding job!!!!!!
I just love those resto topics.

royalbopper

Posted 2008-07-17 12:30 PM (#138009 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Hi john! I really like your work on this car! what you call a budget resto is much better than most professional jobs iv' e seen here in Sweden!
I really enjoy to follow your work!

sigge!

Edited by royalbopper 2008-07-17 12:32 PM

big m

Posted 2008-07-17 3:43 PM (#138034 - in reply to #137861)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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catman - 2008-07-16 12:37 PM

I'm right with you Bart.
I could use such information for later resto jobs. And it would be easy to find too.

John, outstanding job!!!!!!
I just love those resto topics.

Thanks, Robert! When do you anticipate that you will be embarking on your own car's restoration?

big m

Posted 2008-07-17 3:46 PM (#138035 - in reply to #138009)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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royalbopper - 2008-07-17 9:30 AM

Hi john! I really like your work on this car! what you call a budget resto is much better than most professional jobs iv' e seen here in Sweden!
I really enjoy to follow your work!

sigge!

Thanks, Sigge, I will be looking forward to following the restoration of your '56. It's really good to see the '55 and '56 Mopars finally getting the attention that they deserve too. ---John

catman

Posted 2008-07-17 4:56 PM (#138049 - in reply to #138034)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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Thanks, Robert! When do you anticipate that you will be embarking on your own car's restoration?

I am searching for a new place for my car. and then...... I will start, finally.
By the way John, do you have an oil bath air cleaner for a 1955 Dodge with Hemi and 4 bbl?

big m

Posted 2008-07-17 8:44 PM (#138094 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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No Dice on the air cleaner, Robert. I found a few for 2-barrel carbs but none for a 4-BBL. That may prove a task to find, unfortunately. ---John

RoyalGate

Posted 2008-07-19 11:10 AM (#138235 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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John, could I get you to post a couple of pictures of the power steering poump
and bracket on your engine. To see if that type is what I need. Thanks

Rebels-59

Posted 2008-07-19 7:10 PM (#138286 - in reply to #138235)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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RoyalGate - 2008-07-19 4:10 PM

John, could I get you to post a couple of pictures of the power steering poump
and bracket on your engine. To see if that type is what I need. Thanks

Larry, Check this Thread and see if it Helps.. As my 59 Chrysler and Dodge are running the Same Pump..

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=18732&...
.

RoyalGate

Posted 2008-07-20 8:51 AM (#138346 - in reply to #138286)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

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2000

Location: Ballwin, Missouri

Clive, "THANKS" that's great. That is exactly the pictures I was
trying to find. Wonderful and Close-up. That's the bracket I need.
As you can see the bracket on your pump will bolt up to my pump
but has a bigger spacing where it mounts to the water pump housing.

Edited by RoyalGate 2008-07-20 9:05 AM

(59 Chrysler Pump 2.jpg)

(DSCF0597.JPG)

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59 Chrysler Pump 2.jpg (81KB - 201 downloads)
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DSCF0597.JPG (77KB - 201 downloads)

big m

Posted 2008-07-20 12:39 PM (#138362 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7806
5000

Location: Williams California

I should definitely have a set of those brackets, Larry. It's possible that the '58 350 used an oddball bracket set-up, which is what I initially had sent you. ---John

RoyalGate

Posted 2008-07-21 11:16 AM (#138429 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert

Posts: 2011
2000

Location: Ballwin, Missouri

No Problem ---- we'll git er figured out

big m

Posted 2008-07-22 12:24 PM (#138566 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7806
5000

Location: Williams California

A bit more progress-

I pressure checked the heater core, it was all good, so I mounted it back in it's box and installed it on the firewall. Also, the radiator hoses and power steering hoses, as well as new belts. I found why the heater control valve had been jury rigged, it was the incorrect one!

I went out in the yard and removed another from a '58 Plymouth. It had the correct configuration. These Ranco valves are know for the seal leaking from age, and I really didn't want that to happen on a new carpet [once it's installed]. I uncrimped the four brass tabs that hold the control to the valve, and then disassembled the valve itself. The seal was, indeed, shot.

('58 Dodge wagon 104.jpg)

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('58 Dodge wagon 106.jpg)

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'58 Dodge wagon 104.jpg (138KB - 199 downloads)
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'58 Dodge wagon 106.jpg (145KB - 203 downloads)

big m

Posted 2008-07-22 12:32 PM (#138568 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7806
5000

Location: Williams California

After cleaning all the individual parts, I used a new seal kit from NAPA auto parts, a whole $9, and carefully assembled the valve. A socket and hammer were used to swage the tabs back outward, and a body hammer was used to complete this. Then, the control portion was reassembled, and it's tabs were then re-crimped.

Voila! a rebuilt valve that will hold coolant pressure!

('58 Dodge wagon 107.jpg)

('58 Dodge wagon 108.jpg)

('58 Dodge wagon 109.jpg)

('58 Dodge wagon 110.jpg)

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'58 Dodge wagon 107.jpg (144KB - 191 downloads)
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'58 Dodge wagon 110.jpg (150KB - 208 downloads)

big m

Posted 2008-07-22 12:45 PM (#138570 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7806
5000

Location: Williams California

I was starting to get the itch to fire the engine up, but wanted to install the fuel tank first, so I did not have the added danger of having open fuel containers near the engine. After all, I didn't know for positive that the distributor wiring, timing, etc. would cause backfiring.

The fuel tank had about 2 gallons of rainwater beneath a half gallon of fuel, but had been lined at some time, and still looked good inside. The water apparently entered the tank because this lining filled the o-ring seal groove, and therefore no o-ring was present. I had to carefully sand this excess out, and I found a good o-ring in another old tank in the barn. I removed the sending unit, and had to remove some rust from the pick-up tube, but it tested good with an ohmmeter, so I reinstalled it. I had to get help from another of the guys here, Big Al, in order to get the tank, bracket, and strap all in place. ---John

('58 Dodge wagon 112.jpg)

('58 Dodge wagon 111.jpg)

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'58 Dodge wagon 112.jpg (152KB - 200 downloads)
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'58 Dodge wagon 111.jpg (152KB - 205 downloads)

big m

Posted 2008-07-22 12:58 PM (#138574 - in reply to #135574)
Subject: Re: '58 Dodge Sierra [budget resto.]

Expert 5K+

Posts: 7806
5000

Location: Williams California

After hooking the heater hoses up, filling the cooling system, re-routing and re-wrapping the engine harness, it was time for it's initial start. I used a plastic soda bottle, and poked a tiny hole in the cap with a test light probe, and filled it with fuel. This allowed me to fill the float bowl on the carburetor through it's vent. I put several gallons in the tank at this time. M'lisa had an ignition key made by taking a door lock to the locksmith, and the key worked fine.

There was a puff of electrical smoke from beneath the dash when I pushed the start button, so I have an issue to deal with there. I bypassed this circuit off the solenoid, and must have gotten lucky-the engine fired right up! A little adjustment on the timing and carburetor, and she seemed to run excellent, especially for having no exhaust. 50-60 PSI oil pressure hot at idle, temps running in the normal range after an hour running, and a functioning charging system. No oil leaks or water leaks, although I did have transmission fluid leaking from the bellhousing. I'll have to determine it's origin yet.

All in all, I'm a happy boy! ---John

('58 Dodge wagon 113.jpg)

('58 Dodge wagon 114.jpg)

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'58 Dodge wagon 113.jpg (150KB - 199 downloads)
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'58 Dodge wagon 114.jpg (147KB - 208 downloads)

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