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 )

New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep
Jump to page : < 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... >
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]		View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> Members RidesMessage format
 
baker53
Posted 2014-01-31 12:20 PM (#425095)
Subject: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		I have been spending some time reading through various threads here on FL. Lots of great info for sure. I had a '57 Desoto Firesweep Sportsman back in high school in '62. I traded it off for a '56 Chevrolet and had traders remorse for the past 50 plus years. I found another '57 Desoto Firesweep Sportsman on ebay and was able to win the auction. The car is in pretty good shape, but lots of work to do. I have restored a number of cars over the years, but this one is really special. Not counting the dealer that sold it on ebay, I am the second owner of this 38000 mile car. I researched the previous owner and she bought the car new and drove it sparingly. She passed away at 92 and the car stayed in storage for many years. The car runs, but the brakes need work as well as some body work and replacement floor pans in the front. Once I figure out how to post pictures on this thread, I will do so. Thanks for the great site and I look forward to making my Desoto a roadworthy car once again.



(3 57 LF FT VIEW.jpg)



(1 57 LFT SIDE VIEW.jpg)



(4 57 LF RR QTR VIEW.jpg)



(9 57 DASH FM RT.jpg)



(12 57 FRONT SEAT.jpg)



(18 57 RR INT.jpg)



(38 57 LF FLOOR.jpg)



(40 57 RT FT FLOOR.jpg)



(43 57 RT DOOR DAMAGE.jpg)



(49 57 ENG BAY.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 3 57 LF FT VIEW.jpg (72KB - 151 downloads)
Attachments 1 57 LFT SIDE VIEW.jpg (101KB - 140 downloads)
Attachments 4 57 LF RR QTR VIEW.jpg (76KB - 145 downloads)
Attachments 9 57 DASH FM RT.jpg (50KB - 140 downloads)
Attachments 12 57 FRONT SEAT.jpg (77KB - 142 downloads)
Attachments 18 57 RR INT.jpg (72KB - 148 downloads)
Attachments 38 57 LF FLOOR.jpg (67KB - 148 downloads)
Attachments 40 57 RT FT FLOOR.jpg (57KB - 151 downloads)
Attachments 43 57 RT DOOR DAMAGE.jpg (76KB - 133 downloads)
Attachments 49 57 ENG BAY.jpg (80KB - 159 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-01-31 12:41 PM (#425101 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Bill, Spring, TX
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2014-01-31 1:51 PM (#425112 - in reply to #425101)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 4042
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

Beautiful car !

Rather than using aftermarket floor pans, I would recommend having Big M cut some originals from a 57-8 Dodge or Desoto Firesweep. Working with original metal will save you a lot of grief.

I noticed that the car is missing its generator. Do you have that ?

Ron

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
DIF-RNT
Posted 2014-01-31 2:07 PM (#425119 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



200010005002525
Location: NE Ohio		Welcome & Nice Score......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-01-31 2:16 PM (#425121 - in reply to #425112)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		The generator is to the left of the A/C compressor. I received the floor pans today. I will check with Big M if I need more. Thanks for the info. Bill, Spring, TX
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2014-01-31 3:12 PM (#425127 - in reply to #425121)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 4042
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

OK. I see it now. I guess it got relocated when the a/c was added.

Ron

Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-01-31 3:22 PM (#425133 - in reply to #425127)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Ron, Do you have a pix of where it was originally located? Bill, Spring, TX
Top of the page Bottom of the page
lownslow
Posted 2014-01-31 3:33 PM (#425135 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 440
10010010010025
Location: Vermont		Next to the 61, the 57 is my favorite Desoto. Very nice car.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
GSP392
Posted 2014-01-31 4:32 PM (#425138 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 209
100100
Location: The Republic of Texas		Congrats on the car. I saw it when it was for sale, but it was well out of my price range.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2014-01-31 4:46 PM (#425146 - in reply to #425133)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 4042
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

baker53 - 2014-01-31 3:22 PM Ron, Do you have a pix of where it was originally located? Bill, Spring, TX

I believe that when a car had a/c the generator was relocated to an area above the intake on the driver's side via a special bracket. I'm not a 57 Desoto expert, so maybe Ed Petrus will chime in here.

Ron

Top of the page Bottom of the page
57desoto
Posted 2014-01-31 6:46 PM (#425172 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1488
1000100100100100252525
Location: New Castle PA		I may have to punt on this one, Ron. I have thousands of photos of 1957 DeSotos and parts of them, but none that I KNOW to have FACTORY-INSTALLED AC in a Firesweep. I'll attach 2 photos. One shows a non-AC car, with the generator in the same place as Bill's car's. That is the correct and normal location for the generator on a non-AC Firesweep. The other has an AC unit, but you'll note that the generator remained in the same place as Bill's, but the AC unit is on a different side from Bill's. I can't prove the generator should be moved when AC was added, but you COULD be correct on a factory install. There's definitely a bracket there capable of mounting either the gen or the AC. I'll defer to someone else's knowledge on this one.

Edited by 57desoto 2014-01-31 6:48 PM




(S27engine.jpg)



(S27eng5.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments S27engine.jpg (142KB - 128 downloads)
Attachments S27eng5.jpg (102KB - 141 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2014-02-01 12:04 AM (#425227 - in reply to #425112)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC
ronbo97 - 2014-01-31 1:51 PM

Beautiful car !

Rather than using aftermarket floor pans, I would recommend having Big M cut some originals from a 57-8 Dodge or Desoto Firesweep. Working with original metal will save you a lot of grief.

I noticed that the car is missing its generator. Do you have that ?

Ron

 




Could also use Firedome, Fireflite or Chrysler floors. They are all the same. And the Firesweep body is the same as used on the Firedome and Fireflite, although the Fireflite had a bigger back window.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
JT Vincent
Posted 2014-02-01 12:55 AM (#425230 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1493
1000100100100100252525
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA		I've got her sister. Been through it, so happy to share any info.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-01 8:55 AM (#425272 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
baker53 - considering having your original generator rebuilt as an alternator? No one will be able to tell that it's been done by just looking at the engine.

I'm having that done as we speak, and it's not going to be that pricey.

My car's rear lights were altered to have four brake lights instead of just the original two, and that was enough to cause the headlights to dim slightly whenever I applied the brakes (among other reasons ). I'm adding modern AC to my Firesweep, and if the headlights are any indication of what's to come, I think that switching to an alternator might help...maybe.

Of course, finding the proper pulleys and brackets to accommodate a modern AC system will be my real challenge. Currently, we're playing with original AC brackets from donor cars to see what fits, or what can be made to fit. The fabricator might have to break out his talents if everything else fails. You're lucky in that you already have everything in place; it's really interesting to see your car's "original" aftermarket AC system. I sent photos of your car's engine to my shop as inspiration.

Your car has a great history! It's going to be fun seeing how the work on your great new old car progresses!

Congratulations again!












Edited by FIN ME 2014-02-01 8:59 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-01 8:58 AM (#425273 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
Oh...here's a clock:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-Desoto-Dash-Clock-57-57-Firesweep-Fire...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-01 12:34 PM (#425307 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		FIN ME: I saw the clock on ebay, but too pricey. I tried making an offer, but it was not accepted. Fortunately, I do have the cover plate for the clock area on the dash. Maybe, I will come across a clock in the future. Very interested on the alt in a gen case. If you have a source to do that, I would like to check it out. On the AC, I will probably do the same as you.

Thanks to all who commented on the car and provided great advice.

Bill, Spring, TX
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57desoto
Posted 2014-02-01 2:07 PM (#425322 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1488
1000100100100100252525
Location: New Castle PA		Bill, here is one source for the alternator-in-a-generator case: http://www.gener-nator.com/

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-02-01 3:23 PM (#425336 - in reply to #425322)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown		Why put a clock in it ? This car has a great history. Part of that history is a 92-year-old original
owner, and part of her history is putting A/C in the car and NOT putting a clock in it ! Who doesn't
wear a wrist watch these days ? Those block-off plates are cool. I'd leave the character of the car
and just look at my watch.

BTW - great colors !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
VAN HELSING
Posted 2014-02-01 3:33 PM (#425340 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Elite Veteran

Posts: 982
500100100100100252525
Location: Upper Hunter NSW Australia		......


VERY nice car there Bill and great to see you re-living those good old days back in '62. Love the color too, welcome aboard to the FL forum.

Terry.


.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
oldwood
Posted 2014-02-02 9:44 AM (#425463 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 2905
2000500100100100100
Location: little rock, AR		Drive and work on it as you can. Its easier to tear them apart but takes more to put them back together. Great color combo.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
GregCon
Posted 2014-02-02 10:25 AM (#425467 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2524
2000500
Location: Houston		PowerGen alternator



(3544 low res.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 3544 low res.jpg (181KB - 227 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-02 3:54 PM (#425531 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		GregCon: Thanks for the picture of the power-gen alternator.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-02 3:56 PM (#425532 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Is there a document that has the decoding information for the body plate that is supposed to be located on the firewall next to the right side hood hinge?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
GSP392
Posted 2014-02-02 4:47 PM (#425534 - in reply to #425532)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 209
100100
Location: The Republic of Texas
baker53 - 2014-02-02 2:56 PM

Is there a document that has the decoding information for the body plate that is supposed to be located on the firewall next to the right side hood hinge?


I've been all over under the hood of my '58 Windsor and I can't find the plate or holes or anything. The only info. I can find on mine is the VIN and the engine number. I can't actually see the engine number, but I know it's there.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2014-02-02 5:26 PM (#425539 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1384
1000100100100252525
Location: Ocala, Florida		Grand car love the coral! Welcome!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57desoto
Posted 2014-02-02 8:03 PM (#425554 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1488
1000100100100100252525
Location: New Castle PA		For the other models, I have most everything decoded. Not so much for the Firesweeps, though. Go to my web site to see what I DO know, though. http://www.angelfire.com/de/petrus/index.html

Top of the page Bottom of the page
d500neil
Posted 2014-02-03 1:13 AM (#425584 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



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

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca		I can probably decode a few (or many) of the Firesweep P/T plate options.


Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-03 8:48 AM (#425618 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
PM sent.


Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-16 6:02 PM (#427616 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		The '57 Firesweep arrived yesterday in an enclosed three car hauler. The battery was dead so jump started it and it barely made it up the driveway to the garage. It was running rough as a cob. Realized later that the battery was only putting out 2 volts and that the belt for the generator was missing. Also found that number number 8 and number 4 wires were crossed at the distributor. After charging the battery, it was running much better, but I still need to pull the plugs and do some ignition maintenance.
All in all the car is better than expected. The only things that are not working are the brakes, BTW, the emergency brake works fantastic. It has a leaking water pump and a pin hole leak in the radiator. I had already ordered a replacement water pump so that will go on this week. I pulled the radiator and it will go the radiator shop tomorrow morning. All the electrical items work including the radio. I also checked to see if there was any freon in the A/C and was surprised that it still had pressure. The power steering works very well also.
Lots of body and interior work to do, but very pleased so far. The undercoating on the frame did a pretty darn good job of protecting the metal. The exhaust system is shot so that will get replaced after the radiator and brake work. The power brake booster is holding vacuum. The brake pedal goes to the floor, so I'll be tracking down that problem soon. A cursory look at the backing plates and drums did not reveal any brake fluid leaks. I was also surprised to find the windshield washer bag is in great condition. It was covered with dirt and grime, but it cleaned up nicely and no leaks. More to follow.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
GSP392
Posted 2014-02-16 7:54 PM (#427629 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 209
100100
Location: The Republic of Texas		Good luck with it and I know it feels good having it home.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2014-02-17 4:56 AM (#427697 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: RE: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


2000100050025
Location: North Australia		Great news on the car! Not often they are better than expected. What is also great is you are on here showing your journey with this Desoto.

Keep the comments/photo's coming.

Regards Steve.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
1961plymouthfury
Posted 2014-02-17 6:56 AM (#427707 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 2633
200050010025
Location: Minor Hill, TN		Very nice good luck with the restoration
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-17 10:22 AM (#427730 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
Congratulations regarding the arrival of your new baby!

It sounds as though you've been very busy already! It's great to hear that the car was in over all good shape!

Best of luck with the resto, and please keep us posted with your progress!

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-02-17 1:33 PM (#427743 - in reply to #427730)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown		Swapping a few wires on the distributor really makes a great running car into a dog fast.

A great prank to pull on your friends and enemies !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-17 5:13 PM (#427766 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Got busy on the brakes this afternoon. I pulled the master cylinder and found that the piston was stuck at the bottom of the bore. I ordered a new master cylinder and it should be here later this week. After all was said and done, it is possible to remove the booster and leave the black mounting plate attached to the master cylinder flange, but you have to remove four nuts from the underside of the dash and they are a bit of a pain to get to. I pulled the whole system off and will clean and repaint the booster, backing plate, and master cylinder before re-installation. Hopefully, after a system flush and bleeding of the brakes, I'll be stopping the car with the brake pedal rather that the emergency brake. More to follow.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2014-02-18 6:41 AM (#427818 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: RE: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep


2000100050025
Location: North Australia		Go Bill Go.

So, you plan to get this Old Girl up and running ASAP? How are you going to deal with the floor rust?

Steve.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57desoto
Posted 2014-02-18 7:18 AM (#427821 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1488
1000100100100100252525
Location: New Castle PA		For a "new" guy, you're certainly making fast progress! You must have already known about the L and R threads on the lug nuts, and about the special puller needed to remove the rear drums. Those are the stumbling blocks of many a new Mopar (of this vintage) owner.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-02-18 12:42 PM (#427844 - in reply to #427821)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown		Sounds to me like Bill is a Marine.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-18 1:43 PM (#427857 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		60 Imp: I purchased replacement front floor pans and hopefully, will get started on cutting out the old ones with the plasma cutter and fitting and TIG welding in the new ones in a week or two. From looking underneath the car and under the carpets the tunnel plus the area under the front seat and the rear floor area is all solid. The trunk is also solid. No idea on why the front area were so rusted, but it wont be that way for much longer.

57 Desoto: Yes indeed, knew about the left and right hand wheels studs. I have one of those pullers you are referring to. I hope the drums come off fairly easy. I had a Firesweep back in '62 and this car sure brings back some good memories.

Doctor Desoto: Not a marine, was in the Navy after college and spent the majority of my time at NAS Kingsville, TX. Knew a lot of good Marines while there who were learning how the land on an aircraft carrier.
I picked up some temporary wheels and tires today and put them on the car. Found them on Craig's list for $250. The tires were almost new and the rims were the right bolt pattern, 5 x 4-1/2". They have narrow white walls, but will be good until all the resto work is done. Then I'll bite the bullet and buy the wide white-walls and install them on my Desoto rims after they have been stripped and repainted. The tires that were were on the car were so far gone, I am surprised they even held air. Now at least. I'll be able to drive the car around a bit.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-18 4:52 PM (#427894 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
This guy doesn't fool around!

You're makin' us all look bad, Bill.

Keep up the great work - enjoying reading about the progress!


Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-19 11:09 AM (#427978 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Picked up the repaired radiator this morning. They repaired a leak along the upper tank seam and rodded the core out. Originally was quoted $75, but the shop owner likes old cars and ended up charging $50. I am still waiting on some parts for the brakes, so I think I will clean up the booster, vacuum tank along with all the bolts and nuts removed so far and paint them along with the radiator.
BTW, any suggestions for the best silver paint to use on the Desoto engine? I need to pressure was the engine bay and put some color on the engine. If I have to pull the engine later, I'll do a proper painting of the 325 engine. More to follow.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
big m
Posted 2014-02-19 11:56 AM (#427989 - in reply to #427857)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7807
50002000500100100100
Location: Williams California
baker53 - 2014-02-18 10:43 AM

60 Imp: I purchased replacement front floor pans and hopefully, will get started on cutting out the old ones with the plasma cutter and fitting and TIG welding in the new ones in a week or two. From looking underneath the car and under the carpets the tunnel plus the area under the front seat and the rear floor area is all solid. The trunk is also solid. No idea on why the front area were so rusted, but it wont be that way for much longer.

57 Desoto: Yes indeed, knew about the left and right hand wheels studs. I have one of those pullers you are referring to. I hope the drums come off fairly easy. I had a Firesweep back in '62 and this car sure brings back some good memories.

Doctor Desoto: Not a marine, was in the Navy after college and spent the majority of my time at NAS Kingsville, TX. Knew a lot of good Marines while there who were learning how the land on an aircraft carrier.
I picked up some temporary wheels and tires today and put them on the car. Found them on Craig's list for $250. The tires were almost new and the rims were the right bolt pattern, 5 x 4-1/2". They have narrow white walls, but will be good until all the resto work is done. Then I'll bite the bullet and buy the wide white-walls and install them on my Desoto rims after they have been stripped and repainted. The tires that were were on the car were so far gone, I am surprised they even held air. Now at least. I'll be able to drive the car around a bit.


Nice score on the Desoto, Bill!

If just the front floors were rusted out, I would suspect a leak at either the windshield or the lower windshield trim molding bolts. The factory used a pliable putty on the molding bolts, so when the nuts were snugged up, it would seal the holes, as there are four of these right in the cowl drain area. It'd be a good idea to check for leaks so the rust doesn't reoccur.

---John
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-19 12:10 PM (#427991 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
Hi, Bill:

I recently painted my car's engine in "Dupli-Color - DUP DE1650 Cast Coat Aluminum Engine Paint with Ceramic" - really nice silver colour which is neither too "blue", nor too "tin foil silver".

I painted the exhaust manifolds in "Eastwood - cast iron color" for a nice, dark gray "cast iron" look. I think that the manifolds were painted silver in the factory back in the day, but that paint likely burned off pretty quickly, so I went for a bare, cast iron look instead.



Edited by FIN ME 2014-02-19 12:16 PM




(enginepaint.jpg)



(manifoldpaint.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments enginepaint.jpg (67KB - 145 downloads)
Attachments manifoldpaint.jpg (89KB - 149 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-19 1:28 PM (#428003 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		Big M: Thanks for the info, I'll check that out as you suggest.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-19 1:30 PM (#428004 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		FIN ME: Great on the paint suggestion. I will follow your lead and make it the new Desoto engine color specification.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-19 1:34 PM (#428005 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		I just placed an order with Rock Auto for some more parts. Upper and lower radiator hoses, spark plugs, points, cap and rotor, 6 wheel cylinder kits, p/s belt, plus a few other odds and ends. Nice to find that they do list parts for the '57 Desoto and the prices are not bad. Off to the garage for more cleaning of parts.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57desoto
Posted 2014-02-19 5:07 PM (#428029 - in reply to #428005)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1488
1000100100100100252525
Location: New Castle PA		A lot of times when you order parts, they "fit" but might not look correct. Good examples are segmented fan belts (instead of smooth ones) and flex radiator hoses instead of formed ones. I hope Rock Auto gets you the right ones if looks are important to you.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-19 7:14 PM (#428053 - in reply to #428029)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		From the pictures on the Rock Auto order page and the descriptions, they are formed hoses. The flex ones were also listed, but I ordered the formed ones.

I cleaned up the radiator as well as the brake booster and vacuum tank. I made up a bench tester for the booster with my vacuum pump and checked that the system was working well. Not sure if the pictures I attached will come through or not. BTW, I mentioned earlier that I though the booster could be removed without removing the master cylinder. After looking at the hole in the firewall, I don't think that is possible. There are four nuts on the booster assembly and I thought they would be accessible from under the dash, but it looks to me that access to one or two of the four is blocked by the small triangular hole in the firewall.
I'll be painting the booster, tank, and radiator plus a bunch of other parts tomorrow.



(57 desoto work 001.jpg)



(57 desoto work 003.jpg)



(57 desoto work 004.jpg)



(57 desoto work 005.jpg)



(57 desoto work 006.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 57 desoto work 001.jpg (56KB - 141 downloads)
Attachments 57 desoto work 003.jpg (53KB - 153 downloads)
Attachments 57 desoto work 004.jpg (64KB - 142 downloads)
Attachments 57 desoto work 005.jpg (69KB - 138 downloads)
Attachments 57 desoto work 006.jpg (71KB - 142 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FIN ME
Posted 2014-02-20 3:18 PM (#428178 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY
Busy Bee!

Bill, if you happen to find any new engine mounts that will fit your car, please let me know. They seem to be lost somewhere in the Holy Grail Section of the Unobtanium Catalogue for old car owners.

Apparently the design for the Firesweep engine mounts changed mid-year, and I'm unlucky in that my car was built in the first half of the year (May 1/57), so finding new engine mounts for my car is proving to be a real challenge. Ed figured out that according to my car's numbers, my car was most likely built 42 cars away from having the latter-year mounts. Darnitall.

Impressed with your progress!

Top of the page Bottom of the page
baker53
Posted 2014-02-20 6:02 PM (#428206 - in reply to #425095)
Subject: Re: New member intro : '57 Desoto Firesweep



Veteran

Posts: 279
100100252525
Location: Klein, TX		The company I was ordering the brake hoses came back with a 2 week delay on them. Any FL folks know of any part numbers (Dorman, Bendix, Raybestos, etc.) for the the two front hoses and the one rear hose?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : < 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... >
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)